Great Conglomerate Falls

A huge conglomerate block splits the Black River into two plunging channels.

Trail caution — Forest Service notice dated May 15, 2026. May 15, 2026 Forest Service notice listed Conglomerate Falls open with caution on trail tread and stairs. Check for newer restrictions before travel. 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: Signed Great Conglomerate Falls lot on County Road 513 north of Bessemer.
Trail to the falls: About ¾ mile along an improved trail with stairs from the byway parking area.
Plan on: 45–90 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?

Make this the longer, geologically interesting Black River byway stop. A huge conglomerate block splits the Black River into two plunging channels.

Trail and access reality

About ¾ mile along an improved trail with stairs from the byway parking area.

Trail includes stairs and wet rock; do not assume the fall itself is drive-up. 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 listed Conglomerate Falls open with caution on trail tread and stairs. Check for newer restrictions before travel.

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: Signed Great Conglomerate Falls lot on County Road 513 north of Bessemer.
Trail route and walking conditions: About ¾ mile along an improved trail with stairs from the byway parking area.
Geospatial location: Michigan State GIS Waterfalls feature 66
Hydrography research: USGS Falls and Rapids V2 dataset (not current access)