Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Conglomerate Waterfalls
Located just 11 1/2 miles northwest of Bessemer, Mi. these waterfalls can be accessed by a 3/4 mile hiking trail from a paved parking lot. The hiking trail drops steadily as you near the riverbank. At the falls, the river seperates into two sections, falling 40-feet around an island of conglomerate rock, which gives the falls its name. Old growth hemlock and hardwoods add to the natural beauty of the area.
Gorge Falls and Potawatomi Falls can be accessed by hiking the North Country National Scenic Trail from the Congolmerate Falls overlook northward (downstream). It is a moderate hike 1/2 mile in length.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | The parking area and access roads are being plowed during the winter of 2023-2024. Plowing will stop when spring conditions make it difficult to move snow. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site, Parking |
| Fees: | No Fee |
| Open Season: | January 1 - December 31 |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Best Season: | May-October |
| Busiest Season: | May-October |
| Closest Towns: | Bessemer Michigan is 11 1/2 miles to the southeast. |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | No |
| Operated By: | Ottawa National Forest, Bessemer Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Ironwood Mi., travel east on US 2 to Powderhorn Road, turn left onto Powderhorn Road and travel approximately 3 miles to CR 513, turn left onto CR 513 and travel approximately 8 1/2 miles to the Conglomerate Falls parking lot on FR 108.
Accessibility:
Conglomerate Falls is accessible by a 3/4 mile hiking traill leading from the paved parking lot to a viewing platform.
Parking:
The parking lot is clearly marked by a sign and has a paved parking lot.
Activities
Day Hiking
Located just 11 1/2 miles northwest of Bessemer, Mi. this waterfalls can be accessed by a hiking trail that is 3/4 mile in length with a paved parking lot. The hiking trail will drop steadily as you near the riverbank. At the falls, the river seperates into two sections, falling 40 feet around an island of conglomerate rock, which gives the falls its name. Old growth hemlock and hardwoods add to the natural beauty of the area. Gorge Falls and Potawatomi Falls can also be hiked to from Congolmerate Falls going north (downstream) along the river for 1/2 mile via the North Country Trail.
| Fire Information | Only in designated campsites in fire ring. |
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Difficult |
Viewing Scenery
There are many falls on the Black River, including 5 major falls, as it drops in elevation through the rock before it empties into Lake Superior at Black River Harbor. Access is via County Road 513, also called the Black River Road. You will find a newly developed accessible trail to some of these falls, and other developed trails (with steps) to some of the others. The North Country Trail will allow you to view most of the major falls. The degree of difficulty varies here, with some falls being easy to access, with others being more difficult
| Special Feature | 5 very scenic waterfalls |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to More Difficult |
|---|
Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | Black River Scenic Highway |
|---|---|
| Parking: | The parking lot is clearly marked by a sign and has a paved parking lot. |