LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Upper Mill Pond Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Upper Mill Pond Falls
Upper Mill Pond Falls is a small, picturesque cascade tucked into the woods of the Crystal Falls State Forest Area. Managed by the State Department of Natural Resources (SDNR) as a State Conservation Area (SCA), the falls are a quiet, restorative stop for hikers and photographers who appreciate modest, scenic waterfalls rather than high-tourist crowds. The setting is intimate — mossy rocks, mixed hardwoods, and the steady trickle of water make it a peaceful spot for a short nature break. Access to the falls is straightforward and family-friendly: a short, easy out-and-back hike brings you close enough to enjoy the view and the sound of the water without a strenuous climb. Because the site sits within SDNR-managed land, visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the SCA’s natural character.
The Setting
Upper Mill Pond Falls sits at 1,079 feet within Crystal Falls State Forest Area, fed by the Sturgeon River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Distance: 0.6 miles. Elevation gain: ~100 feet. Difficulty: easy. The route to Upper Mill Pond Falls is a brief, easy hike well suited to casual visitors and families looking for a short nature outing. The official trail length is 0.6 miles with about 100 feet of climbing; surface, grade, and formal trail-class data are not provided by the managing agency (SDNR). The trail begins and ends within the Crystal Falls State Forest Area SCA (managed by SDNR), so expect a simple forest path and minimal facilities — plan for a short walk and bring basic footwear and water.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic environment with a small waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area is ideal for photography, relaxation, and enjoying the outdoors.
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 Mill Pond Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Mill Pond Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow may be higher due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for outdoor activities.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The terrain near the waterfall may be slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and wear appropriate footwear. Be aware of insects and wildlife in the area.
Current Water Conditions
68 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 15 years of record
1.35 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge STURGEON RIVER AT US HWY-2 AT LORETTO, MI (23 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
68 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
67 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
64 cfs
5/10Wed
Low
64 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
65 cfs
4/10Fri
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Sat
Low
62 cfs
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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 Norway 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 46 feet through Upper Mill Pond Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,080 feet.
The ground changes about 51 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 51 feet in the 500 feet below. 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
- 1,080 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 46 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
Upper Mill Pond Falls is located near the Upper Mill Pond area in Michigan. Specific directions may vary depending on your starting location, so it is recommended to use a GPS or consult local maps for accurate navigation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but there may be small parking areas or roadside parking near the pond. Visitors should plan accordingly and check for any posted parking restrictions.
Elevation
1,079 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.986389° N, -87.849444° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain near the waterfall may be uneven or slippery. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, as the area may have mosquitoes or other insects.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. 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
Pine Mountain Resort
Comfort Inn Iron Mountain North
Days Inn by Wyndham Iron Mountain
Mountain Host Motor Inn
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
The Upper Mill Pond area itself is a notable attraction. Other nearby natural areas or parks may offer additional hiking, fishing, or outdoor activities.
Wildlife
The area around Upper Mill Pond Falls may feature local wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Cities near Upper Mill Pond Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Writing about Upper Mill Pond Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.