One of the tallest waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, Laughing Whitefish Falls drops a full 100 feet as a broad slide through Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park. It is a must-stop when you are anywhere between Marquette and Munising.
The hike in sets the mood: a short, easy trail winds through a beautiful old-growth forest of pine and hemlock before the gorge opens up below the falls. An observation deck and a staircase down the side of the slide give you two very different views of the same water.
The state park setting keeps the experience peaceful: this is not a roadside pull-off but a small park with a defined trailhead, restrooms, and a picnic area, so it works well as a half-day outing rather than a quick photo stop.
The appeal of a slide falls is its grace. Water stays in contact with the rock all the way down, spreading thin and picking up speed. At Laughing Whitefish Falls, the texture of the rock face itself becomes part of the show — look for the channels and grooves the water has carved over centuries. The walk in is short — more of a stroll than a hike — which makes Laughing Whitefish Falls an easy add to any itinerary, even a packed one.
Every waterfall in the Upper Peninsula has its own personality, and Laughing Whitefish Falls is no exception. The particular combination of rock, river, and forest here produces something you will not quite see anywhere else — which is exactly why waterfall people keep a list.
About the falls
The falls are classified as a slide waterfall — water glides down a long sloped face of rock rather than dropping vertically. That long run is what gives Laughing Whitefish its graceful, ribbon-like look, and why it photographs so well from the deck.
Flow is strongest in spring and after heavy rains; in the heat of summer the falls can shrink to a modest thread. Bathrooms and a picnic spot near the parking area make this an easy half-day outing, especially combined with the short walk and the shade of the old-growth forest.
From the observation deck you get the full 100-foot sweep of the slide; the staircase lets you descend alongside the water for a closer, more dramatic view. Bring the camera either way — the old-growth pines frame the falls beautifully in every season.
Michigan’s central Upper Peninsula is waterfall heartland. This is the country of Pictured Rocks’ sandstone cliffs, the Marquette highlands, and the Hiawatha National Forest — a landscape where rivers drop off the high ground toward Lake Superior in falls after falls. Few regions anywhere pack this much falling water into this small an area.
Getting there
The falls sit roughly midway between Marquette and Munising, near Chatham — about a 30-minute drive from either town. Follow the signs to Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park and the marked parking area.
From the parking area it is about a half-mile hike through the old-growth forest to the falls, with a staircase descending alongside the slide for those who want a closer look.
The trail itself is the experience: the old-growth pine and hemlock canopy keeps the path cool even on warm days, and the forest floor in spring is carpeted with wildflowers. Take your time on the walk in — the gorge reveal at the end is worth savoring.
When to visit
If you are timing a trip, aim for this: Spring for full flow; fall for color. That is when Laughing Whitefish Falls tends to show its best side.
Spring is the U.P. waterfall season, full stop. Snowmelt swells every river, and falls that shrink to a trickle by August run at full thunder in April and May. Black flies arrive with the warmth, so pack repellent — the trade-off is worth it.
Fall is the connoisseur’s season. Water levels have settled from the spring rush, the forest ignites in maple and aspen color, and the summer crowds are gone. Early to mid-October is usually peak color in the interior; the Lake Superior shoreline often peaks a touch later.
Good to know
- A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry to the state park.
- Visit in spring or after a heavy rainfall for the most impressive flow.
- The staircase beside the falls can be slick — take your time, especially when the rock is wet.
- Pack a picnic: there are tables near the parking area, shaded by the old-growth forest.
- Morning visits offer the softest light on the falls and the fewest fellow hikers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike?
About a half mile from the parking area to the falls, on an easy trail through old-growth forest.
Can I get close to the falls?
Yes — a staircase descends alongside the slide, and there is an observation deck with a wide view.
- Hours, fees, road conditions, and access change — verify with the managing park or visitor bureau close to departure.
- Cell service is thin across much of the peninsula. Download offline maps and tell someone your route.
