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Site Temporarily Closed
Work will begin at Sandstone Falls on Monday, May 18, 2026; some trails and platforms will fully or partially close as construction begins.
Recreation Region: Bessemer Ranger District

Sandstone Falls

Located 13 miles northwest of Bessemer, Mi. the 1/4 mile trail to Sandstone Falls is short but steep, with a series of steps.  Pace yourself and avoid over exertion.  Although Sandstone Falls is not a large falls, the area is well worth visiting because of its varied rock formations and hollows carved out of sandstone and conglomerate rock by stream erosion over the centuries.  Gorge and Potawatomi Falls can also be hiked to (upstream 1/2 mile) via the North Country Trail. 

General Information

The Ottawa National Forest will begin a major effort to repair and replace waterfall viewing platforms, stairways and trail structures along the Black River corridor. Beginning Monday, May 18, 2026, Sandstone Falls will be closed as crews start work to improve safety, restore aging infrastructure, and enhance public access in one of the region’s most iconic recreation destinations. Please check back frequently for updates and the status of this area.

January 1 - December 31

  • Work will begin at Sandstone Falls on Monday, May 18, 2026; some trails and platforms will fully or partially close as construction begins. Construction is expected to continue through fall 2027.

Closed for construction Day use only: open sunrise to sunset

No fees are required for this site

Offices: SO and Bessemer

Address: E6248 US HWY 2 Ironwood, MI 49938
Phone: 906-932-1330
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (CT) (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 46.64997

Longitude: -90.05034

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 10 miles to the Sandstone Falls parking area on FR 114.

Parking

Parking is available.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

none

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Day Hikes Info

Located 13 miles northwest of Bessemer, Mi. the trail to Sandstone Falls is short but steep, with a series of steps.  Pace yourself and avoid over exertion.  Although Sandstone Falls is not a large falls, the area is well worth visiting because of its varied rock formations and hollows carved out of sandstone and conglomerate rock by stream erosion over the centuries.  Gorge and Potawatomi Falls can also be hiked to (upstream 1/2 mile) via the North Country Trail.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Difficult

Recreation Groups

The view behind a waterfall
The combination of topography and thousands of miles of rivers and streams have created hundreds of waterfalls throughout the Upper Peninsula.

Last updated May 18, 2026