Waterfalls of Michigan: A Guide to More Than 130 Waterfalls in the Great Lakes State (Best Waterfalls by State) - Softcover

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Greg Kretovic is a proud Yooper who lives in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Since moving to the U.P. to attend Northern Michigan University, where he earned a BFA in Art and Design, he has enjoyed living in this special part of the state as well as seeing and doing all that the area has to offer. Along the way, he started photographing the landscapes, waterfalls, seasons and more. Greg is also known for his photographs of the mighty Lake Superior―the greatest of the Great Lakes. He has sold prints throughout the U.S. and has had his work published in magazines, television, news media and advertising. When Greg isn’t out photographing he works as a freelance graphic/web designer. He also enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including cross-country skiing, running, fishing, hiking and camping with his family.

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Sturgeon Falls
Sturgeon Falls is remote, so for those looking to avoid the crowds, this one is for you.

Location: Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, Ottawa National Forest

Address/GPS for the Falls: 46° 38.561’ N, 88° 41.634’ W

Directions: From M-28 in Sidnaw, drive north on Forest Road 2200 for 12.5 miles, and turn left on Forest Road 2270. Drive for 0.6 mile, and look for parking on the right side of the road. The marked trailhead for the falls begins across the road.

Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ottawa/recarea/?recid=12322

Waterway: Sturgeon River

Height: 15 feet Crest: 22 feet

Nearest Town: Sidnaw

Hike Difficulty: Difficult with steep hills and rocks

Trail Quality: Well-maintained trail

Round-trip Distance: 1.8 miles

Admission: No fee

Trip Report & Tips:

After visiting this waterfall for the first time, I wondered what took me so long to visit! It has it all: remoteness, a fun adventurous hike, and thundering falls. Your adventure begins with a hike along the edge of the mile-wide, 350-foot-deep gorge that stretches across the landscape. After a quarter mile, the trail starts the descent down into the gorge, with a narrow path and a switchback to help make the steep hill easier to navigate.

The approach to the falls is from above and upstream, so you can see the progression of the 100-foot-wide Sturgeon River being squeezed through a narrow, volcanic outcropping that’s only 25 feet wide. During my late-autumn visit, the river was low, but the sound and mist created by the falls was still impressive. (During the spring season, the falls are roaring!) You’ll want to use extra caution hiking near the base of the falls, where the rocks and moss are wet and slippery. Beyond the falls, I also hiked downstream a short distance to take in the sight of the towering cliffs and hills across the river.

Because of the challenge and remoteness, I would recommend carrying a supply of snacks and food and only attempting this trek with a decent level of physical fitness. Take your time and enjoy the views!