Sturgeon Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Sturgeon Falls
Sturgeon Falls is a picturesque waterfall located on the Sturgeon River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is known for its cascading waters and scenic surroundings, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The Setting
Sturgeon Falls sits at 912 feet within Ottawa National Forest, fed by the Sturgeon River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Sturgeon Falls (#60017), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
STURGEON FALLS #60017
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.80 miTrail Description
The trail to Sturgeon Falls is a relatively short and easy hike through a forested area. The path is well-marked and leads to a viewing area near the falls. Visitors may encounter some uneven terrain, but the trail is generally manageable for most skill levels.
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 Sturgeon Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sturgeon Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Sturgeon Falls due to higher water flow. Fall offers stunning foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen falls.
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 46°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Exercise caution near the falls as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and avoid visiting during heavy rain or snowstorms.
Current Water Conditions
230 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 93 years of record
4.32 ft
Water depth at gauge
46°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 46 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
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 STURGEON RIVER NEAR ALSTON, MI (10 km away).
Today
Low
248 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
276 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
294 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
263 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
259 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
264 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
257 cfs
5/10Best window: Sun — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Pelkie hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Sturgeon Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Sturgeon Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 47°F to 35°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 236 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 93 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Sturgeon Falls. The brink sits at about 907 feet above sea level.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 907 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 93 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Sturgeon Falls is located within the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The falls can be accessed via Forest Road 2200 and a short hike from the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
912 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.642317° N, -88.693123° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during summer months to protect against mosquitoes. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking.
Where to Stay
Two Rivers Motel and Cabins of Kenton, MI
Tiny Woodland Cottage Retreat with Yard in Pelkie
UP Escape in the Pines
Jake's Bed & Bar
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
Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness
1.7 miles away · 0 sites
The Wild and Scenic Sturgeon River rushes out of the northern portion of this wilderness, over the 20 foot volcanic outcroppings of Sturgeon Falls, and through a gorge that reaches 350 feet in depth and a mile in width. Throughout this rugged, steep Wilderness, the Sturgeon and Little Silver Rivers and their tributaries have carved falls, rapids, ponds, oxbows, and terraces. Stunning views are possible from the eastern rim of the gorge. Except for a few naturally bare slopes, most of the land is
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the Ottawa National Forest include Bond Falls and Agate Falls, as well as numerous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally black bears. Visitors should exercise caution and follow wildlife safety guidelines.
Cities near Sturgeon Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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Other waterfalls named Sturgeon Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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