Sandstone Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
Closed for construction: the Forest Service closed Sandstone Falls starting May 18, 2026, to replace stairs and platforms, with work expected through fall 2027. Check with the Bessemer Ranger District (906-852-3500) before going.
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Sandstone Falls
Sandstone Falls is a short, narrow chute of about 6 feet through mounded conglomerate rock on the Black River, in the Ottawa National Forest about 13 miles north of Bessemer. It is one of the series of falls along the Black River Scenic Byway (CR 513) near Black River Harbor. The site is closed for construction from May 18, 2026, through about fall 2027.
The Setting
Sandstone Falls sits at 712 feet within Ottawa National Forest, in the foothills of Michigan.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Great Conglomerate Falls (40 ft) lies 1.4 miles to the southwest.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Sandstone Falls (#60084), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
SANDSTONE FALLS #60084
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.20 miTrail Description
A 1/4-mile trail (about 0.5 miles round trip) leads from the parking area down to the falls. It is short but steep, with a series of steps. The North Country Trail along the river also passes the falls, about 1/2 mile from Black River Harbor.
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 Sandstone Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed in the Ottawa National Forest; Forest Service rules require pets to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at developed recreation sites.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sandstone Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, 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. 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.
Visitors should exercise caution on wet or slippery rocks near the waterfall. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Presque Isle River, 4.6 miles away, not on Sandstone 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge PRESQUE ISLE RIVER NEAR CONNORVILLE, MI (7 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, 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 Sandstone Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Sandstone 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 108 feet of descent through Sandstone Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 715 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 138 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 95 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 715 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 108 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
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
From Bessemer, take Black River Road (CR 513) north along the Black River Scenic Byway to the Sandstone Falls parking area on FR 114, about 13 miles from town and just south of Black River Harbor.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
A Forest Service parking area serves the trailhead. There are no restrooms or drinking water at the site.
Elevation
712 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.651613° N, -90.046284° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes. Check road conditions before visiting, especially in winter or after heavy rain.
Where to Stay
Snow Otter Haus - 2
Snow Otter Haus - 1
North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
BLACK RIVER HARBOR PAVILION
1.3 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
Rainbow, Gorge, Potawatomi and Great Conglomerate Falls are all within about 1.3 miles on the Black River, and Black River Harbor Recreation Area is at the end of the byway.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Sandstone Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Sandstone Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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