Want to see frozen waterfalls in Michigan? Try these 10 gorgeous winter hikes

Whether your route is ice climbing, snowshoeing, or a good old-fashioned hike, here are 10 frozen waterfalls in Michigan worth visiting. 

I was today years old when I learned that people go ice climbing up frozen waterfalls, just like people go rock climbing up mountains. Frankly, I’m not adventurous enough to try either of those outdoor experiences, but fortunately for the non-ice climbers among us, there are still easy ways to visit the wonders that are Michigan’s waterfalls in the winter.

We are lucky enough to live by woods, and I can attest that one of my favorite parts of living in Michigan is getting to experience our state during the winter. There’s just something so beautiful and peaceful about being out in the snow—and as a bonus, you aren’t plagued by bugs along the way.

Having the chance to see a frozen waterfall and hike through these popular Michigan trails sounds like the perfect way to spend a winter afternoon or weekend, so here are some suggestions to get started. (Ice climbing optional.)

Tips for hiking in the winter

The first thing you’ll want to do before starting out on your winter hike is to double-check that the site you’re planning to visit is open and accessible in the winter. Some sites and trails maintain plowed parking lots and groomed trails for easier access in the snow, while others are full-on rustic, so you’ll want to know which experience you’re signing up for.

In addition to contacting the site you are interested in visiting directly, you can also check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for state and local park closures and updates.

Next, gather the supplies you need for a successful winter hike. We will caution that ice climbing is a different beast entirely, so if you’re planning to hoist yourself up a frozen waterfall, we’re going to go ahead and assume you know what you’re doing without us. For the people who are just looking to visit frozen falls and not climb up them, here are some supplies that may be helpful for your trek:

• Layered clothing
• Full winter protective gear, including gloves, hats, scarves, jackets, and snow pants
• Waterproof boots with traction
• Snow shoes
• Additional traction devices, like ice spikes for your shoes
• Hiking poles
• Sunglasses (this one might seem weird, but sun + that snow glare can be intense)
• Emergency supplies, including food, water, a fire starter, a map, and a compass

The National Park Service also recommends avoiding stepping on ice, being aware of your surroundings for falling ice and snow, and always being willing to turn around if you reach impassable conditions, like a snow-logged tree down on the trail. Ready to forge your way to frozen falls, here is a list of Michigan waterfalls to visit in the winter.

1. Canyon Falls

Location: 8 miles south of  L’anse Township, Baraga County, MI, US-41

Difficulty: Moderate

Dubbed “The Grand Canyon of Michigan,” Canyon Falls is located in the Upper Peninsula, and the trail features large canyons and forges that line the Sturgeon River. While the full trail stretches nearly 4 miles long, the falls are located about half a mile in from the road.

Those who have made the trek to Michigan’s Grand Canyon say it’s well worth it (snowshoes and hiking poles are recommended) and that the ice formations that form alongside the frozen falls are especially beautiful to behold.

Reports say that while the gorge is impressive, with a chute of “smooth black rock,” the straight drop also means you’ll need to be careful when navigating the trail to the falls in the wintertime. The trail is relatively easy (and very popular!)  in the summer, but winter brings the risk of icy and slippery conditions. Also, be aware of the uneven terrain and possible fallen trees.

2. Bond Falls

Location: Bond Falls Road, Trout Creek, MI

Difficulty: Moderate

The name’s Bond—Bond Falls. Sorry, we couldn’t resist. But the bad puns aside, Bond Falls is one of the most popular and scenic waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  The trail to reach the falls is a loop style, totalling just under one mile, and the falls are unique because they’re broken up, so you see a cluster of small “mini” waterfalls cascading over the rocks.

Technically, the hiking trail is open year-round, but the boardwalks and trails are not groomed during the winter.  That means that while full of beautiful wintery scenery, the deep snow and trees bogged down with frozen precipitation can make the hike a bit more difficult, and depending on the conditions, some of the bridges can even be impassable. If you visit, give yourself plenty of extra time to account for potentially longer hikes through the drifts.

3. Tahquammenon Falls Upper Falls Trail

Location: 41382, West M-123, Paradise, MI 49768

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Fun fact: Michigan’s Tahquamenon Falls have more water than any other natural water formation east of the Mississippi. In fact, only Niagra Falls boasts more water. I have had the pleasure of visiting Tahquamenon Falls, but did not realize just how voluminous its water was.

Like many Michiganders, I am well familiar with Tahquamenon Falls, but I have to say I have not thought to visit them in the winter. Fortunately, unlike some of the frozen falls we have on our list, Tahquemnoon’s shorter one-mile trail is shoveled and cleared during the winter, making it one of the easiest frozen falls to visit. Because of how much water is in the falls, the Upper Falls of Tahquammenon rarely freeze (although it can happen!), so you’ll be treated to rushing, roaring falls cascading into frozen formations below.

The longer 8-mile upper River Trail is not maintained in the winter, so use caution and be prepared for steep slopes, slippery stairs, and deep snow and ice if you decide to make the trek.

4. Seven Bridges Falls

Location: Valley Rd, Rapid City, MI 49676

Difficulty: Easy

The rushing water currents of Seven Bridges in the Lower Peninsula may not be Taquemonon level, but they can still provide a peaceful and picturesque scene in the winter months of Michigan. The Seven Bridges recreational area gets its name from several channels running through the recreational area that were once topped with seven distinct bridges. Today, however, only four remain.

The recreational area of Seven Bridges spans 314 acres, but the designated trail path is a very doable 0.7 miles. However, like most trails in the winter, hikers are encouraged to proceed with caution. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled, because you may be able to spot the property’s original 1882 sawmill in the snow.

5. Laughing Whitefish Falls Trail 

Location: Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park. M-94 And Sundell Rd Intersection, Sundell, MI 49885

Difficulty: Moderate

The Laughing Whitefish Falls Trail is an easy one-mile route in the warm months, but in the winter it requires considerable effort to reach, as the trail is not groomed or maintained. Michigan’s DNR cautions that you can only access the park via ungroomed cross-country skis or snowshoes, and the road is not paved or plowed, and there is no turnaround. The trail also includes several stairs, which are also not maintained during the winter months.

The tradeoff to all that hard work, of course, is being beholden to the 100-foot of (hopefully) frozen falls and several different viewing platforms to witness them from. Natural caves dot the area, too, so you can also spot unique ice formations along the rocky walls.

6. Munising Falls 

Location: 1505 Sand Point Road, Munising, MI 49862

Difficulty: Easy

Munising Falls is a popular winter waterfall attraction because not only is it stunning, but it’s also the only waterfall in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park that’s accessible in the winter months. It also has a flush toilet available all year-round, and you can bring your leashed pets along with you, so winter win-wins, in our book.

The parking lot to reach the 50-foot frozen Munising Falls is plowed all winter, making it easy to visit, even in the snow. Although the parking lot and trail are accessible, keep in mind that the 800-foot walk to the waterfall can still be icy and slippery. Because of the potential hazards, ice cleats are recommended, and if you know the snow is deep, pack a pair of snowshoes too, just in case. The National Park Service cautions that, as tempting as it may be to get a closer look at those frozen falls, resist—don’t leave the trail and don’t lean over any railings.

7. Wagner Falls Scenic Site 

Location: South of Munising on M-94

Difficulty: Easy

Wagner Falls is a 20-foot frozen delight that can be visited year-round. The state park parking lot is normally plowed, so after parking, you can walk to the boardwalk trail that leads to the observation deck to view the wintery forest scene that is Wagner Falls.

The entire trek is a short 0.25-mile round trip that is easy and family-friendly. There are also a few steps, so be cautious of slippery conditions and dress warmly. My family personally visited Wagner Falls in March, so while it wasn’t snowy, it was still chilly, and my kids still talk about it as one of their favorite memories, so it’s well worth a visit.

8. Miner Falls  

Location: Miner’s Castle Road (H-11), northeast of Munising, MI

Difficulty: Easy

File this under things I didn’t know about Michigan: You can actually climb up frozen waterfalls. Miner Falls in Munising just so happens to be one of the frozen falls that you can climb (with the appropriate gear and level of freezing, of course). According to the Munising Visitors Bureau, ice climbing is very popular in the Munising area due to the many waterfalls and porous sandstone cliffs that dot the area.

If you’re new to ice climbing, you can even take beginner ice climbing classes at Munising’s Down Wind Sports. And when you’re ready to tackle the full 40-foot frozen ice column that is Miner Falls in the winter, be ready to ski or snowshoe the three miles in. The normal, shorter trail to the falls isn’t accessible in the winter because the summer parking lot isn’t plowed, so you’ll need to plan for a longer trek. Another pro tip: Don’t park all the way down to H-11, or you’ll risk getting stuck in the snow!

9. Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Path

Location: 12 miles west of Rogers City via M-68. (Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground)

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Ocqueoc Falls is unique because it recently became the country’s first and only universally accessible waterfall. It also happens to hold the title of the Lower Peninsula’s largest waterfall, so it gets all the praise.

As one of the only two waterfalls in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, it’s a beautiful sight to visit for those of us under the bridge. The entire Bicentennial Path that surrounds the falls is about 6 miles long, so you can choose different loops for shorter distances, based on your preference. The paths are open year-round for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The shorter, paved paths are generally easy and well-maintained in the winter, while the longer paths can be more difficult due to snow and icy conditions, so plan accordingly.

10. Hungarian Falls 

Location: Golf Course Road off M-26 in Tamarack City

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Hungarian Falls, located on the Keweenaw Peninsula, is a popular snowshoeing destination because it’s fairly accessible at a family-friendly pace and provides a diverse, changing landscape through the snowy months.

You can snowshoe to the falls in around two hours, and there are two options if you’re looking for a more challenging hike. The easier trail treks to the lower and middle falls, while the uphill trail leads to the upper part of the falls. Both routes are scenic, and no matter which trail you take, be sure to avoid walking on the frozen-over rivers, just in case.