Waterfall Record

This is a portion of a waterfall with a rainbow.

The Waterfall Record

Powder Horn Falls, Michigan

Reflecting on a visit 17 years later is interesting, especially as I’ve continued learning about Powder Horn Falls after first visiting. I first saw it in 2008 during my first major waterfall-hunting trip. I still remember finding the falls and noticing a chair and porch swing nearby, signs that someone lived close and enjoyed the soothing sound of rushing water. Honestly, I couldn’t blame them! It would be amazing to have a place like that to sit and relax.

When I reached the falls, I wasn’t sure whether to go any farther, so I didn’t. The photo I took isn’t a great representation. Powder Horn Falls is about 15 feet tall, though I may have only captured the upper portion. There might’ve been a rope leading down into the gorge, but I didn’t investigate closely. I’ve often wondered why I haven’t gone back on later visits to Gogebic County.

Interestingly, within the past year, there was a moment when the dream of owning a porch swing next to a waterfall nearly became reality. During a random search, I found that the land, including a cabin and the falls, was up for sale. The owners seemed to pull the listing after a few weeks. The price wasn’t outrageous, either.

Directions:

  1. Powderhorn Road is off of US-2 between Bessemer and Ironwood, closer to Bessemer. If you head west from Bessemer on US-2, 1.5 miles later, you’ll turn right onto Powderhorn Rd.
  2. Drive 1.5-2 miles on Powderhorn Road. The falls are before the Powdermill Inn and some other lodging, but it may be easier to park at the inn and head back to the trail for the falls.
  3. Many of the directions online are from similar times (circa 2008 or earlier), so the setup may have changed since then. The trail may be across from a telephone pole with a sign for “Flintlock”.
  4. The trail should lead to the top of the falls, and there may be ropes along the trail to help reach the base. In this case, as with all waterfalls, please follow any posted signs. If a “No Trespassing” sign is up, don’t trespass.

Accessibility: 6/10 (moderate)
Height: 15′
Length of Hike: 0.1-0.3 miles round-trip

This is a portion of Powder Horn Falls, a waterfall that is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Gogebic Falls. This picture shows water dropping a few feet with a large log in the creek.
This is likely the top of Powder Horn Falls in August 2008

Where in the World is Powder Horn Falls?

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