Potawatomi Falls

  • Michigan Waterfalls
Journey into the heart of Ottawa National Forest and discover the hidden gem of Potawatomi Falls. In our upcoming blog post, we’ll lead you through the tranquil beauty and natural wonders of this scenic cascade. From its gentle descent to the rugged wilderness surrounding it, Potawatomi Falls offers a serene retreat amidst Michigan’s pristine landscapes. Join us as we unveil the enchanting allure, share insider tips for the perfect visit, and delve into the rich history of one of Ottawa National Forest’s most captivating waterfalls. Whether you seek adventure or solace, Potawatomi Falls invites you to immerse yourself in its timeless charm and breathtaking vistas.

Ottawa National Forest
near Bessemer MI

Powawatomi Falls is really two waterfalls for the price of one. A big rocky outcrop in the middle of the Black River splits the flow. The resulting waterfall on the left (east side of the river) is a wide plunge landing on a shelf which dumps the flow to the west side below the falls. The West side flows into a narrow crevace which then squirts out joing the flow from the other side. A gentleman we met there told us that when the water is high it is all one gigantic waterfall.

How to get to Potawatomi Falls:

  • From US-2 in Bessemer, head north on N. Moore St to St Johns Rd (about 0.7 miles).
  • Turn left and go to Black River Rd (about 0.5 miles).
  • Turn right on Black River Rd which becomes the Black River Harbor Pkwy (County Rd 513).
  • Follow this road, through North Bessemer and Auvinen Corner, to the waterfalls access road (it will be on your right with a large directional sign – about 12.8 miles).
  • Turn right, park in the paved, double-loop parking area and follow any of the trails to the waterfalls overlooks. It is an easy, 0.1 mile to the nearest observation deck.

Sandstone Falls, Gorge Falls, Potawatomi Falls and Great Conglomerate Falls are all within a few miles of each other along the North Country Scenic trail here. A little further upstream (to the south) are Algonquin Falls and Chippewa Falls accessible from a trailhead at the parking area between the two and just north of the Cooper Peak access road. See the excellent map of this area at the Michigan Interactive web site: www.fishweb.com/maps/gogebic/waterfalls/blackrv_parkway/map.html

A black-topped trail connects Gorge Falls to the viewing platform overlooking Potawatomi Falls.
Great Conglomerate Falls can be reached by going south (upstream about 0.5 miles).
Sandstone Falls can be reached by going north (downstream about 0.5 miles).

Photos of Potawatomi Falls:

For more information on Potawatomi Falls:

See also:

Hotel and Motel accommodations are available in the following communities:
Baraga
Calumet
Cedarville
Escanaba
Hancock
Houghton
Iron River
Ironwood
Ishpeming		Mackinaw City
Manistique
Marquette
Menominee
Munising
Newberry
Norway
Paradise
Sault Ste Marie
Wetmore

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