M-26

Even Lower Hungarian Falls, Michigan

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Below Lower Hungarian Falls, there are a number of smaller drops on the river that are interesting to view. These can only be viewed by making the very crazy choice to head down in to the gorge itself. It was definitely not the easiest hike I have ever done. After jumping from the riverbank onto logs, and then rock-hopping for a ways, you will reach these falls. The return journey is no simpler.

This specific waterfall is about 10′ tall, and comes in two separate drops. I think there are a few others. You might be able to tell there’s a third drop almost hidden by a log.

Directions:

  1. You’ll be driving along M-26 toward Hubell, MI.
  2. In the outskirts of Hubell (if there can be outskirts in such a small town), turn onto Sixth Street.
  3. Sixth Street will dead end, but to the left is a dirt road named Golf Course Road. Take the road to the left.
  4. You will go up a hill, and the road will flatten out a little bit.
  5. Here’s the confusing part…As you’re driving on Golf Course Road, you will pass a number of dirt roads on the left. I got confused by the directions I was following and ended up turning onto the first road ON THE LEFT after a pile of rubble and a gate. The connection to the road was not even, so go slowly!
  6. From there, I headed down that road to the end, where there is a turn-around. Park here.
  7. From here, you will connect onto the trail to your right. Where I parked, if I walked straight instead of to the right, I hit what looked like the remains of an old bridge.
  8. From this trail, pay close attention. If you want to enter the gorge itself, you may notice a narrow dirt trail that leads downhill. This will lead you to the rock-hopping adventure I experienced.

Accessibility: 2/10 (strenuous)
Height: 10′
Length of Hike: 0.7 miles round-trip

A lower drop on the Hungarian River in May 2008

Where in the World is Even Lower Hungarian Falls?

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Manganese Falls, Michigan

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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?

Eagle River Falls, Michigan

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Eagle River Falls is a treasure of a waterfall in the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula. The Keweenaw Peninsula is an extremely beautiful place. I visited in early May when the trees had yet to turn green, and I think it would be even more beautiful when the leaves turn in the fall.

Eagle River Falls is one of the more scenic waterfalls in the peninsula. Many of the waterfalls on the peninsula are very easy to view, and Eagle River Falls is extremely easy to visit. M-26 crosses right over the Eagle River, and parking area is directly adjacent to the falls. Pay attention to the old dam (?) that is found on the river. It adds to the view of the falls.

Directions:

  1. Head north on M-26 from Houghton/Hancock. You’ll go a considerable distance and keep heading on M-26 to the village of Eagle River.
  2. As you pass over the Eagle River, if you look to the right, you’ll see the falls. The parking lot to get a better view of the falls is to your right.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 60′
Length of Hike: roadside

Eagle River Falls in May 2009

Where in the World is Eagle River Falls?

Ten-Foot Falls, Michigan

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I’m baffled by Ten-Foot Falls. I’m actually baffled by many of the waterfalls with their heights listed. They are almost always not as tall as their name suggests, and Ten-Foot Falls is no exception. If I had to take a guess, I’d say the drop is maybe three feet at most. The river might drop more a little further upstream, but it doesn’t seem like the total drop is ten feet, at least in the near vicinity. (One of my readers helped solve the riddle, there’s a pool below the falls that’s ten feet deep! Thanks for the explanation!)

Another thing: While Ten-Foot Falls is extremely easy to get to, finding it is a little tricky. The waterfall is right off of M-26, but you wouldn’t even have a clue unless you follow some form of directions. Even then, I would suggest going in a roundabout way. The only reason I’d even stop and see this waterfall is that is very close to some other more interesting waterfalls, including Eagle River Falls.

Directions:
The easiest way I have found to find these falls is as follows:

  1. Start on M-26 in Eagle River, which is near Lake Superior on the Keweenaw Peninsula. You can see Eagle River Falls there.
  2. From Eagle River, head southeast on M-26. As you’re leaving Eagle River, reset the mileage on your odometer.
  3. Drive for 1.4 miles on M-26. After you’ve traveled that distance, look for a gravel pullout area off of M-26 on your LEFT.
  4. This pullout area is only a few feet from the Eagle River and Ten-Foot Falls.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 3′
Length of Hike: roadside

Ten-Foot Falls in May 2009

 Where in the World is Ten-Foot Falls?

Jacobs Falls, Michigan

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Jacobs Falls’ redeeming quality is that is so easy to visit! Jacobs Falls is a pretty waterfall not too far from Lake Superior in the Keweenaw Peninsula. You’ll pass by the falls as you’re driving along M-26 past Eagle Harbor. While you’re in the area, check out the beautiful, scenic shoreline.

The waterfall has two drops, the upper one not visible in the picture below. There is a very unstable “trail” that leads up to the upper drop and beyond, though it was very slippery. It is doable with the right shoes, though.

Directions:

  1. Drive along M-26 north past Eagle Harbor.
  2. About 3-4 miles past Eagle Harbor, on your right (if you’re driving north), you’ll see Jacob’s Falls.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 20′
Length of Hike: roadside

Jacobs Falls in May 2009

Where in the World is Jacobs Falls?

Middle Hungarian Falls #1, Michigan

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The Hungarian River holds many treasures. As the river takes numerous precipitous drops from the heights of the Keweenaw Peninsula down to Portage Lake, a considerable number of very beautiful waterfalls are created. When I visited in May 2009, I counted at least six waterfalls, maybe even more.

The two most prominent waterfalls on the river are known as Upper and Lower Hungarian Falls. In between, there are three other drops. The drop that is closest to Lower Hungarian Falls is the waterfall profiled here. It is the most scenic of the middle three. Of the waterfalls on the river, this is the one that offers the most viewpoints: at eye level, and at least two different views from above.

Directions:

  1. You’ll be driving along M-26 toward Hubell, MI.
  2. In the outskirts of Hubell (if there can be outskirts in such a small town), turn onto Sixth Street.
  3. Sixth Street will dead end, but to the left is a dirt road named Golf Course Road. Take the road to the left.
  4. You will go up a hill, and the road will flatten out a little bit.
  5. Here’s the confusing part…As you’re driving on Golf Course Road, you will pass a number of dirt roads on the left. I got confused by the directions I was following and ended up turning onto the first road ON THE LEFT after a pile of rubble and a gate. The connection to the road was not even, so go slowly!
  6. From there, I headed down that road to the end, where there is a turn-around. Park here.
  7. From here, you will connect onto the trail to your right. Where I parked, if I walked straight instead of to the right, I hit what looked like the remains of an old bridge…
  8. From this trail, you will end up passing the Lower Falls first. Then you will come to the first Middle Hungarian Falls. All of the falls can be viewed from this trail, some better than others.

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

Middle Hungarian Falls #1 in May 2009

Where in the World is Middle Hungarian Falls #1?

Silver River Falls, Michigan

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There are multiple Silver Rivers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This is the Silver River in Keweenaw County. Silver River Falls is a very pleasant waterfall not too distant from the western shore of Lake Superior on the Keweenaw Peninsula. It is also very easy to find and visit, so check it out it, even if it’s not the most spectacular of waterfalls.

Silver River Falls has two or three drops with small segments of rapids in between. The falls is only about 15 ft or so.

Directions:

  1. Silver River Falls can be found directly off of M-26 on the stretch between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor, about 4 miles east of Eagle Harbor.
  2. If you are coming from Eagle Harbor, the parking/picnic area near the falls will be on your right. Pull into the parking area, cross the road, and follow the trail to the falls.

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

Silver River Falls in May 2009

Where in the World is Silver River Falls?