Western U.P. · State scenic site
Agate Falls
Terraced sandstone channels the Ontonagon River into braided cascades beneath a tall trestle.
Plan your visit
- Location
- Trout Creek
- Typical visit
- 25–50 min
- Approach
- Approximately 0.5 mile to an accessible observation platform; route passes beneath M-28.
- When it shines
- Spring volume and golden forest in fall.
- Arrival reference
- M-28 MDOT rest area near Trout Creek, MI — verify exact access using the linked land-manager source.
- What to know
- Follow the DNR closure notice before assuming any bridge or motorized trail is open.
What makes this waterfall different?
Terraced sandstone channels the Ontonagon River into braided cascades beneath a tall trestle. A scenic-site reopening does not reopen the trestle bridge.
Spring volume and golden forest in fall. These are typical seasonal characteristics, not a prediction for a particular date. Spring volume, rain, low water and ice can change the appearance and the safest viewing points.
Before you leave the car
DNR reopened the scenic site in September 2026. The railroad trestle and some ORV/snowmobile routes remain closed or detoured. Follow the DNR closure notice before assuming any bridge or motorized trail is open.
Remain on designated trails and platforms. Wet roots, drop-offs and powerful currents can create hazards well beyond the actual plunge pool.
Plan the actual arrival
Who maintains the public site: Michigan DNR · Agate Falls Scenic Site and MDOT M-28 rest area.
Where to park: Park at MDOT rest area beside M-28 near Trout Creek, normally early May–late October.
Walking route: Approximately half-mile route via pedestrian underpass to observation platform; trestle/ORV and snowmobile routes remain detoured.
Why choose this stop: Falls viewpoint reopened in September 2026, but railroad trestle and ORV routes are not open.
Day-of check: Published visitor access is not a live opening notice. Read the manager's current alerts and obey signs, closures and road restrictions.
Evidence by question
- land Manager
- Michigan DNR · Agate Falls Scenic Site and MDOT M-28 rest area
- public Access
- Official publicly described visitor approach: Park at MDOT rest area beside M-28 near Trout Creek, normally early May–late October.
- parking
- Park at MDOT rest area beside M-28 near Trout Creek, normally early May–late October.
- trail
- Approximately half-mile route via pedestrian underpass to observation platform; trestle/ORV and snowmobile routes remain detoured.
- location
- Michigan GIS waterfall feature ID 33; this is not parking
Reviewed October 26, 2026. The dot in the map is the waterfall feature, not the parking location.
Official or published destination guidance · Coordinate reference
Source snapshot reviewed October 26, 2026. Conditions can change without an update to this page. No claims of live water level, current parking or guaranteed trail opening.