Ely Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Ely Falls
Ely Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, near the town of Ishpeming. It is part of the Ely Creek and features a serene, wooded setting. The waterfall is relatively small but charming, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Ely Falls is short and relatively flat, making it suitable for most visitors. It winds through a wooded area and follows Ely Creek, leading directly to the waterfall. The path may be muddy or slippery after rain or during spring thaw.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ely Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ely Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit Ely Falls, as the snowmelt increases the water flow. Summer and fall are also good options for pleasant weather and colorful foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or snowmelt when the trail may become hazardous. Always stay on marked paths to protect the environment and ensure safety.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Schweitzer Creek, 3.6 miles away, not on Ely Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
6 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 66 years of record
2.88 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SCHWEITZER CREEK NEAR PALMER, MI (6 km away).
Today
Strong
6 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
6 cfs
6/10Sat
Strong
6 cfs
10/10Sun
Strong
5 cfs
10/10Mon
Strong
6 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
6 cfs
8/10Best window: Sat — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid June, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Ishpeming hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Ely Falls Frozen?
Updated about 3 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Ely Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 63°F to 54°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 6 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Michigan.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 56 feet of drop through Ely Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,428 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 52 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 44 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,428 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 56 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Ely Falls is located near Ishpeming, Michigan, and can be accessed via local roads. The exact location may require some navigation, as it is not prominently marked. Visitors often recommend using GPS coordinates or local maps to find the site.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is limited and may involve roadside parking near the trailhead. Visitors should ensure they are not blocking any private property or driveways.
Elevation
1,424 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.438889° N, -87.688889° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy or uneven. Bring bug spray during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Consider visiting in the spring when water flow is typically higher.
Where to Stay
Days Inn by Wyndham Marquette
Comfort Suites Marquette
Holiday Inn Marquette by IHG
My Place Hotel-Marquette, MI
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum in Ishpeming and other waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, such as Dead River Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to various birds, deer, and other small woodland animals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Cities near Ely Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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