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North Country Trail: Black River Waterfalls

Ottawa National Forest, Michigan · 3 min read

Distance
8.5 mi
Elevation Gain
600 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
6 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Five named waterfalls: Chippewa, Algonquin, Potawatomi, Gorge, and Rainbow
  • North Country National Scenic Trail through old-growth hemlock and cedar
  • Rainbow Falls with a 40-foot drop visible from a suspension bridge
  • Lake Superior shoreline at Black River Harbor
  • One of the most waterfall-dense hiking corridors east of the Mississippi

Overview

The Black River Waterfalls trail is the signature hike in Ottawa National Forest, stringing together five named waterfalls along one of the Upper Peninsula's most scenic river corridors. The North Country National Scenic Trail follows the Black River from Chippewa Falls south of the forest to Rainbow Falls at Lake Superior, passing through old-growth eastern hemlock and northern white cedar the whole way. The 8.5-mile out-and-back covers the full waterfall corridor; many hikers choose to do just the northern 3 miles from Black River Harbor to see the most dramatic falls.

No permit is required. The trail is well-maintained and signed. Dogs are allowed on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Chippewa and Algonquin Falls. From the Chippewa Falls parking area, the NCT heads north along the river. Chippewa Falls is the first viewpoint, a wide multi-tiered cascade visible from a platform. Algonquin Falls is 1.5 miles farther, a broad horseshoe-shaped curtain fall with a rock amphitheater behind the viewpoint.

Miles 1.5 to 3.5: Potawatomi and Gorge Falls. Potawatomi Falls is the widest waterfall on the Black River, spreading across a wide basalt ledge. Gorge Falls, 0.5 miles farther, drops into a narrow gorge where the river squeezes between basalt walls. The gorge viewpoint offers the most dramatic perspective of any falls on the route.

Miles 3.5 to 4.25: Rainbow Falls and Lake Superior. The trail descends to Rainbow Falls, which drops 40 feet into a plunge pool visible from a suspension footbridge. This is the most photographed waterfall in Ottawa National Forest. From the bridge, the trail continues 0.5 miles to Black River Harbor and Lake Superior's rocky shoreline.

When to Hike

May and June offer peak waterfall volume after snowmelt. The hemlock-cedar forest is lush and the wildflowers are excellent in the understory. Black flies are intense in late May and early June; bring strong insect repellent.

July through September is the primary tourist season. The falls are less powerful but still scenic. Mosquitoes diminish by late July.

October brings maple and birch color to the corridor overhead, creating one of the best fall foliage hike experiences in Michigan.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 to 2 liters of water; the Black River is a nearby source but requires treatment. Insect repellent is essential from late May through July. Waterproof footwear recommended for early season mud. A camera is worth bringing regardless of photography interest; the waterfalls consistently reward the effort.

Trailhead Access

The southern trailhead at Chippewa Falls is on Black River Road (County Road 513), 15 miles north of Bessemer. The northern trailhead at Black River Harbor is 10 miles north of Bessemer on the same road. Both parking areas are paved and free. Cell service is absent throughout the corridor.

Nearby

The Bond Falls Loop is the other must-see waterfall hike in Ottawa, accessible from a different part of the forest near Paulding. The Presque Isle River Trail is in the adjacent Porcupine Mountains area with additional gorge and waterfall scenery. Follow Leave No Trace principles at the waterfall viewpoints and along the NCT.

Trailhead Parking

Chippewa Falls parking area on Black River Road (County Road 513), 15 miles north of Bessemer. Paved lot. No fee. Black River Harbor end of the trail also has paved parking.

← Back to Ottawa National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many waterfalls are on the Black River Waterfalls trail?
The Black River corridor has five named waterfalls accessible from the North Country Trail: Chippewa Falls, Algonquin Falls, Potawatomi Falls, Gorge Falls, and Rainbow Falls. Each is visible from a viewing platform or overlook with short connector trails off the main NCT. The falls vary in character from broad curtain falls (Potawatomi) to narrow gorge drops (Gorge Falls) to the dramatic 40-foot Rainbow Falls at the river's mouth near Lake Superior.
Can I do the Black River Waterfalls as a one-way hike?
Yes, if you have two vehicles. The most efficient approach is to start at the Chippewa Falls parking area at the southern end and hike north to Black River Harbor at Lake Superior (about 8.5 miles one-way). Leave a shuttle vehicle at the harbor. Otherwise, the out-and-back from either end is the typical approach. Starting from Black River Harbor, the first major waterfall (Rainbow Falls) is only 0.5 miles from the trailhead.
Are the Black River waterfalls impressive in summer?
Yes, though the flow is highest in May and June after snowmelt. Summer flows are lower but the falls remain impressive throughout the season; the Black River drains a large watershed and never runs completely dry. Fall visits offer the added bonus of maple and birch color overhead with the falling water. The falls are accessible year-round, with ice formations in winter that attract photographers.