Peterson Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
150 ft
About Peterson Falls
Peterson Falls is a scenic cascade on the Montreal River just outside Ironwood, Michigan, where the river marks the Michigan–Wisconsin border. The falls tumble over a series of rocky drops and braided cascades, framed by dense northern hardwoods, making it an especially photogenic stop in spring runoff or the peak of fall color. Its compact, forested setting and the sound of rushing water make it a favorite for photographers and day hikers looking for a quick nature fix. Access is straightforward: the falls are reached via a short woodland trail that gives visitors close-up views of the river as it surges and pools below the ledges. The approach is family-friendly and popular with casual hikers and photographers, offering a peaceful riverside experience without a long backcountry trek.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 150 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Peterson Falls is an easy 1.2-mile out-and-back with roughly 150 feet of elevation gain. The route is short and well-suited to most abilities—largely a gentle grade through wooded terrain—with a maintained footpath that leads to a clear viewing area overlooking the cascades. Expect a brief, modest climb on the return; otherwise the trail is an accessible, quick hike to the falls.
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 Peterson Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Peterson Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Peterson Falls due to higher water flow. 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
Exercise caution near the edge of the river and waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions, especially in winter when ice may make the trail hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Black River, 6.3 miles away, not on Peterson Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
21 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 54 years of record
2.08 ft
Water depth at gauge
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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BLACK RIVER NEAR BESSEMER, MI (10 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
21 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
23 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
25 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
25 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
24 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
22 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
23 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late 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 Hurley hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Peterson Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 1 more freezing day forecast
Peterson Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 55°F to 31°F. 1 freezing day are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 1 of the next 7
- Flow
- 22 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 51 feet of drop through Peterson Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,382 feet above sea level.
Most of the action is upstream: the ground drops about 65 feet in the 500 feet above the pin and flattens beneath the falls. Facing southwest, 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
- 1,382 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 51 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- 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 southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Peterson Falls is located just off US-2 near Ironwood, Michigan. Visitors can access the falls by taking a short drive on Black River Road and following signs to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, which is free to use.
Elevation
1,378 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.473333° N, -90.195278° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during summer months to protect against mosquitoes. Visit early in the day to avoid crowds.
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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
Quality Inn Ironwood
Snow Otter Haus - 2
Days Inn by Wyndham Hurley
AmericInn by Wyndham 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 PAVILION
15.3 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Planning a visit to the Black River Harbor Pavilion? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. The Black River Harbor Pavilion is located within the Black Harbor Recreation Area on Lake Superior in Michigans Upper Peninsula. The historic stone and wood pavilion was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Recreation Lake Superior offers great opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The North Country National Scenic Trail
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Black River Harbor, Copper Peak, and other waterfalls along the Black River Scenic Byway.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Peterson Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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