Are there fees or permits required for Wylie Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Wylie Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wylie Falls.

Live Conditions · 5 ft³/s · About average

Wylie Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wylie Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Wylie Falls.

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Wylie Falls, see below

Photo Credits (1)

NOAA Office for Coastal Management / The USDA-FSA Aerial Photography Field office (crediting while reuse is desired as Courtesy Attribution) Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Wylie Falls

Wylie Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is part of the Wylie Creek and offers a serene and picturesque setting, surrounded by dense forest. The waterfall is relatively small but charming, making it a peaceful spot for nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Wylie Falls sits at 1,407 feet along the Salmon Trout River, in the foothills of Michigan.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Wylie Falls is short and relatively flat, making it suitable for most visitors. It winds through a forested area and may include some uneven terrain. The trail is not heavily trafficked, offering a quiet and peaceful hike.

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 Wylie Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wylie Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt and rainfall.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. The trail may become muddy or slippery after rain. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 25 minutes ago Barely Flowing

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 4 6 9

Based on 21 years of record

0.35 ft

Water depth at gauge

52°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 52 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR BIG BAY, MI

USGS 04043238

4.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 7 sq mi

Altitude: 1,101 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR BIG BAY, MI (7 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

5 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

5 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

5 cfs

6/10

Sun

Low

5 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

5 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

5 cfs

4/10

Wed

Moderate

5 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

5 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Big Bay 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.

The bare-earth surface loses about 22 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,408 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 22 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 12 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Wylie Falls near Big Bay, Michigan, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Wylie Falls near Big Bay, Michigan, showing about 22 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,408 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 22 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Wylie Falls is located near the town of Munising in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Access may require navigating unpaved roads, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. Directions can vary, so consulting a detailed map or GPS is advised.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but it may be limited and unpaved.

Elevation

1,407 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.718889° N, -87.855000° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in places. Bring insect repellent, especially in the summer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may become muddy after rain.