Gorge Falls in August 2008

The waterfalls of the Black River should be extremely high on the priority list of waterfalls to visit Michigan. If I could choose one river with multiple waterfalls to suggest visiting, this river would be the one. The Black River has at least five waterfalls of considerable size, and each of these waterfalls is very unique and distinct.

Gorge Falls clearly indicates that this waterfall is found in a gorge, and the gorge is extremely interesting. To view this waterfall, you have entered into the gorge. When I say that these waterfalls are uniquely distinct, here’s why… Gorge Falls is only about 5′ wide at most and about 35′ tall. The waterfall just upstream of it, Potawatomi Falls, is 30-35′ tall, and anywhere from 150-200′ wide, I’m guessing. In less than a quarter of a mile, the river has narrowed from about 175′ to just 5′. It’s just amazing!

There are two different ways to view the falls: park at one of the beginning or ending falls (Great Conglomerate Falls or Rainbow Falls) and take the hike past all of the falls. Round-trip, I’m guessing that’s at least 6 miles? Or you can drive and walk to each of the falls separately (Potowatomi and Gorge are at the same parking area). This may be just as long, as some of the hikes to each separate falls are 3/4+ miles one-way.

Directions:

1. From US-2, turn north onto Gogebic County Road 513.
2. Head north on CR-513 for about 13 miles, where you will notice the first waterfall (the furtherst upstream), Great Conglomerate Falls. You can park there to access all of the falls on one trail.
3. You can also pass that parking lot and head to the next parking area, which will be for both Gorge Falls and Potowatomi Falls.
4. From the parking area, it can get a little confusing, at least it was for me. Gorge Falls is further downstream, so you should head to the left. It’s actually a rather short walk to this falls if you find the right trail quickly. You may also end up at Potowatomi Falls, like I did, which you can distinguish since it is MUCH, MUCH larger!

Accessibility: 7/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 34′
Length of Hike: 0.3 miles round-trip

Gorge Falls in August 2011

Where in the World is Gorge Falls?