Superior Falls
Michigan • 90 ft
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 Superior Falls
Superior Falls sits on the Montreal River, the waterway that forms the border between Iron County, Wisconsin and Gogebic County, Michigan. The river plunges about 90 feet before emptying into Lake Superior at Oronto Bay, producing a dramatic cascade and a photogenic gorge framed by rugged rock and northern forest. The falls draw day-trippers and photographers for the powerful drop and lakeside backdrop; in spring 2006 extreme kayaker Tao Berman even made headlines by descending the chaotic currents over the falls. The hike to the main overlook is a satisfying, moderate outing: a 2.4-mile out-and-back with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain that threads through mixed hardwoods and conifers before opening onto a viewing area above the gorge. The trail’s endpoint offers a clear vantage of the river as it tumbles into Lake Superior, making this a rewarding half-day trip for hikers prepared for some uphill and uneven terrain. Bring sturdy footwear—sections can be muddy and slippery after rain—and plan on a day visit, as there are no developed campgrounds immediately adjacent.
The Setting
Superior Falls sits at 758 feet along the Black River, in the foothills of Michigan. The falls drop 90 feet.
Height: 90 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Potato River Falls (90 ft) lies 8.7 miles to the southwest.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~350 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. Trail type: Out-and-back. Waterfall height: 90 feet. The route follows a natural tread through mixed forest with some rock and root exposure; expect uneven footing and short steeper pitches rather than sustained climbs. The trail ends at a dedicated viewing area above the gorge, where you can watch the Montreal River drop into Lake Superior at Oronto Bay. Conditions can be muddy or slippery after rain, so wear sturdy shoes and use caution near the cliff edges.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 90 feet. 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 Superior Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Superior Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is in the spring when water flow is at its peak, or in the fall for beautiful autumn colors.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the falls as the rocks can be slippery. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge. In winter, icy conditions may make the trail hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 16.6 miles away
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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BLACK RIVER NEAR BESSEMER, MI (27 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 109 feet of descent through Superior Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That agrees with the listed height of 90 feet. The brink sits at about 764 feet above sea level.
Above the falls the ground is nearly level, then it breaks away and keeps dropping about 90 feet over the next 500 feet downstream. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 764 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 109 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
Superior Falls is located near the town of Ironwood, Michigan. From US-2, take Lake Road north for approximately 15 miles. There is a small parking area near the falls, and a short trail leads to the viewing area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small gravel parking area near the trailhead. Parking is free but may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
758 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.561057° N, -90.416291° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons. Bring sturdy shoes as the trail can be uneven or muddy. Bug spray is recommended in the summer months.
Where to Stay
North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge
AmericInn by Wyndham Ironwood
Days Inn by Wyndham Hurley
Bodin's Resort
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
19 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
Lake Superior shoreline, Black River Harbor, and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and other small wildlife. Be cautious of ticks in the warmer months.
Cities near Superior Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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