Are there fees or permits required for Trestle Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Trestle Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Trestle Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Trestle Falls.

Nearby gauge (Dead River) · 145 ft³/s · About average

Trestle Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Trestle Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Trestle Falls.

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

cmh2315fl CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

yooperann CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

cmh2315fl CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

About Trestle Falls

Trestle Falls is a small, picturesque waterfall located in Michigan, known for its serene surroundings and accessibility. It is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail leading to Trestle Falls is not well-documented, and details about its length, terrain, and conditions are unclear. Visitors should prepare for varying trail conditions and check with local resources for updates.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful natural setting with a small waterfall surrounded by forested areas. The falls may be seasonal and dependent on rainfall.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Trestle Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Trestle Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow may be higher due to snowmelt and rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Trails may be slippery or uneven, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and stay on marked paths. Be aware of ticks and other wildlife hazards.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Dead River, 4.7 miles away, not on Trestle Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

145 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

101 134 411 471

Based on 11 years of record

5.85 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

DEAD RIVER AT MARQUETTE, MI

USGS 04044003

4.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 163 sq mi

Altitude: 598 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge DEAD RIVER AT MARQUETTE, MI (8 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

145 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

145 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

154 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

133 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

135 cfs

5/10

Sat

Moderate

131 cfs

5/10

Sun

Low

129 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

142 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to mid June, peaking in May.

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 Trowbridge Park hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Trestle Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded

Trestle Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 49°F to 34°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 145 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 145 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,010 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 12 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 27 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Trestle Falls near Trowbridge Park, Michigan, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Trestle Falls near Trowbridge Park, Michigan, showing about 145 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,010 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 145 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location of Trestle Falls is not well-documented, but it is reportedly accessible via local trails in Michigan. Visitors should consult local maps or guides for precise directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated trailhead areas.

Elevation

1,014 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.554722° N, -87.507222° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain. Check local weather conditions before visiting, as trails may become muddy or slippery after rain.