Gogebic County · National forest
Potawatomi Falls
A short forest walkway reaches a beautifully tiered Black River fall.
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 Potawatomi/Gorge viewing parking along County Road 513; the surfaced accessible route is described from Gorge lot.
- Trail to the falls
- About ⅛ mile on a developed path; confirm the correct parking side for the accessible paved connection.
- Plan on
- 20–45 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?
The most practical short-walk companion to Gorge Falls. A short forest walkway reaches a beautifully tiered Black River fall.
Trail and access reality
About ⅛ mile on a developed path; confirm the correct parking side for the accessible paved connection.
The specific accessible approach is route-dependent. Not all connecting footpaths are step-free. 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 Potawatomi Falls open with some platform closures, with additional closures possible during works.
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 Potawatomi/Gorge viewing parking along County Road 513; the surfaced accessible route is described from Gorge lot.
- Trail route and walking conditions
- About ⅛ mile on a developed path; confirm the correct parking side for the accessible paved connection.
- Geospatial location
- Michigan State GIS Waterfalls feature 71
- Hydrography research
- USGS Falls and Rapids V2 dataset (not current access)