Au Train Falls

10-foot slide on Au Train River · Alger County, Michigan

10' tall 0.25 mi hike Easy 🐕 Dog Friendly
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Known For

Scout's Notes

Au Train Falls offers a unique waterfall experience where you can actually walk out onto the wide, cascading falls. The main attraction is the lower falls, a 10-foot-wide cascade that flows over shale ledges like a natural staircase. You'll park in a small gravel lot (6-8 spots) and walk down a short but steep gravel road for about 500 feet — it's an easy 5-minute walk down, but you'll feel the incline coming back up. The shallow water in front of the falls makes it perfect for families to wade and play, though the rocks can be slippery so water shoes help. What makes this spot special is the combination of natural beauty and the small hydroelectric plant right beside the falls. You can peek through the mesh to see the turbines spinning, and kids find this fascinating. There's also an old wooden bridge crossing the river that offers great views. The upper falls require a separate, more challenging hike from the first parking area, but most visitors stick to the easily accessible lower falls. Summer brings hordes of mosquitoes (though dragonflies sometimes keep them in check), while spring offers the most impressive water flow. In dry years or late summer, the falls can reduce to a trickle.

Getting There

Nearest Town

Au Train, MI

County

Alger County

Park / Forest

Hiawatha National Forest

Coordinates

46.3384, -86.8518

The Hike

Distance (one-way)

0.25 miles

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Type

Trail

Know Before You Go

✅
Parking
❌
Restrooms
—
ADA Access
🆓
Free
🌊
Best: Spring

Parking: Small gravel lot with 6-8 spots at lower falls, additional parking at upper falls area

Pets: Dogs welcome, great spot for dogs to cool off in summer

Seasonal: Best flow in spring, but summer is most popular for wading. Can dry to a trickle in dry years

Heads up: Slippery rocks on falls, steep gravel road back to parking

Nearby Waterfalls

Scott Falls
10' tall · Alger County

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Au Train Falls and how do I get there?

From M-94, drive west for 12 miles and turn right onto Au Train Forest Lake Road. Turn right at the first road (Power Dam Road) into the parking lot. The dirt road entrance might make you think you're in the wrong place, but keep going — you're on the right track.

How long is the hike to Au Train Falls?

It's a very short walk — about 500 feet or 5 minutes down a steep gravel road from the parking area. The walk back up is steeper than it looks, but still manageable for most people.

Can you walk on Au Train Falls?

Yes! This is one of the best features of these falls. The shallow, wide cascade allows you to walk out onto the rock ledges. The water is cold but perfect for cooling off on hot days. Watch your footing as the rocks can be slippery.

Are dogs allowed at Au Train Falls?

Yes, dogs are welcome at the falls. Many visitors bring their dogs to play in the water and cool off during summer visits.

Is Au Train Falls worth visiting?

Absolutely, especially if you're looking for an interactive waterfall experience. It's unique because you can walk on the falls, and kids love playing in the shallow water. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour here.

Are there upper and lower Au Train Falls?

Yes, there are upper falls (about 40 feet) and lower falls (about 10 feet). Most visitors see only the lower falls, which are easily accessible. The upper falls require a separate, more challenging hike from the first parking area, and access has sometimes been blocked off.

What's the hydroelectric plant at Au Train Falls?

There's a small working hydroelectric facility right beside the falls. You can look through the mesh door to see the turbines operating. Some of the river water is diverted through the plant, but it doesn't detract from the falls' beauty.

When do Au Train Falls have the most water?

Spring (April-May) typically has the strongest flow due to snowmelt. In dry years or late summer, the falls can reduce to just a trickle. The falls are still worth visiting even with lower water levels for wading.

Are there mosquitoes at Au Train Falls?

Yes, mosquitoes can be terrible in summer, especially in June and July. Bug spray is essential, though some visitors report dragonflies help control the mosquito population. They're persistent even through bug spray.

Can you swim at Au Train Falls?

The falls are too shallow for swimming, but they're perfect for wading and splashing around. The water is very cold but refreshing on hot days. There's a small pool area near the bottom where some people take a quick dip.

Is there cell phone service at Au Train Falls?

No, there's little to no cell service in the area. Make sure to download directions before you arrive, as GPS might lose signal as you approach the falls.

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