Potawatomi Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.3 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Potawatomi Falls
Potawatomi Falls tumbles along the Black River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a scenic stop often visited from the Black River Scenic Byway. Nestled within the Ottawa National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the falls are framed by a short, easy-to-reach viewpoint that makes them a popular photo and picnic destination for day hikers and sightseers alike. The USFS maintains a named spur to the falls (POTOWATOMI FALLS, Trail #60004-A) that provides direct access to the cascade. If you’re planning an overnight trip, Black River Harbor Pavilion campground is nearby (about 3.65 km), making it convenient to combine an evening by the river with a morning visit to the falls.
The Setting
Potawatomi Falls sits at 866 feet within Ottawa National Forest, in the foothills of Michigan.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Great Conglomerate Falls (40 ft) lies 0.4 miles to the southwest.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Potowatomi Falls (#60004-A), a 0.3-mile out-and-back trail over other. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
POTOWATOMI FALLS #60004-A
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.01 miTrail Description
The official USFS listing for POTOWATOMI FALLS (Trail #60004-A) describes a very short, Class 4 spur (GIS length 0.01 miles) with the surface recorded as “OTHER” and a typical grade of 0–5%. Trail type: out-and-back.
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 Potawatomi Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Potawatomi Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal for visiting Potawatomi Falls due to higher water levels and scenic surroundings.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Ottawa National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Exercise caution near the observation deck and riverbanks, as they may be slippery, especially in wet or icy conditions. Stay on designated paths and do not attempt to climb on rocks near the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Presque Isle River, 5.5 miles away, not on Potawatomi Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
94 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 3 years of record
5.50 ft
Water depth at gauge
42°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 42 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
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 PRESQUE ISLE RIVER NEAR CONNORVILLE, MI (9 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
94 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
102 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
105 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
105 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
98 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
94 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
94 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — 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 Bessemer hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Potawatomi Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Potawatomi Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 57°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 97 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 measures about 130 feet of descent through Potawatomi Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 883 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 77 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 58 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls 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
- 883 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 130 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- 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 northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Potawatomi Falls is located near Bessemer, Michigan, along the Black River Scenic Byway. It is accessible via a short drive from US-2, with clear signage leading to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the trailhead for Potawatomi Falls, which is shared with the nearby Gorge Falls.
Elevation
866 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.637446° N, -90.051562° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit in the spring for the most dramatic water flow, or in the fall to enjoy vibrant foliage. Wear sturdy shoes, especially if visiting in winter when the path may be icy.
Where to Stay
North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge
Snow Otter Haus - 1
Snow Otter Haus - 2
Quality Inn 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
2.3 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 Gorge Falls, Sandstone Falls, and Rainbow Falls, all located along the Black River Scenic Byway.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot bald eagles near the river.
Cities near Potawatomi Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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