Powder Horn Falls

30-foot tiered on Powder Mill Creek · Gogebic County, Michigan

30' tall 0.1 mi hike Easy
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Scout's Notes

Powder Horn Falls is a true hidden gem that locals have kept mostly to themselves — it's tucked into a scenic little canyon just off Powderhorn Road, with a series of drops creating swimming holes that have been popular since before the ski resort was built in the 1960s. The trail is extremely short (about 0.1 mile) but can be tricky to find: park at the old lodge lot, walk back up the road past three telephone poles, and look for an unmarked trail heading left into the woods. Getting a good view requires some effort — the top of the falls is overgrown, but there's a rope on the left side to help you descend, or a gentler slope on the right that leads to the upper section. This waterfall sits on private property, though the landowner has historically allowed access — please respect this privilege by packing out all trash and not cutting any vegetation for better views. The canyon setting is gorgeous, but you'll need to wade into the creek or scramble down the slopes to really see the base of the 30-foot tiered drops. Summer transforms this spot into a local swimming hole, and there's even a swing above the falls for the adventurous. After heavy rain, the descent can be slippery and challenging, so use caution on the makeshift trails.

Getting There

Nearest Town

, MI

County

Gogebic County

Coordinates

46.5058, -90.0822

The Hike

Distance (one-way)

0.1 miles

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Type

Trail

Know Before You Go

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

On private property but access historically allowed

Parking: Park at old lodge lot, or use widened shoulder along road

Seasonal: Popular swimming hole in summer months

Heads up: Steep slopes, slippery after rain, rope descent needed for best views

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Powder Horn Falls and how do I find the trail?

Drive north on Route 511 (Powderhorn Road) from US-2 for about 2 miles. Park at the old lodge lot on the right, then walk back up the road about 300 yards (past three telephone poles). Look for an unmarked trail heading left into the woods — if you pass a driveway on the left, you've gone too far.

Is Powder Horn Falls on private property?

Yes, the falls are on private property, though the landowner has historically allowed public access. Please be respectful — don't cut vegetation for views and pack out all trash to ensure continued access to this spot.

Can you swim at Powder Horn Falls?

Yes! This has been a popular local swimming hole since before the ski resort was built in the 1960s. The tiered falls create multiple swimming holes in the canyon below.

How long is the hike to Powder Horn Falls?

It's an extremely short walk — only about 0.1 mile from the road. However, finding the unmarked trailhead can be tricky, and descending to the base requires using ropes or navigating steep slopes.

Can you see Powder Horn Falls from the top?

The view from the top is completely overgrown with vegetation. To actually see the falls, you'll need to descend using the rope on the left side or take the gentler slope on the right, or wade into the creek from below.

Is it difficult to reach the base of Powder Horn Falls?

Getting down to the base requires some scrambling. There's a rope tied between trees on the left side to help with the descent, or a gentler slope on the right. After rain, the descent can be quite slippery and challenging.

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