Spring is the time of fresh starts and new beginnings. In Munising, a perfect example of this season of change is our waterfalls! As the snow melts and the April rains pour in, waterfalls surge to life with roaring waters, creating ideal viewing conditions. The sound of rushing water, the warm sun poking through the trees, and the crisp air carrying the fresh scents of spring, create an unforgettable springtime adventure.
Munising is home to 17 waterfalls in the immediate area, each offering its own unique charm. But in early spring, some truly stand out as the best spots to witness nature’s seasonal refresh. Whether you hike, bike, paddle, or drive, these top five flowing waterfalls showcase the raw beauty of the Upper Peninsula’s spring thaw.
For a dramatic display, head to Spray Falls, where water plunges 70 feet directly into Lake Superior. Spray Falls is best viewed from the water, making it an unforgettable sight for kayakers and canoeists. During the late spring and summer, boat tours offer another way to experience this powerful waterfall. If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, a 9.6-mile round-trip hike from the Chapel trailhead along the North Country Scenic Trail provides a limited yet rewarding vantage point.
Learn More About Pictured Rocks
Wagner Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to access, yet it remains a serene and picturesque escape. Located near the M-94 and M-28 junction, this 20-foot cascade gently tumbles over rock ledges into the Anna River. A short quarter-mile trail leads to an observation deck, making it an ideal stop for those traveling with young children or anyone looking for a tranquil nature experience.
Lace up your hiking boots for a rewarding trek to Chapel Falls. A little over two miles of scenic hiking through an upland maple forest leads to this 60-foot-high waterfall, where two observation platforms provide breathtaking views of the rushing water. For those craving more adventure, the trail extends another two miles to Chapel Rock and the shores of Lake Superior, offering even more stunning springtime scenery.
For those seeking sheer power, Miners Falls delivers, especially in the springtime! Fed by the fast-flowing Miners River, this waterfall boasts a 50-foot drop over sandstone, creating an impressive rush of water. The one-mile round-trip hike to the falls is a scenic journey in itself, featuring a gravel and dirt path lined with blooming spring wildflowers. At the viewing platform, soak in the roar of the falls and appreciate its untamed beauty.
See Short Hikes in the Area
1. Spray Falls
For a dramatic display, head to Spray Falls, where water plunges 70 feet directly into Lake Superior. Spray Falls is best viewed from the water, making it an unforgettable sight for kayakers and canoeists. During the late spring and summer, boat tours offer another way to experience this powerful waterfall. If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, a 9.6-mile round-trip hike from the Chapel trailhead along the North Country Scenic Trail provides a limited yet rewarding vantage point.
Learn More About Pictured Rocks
2. Wagner Falls
Wagner Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to access, yet it remains a serene and picturesque escape. Located near the M-94 and M-28 junction, this 20-foot cascade gently tumbles over rock ledges into the Anna River. A short quarter-mile trail leads to an observation deck, making it an ideal stop for those traveling with young children or anyone looking for a tranquil nature experience.
3. Chapel Falls
Lace up your hiking boots for a rewarding trek to Chapel Falls. A little over two miles of scenic hiking through an upland maple forest leads to this 60-foot-high waterfall, where two observation platforms provide breathtaking views of the rushing water. For those craving more adventure, the trail extends another two miles to Chapel Rock and the shores of Lake Superior, offering even more stunning springtime scenery.
4. Miners Falls
5. Munising Falls
If you’re looking for an easily accessible yet breathtaking springtime waterfall, Munising Falls is a must-see. Located right at the entrance to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this 50-foot waterfall crashes over a sandstone cliff into the canyon below. A short, fully paved quarter-mile trail leads you to multiple viewing platforms, offering up-close perspectives of the falls’ seasonal surge. After heavy snowmelt and spring rains, the water flows with incredible force, making it one of the best spots to witness nature’s power without a strenuous hike.
Roaring waterfalls are nature’s way of celebrating the arrival of spring, and Munising is the perfect place to witness their transformation. The combination of melting snow and seasonal rains makes this the best time of year to experience their full power. So instead of waiting for spring showers to be over, head to Munising and immerse yourself in the rush of the season’s most spectacular waterfalls!
