Silver 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 Silver Falls
Silver Falls is a peaceful, multi-cascade waterfall on the Silver River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, just outside Chatham. Nestled within the Hiawatha National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the falls cut through a densely wooded corridor that’s particularly striking in spring runoff when the flow is highest. The setting combines easy-access scenery with a genuine backcountry feel, making it a favorite stop for photographers and families seeking a short nature escape. The most common approach follows a segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail — West (USFS Trail #915) and rewards visitors with several vantage points of the cascades framed by hardwoods and pines. The hike to the primary viewpoint is moderate in effort but excellent for those who want a short outing with a scenic payoff; seasonal changes bring colourful foliage in autumn and ice sculptures in winter for year-round interest.
The Setting
Silver Falls sits at 886 feet within Hiawatha National Forest, fed by the Dead River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Laughing Whitefish Falls, the tallest waterfall in Michigan at 100 feet, lies 6.6 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Rock River Falls (15 ft, 2.8 mi) and Scott Falls (10 ft, 7.5 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows North Country Ntl Scenic West (#915), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over imported compacted material. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
NORTH COUNTRY NTL SCENIC -WEST #915
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
6.21 miTrail Description
Out-and-back, 2.4 miles round trip with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The route follows a segment of the North Country NTL Scenic — West (USFS Trail #915). According to USFS trail data, Trail #915 is Class 3 with an imported compacted material surface and a typical grade of 5–8%. USFS mapping shows 6.21 GIS miles for the trail corridor in this area; the maintained approach to the falls is the 2.4-mile section described here. Expect an established, compacted tread that can become muddy or slick after rain; good footwear is recommended.
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 Silver Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Silver Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is strongest. Fall offers beautiful foliage, and winter provides a unique view of the frozen falls.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Hiawatha National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. In winter, icy conditions may make the trail hazardous. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 22.5 miles away
109 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 10 years of record
5.70 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge DEAD RIVER AT MARQUETTE, MI (36 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
109 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
122 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
129 cfs
4/10Fri
Barely Flowing
110 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
115 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
109 cfs
3/10Mon
Barely Flowing
109 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to mid June, peaking in May.
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 Chatham 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 58 feet of drop through Silver Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 872 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 43 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 49 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 872 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 55 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Silver Falls is located approximately 6.9 miles from Chatham, 15.5 miles from Munising, and 17.9 miles from Harvey. The coordinates for the falls are 46.4511, -86.9708. Visitors can access the falls via a short drive on local roads, with signage leading to the area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but space may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
886 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.451147° N, -86.970847° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during summer and fall. Bring sturdy footwear, as the trail can be muddy. Bug spray is recommended during warmer months.
Where to Stay
Roam Inn
Days Inn by Wyndham Marquette
Comfort Suites Marquette
Holiday Inn Marquette by IHG
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
BAY FURNACE CAMPGROUND
12.5 miles away · 49 sites
Overview Bay Furnace Campground is located on the south shores of Lake Superior, near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Favorite to many, the campground is centered to various waterfalls, as well as other sightseeing attractions, including boat tours and visits to Grand Island.Recreation Fishing in Lake Superior is best by boat. There is no access to the lake at Bay Furnace, but there is a boat ramp approximately 10 miles west, at AuTrain, and in Munising. Anglers can enjoy a variety of lake tro
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Munising Falls, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Wagner Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of mosquitoes and other insects during warmer months.
Cities near Silver Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Silver Falls
16 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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