Alder Falls — Local services in Powell Township

This is another top spot in the UP for me, and quite possibly one of the best walerfalls since you can practically stand inside of it. It’s well worth the trip, but a little tricky to find, but overall getting to the location is easier than you might think. Look for the sandy two track truck road off of Big Bay Rd, just past a house and structure with a tin roof. The road is in pretty good shape but it’s been super dry this summer - during a thunderstorm or snow this would definitely require 4WD.

Keep going down the road until you see what looks like an open spot to park maybe two vehicles on your left. About 10 ft up the road from that is an opening on the right and a very small, discrete sign that points out the trailhead. I’d rate this trail “moderate” difficulty, as it gets pretty steep at times, especially near the bottom right by the falls. The hike itself isn’t very far at all, maybe 0.30 miles.

NOTE: if you make it to a very, very small wooden sketchy looking wooden bridge going over a small creek - you’ve gone too far! Turn around!

Other than that, enjoy! It’s a pretty easy walk over some rocks to the base of the falls but be mindful of the...

An absolute gem, and easily top 5 waterfalls of the over 200 I've visited. You get to take a short walk to a big big BIG waterfall...in the middle of a magical forest! You can follow the river upstream and find a handful more waterfalls, and they are indeed worth it. You can either Google this place or the Alder Falls trailhead. Either one will take you to the right place. I wouldn't recommend a basic car during the wet times when there is significant washout. You will have to drive up a couple of steep inclines, too. The falls aren't but a stone's throw from the trailhead, less than a quarter of a mile. You can cross the river without trouble pretty much all year, minus the very beginning of the wet season. If you had waders, you wouldn't have too much of an issue. These falls are best seen at sunrise and sunset. If you're a parent around here, have your kids have their senior pictures taken here. It's a gorgeous area!...

One of my favorite falls in UP. Not improved for “city day hikers”. Come prepared for UP woodland hiking. Good boots with a good tread suggested. Be prepared to climb hills as they are steep.

Went out after a light snow fall. Trail was icy and steep as mentioned. But we walked through the woods on either side of trail as footing was better. Not possible once foliage comes back out.

The road was fine for a UP backroad trail. Very typical. If you haven’t driven in soft sand or in muddy ruts, maybe park farther away and hike in.

Sign is very small on your right. Stood right out for us to see. Of course have been there a bunch of times so knew where to look. Would be lost in summer behind all the foliage.

If you are looking for a waterfall with little visitation and some alone time with nature this...