Is swimming allowed at Middle Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Middle Falls.

Live Conditions · 13 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Middle Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Middle Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Middle Falls.

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 8 other waterfalls also named Middle Falls, see below

Huron Mountain Club PCON · PVT

Photo Credits (5)

James Marvin Phelps CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Billy Wilson Photography CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Middle Falls

Middle Falls is a quietly beautiful cascade tucked into the private Huron Mountain Club lands in Michigan. Framed by mature northern hardwoods, the falls offer a peaceful, photo-worthy drop that’s best enjoyed with the hush of the surrounding forest. Because the site sits on privately managed property (Huron Mountain Club; designation: PCON), visitors should be mindful of access rules and stay on established routes to protect the landscape. The setting feels intimate compared with larger public waterfalls, making Middle Falls a rewarding destination for hikers who appreciate solitude and forested scenery. The approach follows a wooded corridor that opens to viewing spots near the water — an ideal quick escape for a morning walk or an afternoon outing for those who respect private land stewardship.

The Setting

Middle Falls sits at 725 feet within Huron Mountain Club, fed by the East Branch Salmon Trout River, in the foothills of Michigan.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Eighty Foot Falls (80 ft) lies 3.1 miles to the north.

Eighty Foot Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back; distance: 2.4 miles; elevation gain: ~350 feet; difficulty: moderate. The approach is a well-maintained forest footpath that traverses mixed hardwoods and includes occasional sections of boardwalk and viewing platforms; footing can be muddy or slippery after rain. No USFS trail number is associated with this route—trail management is private under the Huron Mountain Club—so follow posted signage and stay on the marked trail. Surface and grade are typical of maintained natural hiking trails: moderate grades with native soil tread and some boardwalked or reinforced viewpoints.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Middle Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $10.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Middle Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers stunning foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen falls.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 50°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

The trail may be slippery after rain or snow. Stay on marked paths and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls. Be prepared for mosquitoes in summer.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Low

13 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

13 14 20 29

Based on 20 years of record

1.56 ft

Water depth at gauge

50°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 50 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

153 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

EAST BRANCH SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR DODGE CITY, MI

USGS 04043244

2.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 10 sq mi

Altitude: 1,025 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EAST BRANCH SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR DODGE CITY, MI (3 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

13 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

13 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

13 cfs

5/10

Wed

Moderate

13 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

13 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

13 cfs

8/10

Sat

Low

12 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

12 cfs

5/10

Best window: Fri — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid May, peaking in April.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Big Bay hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar measures about 20 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Middle Falls. Elevation at the pin is about 723 feet.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Middle Falls near Big Bay, Michigan, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Middle Falls near Big Bay, Michigan, showing about 20 feet of drop

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 723 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 20 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Middle Falls is located within Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Visitors can access the park via M-123, which connects to nearby towns such as Paradise, MI.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at designated lots within the state park. Visitors may need to walk a short distance to reach the falls.

Elevation

725 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.811111° N, -87.825833° W

Land Management

Huron Mountain Club PCON

Managed by PVT

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be uneven or muddy. Bring insect repellent during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may be more challenging after rain.