While New Buffalo, Michigan, is not known for its waterfalls, the nearest significant cascades are located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This guide explores the top-rated waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, providing information on their locations, unique features, hiking trails, photography spots, and practical tips for visitors.
What Are the Top-Rated Waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula?
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula boasts several stunning waterfalls, each with its own unique charm:
- Bond Falls
- Location: Near the Wisconsin-Michigan border
- Height: 50 feet
-
Unique Feature: Natural divider for the Ontonagon River
-
Tahquamenon Falls
- Location: Tahquamenon Falls State Park
- Height: Upper Falls – 48 feet, Lower Falls – 23 feet
-
Unique Feature: Second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River
-
Sable Falls
- Location: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Height: Tallest waterfall in the Upper Peninsula
-
Unique Feature: Long and gradual waterfall with a secluded beach
-
Miners Falls
- Location: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Height: 40 feet
-
Unique Feature: Water billowing over a cliff onto rocks
-
Spray Falls
- Location: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Height: 70 feet
-
Unique Feature: Pours straight off a cliff into Lake Superior
-
Munising Falls
- Location: Munising Falls Visitor Center
- Height: 50 feet
- Unique Feature: Accessible walkway behind and underneath the falls
What Hiking Trails Lead to These Waterfalls?
Each waterfall offers unique hiking experiences:
Bond Falls
- Trail Length: Approximately 1 mile round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: About 1 hour
- Amenities: Rest areas and picnic spots
Tahquamenon Falls
- Trail Length: Various trails, including a 4-mile loop
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Estimated Time: Several hours depending on the trail
- Amenities: Rest areas, picnic spots, and facilities within the state park
Sable Falls
- Trail Length: About 0.5 miles to the falls
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Amenities: Rest areas and picnic spots
Miners Falls
- Trail Length: 1.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Amenities: Rest areas and picnic spots
Spray Falls
- Not accessible by land; requires kayak or boat
Munising Falls
- Trail Length: 0.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Amenities: Rest areas and picnic spots
Where Are the Best Photography Spots and What Are Some Tips?
Each waterfall offers unique photography opportunities:
Bond Falls
- Optimal Times: Early morning or late afternoon
- Recommended Angles: Base of the falls or from the top
- Tips: Be cautious of slippery rocks
Tahquamenon Falls
- Optimal Times: Early morning or late afternoon
- Recommended Angles: From the island that splits the river
- Tips: Respect park rules and other visitors
Sable Falls
- Optimal Times: Early morning or late afternoon
- Recommended Angles: Bottom or top of the falls
- Tips: Be cautious of slippery rocks
Miners Falls
- Optimal Times: Early morning or late afternoon
- Recommended Angles: From the hiking trail or base
- Tips: Be cautious of slippery rocks
Spray Falls
- Optimal Times: Early morning or late afternoon
- Recommended Angles: From kayak or boat
- Tips: Respect watercraft and water conditions
Munising Falls
- Optimal Times: Early morning or late afternoon
- Recommended Angles: Behind or underneath the falls
- Tips: Be cautious of slippery rocks
What Practical Information Should Visitors Know?
Parking Availability
| Waterfall | Parking Information |
|---|---|
| Bond Falls | Ample parking near falls |
| Tahquamenon Falls | Large parking areas in state park |
| Sable Falls | Parking near trailhead |
| Miners Falls | Parking near trailhead |
| Spray Falls | No land-based parking |
| Munising Falls | Parking at Visitor Center |
Accessibility Options
- Bond Falls: Moderate accessibility
- Tahquamenon Falls: Various trail difficulties
- Sable Falls: Easy to moderate accessibility
- Miners Falls: Moderate accessibility
- Spray Falls: Watercraft access only
- Munising Falls: Easy accessibility with barrier-free paths
Seasonal Events and Guided Tours
- Spring: Best time for increased water flow
- Summer: Ideal hiking weather
- Autumn: Vibrant leaf colors
- Winter: Ice climbing opportunities at some falls
- Guided Tours: Available through park programs and tour operators
While these waterfalls are not near New Buffalo, Michigan, they represent some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the state and are worth the journey for waterfall enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.