Tannery Falls
Photo: Tannery Falls 5.jpg · cc by-sa 3.0 · NMMIMAJ

Tannery Falls

40-foot plunge on Tannery Creek · Alger County, Michigan

40' tall 0.25 mi hike Moderate
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Scout's Notes

Tannery Falls presents a frustrating situation for waterfall enthusiasts. This beautiful 40-foot plunge waterfall, once accessible via a short but challenging trail from Washington Street, has been closed to public access since 2021. The falls themselves are stunning when flowing — visitors who saw them before closure describe being able to walk behind the falls and explore the bowl area, similar to a smaller version of nearby Munising Falls. The setting features dramatic carved rock walls that make you feel dwarfed by ancient geological forces. The trail, when it was open, started near a small brick building on Washington Street where you'd cross a guardrail to find wooden boardwalks and signage pointing to "O Falls" (Tannery). The hike was rocky and rooted with some steep sections that made hiking poles helpful. Unfortunately, the trailhead is now gated with prominent no trespassing signs and $50 fines posted. Local residents complained about visitor traffic in their neighborhood, leading to the permanent closure. Some visitors report that a park ranger confirmed the falls are now on private property, though one review mentions possible access via the North Country Trail from behind Munising Falls visitor center — but this appears unconfirmed and potentially involves trespassing.

Getting There

Nearest Town

Munising, MI

County

Alger County

Coordinates

46.4160, -86.6279

The Hike

Distance (one-way)

0.25 miles

Difficulty

Moderate

Know Before You Go

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

$50 fine for trespassing if caught on property

Parking: No legal parking available - residential area with no parking signs

Seasonal: Falls flow best with spring snowmelt and after rain. Can dry to little or no flow by late summer/early fall.

Heads up: Trail permanently closed - trespassing fines enforced

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tannery Falls open to the public?

No, Tannery Falls has been permanently closed to public access since 2021. The property is now private with no trespassing signs posted and $50 fines for violations.

Why was Tannery Falls closed?

Local residents in the neighborhood complained about visitor traffic and parking issues. The trailhead was permanently closed and the falls are now considered private property.

Where was the old trailhead for Tannery Falls?

The former trailhead was on Washington Street near a small brick building, where visitors would cross a guardrail to access wooden boardwalks. This entrance is now gated and posted with no trespassing signs.

Can I access Tannery Falls from the North Country Trail?

While one review mentions possible access via the North Country Trail behind Munising Falls visitor center, this is unconfirmed and may still constitute trespassing. Park rangers have stated the falls are on private property.

How long was the hike to Tannery Falls when it was open?

The hike was approximately 0.25 miles but moderately challenging with rocky, rooted terrain and steep sections. Most visitors spent 30-45 minutes round trip including time at the falls.

What made Tannery Falls special before it closed?

Visitors could walk behind the 40-foot plunge waterfall and explore the bowl area, similar to Munising Falls but smaller. The setting featured dramatic carved rock walls from ancient river erosion.

Is there any legal way to see Tannery Falls now?

No, there is currently no legal public access to Tannery Falls. Some have attempted to view it by drone from the neighborhood, but report the tree canopy blocks any view.

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