Hi there!
The waterfalls of Porcupine Mountains State Park are located in the Presque Isle area of the state park. This can be considered the quieter side of the park.
And Manabezho Falls is one of the Presque Isle River waterfalls!
These aren’t waterfalls that you are getting up close and personal to. Instead, if you take the main river trail, then you’ll see them from a bit of a distance.
Basics about the trail to Manabezho Falls
If you were to go directly to the Manabezho Falls overlook and back from the nearest parking area to these waterfalls, maybe it will take 5-10 minutes to get to.
But you might want to spend some time taking in the views at the waterfalls, or resting at bench that’s at the top of the stairs to the overlook listening to the sounds of the river and waterfalls!
After you’ve taken in the views of Manabezho Falls, you can keep also keep walking to see more waterfalls.
You can very well just hike to Manabezho Falls and it will make for a nice nature walk. Many people also visit 2 more waterfalls alongside a visit to Manabezho Falls.
The trailhead is located in the Presque Isle scenic area of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
For reference, the drive time to the Manabezho Falls trail from Lake of the Clouds (a popular attraction on the other side of the park) is around 45 minutes.
There are many “trailheads” for Manabezho Falls depending on where you want to start. But in general, your destination for google maps can be Presque Isle State Campground. You won’t actually go to the campground, but this is a good reference point for google maps. By setting your destination as the campground, you will come across a trail access point as you near the campground.
If you are interested in hiking to see all 3 waterfalls, you may also consider starting from the Presque Isle River Waterfalls Loop Trailhead that’s located right off the main road next to the bridge. There’s room for a few cars to park off the side of the road here. (The main road is called S Boundary Road and Forest Trail 117 on google maps.)
If you’re looking for a picnic spot after your waterfall hike, you may also consider parking at the Presque Isle day use area. (See map below.)
Map of Manabezho Falls (and other waterfalls)
For reference, here is a map of the Presque Isle Scenic Area that includes Manabezho Falls!
As you see in the map, there are many trail access points to get to Manabezho Falls.
Manabezho Falls is the northernmost of the 3 waterfalls of the Porcupine Mountains. To the north is also where you can also find the day use area. So you may also consider going for a hike to Manabezho Falls, and then follow that up with a picnic in a quiet area surrounded by nature!
No swimming at Manabezho Falls
Per the State of Michigan Parks and Recreation, there’s no swimming allowed at Manabezho Falls or any waterfalls in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
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Side note!
Here's some info on Michigan vacation prep! Top Michigan vacation spots:
- Best of Michigan's national lakeshores
- Best of Tahquamenon Falls State Park
- Best of Porcupine Mountains State Park
- Michigan waterfalls road trip
- Lake Superior lighthouse road trip
- Best of hiking in Pictured Rocks
- Get a waterproof phone case if you'll be heading out on the water!
- The perfect type of shirt for swimming in Michigan
And now…
PHOTOS for a little bit of what to expect to get to Manabezho Falls!
I went to see to Manabezho Falls in July 2020. Pictures are from that time.
There are stairs that go directly down to the overlook where you can get a view of the waterfalls.
And then once you’ve taken in the views of Manabezho Falls, you can head back, or keep on hiking to see more waterfalls in the Porcupine Mountains!
And that’s a bit of what it’s like to see Manabezho Falls!
The 3 Presque Isle River waterfalls in the Porkies:
- Manabezho Falls
- Manido Falls
- Nawadaha Falls
Top spots in the Porcupine Mountains:
More waterfalls in the UP:
HAPPY NATURE WALK TO SEE MANABEZHO FALLS!
