The Porcupine Mountains are considered the jewel of the Upper Peninsula, and it is easy to see why both locals and tourists flock to the area year-round for adventures. With around 60,000 acres of untamed forest grounds making up the area, you’ll see an abundance of wildlife roaming and flying throughout the pristine natural environment. To top it all off, the area is filled with beautiful rivers that are crowned with some of the most glorious waterfalls in the world.

Among its many claims to fame, the Porcupine Mountains are home to over 90 waterfalls that range from breathtaking masterpieces to smaller cascades that allow you to view them up close. When you only have a few days or weeks to explore the area, you might need to whittle down your sightseeing list to include the waterfalls you want to see the most, and these five must-see falls will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the power that exists within nature.

How To Start Planning a Waterfall Viewing Adventure
You can begin planning your waterfall viewing adventure like you would any other major trip. You’ll need to plan for lodging in a comfortable environment designed for people who enjoy outdoor adventures. Ironwood hotels are only about half an hour from the mountains, and they provide you with multiple eateries and shops in town that you can enjoy after hiking around the wilderness all day.

Next, you’ll want to determine which waterfalls to include on your itinerary. If your goal is to see as many waterfalls as possible, then you’ll want to plan your trip with a few popular parts of the Porcupine Mountains in mind. The Black River has multiple waterfalls along its route, and many are accessible by simply hiking or driving from one to the next. The Presque Isle River also has three famous waterfalls that can be visited in one big trek.

Start Easy With a Paved Trail to Potawatomi Falls
If you have a senior loved one or someone with disabilities who has seeing a waterfall on their bucket list, then this is the perfect place to make their dreams come true. The same also applies to families with small children who might prefer a shorter walking adventure to see water flowing over the side of a cliff. Potawatomi Falls is accessible by using a 600-foot paved trail that is wheelchair-friendly. Despite the easy access, the overlook provides an amazing view of the 130-foot wide cascade that flows mightily over the rocks into a 30-foot drop.

Head On to Gorge Falls
After viewing the Potawatomi Falls, you might still be up for more adventure before you head back to your Porcupine Mountains hotel. A short walk from the Potawatomi observation deck will take you to Gorge Falls. While the Gorge is a little smaller at only 29 feet wide and with a 24-foot drop, the view is still impressive enough that everyone will be enthralled.

If you’ve had enough waterfall viewing for the day, you can head to a nearby picnicking and restroom before hopping in your car. Or, you might choose to keep the fun going by hiking to one of the other nearby falls, such as the Conglomerate Falls. Keep in mind that this option is better suited for older kids and people who are used to hiking since it will involve moving off of the paved trail to one that is less maintained.

Enjoy the Cascading Beauty of Bond Falls
The Bond Falls are located on the Ontonagon River. Here, the middle branch of the river goes tumbling over a thick portion of fractured rock that results in numerous cascades of flowing water. In the winter months, the cascades can freeze, resulting in fantastic ice sculptures that create a magical winter wonderland. Dog lovers also tend to love that the one-mile trail that loops around the trails is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pup along.

Check out the Picturesque Agate Falls
This popular tourist site is one of the more well-known ones in the area because of the majestic beauty of the Agate Falls. You’ll find the Agate Falls are also located on the Ontonagon River, and they are comprised of a series of cascades and small falls that interlace as they flow to a 40-foot drop. You can access the Agate Falls through an accessible foot trail, and the park has restrooms and other amenities that are open from around May through October, weather permitting.

Visit Presque Isle River to Enjoy a Three-In-One Experience
Technically, the Presque Falls are three different ones, but they are so close together that most visitors lump them into one unforgettable visit. The scenic sites include the Nawadaha, Manido, and Manabezho Falls, which are all accessible by a 2.3-mile loop that provides a wide range of different views. During the winter, you can face some parts of the trails that are closed to traffic, but you can still make the trek by snowshoeing if you are up for a true Michigan adventure.

Summer Vs. Winter: Know When to Check Out the Falls
The best Upper Peninsula motel is open year-round for you to have a safe and cozy place to warm up or cool down after a big day out on the trails. Yet, you’ll still need to plan for your waterfall viewing tour to take place during the time of year that gives you your desired experience.

During the summer, the temps stay within a comfortable range of highs. But you can definitely feel a chill in the evening and early mornings throughout the fall and early spring seasons. Most people visit the waterfalls between May and late August, where the warm weather guarantees a steady flow of water. Yet, there is also something amazing about seeing the frozen winter scenes that give you a new perspective on the majestic feeling that being around waterfalls brings.

Stay Safe With These Waterfall Observation Tips
Whether you decide to visit in the summer or frigid winter, you’ll want to pack accordingly for the weather. Keep in mind that waterproof clothing is always a good idea since those spring storms can leave you soaked on the trail.

In addition to following basic trail safety and etiquette guidelines, viewing waterfalls requires taking extra precautions. The flowing water can generate an environment that includes steep drop-offs and high currents that increase the risk of injuries and drowning. Make sure that everyone in your group knows to observe the falls from their designated observation decks and nearby trails. Wearing sturdy hiking shoes with good tread and staying off of slippery rocks can help you avoid taking a surprise dip in unsafe water.

While you can feel free to take lots of selfies, make sure to only do so when you are on dry ground with plenty of space between you and any drop-offs or other hazards. Even better, ask a hiking buddy to take a full photo shot of you where you can get more of the waterfall in the background. Later, you can trade pictures and stories of your favorite moments as you enjoy a relaxing stay at your comfy Porcupine Mountains hotel.

Going on a waterfall viewing tour is fun for everyone. You can even create the perfect adventure for the people in your group, whether they have disabilities or engage in heavy athletic pursuits such as snowboarding. Before you head out, make sure your cameras and phones are fully charged and that you’ve had the best night of sleep in your Porcupine Mountains hotel so that you can capture and enjoy those special awe-inspiring moments that the roar of a waterfall provides.