Tioga Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Tioga Falls
Tioga Falls sits tucked into Michigan woodlands and delivers a peaceful, scenic reward for a relatively short hike. The waterfall is a favorite local spot for hikers and nature lovers seeking a quiet forest outing; the trail is an out-and-back of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, so expect a moderately paced walk to reach the falls. The setting is inviting for photographers and anyone who enjoys a shady, creekside destination.
The Setting
Tioga Falls sits at 1,539 feet along the Falls River, in the hills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The hike to Tioga Falls is an out-and-back of roughly 2.4 miles round-trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The route follows a well-marked path through wooded terrain, offering a steady but manageable climb; visitors should plan for natural dirt tread and some uneven footing. Trail type: out-and-back; length: 2.4 miles; elevation gain: ~350 ft; difficulty: moderate.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil setting with a small but picturesque waterfall surrounded by forest. The area is ideal for photography and enjoying the natural environment.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Tioga Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Tioga Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Tioga Falls, as water flow is typically higher during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution on the trail, especially after rain, as it may become slippery. Always stay on marked paths and avoid venturing too close to the waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
18 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 12 years of record
4.04 ft
Water depth at gauge
51°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 51 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
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 FALLS RIVER NEAR L'ANSE, MI (17 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
20 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
17 cfs
4/10Fri
Barely Flowing
15 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
3/10Best window: Fri — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Three Lakes 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 55 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,538 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 9 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 28 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and 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
- 1,538 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 55 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
Tioga Falls is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, near the town of L'Anse. It can be accessed via local roads, but specific directions should be confirmed before visiting.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking may be available near the trailhead, but details are unclear. Visitors should plan ahead and check local resources for parking availability.
Elevation
1,539 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.593611° N, -88.348889° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in places. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, and check weather conditions before visiting.
Where to Stay
Whole home, private lake, sauna, WFH office
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Adventure Cabin on Lake Ruth
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Nearby Campground
Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness
16.7 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
The nearby town of L'Anse offers additional outdoor activities and scenic spots to explore.
Wildlife
The area may feature local wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.
Cities near Tioga Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
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