White City Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About White City Falls
White City Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is part of the Escanaba River system and is known for its serene surroundings and cascading waters over rocky terrain. The falls are relatively remote, offering a peaceful experience for visitors.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to White City Falls is a short and relatively flat path through a wooded area. It is unpaved and may be muddy or uneven in places, especially after rain. The trail leads directly to the falls, offering a close-up view of the cascading water.
What to Expect
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 White City Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at White City Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the falls as the rocks can be slippery. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
21 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 53 years of record
1.63 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 GREENWOOD DIVERSION NEAR GREENWOOD, MI (6 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
21 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
21 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
21 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
23 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
24 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
24 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
24 cfs
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 West Ishpeming 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 25 feet of drop through White City Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,390 feet above sea level.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,390 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 25 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
White City Falls is located near the town of Gwinn in Marquette County, Michigan. Access typically involves driving on forest roads, and the falls are not well-marked, so a map or GPS is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available near the trailhead. Visitors should be prepared for unpaved or uneven parking areas.
Elevation
1,391 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.390000° N, -87.718611° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or uneven. Bring bug spray during warmer months to protect against mosquitoes. A map or GPS is recommended as the area is remote and signage is limited.
Where to Stay
Days Inn by Wyndham Marquette
Comfort Suites Marquette
Holiday Inn Marquette by IHG
My Place Hotel-Marquette, MI
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
Other waterfalls in the area include Yellow Dog Falls and Dead River Falls. The nearby town of Marquette offers dining and lodging options.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near White City Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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