Are there fees or permits required for Mulligan Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Mulligan Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Mulligan Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Mulligan Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Mulligan Falls near Big Bay, Michigan, showing about 53 feet of drop

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

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

Mulligan Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Mulligan Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Mulligan Falls.

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Mulligan Falls

Mulligan Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty. It is part of the Mulligan Creek area and is surrounded by dense forest, making it a peaceful destination for nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Mulligan Falls sits at 1,398 feet along the East Branch Salmon Trout River, in the foothills of Michigan.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Mulligan Falls is relatively short and easy, winding through a forested area with minimal elevation gain. The path may be uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

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 Mulligan Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Mulligan Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Mulligan Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Visitors should exercise caution on wet or slippery rocks near the falls. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 2 days ago Barely Flowing

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 13 20 37

Based on 20 years of record

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.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

EAST BRANCH SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR DODGE CITY, MI

USGS 04043244

7.2 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 (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

13 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

13 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

12 cfs

4/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

13 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Tue

Low

16 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

15 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

14 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

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 53 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Mulligan Falls. The brink sits at about 1,398 feet above sea level.

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

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,398 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 53 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

Mulligan Falls is located near the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Access may require driving on unpaved forest roads, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited. Visitors should plan accordingly.

Elevation

1,398 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.683611° N, -87.821944° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring insect repellent during the summer months as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Check road and trail conditions before heading out, especially after heavy rains.