Hi there!
The hike to Manido Falls is an easy way to see waterfalls in the Porcupine Mountains!
The waterfalls of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park are located in the Presque Isle area of the state park.
This can be considered the quieter side of the park.
And Manido Falls is one of the Porcupine Mountains waterfalls along the Presque Isle River!
There are a couple of viewpoints where you can see Manido Falls as you are walking along the main river trail.
This will allow you to see the waterfalls from different angles.
You’ll be able to see the waterfalls from above, along with the river that feeds the falls.
You’ll also be able to see the waterfalls from the base level, straight on.
In both cases, you can notice the different rock formations that the water flows over, and it’s quite the view!
More pictures from the hiking trail below, but first…
Basics about the trail to Manido Falls
If you were to go directly to the Manido Falls overlook and back from the nearest parking area to these waterfalls, maybe it will take 5-10 minutes to get to.
After you’ve taken in the views of Manido Falls, you can keep also keep walking to see more waterfalls.
You can very well just hike to Manido Falls and it will make for a nice nature walk along the Presque Isle River. Many people also visit 2 more waterfalls alongside a visit to Manido Falls.
The trailhead is located in the Presque Isle scenic area of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
For reference, the drive time to the Manido Falls trail from Lake of the Clouds (a popular attraction on the other side of the park) is around 45 minutes.
See more about getting to the Manido Falls trailhead aka getting to the Presque Isle waterfalls loop trailhead.
No swimming at Manido Falls
Per the State of Michigan Parks and Recreation, there’s no swimming allowed at Manido Falls or any waterfalls in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
🌳🐻
And now…
PHOTOS for a little bit of what to expect to when you’re in the area of Manido Falls!
West River Trail along Presque Isle River
I went to see to Manido Falls in July 2020. Pictures are from that time.
This is what was seen on the trail from when I saw a sign specifically directing to Manido Falls. Your experience may vary based on the direction you’re hiking!
No matter what, you’ll experience stairs, boardwalk, overlook, river, and WATERFALLS! There are overlooks to see the waterfalls from straight ahead and from above.
And then once you’ve taken in the views of Manido 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 Manido Falls!
The 3 waterfalls in Presque Isle River of the Porkies:
- Manido Falls
- Manabezho Falls
- Nawadaha Falls
Top spots in the Porcupine Mountains:
More waterfalls in the UP:
HAPPY NATURE WALK TO SEE MANIDO FALLS!
The most important places in the UP to know about are Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, and the bubbling Big Spring of Kitch-iti-kipi.
Make it a Michigan camping trip to remember by going camping near Lake Superior.
Lighthouses are also a thing, so stop by one of the Lake Superior lighthouses (or many more!), like Whitefish Point and/or Crisp Point. You can also go to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum to explore why Lake Superior has a reputation for being Shipwreck Coast and the Graveyard of the Great Lakes.
Many people don't make it over to the western part of the Upper Peninsula. But if you want to, you will want to know about Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Then, on your way back down south, you can make a detour to go to Mackinac Island (ferry required) or Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. (Or, you can do these things on your way up north!)
Read the details: Best places to visit in the Upper Peninsula
Take care when camping!
Message from the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources:
Michigan is currently experiencing unprecedented hot and dry conditions, causing extreme fire danger.
While we desperately await some much-needed rainfall, it's important to note that you could be the difference between a campfire and a wildfire.
We strongly suggest you refrain from any outdoor burning at this time.
If you do decide to have a campfire, be sure to:
- Keep a water source next to your campfire.
- Properly extinguish your campfire when you are finished by dousing with water and stirring dirt in with a shovel.
- Use the back of your hand to detect if heat is still coming from the fire or ring. If you can feel heat, the fire is not out. Douse and stir again.
- Spray down the metal ring of your campfire. The heat from that can cause dry grass to catch fire.
- Never leave your fire unattended, not even for a minute.
Read more from the State of Michigan.
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