Manganese Falls in May 2009

Manganese Falls is one of the most intriguing waterfalls I’ve seen in Michigan. Much of the waterfall is actually hidden from view due to trees and the intensely sharp and curving drops of the falls. It may not be the most spectacular or photogenic waterfall in the Keweenaw Peninsula and Michigan.

I say it’s intriguing, though, because of how interesting it still is. The waterfall starts off with a easy-to-view cascade, and then from there, it takes a rather sharp drop that really disappears from view. It then reappears, but only from a different viewpoint. At that viewpoint, you realize that the waterfall drops again, and you can’t fully see all of the falls below you. What might be the most intriguing is that I’m not really sure how far the falls drops below that viewpoint. I know there’s more below, but how much more? I believe that I’ve seen a picture or two from the base, but the way to access it escapes me, as this has some of the steepest rock faces that I’ve seen in Michigan.

Directions:

1. You can come up to Copper Harbor from either M-26 or US-41 heading north.
2. At the intersection of those two roads, head east to the Copper Harbor Community and Visitor Center, which will be on the right.
3. Turn right onto the street immediately past that building. Go 0.7 miles on that road. A sign for the falls will be found on the right side of the road.
4. After finding the sign, walk across the road where the sound of the waterfall is emanating, and a viewpoint will be there. Explore to get other viewpoints of the waterfall, but BE CAREFUL. There are surprisingly steep drops that come unexpectedly.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 30′
Length of Hike: 0.1 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Manganese Falls?