MNA Memorial Falls


May 2004

State: Michigan

Location: Michigan U.P., Alger County.

Height: 40

Crest: 8

Water Source: ?

Waypoint: 46.418N 86.62694W

Summary: This is a pretty waterfall in a pretty gorge, but the water flow is rather limited, so unless it has been raining recently or the snow is melting, you are likely to be disappointed. If you are lucky you will find two waterfalls here. Even if there is not any water here, there are several other waterfalls in the immediate area to visit.

MNA Memorial Falls is in Munising, off of H-58. Some of the locals refer to this waterfalls as "Twin Falls". This is a very seasonal waterfall and is often dry. However when the water is flowing, which may only be after a good rain or when the snow is melting, you will be treated to a very pretty gorge with two waterfalls in it. MNA Memorial Falls is owned by the Michigan Nature Association and it is open to the public.

To visit the falls from Munising, head east on H-58 and turn right on Nestor street. There is a sign that says "MNA Memorial Falls" on the right. Park here and follow the trail. The trail will take you to the top of the falls. There is a small wooden bridge that crosses the creek just above the falls. The trail continues downstream along the top of the gorge and then works its way back to the base of the falls. It is at most a 10 minute walk.

Two streams empty into this gorge, but the second one likely only has water after or during a good rain. One very interesting feature of this gorge is a "window" in the walls between the two falls. You can crawl through this window, or just walk around it. You can see each of the waterfalls through this window.

Another nice thing about this waterfall is its proximity to Tannery Falls. The trail from Nestor streets forks just before it descends into the gorge. The trail to the right leads to the base of the falls. The trail to the left leads to H-58, about 100 feet away from the stairway to Tannery Falls, so you can visit both falls on the same hike.

In the winter both of these falls turn into ice columns that are tackled by the ice climbers. Despite their low volume of water, each of these falls manages to produce a very impressive column. Every winter Munising hosts an ice climbing festival. After the festival the ice columns look like they have been attacked by woodpeckers. There are many other interesting ice formations to see in the area.

[Munising] Nearby Falls

Tannery Falls is in walking distance, and Munising Falls is not much farther away. Wagner Falls is just south of Munising, and Autrain Falls is a few miles beyond that. Miners Falls, Chapel Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Potato Patch Falls, and Sable Falls can all be found in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.


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Last Modified: Tuesday, 04-Jul-2017 20:57:19 MDT.

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