Based on the name of the river, there should logically be a number of waterfalls on the Falls River, and there are. This is Lower Falls, the one closest to Lake Superior. This is the smallest of the falls on the river, and there are larger ones further upstream. (Upper Falls, once being reported as “open” for visitation, is not as accessible as suggested.)

Some people have found the Falls River to be one of the most beautiful rivers with waterfalls in Michigan, but I have to respectfully disagree. The falls on the river are pretty, but there are other rivers in Michigan with far more spectacular waterfalls than these. If anything, these falls seemed underwhelming compared to others I have visited. Even so, if you are in the Baraga or L’Anse area, you should check them out since they are easy to access and view.

Directions:

1. As you are driving on US-41 north passing through L’Anse, you will pass by a Burger King. Park at the Burger King.
2. From the Burger King, walk toward the bridge over the Falls River.
3. There will be a path to your right that will lead you down toward the river.
4. From this path you will be able to view Middle Falls, and then just keep walking. You will pass some cascades and a weird dam-like object in the river, and then you will come to Lower Falls.

*Others have suggested parking near some power plant, but when I did that, I noticed signs that said no trespassing, even though there was a trail. Beginning from Burger King works just as well, and allows you to see a bunch of falls at once, even some smaller ones that probably only flow in the spring.

Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 15′
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip

Lower Falls in May 2009

Where in the World is Lower Falls?