Miners Falls Trail: A Family-Friendly Waterfall Hike in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Exploring Miners Falls with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide
If your family loves chasing waterfalls, Miners Falls is one of the most breathtaking and memorable hikes in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It’s a short, scenic trail that leads to a powerful 40-foot waterfall cascading through a sandstone canyon — and for our family, it turned into one of those adventures we’ll remember.
Trail at a Glance
Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Packed gravel and dirt path with a few rolling hills
Steps: About 77 wooden stairs down to the viewing platform
Shade: Mostly shaded, great for warm days
Dogs: Yes, dogs are allowed on a leash
The trail is well-maintained and wide at first, narrowing as you get closer to the falls. You’ll start hearing the rumble of rushing water before you see it — a fun moment for kids who love to “race the sound.”
Location & Parking
Miners Falls is located about 5 miles north of Munising off Miners Castle Road. The parking lot is spacious, easy to find, and has vault restrooms and picnic tables nearby. From the lot, it’s a 0.6-mile trail (1.2 miles round trip) to the overlook, with the path winding gently through shady forest.
The View — and the Adventure Below
At the official overlook, you’ll get a beautiful panoramic view of the falls. Miners River tumbles 40 feet into the canyon below. Most visitors stop here, but we decided to go a little farther — carefully making our way down to the steep path to the base of the falls.
There’s a steep, unofficial path that experienced or able-bodied hikers sometimes take. A rope has been secured to assist with the climb, but it’s very steep, uneven, and slippery in spots. It’s definitely not recommended for small children or those with mobility concerns, but for those who can manage it, the reward at the bottom is incredible — mist on your face, thunderous sound, and a completely different perspective of the falls.
While we were down there, we even witnessed a proposal — the spray of the waterfall made the moment pure magic. The climb back up definitely a bit challenging, but that’s what adventure is all about, right?
Facilities & Family Tips
Vault toilets available at the parking area
Picnic tables nearby
No water fill station, so bring your own
Not stroller-accessible
Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos
Nearby Activities
Make the most of your visit to Miners Falls with a few other can’t-miss stops nearby — and check out our Complete Guide to Things to Do in Munising & Pictured Rocks for more family adventures, hikes, and hidden gems.
Miners Castle Overlook: Iconic lakeshore views just a short drive away, with paved paths and easy overlooks for all ages.
Miners Beach: A scenic 0.6-mile forest trail leads to a sandy stretch perfect for swimming, skipping rocks, and climbing small ledges.
Pictured Rocks Boat Tour: See the cliffs up close from the water — we loved our ride on the Riptide!
Lakenland Sculpture Park: Free roadside stop filled with colorful, creative metal sculptures kids will love exploring.
Scott Falls & Au Train Beach: Quick waterfall stop you can walk behind, plus a nearby sandy beach for relaxing by Lake Superior.
Closing Thoughts
For us, Miners Falls was the perfect mix of easy hike, epic view, and a little adventure. Whether you stay at the overlook or venture carefully to the base, it’s one of those stops that truly shows off the power and beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
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