Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Miners Falls
Miners Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan. The waterfall features a dramatic drop of approximately 40 feet over a sandstone cliff, surrounded by lush forest. It is one of the most popular waterfalls in the area due to its accessibility and scenic beauty.
The Setting
Miners Falls sits at 702 feet within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, fed by the Miners River, in the foothills of Michigan. The falls drop 40 feet.
Height: 40 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Chapel Falls (60 ft) lies 5.6 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Munising Falls (50 ft, 5.6 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Miners Falls is a well-maintained, relatively flat path through a forested area. It is an easy hike suitable for most visitors, with a slight descent near the falls. A viewing platform provides a safe and excellent vantage point to enjoy the waterfall.
What to Expect
The falls drop 40 feet. 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 Miners Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Miners Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Miners Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during this time. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen waterfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Stay on the designated trail and viewing platform. The area near the falls can be slippery and dangerous. Avoid getting too close to the edge of the cliffs.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MINERS RIVER NR MUNISING, MI (2 km away).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early June, peaking in May.
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 Munising 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 137 feet of descent through Miners Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 40 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 701 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 95 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 68 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 701 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 137 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Miners Falls is located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, near Munising, Michigan. From Munising, take H-58 east for about 5 miles, then turn onto Miners Castle Road and follow signs to the Miners Falls parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the trailhead for Miners Falls. Parking is typically free, but it can fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
702 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.474430° N, -86.531220° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Bring insect repellent during the summer months.
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This easy 1.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Munising-Lakefront
Roam Inn
Quality Inn & Suites Munising
Scotty's Motel
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Little Duck Campsite on Grand Island
5.5 miles away · 0 sites
Grand Island, a Congressionally designated National Recreation Area (NRA), boasts massive 300-foot wave-cut sandstone cliffs; 13,500 acres of lush forest; beaches of fine sand; winter ice caves; and historic buildings and artifacts dating back as far as 2,000 BC, to name just a few of its highlights! The island's scenic natural beauty and interesting history make it an attractive place for camping and other outdoor activities.This site is hike in, bike in or boat in only. Public vehicles are not
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Miners Castle, Miners Beach, and other waterfalls within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore such as Munising Falls and Chapel Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of black bears, which are occasionally spotted in the region.
Nearby Waterfalls
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