Trappers Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
6.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Trappers Falls
Trappers Falls is the largest waterfall on the Little Carp River in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, a long, gentle slide. It sits on the Little Carp River Trail, part of the North Country Trail, about 3 miles from the trailhead at the end of Little Carp River Road. Greenstone Falls and Overlooked Falls are passed on the way.
The Setting
Trappers Falls sits at 814 feet within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From the trailhead at the end of Little Carp River Road, the Little Carp River Trail follows the river downstream past Overlooked Falls and Greenstone Falls (about half a mile) to Trappers Falls, about 3 miles one way. At least one stream crossing is involved, and the trail crosses the river a short distance above the falls, which means a careful rock hop or a wade.
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 Trappers Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on most Michigan state park trails on a leash no longer than 6 feet and must be under immediate control.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Trappers Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall tends to have the most water flow during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail crosses the Little Carp River just above the falls, which means a careful rock hop or a wade and is harder in high water. Rocks along the slide are slippery.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Presque Isle River, 4.9 miles away, not on Trappers Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
87 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 3 years of record
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge PRESQUE ISLE RIVER NEAR CONNORVILLE, MI (8 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
91 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
86 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
75 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
67 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
65 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
64 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
64 cfs
5/10Best window: Sun — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid 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 White Pine hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Trappers Falls Frozen?
Updated about 22 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Trappers Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 55°F to 38°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 88 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 70 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 819 feet above sea level.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 819 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 70 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Take South Boundary Road in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park to Little Carp River Road and follow it to its end, where the Little Carp River Trail begins. The falls can also be reached from the Pinkerton Trailhead by way of the Pinkerton, Lake Superior and Little Carp River trails, a longer route.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the trailhead at the end of Little Carp River Road. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicles in the state park.
Elevation
814 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.732915° N, -89.884890° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy or uneven in some sections. Bug spray is recommended during warmer months due to mosquitoes.
Where to Stay
Snow Otter Haus - 2
Snow Otter Haus - 1
Quality Inn Ironwood
North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge
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 CAMPGROUND
8.9 miles away · 40 sites
Overview Planning a trip to the Black River Harbor Campground? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. Black River Campground is adjacent to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. The recreation area includes a pavilion, harbor and a large picnic area. The area provides for many opportunities for fishing, boating, backpacking, hiking, bird watching, photography and beautiful scenery for relaxation in the outdoors. Recreation The campground is adjacent to
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Greenstone Falls and Overlooked Falls upstream on the Little Carp River, and the Presque Isle River waterfalls at the west end of the park.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Trappers Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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