Sandstone Falls

Water threads across irregular sandstone ledges instead of one single plunge.

Forest Service lists closed — Forest Service notice dated May 15, 2026. May 15, 2026 Forest Service notice lists Sandstone Falls CLOSED due to viewing-platform and stair replacement. Do not plan this stop until the agency posts reopening. 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: Historic public visitor approach is temporarily closed according to the Forest Service
Parking: Signed Sandstone Falls byway pull-off and lot on County Road 513.
Trail to the falls: About ¼ mile from signed parking, including steps and uneven sections near river overlooks.
Plan on: 30–60 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?

Choose Sandstone for intimate rock-and-current detail photographs. Water threads across irregular sandstone ledges instead of one single plunge.

Trail and access reality

About ¼ mile from signed parking, including steps and uneven sections near river overlooks.

Wet rock near the river must not be treated as a public walkway. 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 Sandstone Falls CLOSED due to viewing-platform and stair replacement. Do not plan this stop until the agency posts reopening.

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 Sandstone Falls byway pull-off and lot on County Road 513.
Trail route and walking conditions: About ¼ mile from signed parking, including steps and uneven sections near river overlooks.
Geospatial location: Michigan State GIS Waterfalls feature 78
Hydrography research: USGS Falls and Rapids V2 dataset (not current access)

Choose a different Black River stop

While Sandstone Falls is listed closed, check the Forest Service alert for whether nearby Great Conglomerate Falls, Potawatomi Falls or Gorge Falls has a legal open viewing route. Potawatomi and Gorge have partial construction restrictions as published in May 2026.