Gorge Falls

The Black River compresses through dark rock in a deep, narrow gorge.

Partial trail closures — Forest Service notice dated May 15, 2026. May 15, 2026 Forest Service notice lists Gorge Falls open with some closures; trail access can change as construction proceeds. Official closure and renovation notice. This is an agency-published status, not a same-day site inspection.

Plan the visit Official visitor authority

Before you go

Land manager: Ottawa National Forest · Bessemer Ranger District
Public approach: Documented signed public recreation route; current status not live-verified
Parking: Potawatomi/Gorge Falls signed parking area on County Road 513.
Trail to the falls: About ⅛ mile on a signed visitor trail, with steps at the narrow gorge viewing section.
Plan on: 20–50 min at this waterfall (editorial allowance, not measured travel time)
Season: Spring runoff and autumn color; check ice and seasonal road restrictions

What makes this visit worthwhile?

A different river character just a short walk from Potawatomi Falls. The Black River compresses through dark rock in a deep, narrow gorge.

Trail and access reality

About ⅛ mile on a signed visitor trail, with steps at the narrow gorge viewing section.

A permitted overlook does not mean visitors may approach exposed gorge edges. A known visitor route does not guarantee that a bridge, road or overlook is accessible on your visit date.

Construction and access checks

May 15, 2026 Forest Service notice lists Gorge Falls open with some closures; trail access can change as construction proceeds.

The project may continue through fall 2027. Before choosing this stop, read the Forest Service status notice and obey signs and barriers. Reopening is not assumed.

Seasonal waterfall conditions

River volume and the landscape can change after rainfall or snowmelt. Autumn offers hardwood colors; ice can make winter approaches hazardous. This page does not provide measured real-time waterfall flow or a current parking report.

Verified research evidence

Evidence reviewed October 26, 2026; source dates may be older. Geography, legal visitor access, parking, trail and manager are separate checks.

Land manager and public recreation area: Ottawa National Forest · Bessemer Ranger District
Parking and wayfinding: Potawatomi/Gorge Falls signed parking area on County Road 513.
Trail route and walking conditions: About ⅛ mile on a signed visitor trail, with steps at the narrow gorge viewing section.
Geospatial location: Michigan State GIS Waterfalls feature 73
Hydrography research: USGS Falls and Rapids V2 dataset (not current access)