Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.3 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Wagner Falls
Wagner Falls tumbles about 20 feet on Wagner Creek just outside Munising in Alger County, Upper Michigan. The falls sit within the Wagner Falls Scenic Site — a Michigan state park unit managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (SPR) and listed as a Natural Area — and are easy to spot from the nearby junction of M-28 and M-94. Water spilling over the layered rock ledges quickly joins the Anna River below and continues onward to Lake Superior, making this a compact but scenic example of Upper Peninsula river scenery. A short boardwalk and viewing platform bring visitors close enough for photography and quiet observation without disturbing the forested setting. The site’s compact layout and maintained access make it ideal for families, photographers, and hikers looking for a quick nature stop; if you want to extend an overnight stay, the Munising Ranger District campground is only about 2.4 km away.
The Setting
Wagner Falls sits at 725 feet within Natural Area Wagner Falls Scenic Site, in the foothills of Michigan. The falls drop 20 feet.
Height: 20 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Munising Falls (50 ft) lies 2.7 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Tannery Falls (40 ft, 2.1 mi) and Alger Falls (15 ft, 0.4 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.3-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The access trail to Wagner Falls is a 0.3-mile out-and-back route with roughly 50 feet of elevation gain and is rated easy. The route combines a short natural footpath with a maintained boardwalk and culminates at a viewing platform above the falls, so the surface is firm and highly walkable. The grade is gentle overall, and the short distance and modest climb make this trail suitable for most ages and abilities.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 20 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 Wagner Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Wagner Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Wagner Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak. Fall offers vibrant 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
The trail can be slippery when wet or icy, so exercise caution. Stay on the designated path to protect the environment and ensure your safety.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Munising 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 87 feet of drop through Wagner Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. That is more than the listed 20 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 722 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 41 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 63 feet in the 500 feet below. 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
- 722 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 87 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
Wagner Falls is located off M-94, just south of Munising, Michigan. The trailhead is easily accessible from the parking area along the highway.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area available near the trailhead, which is free of charge. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
725 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.387663° N, -86.646554° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, especially if visiting during wet or icy conditions. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
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For this easy 0.3 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Munising-Lakefront
Quality Inn & Suites Munising
North Star Hotel Pictured Rocks
Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone Hotels - Munising
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
Munising Ranger District
1.5 miles away · 0 sites
Munising Ranger District is located on the northern part of the west side of the Hiawatha National Forest. Stop by for up-to-date information and suggestions for your trip.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Munising Falls, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Alger Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail.
Cities near Wagner Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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