Trestle Falls

waterfall · Marquette County, Michigan

Difficult
Get Directions →

Scout's Notes

Trestle Falls is one of Marquette County's most challenging waterfalls to access, and that's saying something. You'll need to follow vague directions to find the right parking spot, then walk along railroad tracks (with posted no trespassing signs) before descending an incredibly steep, unstable slope covered in iron ore pellets that stain everything red and make footing treacherous. The approach involves navigating from a dirt road to a two-track that will scratch your vehicle, then following the tracks to the trestle. Many visitors never find it at all — Google Maps leads to a dead-end residential neighborhood. Those who persist are rewarded with a secluded waterfall beneath an old railroad trestle, but honestly, the juice might not be worth the squeeze here. The descent to the base involves scrambling down loose iron ore balls that act like marbles underfoot, and one slip could send you tumbling off a cliff. Several experienced hikers describe this as moderate to advanced difficulty, not because of distance but due to the hazardous terrain and route-finding challenges. If you're determined to visit, wear closed-toe shoes you can throw away afterward (they'll be permanently stained red), and consider viewing the falls from the side rather than attempting the sketchy descent to the base.

Getting There

Nearest Town

, MI

County

Marquette County

Coordinates

46.5548, -87.5073

The Hike

Difficulty

Difficult

Trail Type

Bushwhack

Know Before You Go

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

Parking: Unclear parking situation - need to find specific coordinates to park before accessing railroad tracks

Pets: Not suitable for animals due to hazardous terrain

Seasonal: Better flow in wet weather

Heads up: Extremely steep slopes, loose iron ore pellets underfoot, cliff edges, private property/no trespassing signs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find Trestle Falls?

Google Maps is notoriously unreliable here, often leading to a private neighborhood dead-end. You need to research specific GPS coordinates for where to park before accessing the railroad tracks. The route involves a dirt road that becomes a two-track, then following railroad tracks to the trestle.

Is Trestle Falls on private property?

Yes, accessing the falls requires crossing railroad property with posted no trespassing signs. Visitors proceed at their own legal risk.

How difficult is the hike to Trestle Falls?

This is one of the most challenging waterfall access routes in the area. While not particularly long, it involves route-finding, walking on railroad tracks, and descending extremely steep, unstable slopes covered in loose iron ore pellets. Experienced hikers rate it moderate to advanced difficulty.

What are the iron ore balls at Trestle Falls?

The slopes are covered in small iron ore pellets that act like ball bearings underfoot, making the descent treacherous. These pellets will permanently stain your shoes and clothing red, so wear disposable footwear.

Is Trestle Falls worth visiting?

Opinions are mixed. Some find it a rewarding adventure, while others feel the difficult access, legal concerns, and hazardous conditions outweigh the payoff. Many visitors never even find it due to poor directions.

Will the two-track road damage my vehicle?

Yes, multiple visitors report tree branches scratching their vehicles on the narrow two-track approach. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, but expect some paint damage regardless.

Can I bring kids to Trestle Falls?

No, this is absolutely not suitable for children. The steep, unstable terrain with cliff edges makes it dangerous even for adults. One reviewer explicitly states it's 'not for kids, animals, or elderly.'

← All Michigan Waterfalls | UP Waterfalls