Are there fees or permits required for Warner Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Warner Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Warner Falls.

Nearby gauge (Schweitzer Creek) · 5 ft³/s · About average

Warner Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Warner Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Warner Falls.

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

Pacific Museum of Earth from Canada CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

yooperann CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

david_s_carter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

F. D. Richards CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Warner Falls

Warner Falls is a small, picturesque waterfall located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is known for its serene surroundings and is a lesser-known destination, making it a peaceful spot for visitors seeking solitude.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Warner Falls is short and relatively flat, making it suitable for most visitors. It passes through a wooded area and leads directly to the waterfall. The path may be uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

What to Expect

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 Warner Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Warner Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the waterfall as rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in spring and fall.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Schweitzer Creek, 2 miles away, not on Warner Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

5 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

4 5 10 26

Based on 66 years of record

2.84 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

SCHWEITZER CREEK NEAR PALMER, MI

USGS 04058200

2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 24 sq mi

Altitude: 1,268 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SCHWEITZER CREEK NEAR PALMER, MI (3 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

5 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

3/10

Thu

Low

6 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

6 cfs

4/10

Sat

Low

5 cfs

4/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — 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 Palmer hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Warner Falls Frozen?

Updated about 9 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Warner Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 48°F to 32°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 5 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.

1-meter lidar measures about 68 feet of descent through Warner Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,238 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 11 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 28 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Warner Falls near Palmer, Michigan, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Warner Falls near Palmer, Michigan, showing about 68 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,238 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 68 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Warner Falls is located near the town of Munising in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is accessible via local roads, but specific directions may vary depending on the starting point. Visitors are advised to use GPS or consult local maps for accurate navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may consist of roadside pull-offs or small parking areas near the trailhead.

Elevation

1,237 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.433333° N, -87.598889° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during spring or after heavy rains for the best water flow. Bring bug spray during summer months as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall.