Pemene Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 930 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Pemene Falls

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
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Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Pemene Falls

Pemene Falls is a scenic waterfall located on the Menominee River, which forms the border between Michigan and Wisconsin. The falls are known for their rugged beauty and the surrounding forested area, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Pemene Falls sits at 755 feet along the Menominee River, in the foothills of Michigan.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Pemene Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It leads through a wooded area to a viewpoint overlooking the falls. The trail may be uneven in places, so sturdy 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 Pemene Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Pemene Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, 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

Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery and the currents strong. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Moderate

930 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Based on 27 years of record

6.14 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.

USGS 04066030
7.8 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 3,190 sq mi
Altitude: 680 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MENOMINEE RIVER AT WHITE RAPIDS DAM NEAR BANAT, MI (13 km away).

Moderate confidence
Moderate right now
930 cfs
→ Holding steady
28282836403236TodayTomorrowTueWedThuFriSat

Today

Moderate

930 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

989 cfs

6/10

Tue

Moderate

877 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

941 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

1048 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

888 cfs

8/10

Sat

Moderate

935 cfs

5/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early June, 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 Carney 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 shows the creek losing roughly 55 feet through Pemene Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 750 feet.

The ground changes about 23 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 2 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Pemene Falls near Carney, Michigan, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Pemene Falls near Carney, Michigan, showing about 55 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing south
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation
750 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 55 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.
Ground profile through the falls

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

Pemene Falls is located near the town of Faithorn in Menominee County, Michigan. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should follow signs or GPS directions to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the falls, but availability may be limited during peak times.

Elevation

755 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.593839° N, -87.777088° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during the spring or after heavy rains for the most impressive water flow. Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Be cautious near the water, as rocks can be slippery.

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Other attractions in the area include the Menominee River for fishing and kayaking, as well as nearby hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot eagles or other birds of prey near the river.

Cities near Pemene Falls

Nearby Waterfalls

LiDAR terrain view around Quiver Falls in Wisconsin, about 41 feet of drop LiDAR
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Wisconsin
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0.4 miles 75 ft

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