Pinnacle Falls, Michigan

Tucked away in the rugged backcountry of Marquette County, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is teeming with waterfalls. This remote area, crisscrossed by unpaved logging roads, holds countless natural treasures, but getting to them can be an adventure in itself. Many cascades are hidden on private property or are accessed via forest roads, making them more difficult to find. However, for those willing to drive, Pinnacle Falls offers a spectacular reward that’s both accessible to the public and well worth the effort.

From the small designated parking area, the journey to the base of Pinnacle Falls is deceptively short. The trail is only 0.25 miles one-way, but don’t let the distance fool you. The path descends rather steeply into the gorge carved by the Yellow Dog River, making for a challenging trek that easily earns its moderate rating. You’ll want sturdy footwear as you navigate the trail down to the water’s edge. Your effort is repaid with an incredible, up-close view of the powerful 20-foot waterfall as it plunges over a dark rock shelf into the canyon below.

Directions:

1. From Marquette, drive north through the city. You’re looking for County Road 550/Big Bay Road.
2. You’ll likely turn left onto Big Bay Rd, and you’ll be heading northwest, generally following the Lake Superior shoreline.
3. Before you reach Big Bay village, you’ll turn left onto County Road 510. Drive for 2.5 miles on County Road 510.
4. County Road 510 veers south/to the left. You want to continue forward onto Triple A (AAA) Road.
5. Drive for 5 miles on AAA Road, and then turn left onto County Road AAC.
6. Drive for 1.5 miles to a right turn onto an unnamed road heading south.
7. Drive for 1 mile or so to the trailhead and parking area.
8. Follow the trail downhill. The trail follow the creek and then turns back north to give the views of Pinnacle Falls.

Accessibility: 6/10 (moderate)
Height: 20′ / 6 m
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles / 0.8 km round-trip

Where in the World is Pinnacle Falls?