Upper Falls
Michigan • 50 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Upper Falls
Upper Falls is a striking 50-foot cascade known for its rich amber-colored water — a hue produced by tannins leached from nearby cedar swamps — that makes the falls a favorite subject for photographers and nature lovers. The roar of the drop and the broad, foaming plunge pool create a dramatic contrast with the quiet, forested gorge that frames the falls, offering excellent opportunities for scenic viewing and wildlife observation. The site’s combination of color and scale gives it an unmistakable character among Michigan waterfalls. The falls lie within the Sturgeon, Michigan (Ottawa) Wild and Scenic River Study Area (designation: WSR) and are managed by the U.S. Forest Service; the listed land owner is DESG. Visitors typically reach the falls via a 2.4-mile out-and-back route that climbs roughly 350 feet, so plan for a moderate hike and bring a camera and sturdy shoes. The setting feels remote and protected, reflecting the conservation focus of the river study area while still being accessible to day hikers.
The Setting
Upper Falls sits at 1,253 feet within Sturgeon, Michigan (Ottawa) Wild And Scenic River Study Area, fed by the Sturgeon River, in the foothills of Michigan. The falls drop 50 feet.
Height: 50 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Upper Falls is an out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles round trip with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The path includes paved sections and stairs that lead to established viewing points, making key overlooks easy to reach, but the overall climb and some steeper stair sections require a moderate level of fitness. The trail is well-maintained and family-friendly for those comfortable with modest elevation change; expect a mix of level paved approaches and stepped descents as you move between viewpoints.
What to Expect
The falls drop 50 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Upper Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are particularly beautiful due to the vibrant foliage and higher water flow, but the falls are accessible and picturesque year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms. The rocks near the falls can be slippery, and the currents are extremely strong. Exercise caution, especially with children.
Current Water Conditions
11 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 86 years of record
3.13 ft
Water depth at gauge
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.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge STURGEON RIVER NEAR SIDNAW, MI (7 km away).
Today
Low
11 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
13 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
12 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
12 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
13 cfs
4/10Wed
Moderate
13 cfs
5/10Thu
Moderate
14 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early June, 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 Covington 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 27 feet through Upper Falls over a long run of ledges. The full 50 feet the falls are listed at is spread over a longer run than this window: along the whole mile-long profile the ground drops about 88 feet. Elevation at the pin is about 1,255 feet.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,255 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 27 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Upper Falls is located within Tahquamenon Falls State Park, near Paradise, Michigan. The falls are accessible via well-marked roads, and the park entrance is off M-123.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a large parking area near the Upper Falls trailhead, with spaces for cars, RVs, and buses.
Elevation
1,253 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.620215° N, -88.499579° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, as some areas near the falls may be wet and slippery. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Where to Stay
Champion Vacation Rental with Fire Pit!
UP Escape in the Pines
Whole home, private lake, sauna, WFH office
Tiny Woodland Cottage Retreat with Yard in Pelkie
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
Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness
9.4 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
Lower Falls (also within Tahquamenon Falls State Park), Whitefish Point, Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.
Wildlife
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and numerous bird species.
Cities near Upper Falls
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Other waterfalls named Upper Falls
27 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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