The Au Train Falls are a hidden gem of beauty and serenity that is worth the hunt. Come with me and we’ll see why…
Waterfalls Everywhere!
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is known for a lot of things around the country. We have an abundance of forest, gorgeous Great Lakes, pretty stones, bears and moose, waterfalls, and even specialty food such as fudge and pasties. Wait! Did I say waterfalls?! Yes, I did!
Hold onto your seat because I’m going to start a new series on Michigan waterfalls. And I going to start with one that took me by surprise. I hope you like it too!
First Things First
Finding the Au Train Falls is not difficult or is it way out in the middle of nowhere, unlike last week’s adventure (see https://thecoddiwomplist.com/crisp-point-lighthouse-a-welcoming-sight-on-lake-superior/). That is great!
The first time I tried to find these waterfalls was last year. I didn’t have my map with me and as I said last week, I learned the year before not to rely on my GPS in the UP.
I went looking for the falls on the suggestion of a friend who had already been there and was raving about how these were her favorite. Assuming they would be near Au Train, I decided to wing it in my search. It turns out that I gave up just a touch too soon. Isn’t that usually the case?
Taking M-94 will take you to Autrain Forest Lake Road. Turn right off M-94. Once you are on Autrain, drive 100-150 yards and turn right once again onto Power Dam Road. It is a short(ish) dirt road that will have a couple pull offs so you can trek down to the Au Train River and look at different stages of the falls as they go along.
I stayed on the road until it ended at the gates and there is a small parking area here, as well. Once you walk past the gates, it is basically a “road” that you will walk down to the falls. It’s obvious this is a road used by utility trucks for the dam, etc. It can be slick if it has rained or snowed, so wear shoes with a good tread! It was also a touch steep but definitely doable for most people.
Past The Gate
Walking down the path you will see and hear the Autrain River and Falls on your right side. At the very least you will most likely see several people walking through the water and on the falls. However, on your left as you reach the bottom of the path, you will see a wall with it’s own small trickle of a fall.
Continue to follow the path to the right – trust me there is no way not to see where it leads – and cross the foot bridge. I spent a few minutes on the bridge because the head-on view of the falls and of the river as it continues to the north is a good opportunity for pictures.
Au Train Falls
When the word “waterfall” is used it will immediately conjure a picture in your head. You will either think of Niagra Falls or you will picture something much, much different.
With the Au Train Falls you may get a little of both, depending on the time of year you visit here. With the Upper Falls presenting a drop of around 40′ and the lower falls displaying a 10′ decent, you can have quite the display in the Spring or after heavy rains.
I visited the area in August and the flow of the river was slightly more than a trickle over the edges of the falls but it was consistant and moving a hearty pace as it moved onward. Because the water was so low, anyone who wanted to play in the water had no problem doing so. If you google pictures of the falls you can see what it looks like when the water is flowing much faster and deeper.
Please use good judgement at all times. This is water and a natural force that can become deadly at any time, for any reason. Just because it was a lovely day when I was there does not mean it will be the next time. I just want you to be aware and stay safe.
Once you make it across the footbridge, on the left there is a utility shed and behind that an area to go into the water. To your right is a picnic table and another area that makes going into the water easier. This is where I kicked off my shoes and joined my daughter. The water was COLD but it felt wonderful (it was so hot up there this year)! For the most part walking on the rocks was without any problems but I did encounter a few that were algae covered and a little slippery.
Towards the top, near the edge of the falls drop, there is a spot that looks like a natural seat in the water. I saw several sit and take advantage of the refreshing pool. Here are pictures of Shelby standing in it and enjoying it too – not deep and just the right size!
While Shelby and I splashed around under the falls and the bridge, my husband found a trail that took him on top of the falls. There are little side shoots from the path and that’s where he wandered to. It worked out because it gave me some favorite family pictures of them! (Yes, that’s him trying to give her bunny ears)
Take A Detour
When you decide it’s time to head out, stop! It’s hard to see but there is a path that leads to the river and another waterfall. It is so peaceful and very few people seemed interested in making the trek down.
The path is just a footpath and muddy and steep in spots but if you are able to make it, the tour down is completely worth it. I’ll be honest, if my husband hadn’t found it and had me looking for him, I would not have known it was there-no signs. That’s why I’m telling you!
Cleveland Cliffs Basin
If you take M-28 to M-94, this is a nicer and more scenic drive than staying on M-28. There is also a lot less traffic. Plus, if you go M-28 to M-94, you will get to see a dammed area that I thought was interesting. We stopped and walked across the top for a couple minutes and had a look around.
The dam is at the point where the Cleveland Cliffs Basin ends and the Au Train River begins. The basin is public property and contains a large variety of fish that include walleye, northern pike, perch, rock bass and more. The reservoir covers nearly 1500 acres, the majority of it is 15′ or less in depth.
Camping and a public boat launch can be found by following Storage Basin Road. For more information on the rustic camping available at the Forest Lake State Campground, visit their website here : https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=655&type=SFCG
Most of the time it’s good to find the unexpected in life.
Yay Or Nay?
This is definitely a Yay!
This is a beautiful spot to spend an hour or two, or more, and just relax and commune with the nature around you. Depending on the time of the year, the Au Train Falls are not too deep and it’s a wonderful place for adults and children alike to wade in the cooling water and splash in the falls that spill over the edge above. Take a picnic lunch and sit at the table under the tree and enjoy some togetherness.
Don’t forget to spend a little time exploring around the area. There are more falls located up and down the river that I didn’t get to. If you take a quick look on a map, they are easy to spot but I suspect they are not all easy to get to…so wear your hiking shoes!
Cost Of The Day
- There was no expense for this excursion except for gasoline. On this day gas was $3.159/gallon
Nearby
- Forest Lake Campground and Picnic Area
- Au Train Lake Campground
- Autrain River Canoe & Kayak Rentals
- Riverview Resort & Canoe Rental – (906)202-2831
- UPVacation.com
- Bay De Noc Trail North Trailhead
Where’s The Map?
Last Views of Au Train Falls
Special Thanks
I’d like to give a special Shout Out and Thank You to Angela for telling me about the Au Train Falls and encouraging me to visit them! We loved them and will definitely go back!!