Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
20 ft
About Scott Falls
Scott Falls is a compact, picture-postcard waterfall right along Highway M-28 near Au Train in Alger County. The falls tumble roughly 10 feet over a sandstone cliff into a small plunge pool, and because they sit immediately adjacent to the road they’re one of the easiest natural sights to enjoy in the area. You can spot the drop from the highway across from the H.J. Rathfoot State Roadside Park — a quick pull-off makes it a popular stop for photographers and travelers exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The land is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Hiawatha National Forest, so the roadside setting is part of a larger public forest landscape. While Scott Falls is most often enjoyed as a roadside attraction, it rewards a little extra exploration if you want a closer view. Note that much of the immediate approach is an informal roadside path rather than a developed hiking trail; pack out what you pack in and take care around the sandstone ledge and pool. Nearby on Hiawatha National Forest the AUTRAIN RIVER CANOE ROUTE (USFS Trail #303) offers a very different, water-based way to experience the area — that route is cataloged as a Class 2 canoe route on Forest Service maps.
The Setting
Scott Falls sits at 640 feet within Hiawatha National Forest, in the foothills of Michigan. The falls drop 10 feet.
Height: 10 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Scott Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
USFS Trail
AUTRAIN RIVER CANOE ROUTE #303
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
9.95 miTrail Description
There is no formal maintained hiking trail to Scott Falls; the falls are visible from Highway M-28 with a short walk from the roadside pull-out. The typical visitor approach is an out-and-back of about 0.1 miles with roughly 20 feet of elevation gain to get a closer vantage point; overall difficulty is described as drive_up. The falls themselves drop about 10 feet over sandstone into a shallow pool. For official USFS trail data in the vicinity, note the AUTRAIN RIVER CANOE ROUTE (Trail #303) is listed as a water-surface route (Surface: WATER), Class 2, with a typical grade of 0–5% and about 9.95 GIS miles; that is a canoe/kayak corridor rather than a hiking trail. Visitors should treat the roadside approach as an informal, unpaved access and follow Forest Service guidance while on Hiawatha National Forest lands.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 10 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Scott Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Scott Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest, but the frozen falls in winter also offer a unique and beautiful sight.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Hiawatha National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be cautious when parking and walking near the highway. In winter, icy conditions may make the area slippery.
Know when to go.
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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 shows the creek losing roughly 32 feet through Scott Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 10 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 639 feet.
The ground changes about 9 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 24 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 639 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 32 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Scott Falls is located directly off Highway M-28, just west of the town of Au Train. The waterfall is visible from the road, making it a convenient stop for travelers.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small pull-off area along the highway where visitors can park to view the falls.
Elevation
640 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.436932° N, -86.814425° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during spring or after rainfall for the best water flow. Be cautious when pulling off the highway, as the parking area is small and close to the road.
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For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Roam Inn
Comfort Inn & Suites Munising-Lakefront
Scotty's Motel
cabin 2
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
GRAND ISLAND CABINS
7 miles away · 2 sites
Overview Grand Island Cabins are remotely located on forested Grand Island, surrounded by Lake Superior, 1/2 mile off the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. The cabins are placed in individual settings providing an excellent base for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.Recreation Recreation opportunities include: kayaking, biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, and hunting.Facilities Each cabin is 14' x 16' with an attached 8' x 14' screened in porch and offers four full
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Au Train Beach, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Munising Falls are all within a short drive.
Wildlife
Visitors may see birds, small mammals, and other typical wildlife of the Michigan Upper Peninsula.
Cities near Scott Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Scott Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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