The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a popular vacation destination for a lot of reasons. And our favorite reason is the amazing water features all over the peninsula. Our favorite city to explore all of these amazing water features is Munising. Not only is Munising the starting point for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, but it is home to over a dozen waterfalls. Keep reading to see all of our favorite Munising waterfalls as well as tips for visiting them.
When To Visit Munising Waterfalls
Waterfalls are best seen right as the snow is beginning to melt and the rivers and streams are their fullest. However, the Upper Peninsula is best seen in the summer, when temperatures aren’t frigid. So, we are splitting the difference and suggesting that the best time to visit Munising waterfalls is in early June. However, we’ve also visited these waterfalls in the winter when they are frozen and in the fall when the leaves are changing and in the spring when they are rushing and you get extra muddy. So really there isn’t a bad time to explore the waterfalls of Munising but if you are visiting for the first time, we suggest early summer.
Getting There and Around
You will need a vehicle to explore Munising’s waterfalls. Many of these waterfalls are located at the end of poorly kept dirt roads. So you may want a 4×4 vehicle to explore the area. However, this is not needed if you are a confident dirt-road driver.
Munising does have an airport and there are regional flights that arrive most days throughout the summer. However, the Marquette airport tends to have more frequent flights and is also relatively close. Unfortunately, there are no major airports nearby. So flying in to one of these smaller airport or driving to Munising are your only options.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Waterfalls
Munising Falls
This 50-foot waterfall is a big drop for a small creek. The canyon that this waterfall in is magical, dense and otherworldly. The waterfall has a short well marked boardwalk that takes you to the base of the waterfall and a higher viewing platform along the actual falls. This is one of the most well developed Munising waterfalls with a large parking lot, running water and restrooms.
Time: 15 minutes
Miners Falls
This larger waterfall is another quick stop along your Pictured rocks road trip. After hiking .6 miles, you’ll come to the viewpoint for Miner’s falls. There are a few different viewing platforms here. Also, people do scramble down to the base of the falls as well but the climb includes lots of stairs.
Time: 30 minutes
Elliot Falls
Elliot Falls is located along Miners Beach. This small cascading waterfall feeds out into Lake Superior and makes a great end point for a walk along the beach.
Time: 30 minutes
Chapel Falls
Chapel Falls is 1.2 miles from the trailhead. This is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the U.P. as it runs over lots of rock giving it a bigger than life appearance. Once you arrive at the falls, there are two viewing platforms. Admittedly, there are also lots of trees making the views somewhat obstructed compared to other falls in the area.
Time: 1 hour
Mosquito Falls
This is a very aptly named Munising waterfall. Sooo many mosquitos! But this is a really neat set of falls. It’s also very remote and wilderness-y compared to some of the other falls you’ll visit in the area. The hiking trail to get there is also very wilderness-y. The trail is often muddy, narrow, and the ground is uneven. But this small yet magical waterfall is somehow worth all of the hiking and bugs (most days).
Time: 1 hour
Sable Falls
Sable Falls is a quick waterfall stop in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This waterfall is a short walk from the parking lot, though there are several stairs to get to the viewpoint. You can continue on the trail to Sable Beach which is a rocky beach popular with beach walkers.
Time: 20 minutes
What To Budget For Pictured Rocks Waterfalls
For any of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore waterfalls above, you will need an entrance pass for the park. This pass costs $20/vehicle. Or if you have an America the Beautiful pass from another National Park visit, you can hang that in your car and save you the cost of admission.
Munising Waterfalls
The falls below are located outside of the Picture Rocks National Lakeshore land but still in the Munising area. We’ve included the cost of admissions for each, if there is one. Many are FREE!
Alger Falls
Alger Falls is an easy to visit roadside waterfall, with road side parking only. This water cascades over many small ridges as it makes its way to the creek below.
Time: 15 minutes | Cost: FREE
Au Train Falls
Upper and lower Au Train Falls are both a short walk from the parking lot along an authorized vehicle only dirt road. These falls are beautiful when they are flowing because the water isn’t so much “falling” as it is flowing over very layered rock. So this isn’t the traditional waterfall but it is very unique set of falls that highlights the beautiful layered rocks in the Munising area.
Time: 20 minutes | Cost: FREE
Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls is one of the easiest Munising waterfalls to access. This is because it is on private property and has been turned into something of a tourist trap – in a good way. There is a large parking lot, plenty of child friendly activities and even a gift shop. But don’t let all of the built up hubbub distract from the natural beauty of the waterfall. The waterfall is still pristine and it is one of the biggest waterfalls in the area at 30’.
Time: 20 minutes | Cost: $10/person
Laughing Whitefish Falls
Similar to Au Train Falls, this Munising waterfall is more of a cascade. And this is one that does dry up in the summer so make sure to time your visit after a rain or early enough in the spring/summer. However, if you can visit when the waterfall is flowing, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Michigan.
Time: 45 minutes | Cost: $11/vehicle
Rock River Falls
This is a wilderness hike if ever there was one. The road here is rough and the hike is about 1 mile to the falls. But once you’re there, you’ll be treated to beautiful rugged views of a 20’ waterfall.
Time: 1 hour | Cost: FREE
Scott Falls
My favorite waterfall in the world! this one holds a special place in my heart. However, sentimental reasons aside, it’s a really cool waterfall. It’s nothing impressive, with a small trickle of water into a small pool below. But the fun part is the cave behind it. And the fact that you can totally wade out into the pool and let the water rush over your face. This Munising waterfall is also easy to visit as it is another roadside waterfall.
Time: 15 minutes | Cost: FREE
Wagner Falls
A short walk from the parking lot, and just around the corner from Alger Falls, Wagner Falls is a must-see Munising Waterfall. After a short, well-maintained walk, you will see the stunning 20’ waterfall. This one is very popular with photographers so be prepared to wait your turn for the best shots.
Time: 20 minutes | Cost: FREE
Other Munising Waterfalls
Spray Falls and Bridalveil Falls are both flowing out of Picture Rock National Lakeshore land but are not visible from the shore. Both flow directly into Lake Superior and to see them, you need to be on Lake Superior. You can see them via a scenic cruise or a kayak tour along the shoreline.
We hope that these Munising waterfalls are just what you were looking for to put into your own Upper Peninsula vacation. If you need additional information on the Munising area, check out our guide to Pictured Rocks. Or if you want to travel further afield, check out our list of things to do in the U.P. If you still can’t find what you need to plan your own Upper Peninsula vacation, feel free to leave a comment below and we’ll be happy to help out.
