Rocky Forty Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
No public land, trail or trailhead is documented at Rocky Forty Falls, and the surrounding land appears to be private. Do not cross private property without permission.
Photo Credits (2)
About Rocky Forty Falls
Rocky Forty Falls is a named waterfall on Siemens Creek in Gogebic County, north of US-2 between Ironwood and Bessemer, near the Big Powderhorn Mountain ski area. We could not find a published description, photos or trail information for it, and no public land is mapped at the falls.
Trail & Hike Details
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and lack of infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rocky Forty Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rocky Forty Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit Rocky Forty Falls, as the water flow is usually at its peak due to snowmelt. Summer and fall are also good times to visit, offering pleasant weather and colorful foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls. Cell phone reception may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly. Always let someone know your plans if hiking alone.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Black River, 2.2 miles away, not on Rocky Forty 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BLACK RIVER NEAR BESSEMER, MI (4 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, mostly 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 Ironwood hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Rocky Forty Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded 1 more freezing day forecast
Rocky Forty 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 50 feet of drop through Rocky Forty Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,257 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 34 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 34 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north 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
- 1,257 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 50 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- 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 north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are listed on Siemens Creek about 6 miles west-northwest of Bessemer. We could not confirm public access, a road or a trailhead; the surrounding land appears to be private.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
1,253 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.507222° N, -90.120556° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven. Bring insect repellent, especially during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Consider visiting in the spring when water flow is typically higher.
Where to Stay
Snow Otter Haus - 2
North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge
Quality Inn Ironwood
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
BLACK RIVER HARBOR PAVILION
11.8 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
Gabbro Falls on the Black River near Ramsay, the Black River Scenic Byway waterfalls north of Bessemer, and Copper Peak.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Rocky Forty Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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