Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
80 ft
About Tannery Falls
Tannery Falls — sometimes called the Rudy M. Olson Memorial Falls — is a compact but dramatic cascade just outside Munising, Michigan. Tannery Creek tumbles about 40 feet into an impressive sandstone canyon, and a small cave sits behind the falling water, creating a photogenic recess that rewards those who explore the rim. The falls are fed by the creek as it moves from a nearby residential area into the canyon, producing a tranquil, scenic pocket of Upper Peninsula wilderness. The site is reached by a short, easy approach and makes a great half-day stop when exploring the Munising area. For campers, the nearest established camping is at the Munising Ranger District campground about 1.85 km away, making it simple to pair an overnight stay with a morning or evening visit to the falls. Tannery Falls’ sandstone walls and cave offer striking geology and quiet views — just be prepared for wet, slippery rock near the water’s edge and practice caution when exploring tight canyon spaces.
The Setting
Tannery Falls sits at 719 feet in the foothills of Michigan. The falls drop 40 feet.
Height: 40 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Munising Falls (50 ft) lies 0.6 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Wagner Falls (20 ft, 2.1 mi) and Alger Falls (15 ft, 1.8 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 80 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Length: 0.6 miles (out-and-back); Elevation gain: ~80 feet; Difficulty: Easy. The trail to Tannery Falls is a short 0.6-mile out-and-back route with about an 80-foot climb overall, so it’s accessible for most hikers. The path passes through wooded terrain and can include uneven footing; after rain the route and the canyon rim can become muddy or slippery, so sturdy footwear and caution are recommended. The trail leads to viewpoints above the 40-foot drop and the cave behind the falls — allow extra time to enjoy the canyon and photographs.
What to Expect
The falls drop 40 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 Tannery Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Tannery Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery after rain, and the area around the waterfall may have loose rocks. Exercise caution and stay on marked paths.
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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 111 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 40 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 739 feet.
The ground changes about 31 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 60 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 739 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 111 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
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
Tannery Falls is located near Munising, Michigan. To reach the falls, visitors typically park near the Munising Falls Visitor Center and follow local signage. The trailhead is not always clearly marked, so using a GPS or map is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Limited parking is available near the trailhead. Visitors may need to park along the roadside during busy times.
Elevation
719 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.415650° N, -86.626912° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls.
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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Munising-Lakefront
Quality Inn & Suites Munising
North Star Hotel Pictured Rocks
Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone Hotels - Munising
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
Munising Ranger District
1.1 miles away · 0 sites
Munising Ranger District is located on the northern part of the west side of the Hiawatha National Forest. Stop by for up-to-date information and suggestions for your trip.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other nearby waterfalls include Munising Falls and Wagner Falls. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers stunning views and hiking opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of insects, especially mosquitoes, during warmer months.
Cities near Tannery Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Tannery Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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