Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site
Overview: A 100-Foot Cascade in an Old-Growth Gorge
Hidden in a forested gorge in Alger County’s interior, approximately 25 miles south of Munising, Laughing Whitefish Falls is one of the Upper Peninsula’s most impressive waterfalls—a 100-foot fan-shaped cascade where the Laughing Whitefish River plunges over a sandstone ledge into a narrow, moss-draped gorge surrounded by old-growth white pine, hemlock, and beech-maple forest. Legally designated as a state scenic site and managed as part of the Michigan state park system, the falls combine raw natural spectacle with a level of accessibility that makes the experience available to most visitors willing to walk a mile through the woods and descend 137 steps.
The name itself—Laughing Whitefish—evokes the playful, musical quality of the river as it tumbles over rock ledges and through rapids before gathering for its final dramatic plunge. The falls are less visited than the UP’s most famous cascades (Tahquamenon, Pictured Rocks), which means that on a weekday visit, you may have this extraordinary natural feature entirely to yourself.
The Falls
Laughing Whitefish Falls drops approximately 100 feet in a broad, fan-shaped cascade that spreads across the sandstone rock face as it descends. The falls do not plunge in a single vertical drop; rather, the water fans out across the angled rock surface, creating a shimmering curtain effect that is especially beautiful in spring when snowmelt increases the flow volume. In winter, the cascade transforms into a massive ice formation—a frozen blue-white curtain that attracts ice climbers and winter photographers.
The Trail and Staircase
Main Trail (1 Mile Round Trip)
A well-maintained trail leads approximately half a mile from the parking area through northern hardwood forest to the top viewing platform overlooking the falls. The path is relatively flat, well-marked, and manageable for most fitness levels.
137 Steps to the Base
From the top viewing platform, a wooden staircase with 137 steps descends into the gorge to lower observation decks that provide dramatically different perspectives of the falls. The descent reveals the gorge’s full vertical scale and brings visitors close enough to feel the mist and hear the thunder of the water. Remember: 137 steps down means 137 steps back up.
North Country Trail Connection
The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT)—the 4,600+-mile trail spanning from Vermont to North Dakota—passes through the north end of the scenic site. A spur trail connects the falls trail to the NCT, providing access to extended hiking opportunities through the surrounding forests.
The Gorge
The sandstone gorge carved by the Laughing Whitefish River hosts an ecosystem distinct from the surrounding upland forest. The perpetual mist from the falls, the sheltered microclimate of the gorge, and the mineral-rich seeping water support lush mosses, ferns, and liverworts that coat the rock walls in vivid greens not found in the drier forest above. Old-growth white pines cling to the gorge edges, their exposed roots gripping the sandstone in gravity-defying poses that add to the primeval atmosphere.
Practical Information
- Location: Alger County, off M-94 via N. Sundell Road (partly unpaved)
- Facilities: Parking area, picnic areas (carry-in/carry-out trash), three observation decks
- Camping: None at this site. Nearby campgrounds include Au Train Lake and Bay Furnace
- Duration: Allow 1–2 hours for the round trip including staircase descent and photography
- Winter Access: The access road is unplowed and seasonal. Winter access requires snowshoes or cross-country skis
- Best Season: Spring (peak water flow) and autumn (fall color). Winter for ice formations. Summer for comfortable conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the waterfall? Approximately 100 feet in a broad, fan-shaped cascade over sandstone.
How many steps to the bottom? 137 steps lead from the top viewing platform to the lower observation decks in the gorge. The return climb requires moderate fitness.
Can I visit in winter? Yes, but the access road is unplowed. You must snowshoe or ski to the falls. The frozen cascade is spectacular.
