Activity
Hiking / Waterfall Chasing
Distance
1.5 mi round trip
Route
Out & back
The adventure
A chain of wild waterfalls tumbles through the Dead River corridor outside Marquette, where dark bedrock ledges, forest shade and rushing water make a surprisingly rugged outing close to town. The trail is not a manicured waterfall promenade: roots, exposed rock and short steep pitches demand attention.
The best reward is the succession of cascades rather than any single viewpoint. Each bend changes the sound and appearance of the river, especially after snowmelt, while late summer reveals sculpted rock shelves and pools.
ONCE YOU’RE THERE
Follow the established route upstream from the Forestville access. Turn around when the terrain exceeds your comfort level; the upper sections become rougher and less obvious.
LOCAL INTEL
Water levels change rapidly after rain. Keep clear of steep rock ledges and never jump into pools without knowing the conditions.
TRAIL CONDITIONS & SAFETY
Water levels change rapidly after rain. Keep clear of steep rock ledges and never jump into pools without knowing the conditions.
FEES & ACCESS
No park admission identified; respect signed utility access restrictions.
BEFORE YOU GO
Confirm current access and weather before traveling.
What to expect
- A chain of wild waterfalls tumbles through the Dead River corridor outside Marquette
- Hiking / Waterfall Chasing experience
- Signed public visitor access
- Seasonal scenery and changing trail conditions
Good to know
- Arrival
- Use the public access by the hydroelectric powerhouse at the end of Forestville Road. Follow the established path toward the river; do not enter utility facilities or follow unsigned shortcuts.
- Local intel
- Water levels change rapidly after rain. Keep clear of steep rock ledges and never jump into pools without knowing the conditions.
- Safety
- Use official trails or public water access; check conditions before starting.
- Before you go
- Confirm land-manager alerts, fees and access hours.
- Fee
- Free — no required entrance or parking fee.
- Entrance fee
- No park admission identified; respect signed utility access restrictions.
- Dogs
- allowed-on-leash.
- Season
- Spring through fall; winter requires specialized traction and experience.
Photos
More adventures nearby
Marquette trail network public access · Central Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Sierpinski Overlook / Red Ridge TrailsHiking · Moderate · ~1 mi away
Sugarloaf Mountain · Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Sugarloaf Mountain TrailHiking · Moderate · ~3 mi away
Noquemanon South Trails public · Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Marquette Noquemanon Trail Network RideMountain Biking · Moderate · ~3 mi away