Between the initial snowmelt and increased rainfall, springtime is prime time for chasing waterfalls. With that being said, there are many that are typically trickier to reach due to seasonal trail and road conditions, so we've highlighted some of our favorite spring treks that are fairly easy to access.

On your Marq, get set, go.

 

Concrete pillars support an old water pipe over Wright St Falls.

WRIGHT STREET FALLS ✦ 

DRIVE 4 MI, 10 MIN » 46.56588, -87.44576

Among the easiest to access is Wright Street Falls. This unique spot is both urban and natural and best of all just a short stroll across the boardwalk to get from the parking lot to the falls.

Directions:

  • Head west on W Washington St toward N 4th St (1,145 ft)

  • Turn right onto N 4th St which becomes Presque Isle Ave (1.4 mi)

  • Turn left onto Wright St (2.29 mi)

  • Park on the right side of Wright St, walk over the bridge and up a short path to the falls under the aqueduct (450 ft)

 

CATARACT DAM FALLS ✦ 

DRIVE 25 MI, 35 MIN » 46.43333, -87.59888

Located in Sands, just outside of Gwinn, you'll be surprisingly impressed by the falls that cascade from this man-made dam. 

Directions:

  • Head West on Washington St. (1.3 mi) (6.52 mi)

  • Turn left onto McClellan Ave/M-553 (18 mi)

  • Turn right onto N Southgate Dr/Iron St/M-35 N (4.7 mi)

  • Turn right onto Cataract Rd (1.38 mi)

  • Slight left onto Co Rd EEF (0.250 mi)

  • Park at the dam, the trailhead is to your right to the falls

 

WARNER FALLS ✦

DRIVE 16 MI, 22 MIN » 46.43333, -87.59888

About 20 miles southwest of Marquette, this roadside fall in Palmer, MI is small but mighty with a 20-foot vertical drop making it a perfect spot for a quick photo op.

Directions:

  • Head south on Front St (0.339 mi)

  • At the traffic circle exit west on US-41 N (0.523 mi)

  • At the next traffic circle, take the third exit onto Grove St (2.21 mi) 

  • Turn left onto Co Rd 492 (4.33 mi) → Turn left on M-35 South (8.16 mi) → Park on the right side of M-35, the falls are a short trail hike west 

 

A woman and her dog in front of Yellow Dog Falls in Big Bay

YELLOW DOG RIVER FALLS ✦ 

DRIVE 43 MI, 32 MIN » 46.72863, -87.70672

Named for the main drop on the Yellow Dog River, these falls are as fun to hike to as they are to watch—featuring over 7 drops of varying distance within a mere mile-long walk.

Directions:

  • Head N on N Front St (0.925 mi)

  • Turn right onto E Fair Ave (761 ft)

  • Turn left onto Pine St (0.322 mi)

  • Turn left onto N Lakeshore Blvd (0.759 mi)

  • Turn left onto Hawley St (0.650 mi)

  • Hawley becomes Big Bay Rd/Co Rd 550 (22.6 mi) → Turn left onto Co Rd 510 (2.6 mi)

  • After 2.6 miles you’ll turn left off the paved road onto the dirt portion of County Road 510 which heads SE. (4.1 mi)

  • Cross the Yellow Dog River. Park on the left and walk NE along the river to the falls (.35 mi)

 

 

 

DIFFICULTY KEY:

 ✦ EASY | ✦ ✦ MEDIUM |✦ ✦ ✦ HARD
Drive time based on downtown Marquette starting location.