Upper Falls
Michigan • 50 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
4.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Upper Falls
Upper Falls, located in Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan, is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. It is known for its impressive width and the amber color of the water, caused by tannins leached from surrounding cedar swamps.
The Setting
Upper Falls sits at 689 feet within Tahquamenon Falls State Park, in the foothills of Michigan. The falls drop 50 feet.
Height: 50 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Upper Falls is well-maintained and mostly paved, making it accessible for most visitors. There are several viewing platforms and stairs leading closer to the falls for better views. The trail can be extended to include the Lower Falls for a longer hike.
What to Expect
The falls drop 50 feet. 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?
🤑 Fee: $12.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The falls are beautiful year-round, but spring offers the highest water flow, summer provides lush greenery, fall features vibrant foliage, and winter showcases frozen cascades.
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 strong. Exercise caution, especially with children.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Tahquamenon River, 0.6 miles away, not on Upper Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
872 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 73 years of record
4.64 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge TAHQUAMENON RIVER NEAR PARADISE, MI (1 km away).
Today
Strong
872 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Roaring
960 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
1007 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
1027 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
1007 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
962 cfs
8/10Mon
Strong
914 cfs
10/10Best window: Mon — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late 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 Newberry hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Upper Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Upper Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 46°F to 40°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 872 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 ground through the falls loses about 99 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 50 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 696 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 50 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 47 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 696 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 99 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
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 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The park is accessible via M-123, and the falls are well-signposted.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a large parking area near the Upper Falls, with spaces for cars, RVs, and buses. Parking is typically free with a Michigan Recreation Passport.
Elevation
689 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.575015° N, -85.257332° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore beyond the paved paths. Bring insect repellent in summer, as mosquitoes can be prevalent.
Where to Stay
Paradise Cottage: Trail Access Nearby
Adventure & Relaxation by Lake Superior
Coastal Haven Lake Superior w Fire Pit
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.
Nearby Campground
THREE LAKES
22.1 miles away · 13 sites
Overview Three Lakes Campground is a peaceful facility tucked away from the busy highway. It is nestled between Whitmarsh, Brown and Walker Lakes, giving visitors ample opportunity to enjoy and explore nature at its best.Recreation The three lakes are open to non-motorized boating. A carry-down boat ramp is located at the campground's picnic area. Fishing is a popular activity. Rainbow trout, perch and catfish are found in the lakes. Although there is no designated swimming beach, sandy areas are
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Lower Falls, Tahquamenon River, 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
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Upper Falls
25 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
Writing about Upper Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.