12 Waterfalls, 2 days in the Keweenaw Peninsula

The Keweenaw Peninsula, located in the northernmost part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the UP. With its countless waterfalls, breathtaking lake views, and abundant wildlife, this place offers a surreal experience. Moreover, it’s an ideal spot to catch a boat ride to Isle Royale National Park during the summer months. If you’re an avid waterfall admirer (like us😊), then the Keweenaw Peninsula is the perfect place for you. Check out the perfectly crafted itinerary that will take you to twelve beautiful waterfalls in just two days!

Entrance Fee:

FREE

Lodging:

I would recommend staying near Houghton, Eagle Harbor, or Copper Harbor. We stayed in Copper Harbor at the Fort Wilkens State Park Campground and would definitely recommend it. Reservations for Fort Wilkens State Park can be made here- Fort Wilkens Camping.

Dining:

Plenty of great dining options exist throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula between Copper Harbor and Houghton.

Personal Recommendations: Harbor Haus, Fitzgerald’s, and The Berry Patch.

Must Know Before You Go:

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has so much wildlife. This includes bear, moose, and wolves. Please review bear safety before heading out.
Plan for all weather. On many days of our recent visit, the weather and lake went from sunny and calm to stormy with massive waves and harsh winds so fast!
Many places in the UP are closed or have limited hours from October through April.
Gas stations and grocery stores are limited. Fill up on gas and grab essentials when you see an opportunity. The Genny in Copper Harbor should have most things you need!
All trails can get very muddy. Proper footwear is recommended.
As always, please follow the Leave No Trace principles.

Cell Service:

There is decent cell service in Houghton, but it is very limited in Copper Harbor. Additionally, there is no service on any trails.

2 Day Itinerary

Day 1

Manganese Falls-

If you stay in Copper Harbor, make Manganese Falls the first stop. Manganese Falls is less than a mile from downtown Copper Harbor via Manganese Road. You can see the 45-foot falls from the roadside observation deck. If you’re feeling adventurous and want a closer look, head down the steep path until you reach the creek. Follow the creek for more lovely views of the gorge and falls. After exploring the falls, return to your car and take US-41/Mandan Road to Montreal Falls.

Montreal Falls-

For Montreal Falls, do NOT follow AllTrails or Google Maps to reach the trailhead. They will both take you to Smith Fisheries Road, where you will be met with a gate and trespassing if you continue to trek in that way. Instead, take Hoar Lake/Fish Cove Road off Mandan Road. When the Hoar Lake Road splits, follow signs to Fish Cove and the small, rustic parking lot. From the lot, head south towards the shore of Lake Superior, then head west for 1 mile until you reach the gorgeous 20-foot falls. This hike is approximately 2.5 miles roundtrip.

Haven Falls-

After Montreal Falls, head back to US-41 and take that to Gay Lac La Belle Rd. Once you come to Lac La Belle Lake, head west, and Haven Falls Park will be almost immediately on your right, just off the main road. The 20-ft Haven Falls is just steps from the parking area. This is a great place to have lunch if you plan to bring food with you. There are restrooms and a picnic area near the falls.

Eagle River Falls-

From Haven Falls Park, head back to US-41. Take US-41 S to M-26 N. Eagle River Falls is a roadside waterfall about 2 miles down M-26 N. There is a small parking lot immediately next to the 60-foot falls and a small museum just across the street from the parking lot. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 12 pm-4 pm.

Jacob’s Falls-

Jacob’s Falls is just 3 miles northeast of Eagle River Falls off. Park along the wide shoulder of M-26 to check out this beautiful 40-foot waterfall.

Silver River Falls-

The last waterfall of the day is Silver River Falls. Silver River Falls is another 9 miles north on M-26 if driving from Jacob’s Falls. It is also another roadside waterfall, so no hiking is necessary! If you want slightly better views of the lower falls, walk a little farther downstream.

Brockway Mountain Drive-

From the Silver River Falls lot, you will see the sign for Brockway Mountain Drive just up ahead. Brockway Mountain Drive is 9 miles one way and has some of the most spectacular views in all of Michigan. The 9 miles will easily take you at least an hour since there isn’t a single lookout that isn’t absolutely stunning. When you reach the end, it will drop you off right in Copper Habor, just in time to grab dinner in town😊

Day 2

Hungarian Falls-

Today, you will visit some of my favorite waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula. First on the list is Hungarian Falls, which really features four stunning waterfalls. You can find the Hungarian Falls Nature Area off Golf Course Road, where you will see the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, as well as the dam. Parking is available on the shoulder, and there is only one small, handwritten sign that says “Falls >.” If you take that main trail, it will split into two directions: left for Middle and Lower Falls, and right for the dam and Upper Falls. Keep walking past the dam and pond to get to Upper Falls. You will see small signs that lead down to the falls area. Be careful when you get close to the ledges at both Upper and Lower Falls.

Douglass Houghton Falls-

Four miles from Hungarian Falls is the tallest waterfall in Michigan- Douglass Houghton Falls, at a massive 120ft. There is a small parking area with a sign that says DH Falls. If Google is your navigation source, the parking lot is just before the private driveway Google Maps plans on dropping you off at😊 To reach the top of DH Falls, follow the well-marked path and stream for an easy 0.25 miles. Please use extreme caution when looking at the top of the falls from the cliff ledge.

If you are up for a challenge and remember gloves with a decent grip, follow the path further (away from the top of the falls) and descend the steep, rocky path. After getting down the initial drop, there will be a set of ropes to get down to the base of the falls from there. I would use the rope set near the small clearing. It is a more gradual descent and much easier than the single rope. Our three kiddos had no problem using that set of ropes, even in the rain. *Our kiddos are very used to climbing. Make your way to the base of the falls at your own risk. *

If you go to the base of the falls, this trail is 1 mile roundtrip.

Queen Anne’s Falls-

For Queen Anne’s Falls, head to the small town of Copper City, which is approximately 8 miles from the DH Falls lot. Park near the old train tracks off Allouez-Copper City Road. From there, follow the wide path until the trail splits. At the split veer left, where you will hike past a small lake. Just past the lake, turn left again until the trail ends in a loop. From the loop, take the narrow path to the creek. At the creek, head right and follow the water until you see the falls. There are other ways to return your car. However, I would recommend returning the same way you came. Depending on how much you explore the falls and creek area, this route is approximately 2 miles roundtrip.

Hunter’s Point Park-

The day’s last stop on this adventure is in Copper Harbor at Hunter’s Point Park. This 1.5-mile trail is an easy loop trail with spectacular water views of Lake Superior. Parking and restrooms can be found off of Harbor Coast Lane. Explore the loop in either direction!