LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Turkey Neck Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Turkey Neck Falls
Turkey Neck Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located in Michigan, offering a serene and picturesque setting. It is surrounded by lush forest and is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Forty Foot Falls (40 ft) lies 1.4 miles to the northwest.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Details about the trail leading to Turkey Neck Falls are not well-documented. The area may involve unmarked paths or require off-trail navigation.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil natural setting with a waterfall surrounded by forest. The area may be remote and less developed, so preparation is key.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Turkey Neck Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Turkey Neck Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is likely to 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
Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
The area may be remote and lack cell service. Be prepared with proper navigation tools and inform someone of your plans. Watch for slippery rocks near the waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Salmon Trout River, 4.4 miles away, not on Turkey Neck Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
5 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 21 years of record
0.38 ft
Water depth at gauge
42°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 42 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR BIG BAY, MI (7 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
7 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
6 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
6 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — 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 Big Bay hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Turkey Neck Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Turkey Neck Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 51°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
- 5 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 55 feet through Turkey Neck Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 988 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 74 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 72 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 988 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 55 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
Specific directions to Turkey Neck Falls are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for the most accurate route information.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated areas if available.
Elevation
984 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.820556° N, -87.951111° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the location may be difficult to find. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This easy 1.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
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.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
Where to Stay
Independence Stay Hotel and Long term suites
AC4 Northwoods Getaway w Jetted Tub
UP Escape in the Pines
Lakefront Lookout! Private Sand Beach on Superior
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions are not well-documented. Visitors may explore other natural areas in Michigan's forests.
Wildlife
The area may host typical Michigan wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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