Middle Carp River Falls

Follow signs for the county landfill off County Road 550. Drive past the landfill entrance and continue on the dirt road/two-track into the woods. The road is unmarked but passable. Google Maps can be unreliable here — some report it stops working entirely in this area.

You have options: park anywhere along the dirt road and walk, or drive all the way to where you see a section of raised metal grating on the trail. Many people stop where they think the road ends and walk about a half mile, but the road actually continues to the trailhead.

If you park where most people think the road ends, it's about a half-mile walk. If you drive all the way to the trailhead, it's just a short walk. The total distance varies depending on where you choose to park along the dirt road.

No, there are no signs for the falls themselves. Follow the landfill signs to get on the right road, then continue past the landfill. Look for a trail with raised metal grating — that's your entry point to the falls.

Yes, but it's extremely difficult and dangerous. The descent is very steep with slippery terrain and requires sure footing. Several experienced hikers made it down but emphasized it's only for those comfortable with extreme terrain. The main trail runs high above the river with steep drop-offs.

Most visitors say yes, especially if you enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventures. It's a series of cascades rather than one large drop, and while photos are challenging due to the forested setting and cliff-edge viewing, many describe it as one of the prettier falls near Marquette.

The dirt road/two-track is rough but most vehicles can handle it with care. Some visitors worry about the unmarked road through the woods, but it's a public access route despite the lack of signage.

Yes, Morgan Falls is nearby. From Morgan Falls, you can follow the Carp River (not Morgan Creek) upstream about a half mile to reach Carp River Falls. Some visitors combine both falls in one trip.