Root Beer Falls
Michigan • 5 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Root Beer Falls
Root Beer Falls is a small drop of about 5 to 6 feet on Planter Creek, just north of Wakefield in Gogebic County, shortly after the creek drains out of Sunday Lake. The water is stained brown by tannins, which gives the falls its name. It sits a short walk from a side road off M-28 and has no signs or maintained trail.
The Setting
Root Beer Falls sits at 1,332 feet in the foothills of Michigan. The falls drop 5 feet.
Height: 5 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no maintained trail. From a roadside pullout it is a walk of roughly 0.1 to 0.2 miles down a short dirt slope to the creek. The ground around the creek can be swampy, so waterproof boots help.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 5 feet.
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 Root Beer Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
No dog rules are posted for this unsigned roadside spot, and land ownership is not marked.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Root Beer Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons.
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, especially after rain. Wear appropriate footwear and stay on marked trails to avoid injury.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Black River, 6.5 miles away, not on Root Beer 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 (11 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 Wakefield hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Root Beer Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 1 more freezing day forecast
Root Beer 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.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From the traffic light at US-2 and M-28 in Wakefield, head north on M-28 for about 1 to 1.3 miles and turn onto the dirt side road (guides name it Thomaston Road or Wertanen Road). The falls are a few hundred feet from M-28 on Planter Creek. Sources note that map apps show two Root Beer Falls pins near Wakefield; use the one just off M-28.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
No formal lot. Visitors pull off on the shoulder or at a small clearing along the side road near the creek.
Elevation
1,332 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.506944° N, -89.937500° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after rainfall for the best water flow. Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls.
Where to Stay
North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge
AmericInn by Wyndham Ironwood
Days Inn by Wyndham Hurley
Bergland Bay Bungalow
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
12.5 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
Sunday Lake Falls is about 0.2 miles away on the same creek, and Gabbro and Neepikon Falls on the Black River are about 3 miles away.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes during warmer months.
Cities near Root Beer Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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