Updated Sep 8, 2023

These Man-made Waterfalls In Michigan Are An Astounding Sight To Be Seen

Stepping Stone Falls in Flint, Michigan, offers a unique outdoor experience with its man-made waterfalls and various recreational activities.

Updated Sep 8, 2023

Written by

Sophie Boudreau

Nature|Hiking

Published Oct 28, 2024

This Natural Wonder in Michigan Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

Wagner Falls is a hidden gem natural wonder in Michigan just a few minutes south of Munising, a charming Upper Peninsula town on Lake Superior.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by

Trent Jonas

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on the Lake Superior side of Michigan's Upper Peninsula is undoubtedly one of the premier natural wonders in Michigan. Its dramatic shoreline, wooded bluffs, and unspeakably blue water draw thousands of visitors every year.

But, as all we Michiganders know, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is far from the only natural wonder in the Great Lakes State - or the Upper Peninsula. Heck, it's not even the only natural wonder in the Pictured Rocks area! For example, just a few minutes south of Munising, where Pictured Rocks is headquartered and where you'll find a couple of the park's units, there's another natural wonder that just doesn't get the same kind of attention or visitorship that the National Park does.

I'm talking about Wagner Falls Scenic Site. This hidden gem is sandwiched between the Hiawatha National Forest and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore about five minutes south of Munising. The small parking area and trail head are located on a forested bend along Michigan Hwy. M-94, so it's easy to miss. But you should definitely keep your eye for it - because the short hike to this hidden gem natural wonder is most assuredly worth it.

According to AllTrails Plus, the total distance of the hike is only about a quarter of a mile - that's round trip, out and back. I last visited in early spring, and parts of the trail were muddy, so watch out for that if the weather has been wet. But a good portion of the trail is a boardwalk, as well, which made going a little easier.

You'll follow the trail through quiet woods along a stream - Wagner Creek - the sound of rushing water becoming louder as you draw closer to a wooden viewing platform. And from there, you'll be treated to a lovely view of the multi-tiered cascade that makes up Wagner Falls. It's certainly not the tallest waterfall in Michigan (maybe 20 or 30 feet from base to precipice), but its setting in an old-growth pine and hemlock forest and the intimate viewing experience, I think, make it one of the prettiest.

There are no amenities, e.g., water or restrooms, at this site, but again, it's mere minutes from Munising, as well as Pictured Rocks' Munising Falls Visitor Center, where you'll find plenty of services. Have you hiked to Wagner Falls? What are some of your favorite hidden gem natural wonders in Michigan? Bet sure to tell us about them on our nominations page.

Nature|Waterfalls

Updated Jul 22, 2024

The Michigan Trail With An Overlook, Cave, And The State’s Highest Waterfall You Just Can’t Beat

The hike to Douglass Houghton Falls in Michigan offers a challenging yet rewarding experience with an overlook, a cave, and the tallest waterfall in the state.

Updated Jul 22, 2024

Written by

Trent Jonas

If you ever head up to the Keweenaw Peninsula, be sure to bring your hiking boots because there’s a trail up here you don’t want to miss. The hike to Douglass Houghton Falls offers an overlook, a cave, and the tallest cascade in the state - all in a short, albeit rugged, distance. This half-mile Michigan waterfall trail is one for your bucket list.

From the trailhead on M-26 - between Lake Linden and Laurium - the out-and-back hike to Douglass Houghton Falls is only a half mile - that’s round trip!

But it’s still considered moderately challenging due to the scramble you’ll have to do along the side of the falls to get a decent look at the cascade. Take a look at the topo map on AllTrails to see what I mean.

The first part of the hike is relatively level, following Hammell Creek for several hundred feet.

Then you’ll reach the top of the gorge at the lip of the waterfall.

Pause for a moment and enjoy the sweeping view from the top. Things get a little tricky from here.

To see the 110-foot falls, you have to scramble down a slope alongside them to the bottom.

However, due to erosion, it’s a dangerous proposition. Fixed ropes have been installed to assist in the descent (and ascent on the way the back up).

But, once at the bottom, the payoff is worth it!

As a bonus, to the left of the falls, there’s a small cave.

Rumor has it that the cave was an exploratory shaft dug by prospectors/assayers in search of copper deposits.

Be sure to walk down Hammell Creek a little way to get some more sweet views of the falls before you head back up.

If you get a chance to visit the tallest falls in Michigan, take it from us: You definitely should. Have you hiked Douglass Houghton Falls Trail? Tell us about your experience in the comments -- we would love to hear from you! And, before embarking on your adventure, don't forget to take a look at our ultimate hiking essentials packing list.

Looking for more to explore? Check out this stunning footage of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:

For even more travel inspiration, take a look at our guide to the very best hiking trails in Michigan. There really is something for everyone on this list!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/michigan/best-hikes-in-michigan/

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These Man-made Waterfalls In Michigan Are An Astounding Sight To Be Seen

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This Natural Wonder in Michigan Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

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The Michigan Trail With An Overlook, Cave, And The State’s Highest Waterfall You Just Can’t Beat

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Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

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The Story of This Abandoned Place in Peninsula, Ohio Is Truly Fascinating