About Forty Foot Falls
Forty Foot Falls is a named waterfall in Marquette County, Michigan, located about 23 miles east of L'Anse. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Mountain Lake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 46°49′58″ N, 87°58′25″ W (46.83278, -87.97361). Historical sources also record the name Cliff Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Cliff Lake (lake, 1.1 mi), Cliff River (stream, 1.4 mi), and Cedar Creek (stream, 1.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Turkey Neck Falls, 1.4 miles to the southeast.
Weather at Forty Foot Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Forty Foot Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Menominee time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Forty Foot Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Forty Foot Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Cliff Lake — lake, 1.1 mi
- Cliff River — stream, 1.4 mi
- Cedar Creek — stream, 1.7 mi
- Burnt Mountain — summit, 2.0 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 46.83278, -87.97361. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Forty Foot Falls
- Lower Falls, MI5.6 mi northwest
- Lower Letherby Falls, MI5.6 mi west
- Big Erick's Falls, MI5.7 mi northwest
- Upper Falls, MI5.8 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Forty Foot Falls located?
Forty Foot Falls is in Marquette County, Michigan, about 23 miles east of L'Anse. Its coordinates are 46.83278, -87.97361 (46°49′58″ N, 87°58′25″ W).
What town is closest to Forty Foot Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is L'Anse, MI, about 23 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Forty Foot Falls?
The closest is Turkey Neck Falls (1.4 mi southeast). Others within reach include East Branch Falls (4.4 mi), Big Falls (4.6 mi), and Ectasy Falls (5.2 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Forty Foot Falls?
Forty Foot Falls appears on the USGS Mountain Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.