Saxon Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Saxon Falls
Saxon Falls sits on the Montreal River where the water carves a scenic stretch of whitewater along the Michigan–Wisconsin line. The cascade is framed by forested banks and a viewing platform that makes it easy to take in the rugged drop; flows can vary because the falls are part of a hydroelectric dam system upriver. The Montreal River itself runs about 47.8 miles to Lake Superior and drains roughly 270 square miles of largely forested terrain — its Ojibwe name, Gaa-waasijiwaang, fittingly means “where there is whitewater.” The site is a favorite for photographers and day hikers wanting a relatively quick nature outing with dramatic river scenery. If you’re planning an overnight trip, the nearest developed camping is Black River Harbor Pavilion, roughly 29.3 km away, so most visitors treat Saxon Falls as a half-day stop while exploring the Upper Peninsula’s lakes and rivers.
The Setting
Saxon Falls sits at 879 feet along the Black River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Superior Falls (90 ft) lies 2.5 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: Potato River Falls (90 ft, 8.8 mi) and Interstate Falls (18 ft, 9.6 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The approach to Saxon Falls is an out-and-back trail of about 2.4 miles total with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain; the route is rated moderate. The path leads through mixed woods to a dedicated viewing platform above the falls, with some uneven sections and short climbs that account for the elevation change. Good footwear is recommended, and the trail’s manageable length makes it a pleasant half-day hike for most moderately fit visitors.
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 Saxon Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Saxon Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Saxon Falls due to higher water flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen waterfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water and stay on marked trails. Rocks can be slippery, and water levels may rise unexpectedly due to dam operations.
Current Water Conditions
15 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 53 years of record
1.89 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 (24 km away).
Today
Moderate
16 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
14 cfs
5/10Tue
Moderate
14 cfs
5/10Wed
Moderate
15 cfs
5/10Thu
Moderate
22 cfs
5/10Fri
Low
19 cfs
6/10Sat
Low
18 cfs
6/10Best window: Fri — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
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 Saxon 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 153 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 905 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 86 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 95 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
- 905 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 153 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
Saxon Falls can be accessed via a short drive from Ironwood, Michigan. Visitors typically park near the Saxon Falls Hydroelectric Dam and follow a trail to the viewing area. The trailhead is located off Saxon Falls Road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the hydroelectric dam, but spaces may be limited.
Elevation
879 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.536058° N, -90.379624° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit after heavy rainfall or during spring snowmelt for the most impressive water flow. Bring insect repellent during summer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Be cautious near the water, as rocks can be slippery.
Where to Stay
Snow Otter Haus - 2
Quality Inn Ironwood
Snow Otter Haus - 1
Quality Inn Ashland - Lake Superior
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
18.2 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 Superior Falls, Black River Harbor, and the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Saxon Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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