The Ottawa National Forest is known as "Waterfall Country". There are trails to many of Ottawa's waterfalls while others require map and compass to view. Waterfalls are beautiful in all seasons. The ice formations created in wintere are spectacular while the flora and fauna during the summer add special touches. The greater flow of water in spring after snow-melt and in the fall after a rainy period makes the falls themselves most impressive. The following list is a sample to help get you started on enjoying "Waterfall Country".

1. Sturgeon Falls - Access if off Forest Road 2270, on the east edge of the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. This is a beautiful area where you might experience the song of a Hermit Thrush or see shade tolerant wildflowers on the forest floor. This is a moderately difficult trail due mainly to its length and changes in grade.

2. Duppy Falls - Acess is of Forest Highway 16, just south of the Iron-Houghton County line, via a short unmarked road to the west. This is the site of an old slate quarry, and the trail to the river has been created by people going trout fishing. Follow that unmarked trail toward the west, and walk upstream to the falls when you reach the river. In the open field at edge of the old quarry, deer can often be seen and the sunloving wildflowers of open areas are common.

3. Jumbo Falls - Access is south of Kenton along Forest Road 4580 to the first crossroads, then go east about 1/2 mile, then turn south and follow the road to a gravel pit where you can park. From there you will find a trail that follows the river upstream a short distance to the falls. This trail passes through some old growth hemlock, and is quite level. It is a scenic woods trail, and the waer of the Jumbo River is crystal clear.

4. Mex-i-min-e Falls - Access is north-east of Watersmeet via Old US Highway 2 to Forest Road 4500 to the Burned Dam Forest Service campground. From this small campground you will be able to hear the falls, and a well-used trail takes you a very short distance to view them.

5. Bond Falls - Access is east of Highway 45 from Paulding on Bond Falls Road. This well-marked parking area and trail leads you down and around one of the most popular Upper Peninsula waterfalls. Managed by the U.P. Power Company, a developed trail is maintained with steps and bridges across the river at the base of the falls. This is one falls that is beautiful yearlong, and a variety of plants can be viewed throughout the summer, but watch for the poison ivy which grows along the upper portions of the trail next to the river.

6. Agate Falls - Access is from Highway 28 through the roadside park just to the south of the falls. You will find a trail leading uder the road and down to the falls. This trail is not developed with steps like the Bond Falls trail, so it can get slippery after a rain. It is not long, but is moderately difficult in grade. Just over the falls you will see an old railroad trestle which adds historic interest.

7. O Kun-de-Kun Falls - Access is from a parking lot along Highway 45 that provides entrance to the North Country Hiking Trail. Hike to the east a little over 1 mile through Aspen and young mixed hardwoods over gently rolling terrain. The trail can be muddy after a rain. You may see deer along this trail, and also bear! More likely you will see frogs and squirrels and dragon flies. This is moderately difficult due to the distance.

8. Ajibikoka Falls - Access is by following Forest Road 5120 along the west side of Brush Lake for about a half mile and then taking a compass reading and hiking to the north-east. It is not particularly difficult terrain, but you should have a good map and a compass. This is quite a long falls, about 40 feet, and the area surrounding it contains quartz outcroppings. This is moderately difficult due to the distance and the orienteering skills needed.

9. Wildcat Falls - Access is off County Line Lake Road just north of the County Road 206 about 2 and 1/2 miles. If you begin hiking from a hill just to the south of where the creek crosses the road and go west (using map and compass) you will come to the Scott and Howe Creek. If the creek is running north/south, then follow it downstream to the falls. The creek makes a rather sharp turn to the east right at the base of the falls, so it its flowing east when you get to it, then walk upstream. There was an old trail marked with blue paint blazes but these have all but disappeared over the years. Orienteering skills will help find this beautiful little watefalls. The distance you will have to hike is only 1/4 to 1/2 mile.

10. Kakabika Falls - Access is north of Highway 2 along County Road 527. There is a small parking area and a short trail to the falls. This falls is actually a series of "S" turns as the river drops in elevation. The trail is not long and not too difficult and there is some good berry picking near here as well as a spot to fish.

11. Cascade Falls - Access is off County Road 400, north of Highway 28. Follow the signs to a parking area at the trailhead. There are two trails that will lead you to/from the falls. The main trail is the easiest, with only moderate changes in elevation. The Bluff Trail leaves and rejoins the main trail and can be quite challenging but will provide you with some outstanding vistas. The main trail is moderately difficult due to its length and some "ups and downs". This waterfall is well named as it "cascades" over the rocks.

12. Yondota Falls - Access is from County Road 523, north of Highway 2. You will come to a parking lot right near the bridge that crosses the river. The main trail is down the north side of the river, but you can hike down either side. This is a series of falls, so be sure you walk far enough to see them all. The trail is not long, but does drop in elevation along the river, so the uphill return hike may make this a moderately difficult trail.

13. Presque Isle Falls - There are several falls on the Presque Isle River, and those most visited are within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Part at the east entrance. Follow County Road 519 to a parking lot near a short trail to view Manabezho Falls, very near the mouth of the river where it empties into Lake Superior.

14. Black River Falls - There are also many falls on the Black River 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 Hiking 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 more difficult.