Are there fees or permits required for Schweitzer Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Schweitzer Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Schweitzer Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Schweitzer Falls.

Live Conditions · 6 ft³/s · About average

Schweitzer Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Schweitzer Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Schweitzer Falls.

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (3)

NOAA Office for Coastal Management / The USDA-FSA Aerial Photography Field office (crediting while reuse is desired as Courtesy Attribution) Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Schweitzer Falls

Schweitzer Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is a small, picturesque waterfall surrounded by dense forest, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere for visitors. The falls are part of a creek system and may vary in flow depending on recent rainfall.

The Setting

Schweitzer Falls sits at 1,250 feet along the Schweitzer Creek, in the foothills of Michigan.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Schweitzer Falls is a short and relatively flat path through a wooded area. It is unpaved but well-trodden, making it suitable for most visitors. The trail may be muddy after rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

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 Schweitzer Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Schweitzer Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Schweitzer Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest 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 waterfall. The trail may be muddy or uneven, so watch your footing. Cell phone service may be limited in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Low

6 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

4 4 6 19

Based on 65 years of record

2.89 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

SCHWEITZER CREEK NEAR PALMER, MI

USGS 04058200

1.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 24 sq mi

Altitude: 1,268 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SCHWEITZER CREEK NEAR PALMER, MI (2 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

6 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

6 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

6 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

6 cfs

5/10

Fri

Low

6 cfs

6/10

Sat

Low

6 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

7 cfs

5/10

Mon

Moderate

7 cfs

8/10

Best window: Mon — moderate flow, areas of frost then mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid June, 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 Palmer 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 bare-earth surface loses about 50 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,251 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 30 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 109 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Schweitzer Falls near Palmer, Michigan, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Schweitzer Falls near Palmer, Michigan, showing about 50 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,251 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.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Schweitzer Falls is located near the town of Munising in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Access typically involves driving on forest roads, which may be unpaved and rough in some areas. Visitors should check local maps or GPS for precise directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at a small pull-off area near the trailhead. Space may be limited, especially during peak seasons.

Elevation

1,250 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.407778° N, -87.597500° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit after recent rainfall for the best water flow. Bring bug spray during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy or uneven in places.