Nonesuch Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Nonesuch Falls
Nonesuch Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan. It is part of the Nonesuch Creek and is surrounded by lush forest, making it a serene and scenic destination for visitors.
The Setting
Nonesuch Falls sits at 886 feet within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Nonesuch Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It passes through a forested area and offers a peaceful walk to the falls. The trail may be muddy or slippery after rain, so proper footwear is recommended.
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 Nonesuch Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $9.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Nonesuch Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and muddy trails after rain. Carry water and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Watch for wildlife and follow park guidelines to ensure safety.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on West Branch Ontonagon River, 12.1 miles away, not on Nonesuch Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
44 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
1.44 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge WEST BRANCH ONTONAGON RIVER NEAR BERGLAND, MI (19 km away).
Today
Moderate
44 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
47 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
47 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
47 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
44 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
40 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
42 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early 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 White Pine hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Nonesuch Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Nonesuch Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 31°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 43 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Michigan.
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 shows the creek losing roughly 66 feet through Nonesuch Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 878 feet.
The ground changes about 51 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 22 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and 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
- 878 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 66 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- 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 south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Nonesuch Falls is located within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Visitors can access the falls via a short hike from the Nonesuch Mine area. The trailhead is near the old Nonesuch Mine ruins, which are accessible by car.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the Nonesuch Mine area. Visitors should follow signs for the mine and park in designated areas.
Elevation
886 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.753611° N, -89.620278° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, especially if visiting after rain, as the trail can be muddy. Bring insect repellent during the summer months. Consider exploring the nearby Nonesuch Mine ruins for a more comprehensive experience.
Where to Stay
Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins
Bergland Bay Bungalow
Pet-Friendly Michigan Getaway with Porch and Kayaks!
Walk to Lake Superior: Ontonagon Home w/ Fire Pit!
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
Ontonagon Ranger District
16.2 miles away · 0 sites
Ontonagon Ranger District is on the shores of Lake Superior, largest of the Great Lakes, and the mouth of the Ontonagon River. There are numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Hunting, fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, and ATV riding are available in the summer and fall months. In the winter downhill, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are available.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Nonesuch Mine ruins, Lake of the Clouds, and other waterfalls within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, such as Manabezho Falls and Presque Isle River waterfalls.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. Visitors should exercise caution and follow park guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Cities near Nonesuch Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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