Kakabika Falls is a series of small drops that adds up to a larger total. None of the drops are really that big. The largest drop might be 10′ at most (across a distance). So if you’re really into big waterfalls, Kakabika Falls will probably not be for you.
Kakabika Falls still has many redeeming qualities for those that don’t mind smaller waterfalls. First off, the falls are pretty easy to get to, requiring a short drive off of US-2. Second, the waterfall will probably be devoid of people. When I visited, nobody else was there. So if you want peace and quiet, this might be the place for you. Third, the short hike to the falls is amazing. When I visited, it had rained the night before, giving the hike to the falls a very “rain-forest” feeling, even though it’s not a rainforest. It was humid, and there were a lot of mosquitoes, so you’ll definitely want to wear bug spray! The most dangerous animals in Michigan aren’t the bears or cougars, but instead the really annoying mosquitoes and biting flies (not that they’re dangerous).
Directions:
- On US-2 in between the small towns of Watersmeet and Marenisco, you’ll find County Road 527.
- If you’re heading west on US-2 toward Watersmeet, CR-527 will be on your right. Turn right.
- Drive a very short distance down this road. Do not cross the bridge, but park in the parking area to your left. There will be a sign there.
- From this parking area, you’ll notice the trail that is pretty close to the river.
- Follow that trail, and you’ll see multiple different drops.
Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 10′
Length of Hike: 0.3 miles round-trip
Kakabika Falls in May 2009
Where in the World is Kakabika Falls?
The Waterfall Record 
We visited Kakabika Falls earlier this week after very heavy rainfall and it was amazing! I’ve visited and photographed over 100 waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, from the large to the small, the popular to the obscure, and this one is definitely in my top 5, even though, as you point out, there is no huge drop. Even so, the continual series of drops and rapids as the river snakes through the forest is enchanting — a treat at every turn of the trail! There is no doubt that the heavy rainfall contributed greatly to the fast-moving, churning water when we were there, but this one is not to be missed!