Pinkerton Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Pinkerton Falls
Pinkerton Falls is a small, picturesque cascade tucked into Michigan’s rugged woodlands, offering a quiet reward for hikers who prefer less-trafficked sights. The falls sit within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, managed by SPR under SDNR stewardship, so visitors will find classic northern Michigan forest—ferns, mossy rock outcrops, and a narrow creek channeled into a charming drop. Its modest size and peaceful setting make it a great destination for photographers and families looking for a short nature escape away from busier park overlooks. Reaching Pinkerton Falls requires a short hike, which helps keep the spot feeling tucked-away even during peak season. Expect a moderate, moderate-grade outing through shaded trails and mixed hardwood forest: the trek rewards you with a serene waterside spot perfect for a picnic or mindful pause before heading back to the trailhead. As always in the Porcupine Mountains, come prepared with sturdy shoes and respect Leave No Trace principles to preserve the area’s quiet character.
The Setting
Pinkerton Falls sits at 791 feet within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, fed by the Presque Isle River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The route to Pinkerton Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The trail type is out-and-back and the effort is steady but accessible for most hikers comfortable with uneven, natural surfaces; bring good footwear and expect some short, steeper sections. The route lies within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (managed by SPR under SDNR), so follow posted signs and park rules while on the path.
What to Expect
Expect a quiet and secluded waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area may be overgrown, and the falls are relatively small compared to other waterfalls in Michigan.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pinkerton Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Pinkerton Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as water flow is typically higher due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks and uneven terrain. Cell phone service may be limited in the area.
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
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
36 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
38 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
38 cfs
4/10Fri
Barely Flowing
35 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
34 cfs
5/10Best window: Fri — 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 White Pine 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 29 feet of drop through Pinkerton Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 791 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 23 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 24 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 791 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 29 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Pinkerton Falls is located near Marquette, Michigan. Access to the falls may require navigating local roads and potentially a short walk through wooded areas. Specific directions should be confirmed before visiting.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or at designated areas if available.
Elevation
791 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.733333° N, -89.894722° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map or GPS device as the location may not be well-marked. Check local conditions before visiting, especially after heavy rains, as trails may become muddy or slippery.
Where to Stay
Snow Otter Haus - 2
Snow Otter Haus - 1
Quality Inn Ironwood
North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge
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
8.5 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
Marquette offers several other natural attractions, including Presque Isle Park and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Wildlife
The area around Pinkerton Falls may feature local wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals.
Cities near Pinkerton Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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