Manabezho Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls in Michigan. First off, it’s located in a beautiful state park, the Porcupine Mountains State Park. Second, it is very easy to access. Third, it’s just a beautiful waterfall. As with many other waterfalls in Michigan, Manabezho Falls is very wide but not very tall. Because it is wide, this means that the waterfall can separate into multiple little waterfalls, which I think adds to the beauty. Depending on the time of year and amount of water flowing, the falls can also take on different personalities.

Manabezho Falls is one of three major waterfalls on the Presque Isle River as the river makes its final approach to Lake Superior. The others, only a few hundreds of yards upstream, are Manido Falls and Nawadaha Falls. Manido Falls is also only a few hundred yards from Lake Superior, and the stairs that lead to the falls also lead to the short trail to the lake. When I visited, the view of the lake was just as beautiful.

There are other great things to do in the Porkies. Right near the west entrance, you can take a right onto South Boundary Road. This is an extremely beautiful scenic drive that connects you to other trails, waterfalls, and the beautiful Lake of the Clouds.

Visit #2: My father and I visited Manabezho Falls (and the other falls along the Presque Isle River) in late September 2010 after a significant amount of rainfall. The falls were at extremely high volume, especially for so late in the fall. Somebody had mentioned this was possibly the most water they had seen flowing over the falls in quite some time.

Directions:

1. From US-2 in Wakefield, head north of M-28 for a short ways.
2. Turn left onto Thomaston Road (which may be numbered County Road 519).
3. If it is not numbered Co. Road 519, you will soon end up connecting into Co. Road 519. From there, just keep driving north for a ways. You will end up entering the West Entrance to the park.
4. The parking area for the short trail to the falls is clearly marked, as are signs pointing the way to the trails.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 22′
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip

Manabezho Falls in June 2006

Manabezho Falls at very high volume in late September 2010

Where in the World is Manabezho Falls?