Gabbro Falls


July 2004

State: Michigan

Location: Ramsay, 2 miles north of US 2.

Height: 40

Crest: 10

Water Source: Black River

Waypoint: 46.50222N 89.9921W

Summary: A very lovely waterfall that is also largely wild, despite being just a short walk from your car. This is a one of the best waterfalls in the western U.P.

Gabbro Falls is on the Black River and is as impressive, if not more impressive, than its more celebrated neighbors downstream along the Black River Scenic Byway. This is a largely wild waterfall with no fences or barriers of any kind. It consists of three separate drops. When the water is high there is a fourth drop that is the height of the other three combined that can only be seen from the east side of the river. The main drop falls into a narrow crevice between two large rock formations.

Gabbro Falls is relatively easy to find but there is some confusing information out there. The waterfall is also known as Baker's Falls, and it is often mistakenly called Garbo Falls (gabbro is a type of rock). There is also a Neepikon Falls upstream, but it is just an unremarkable rapid. To reach the waterfall head north on Blackjack Rd from US 2 in Ramsay. Head north for about 2 miles. Blackjack Rd takes a sharp left and goes over a wooden covered bridge. From this point on the road is gravel. Continue to the left (you are still on Blackjack Rd) and head up the hill. You will be heading roughly south at this point. At the top of the hill there will be some old, run down looking buildings on the right. Turn around, and park opposite the buildings. There are some obvious trails. To reach the top of the falls, head to the right. To reach the base, head straight.

You can rock hop across the river below the falls in low water. To reach the other side without possibly getting your feet wet, go back to the bridge on Blackjack Rd. There is a snowmobile/atv trail on the east side of the river that you can easily hike up. This will give you a great view of the big drop in high water.

Here is a 12 second movie of Gabbro Falls.

[Lake Superior] [Gogebic County] Nearby Falls

Powder Horn Falls is just a few miles west off of US 2. Potawatomi Falls, Gorge Falls and the other falls of the Black River Scenic Byway are about 15 miles away (most of that is on the byway). Manabezho Falls is about a 30 mile drive away. This map shows the location of many nearby waterfalls.

Photo Gallery


View from bottom


July 2004


Top of Falls

October 2006

October 2006

High water, May 2017

The Big Drop, May 2017

View from east side

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Last Modified: Thursday, 01-Jun-2017 20:45:01 MDT.

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