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Potawatomi and Gorge Waterfalls
Located just 12 1/2 miles northwest of Bessemer Mi. there are well marked brief hiking trails that will take you from a double looped paved parking lot to a series of stairways and observation platforms overlooking beautiful Gorge and Potawawatomi Falls. This trail is easy to strenuous (series of steps). We recommend that you take the trail from Potawatomi Falls parking lot, then walk down along the river as you view the scenic river and falls. Gorge Falls is only a short distance north of Potawatomi Falls. An asphalt surface trail connects the parking area at Gorge Falls to the accessible viewing platform overlooking Potawatomi Falls. This provides a unique opportunity to view one of our areas most beautiful waterfalls. Conglomerate Falls can be hiked to by going south (upstream 1/2 mile) via the North Country Trail. Sandstone Falls can also be hiked to by going north (downstream 1/2 mile) via the North Country Trail. Picnic sites and toilets are available near the south end of the Gorge Falls parking lot with easy access. Gorge Falls has a 29 foot width and a 24 foot drop. Potawatomi Falls has a 130 foot width and a 30 foot drop.
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: | Accessible, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
| Open Season: | January 1 - December 31 |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Best Season: | May-October |
| Busiest Season: | May-October |
| Closest Towns: | Bessemer, Michigan is 12 1/2 miles to the southeast. |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | Yes |
| Operated By: | USDA Forest Service |
General Information
Accessibility:The trail, vault toilet and viewing platform located near the south end of the Gorge Falls parking lot are fully accessible
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 9 1/2 miles and turn right at the Potawatomi /Gorge Falls entrance sign, FR 112 will bring you into the Falls parking lot.
Parking:
There is a double loop paved parking lot.
Activities
Day Hiking
Located just 12 1/2 miles northwest of Bessemer, Mi. there are well marked brief hiking trails that will take you from a double looped paved parking lot to a series of stairways and observation platforms overlooking beautiful Gorge and Potawawatomi Falls. This trail is easy to strenuous (series of steps). We recommend that you take the trail from Potawatomi Falls parking lot, then walk down along the river as you view the scenic river and falls. Gorge Falls is only a short distance north of Potawatomi Falls. An asphalt surface trail connects the parking area at Gorge Falls to the accessible viewing platform overlooking Potawatomi Falls. This provides a unique opportunity to view one of our areas most beautiful waterfalls. Conglomerate Falls can be hiked by going south (upstream 1/2 mile) via the North Country Trail. Sandstone Falls can also be hiked by going north (downstream 1/2 mile) via the North Country Trail. Picnic sites and toilets are available located near the south end of Gorge Falls parking lot with easy access. Gorge Falls has a 29 foot width and a 24 foot drop. Potawatomi Falls has a 130 foot width and a 30 foot drop.
Amenities
| Picnic tables: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parking: | Double loop paved parking lot |
| Toilets: | Located adjacent to the Gorge Falls parking lot |
| Accessible: | Potawatomi Falls trail, restroom and viewing platform. The trail is located on the southern edge of the Gorge Parking Lot. |
Location
