Are there fees or permits required for Piers Gorge Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Piers Gorge Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Piers Gorge Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Piers Gorge Falls.

Nearby gauge (Menominee River) · 1,480 ft³/s · About average

Piers Gorge Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Piers Gorge Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Piers Gorge Falls.

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Menominee River Recreation Area SREC · SDNR

Photo Credits (5)

heidigoseek CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

t.shirbert CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Piers Gorge Falls

Piers Gorge Falls tumbles along the Menominee River — the waterway that marks much of the border between Michigan and Wisconsin — and is prized for its series of rapids and scenic cascades. The setting draws hikers, whitewater enthusiasts, and photographers who come to watch the river carve through rocky gorges; several viewpoints frame the rushing water, with the fourth gorge often noted for its dramatic flow. The falls and access corridor lie within the Menominee River Recreation Area, a State Recreation (SREC) land unit owned by SDNR and managed by SPR. Trail access is commonly made on a short out-and-back route that provides a compact, rewarding outing for visitors looking to experience the river’s energy and shoreline viewpoints.

The Setting

Piers Gorge Falls sits at 833 feet within Menominee River Recreation Area, in the foothills of Michigan.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Sand Portage Falls (5 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the west.

Sand Portage Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The route follows the Menominee River with multiple river-facing viewpoints, including access to the series of gorges where the river’s power is most apparent (the fourth gorge is a notable highlight). The trail is managed as part of the Menominee River Recreation Area (SREC) under SDNR ownership and SPR management. Surface, grade, and formal USFS trail class data were not provided in the available trail information.

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 Piers Gorge Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Piers Gorge Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest flow, while fall offers beautiful foliage. Winter visits may be possible but could require extra caution due to icy conditions.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the river's edge, as the currents are extremely strong and dangerous. Exercise caution during wet or icy conditions, as the trail may become slippery.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Menominee River, 4.2 miles away, not on Piers Gorge Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

1,480 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.3k 1.4k 2.5k 3.8k

Based on 38 years of record

5.43 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

MENOMINEE RIVER NEAR VULCAN, MI

USGS 04065722

4.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 2,900 sq mi

Altitude: 795 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MENOMINEE RIVER NEAR VULCAN, MI (7 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

1480 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Low

1598 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Low

1811 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

1619 cfs

4/10

Sat

Low

1530 cfs

6/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

1480 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

1574 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

1540 cfs

5/10

Best window: Sat — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).

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 Norway hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Piers Gorge Falls Frozen?

Updated about 5 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid

Piers Gorge Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 60°F to 32°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 1540 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 56 feet through Piers Gorge Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 834 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 72 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 134 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.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Piers Gorge Falls near Norway, Michigan, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Piers Gorge Falls near Norway, Michigan, showing about 56 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: 834 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 56 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

Piers Gorge Falls is located near Norway, Michigan, along the Menominee River. The trailhead can be accessed via Piers Gorge Road, which is off US-2. Clear signage is available to guide visitors to the parking area and trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near the trailhead, which is free to use. It is a gravel lot with limited spaces, so arriving early during peak seasons is recommended.

Elevation

833 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.757778° N, -87.944167° W

Land Management

Menominee River Recreation Area SREC

Managed by SPR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven sections. Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be present. Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Be cautious near the water, as the currents are very strong.