About Upper Falls
Upper Falls is a named waterfall in Luce County, Michigan, located about 19 miles northeast of Newberry. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Betsy Lake South 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 46°34′30″ N, 85°15′26″ W (46.57502, -85.25733). Historical sources also record the names Upper Tahquamenon Falls, Big Falls, and Tahquamenon Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Anchard Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), Wolf Creek (stream, 0.5 mi), and Gage Creek (stream, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Lower Falls, 3.1 miles to the northeast.
A huge amount of cedar-stained water drains over this wide waterfall on the Tahquamenon River.
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Upper Falls:
fall colorswheelchair accessibilitywalk to fallsboardwalkbeautiful scenerynew bridgewalkwaysdog friendlypaved trailslots of steps
More Photos
3,570 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Upper 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 Upper Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Detroit 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 Upper Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Upper Falls holds a 4.9 average from 1,223 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Upper Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Anchard Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- Wolf Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
- Gage Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- Callam Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
- Linton Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
- Rose Creek — stream, 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 46.57502, -85.25733. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Upper Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Falls located?
Upper Falls is in Luce County, Michigan, about 19 miles northeast of Newberry. Its coordinates are 46.57502, -85.25733 (46°34′30″ N, 85°15′26″ W).
What town is closest to Upper Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Newberry, MI, about 19 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Upper Falls?
The closest is Lower Falls (3.1 mi northeast). Others within reach include Chipmunk Falls (34 mi) and Sable Falls (36 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Upper Falls?
Upper Falls appears on the USGS Betsy Lake South 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.