frommichiganwithloveblog
Along the Black River National Scenic Byway there are five waterfalls within two miles!
Michigan, United States
The Black River National Scenic Byway was given its “scenic byway” designation in 1992 to both boost tourism in the region and to showcase a unique portion of the Ottawa National Forest. The waterfalls can be viewed from both sides of the Black River. Along the west side of the river runs the national scenic byway which contains parking lots near each of the 5 waterfalls. This is a great option for families and the route my family took. Or drive all the way down and park at the Black River Harbor, cross the suspension bridge and hike the falls along the North Country Trail. This runs along the east side of the Black River.
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The first is Great Conglomerate Falls, named after the large conglomerate rock that splits the falls into 2. It’s a 3/4 mile walk to reach.
Gogebic County, MI
Along the Black River, there are many sandstone and conglomerate rock formations. Great Conglomerate Falls is the largest of the five falls with around a forty foot drop.
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If traveling by car, four out of five of the falls have stairs up to view.
Gogebic County, MI
Make sure to pace yourself no matter if you’re visiting the falls on the east or west sides of the river. While there are parking lots at each of the falls, only Gorge Falls and the Black River Harbor have bathrooms available. There aren’t any water fountains so come prepared and carry water.
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The next two falls are Potawatomi & Gorge, which are nearby each other.
Gorge and Potawatomi Falls share a parking lot. Save a little time and park at the Gorge Falls lot as it’s easy to visit both falls if you park here.
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Potawatomi Falls is a short walk away from the parking lot to view with stairs to climb down for a closer view.
Gogebic County, MI
Potawatomi Falls has a 30 foot drop and is around 130 feet wide. Potawatomi Falls is also the most accessible waterfall on the byway with a flat paved trail & boardwalk viewing platform from the Gorge lot.
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Potawatomi Falls is also accessible all year round! Visit during the winter to see a frozen waterfall.
Gogebic County, MI
The Gorge Falls lot is plowed during winter. Park here to see both the Gorge and Potawatomi Falls.
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Gorge Falls is 1/8 mile away from its lot. To reach, go down the stairs & check it out from the viewing platform.
Gogebic County, MI
Gorge Falls is a 24 foot drop and is almost 30 feet wide. Near this falls parking lot is where you can find vault toilets, if needed.
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Fourth is Sandstone Falls. It’s 1/4 mile to reach with several stairs, but well worth it as it’s a great spot to cool off.
Gogebic County, MI
While Sandstone Falls is the smallest dropping fall of the five, it’s one of my family’s favorites. The river meanders around sandstone and conglomerate rock formations and is shallow in many parts. It’s a great spot to wade through to cool off. The rock formations formed here by the river are also unique to see. To reach this fall, several sections of steep steps are required.
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Finally there’s Rainbow Falls, which is best viewed along the North Country Trail on the opposite side of the river.
Gogebic County, MI
Rainbow Falls drops about 40 feet creating a mist with a rainbow effect when the sun hits it right.
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At the end of the byway is the Black River Harbor with a suspension bridge to reach the North Country Trail or beach on Lake Superior.
Ironwood, MI
The waterfalls can also be reached via the North Country Trail. Hike them by crossing the suspension bridge, which was originally built in 1938-9 by Civilian Conservation Corp Camp Norrie. It spans 210 feet across the Black River. Parking fee is payable via cash or check. If visiting on a Thursday, parking is free. Pets are allowed at the waterfalls, as long as they are leashed.