Are there fees or permits required for Upper Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Upper Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Upper Falls.

Live Conditions · 13 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Upper Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Upper Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Upper Falls.

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 27 other waterfalls also named Upper Falls, see below

Huron Mountain Club PCON · PVT

Photo Credits (5)

savethewildup CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

EEngler CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

briandjan607 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Upper Falls

Upper Falls is a quietly photogenic cascade tucked into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along the Slate River, framed by northern hardwoods and the rugged uplands of the region. The falls are set within the Huron Mountain Club land unit — private property designated PCON and managed by the club — which gives the setting a secluded, largely undisturbed feel. Visitors often praise the peaceful outlooks and forested approach that make Upper Falls a rewarding stop for nature lovers exploring the U.P. Because the falls lie on private Huron Mountain Club property (land owner/manager: PVT; designation: PCON), visitors should be mindful of access rules and any posted restrictions. The route to the viewing area is moderate in effort and best enjoyed by those prepared for a short hike through forested terrain; approach respectfully and leave no trace to help preserve this secluded spot.

The Setting

Upper Falls sits at 837 feet within Huron Mountain Club, fed by the East Branch Salmon Trout River, in the foothills of Michigan.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Eighty Foot Falls (80 ft) lies 2.7 miles to the north.

Eighty Foot Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Upper Falls is an out-and-back route measuring 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The path follows forested terrain from the trailhead to the viewing area at the falls; official USFS trail surface/grade/class data are not available for this route (the land is managed by the private Huron Mountain Club). Hikers should expect natural tread and typical single-track conditions for a moderate woods hike, and observe any access rules posted by the property manager.

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 Upper Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen waterfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 50°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks may be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry a map or GPS device.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

13 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

13 13 20 37

Based on 20 years of record

1.56 ft

Water depth at gauge

50°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 50 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

152 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

EAST BRANCH SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR DODGE CITY, MI

USGS 04043244

2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 10 sq mi

Altitude: 1,025 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EAST BRANCH SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR DODGE CITY, MI (3 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

13 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

13 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

12 cfs

4/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

13 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Tue

Low

16 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

15 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

14 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, 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 Big Bay 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.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 59 feet through Upper Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 833 feet.

The ground changes about 56 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 41 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Upper Falls near Big Bay, Michigan, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Upper Falls near Big Bay, Michigan, showing about 59 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 833 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 59 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Upper Falls is located near Big Bay, approximately 6.5 miles away, and can be accessed via local roads. The coordinates for the waterfall are 46.8153, -87.8531. Visitors should follow signs for the Slate River area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but the size and availability of the parking area may vary. It is recommended to arrive early during peak seasons.

Elevation

837 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.815278° N, -87.853056° W

Land Management

Huron Mountain Club PCON

Managed by PVT

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear, especially if visiting during wet conditions. Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as mosquitoes and other insects may be present. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience.