Nokomis Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Nokomis Falls
Nokomis Falls sits along the Presque Isle River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a scenic spot managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Presque Isle unit of the Michigan Wild and Scenic River Study Area (designation: WSR; land owner: DESG). The falls are one of several cascades on the Presque Isle River, which runs about 42.1 miles before emptying into Lake Superior and drains roughly 300 square miles of upper Michigan and northern Wisconsin. That broader river corridor also flows through sections of the Ottawa National Forest and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, giving visitors a sense of the rugged, water-carved landscape that defines this part of the U.P. The setting around Nokomis Falls is tranquil and forested, with rocky river channels and short viewing areas that make it a favorite for photographers and day hikers. Managed by the USFS as part of the Presque Isle unit, the site feels remote without being difficult to reach—an inviting destination for anyone wanting to experience one of the Presque Isle River’s signature drops and the broader river network’s waterfall-rich scenery.
The Setting
Nokomis Falls sits at 1,043 feet within Presque Isle, Michigan Wild And Scenic River Study Area, fed by the Presque Isle River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The primary approach to Nokomis Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain; difficulty is rated moderate. The trail winds through forested river valley terrain and follows natural footpaths maintained by the U.S. Forest Service within the Presque Isle unit. Surfaces are typical singletrack and natural tread through mixed hardwoods and conifers; expect some rocky sections and short grades rather than sustained steep climbs. The route is well suited to day hikers comfortable with uneven footing and modest elevation change.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Nokomis Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Nokomis Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain, so exercise caution. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment or getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
35 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 3 years of record
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge PRESQUE ISLE RIVER NEAR CONNORVILLE, MI (7 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
36 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
35 cfs
5/10Tue
Low
38 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
39 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
38 cfs
4/10Fri
Barely Flowing
35 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
36 cfs
3/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Wakefield 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 113 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,047 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 125 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 109 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,047 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 113 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Nokomis Falls is accessible via a short drive from Munising, Michigan. It is located off H-58, and visitors typically park near the trailhead for the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,043 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.646613° N, -89.910168° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes.
Where to Stay
Snow Otter Haus - 2
Snow Otter Haus - 1
North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge
Quality Inn Ironwood
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
BLACK RIVER HARBOR CAMPGROUND
6.8 miles away · 40 sites
Overview Planning a trip to the Black River Harbor Campground? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. Black River Campground is adjacent to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. The recreation area includes a pavilion, harbor and a large picnic area. The area provides for many opportunities for fishing, boating, backpacking, hiking, bird watching, photography and beautiful scenery for relaxation in the outdoors. Recreation The campground is adjacent to
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Munising Falls, Miners Castle, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Nokomis Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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