Easily Accessible Waterfalls Near Ironwood

With so many waterfalls in Gogebic county it can be tricky to nail down the right one to visit when you are looking for a quickie. This short article will get you off to a good start, with our top 5 easiest waterfalls to access near Ironwood.

Interstate Falls (20’) - This waterfall is just across the border in Wisconsin on the Montreal River, a short drive from Ironwood. To get there, head west on US 2 into Wisconsin. Very shortly after crossing the border there will be signs for the falls on the right side of the road. Take your first right and follow the signs a short way down the gravel road to a parking area. About 1/3 miles down a relatively easy trail takes you to a nice viewing area.

Gabbro Falls (40’) - This waterfall is a short drive east of Bessemer on the Black River. Head east on US 2 from Bessemer, taking a left on Black Jack Rd. and following it north until reaching Black Jack ski hill (follow the left bend down the hill). After reaching the large parking area in front of the ski hill, stay left and take the gravel road up the hill, pulling over when you hear the falls a short distance past the utility buildings. The waterfall is less than 100 feet away. Please use caution around the cliffs.

Superior Falls (60’) - Superior Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall that drops over 60 feet as the Montreal River makes its final plunge to Lake Superior. Not only is it big, but you park less than 100 feet from a great viewing area. You can find this one by taking highway 122 north from US 2, watching for signs after crossing the river (turn is on the left as you head east). Park near the big silo and follow the fence to the left. You can also walk down the hill to Lake Superior from here, a nice bonus.

Gile Falls (15’) - An often forgotten hidden gem, Gile falls is located in the city of Gile, along the West Fork of the Montreal River. Shortly after exiting the dam at the Gile Flowage, the West Fork twists through a rocky mini-gorge. Scenic at all flows and wild at high flows, this waterfall is less than 15 minutes from downtown Ironwood. To access it, take highway 77 west, heading toward the city of Gile. Take a left on Kokogan street and follow the gravel trails that appear quickly on your right. You’ll hear the river when you get close.

Kimball Falls (10’) - How ‘bout driving up and parking 20 feet from the waterfall at a county park? Kimball Falls is a twisting ledge drop on the West Fork Montreal that falls 10 feet in short sequence, right next to Kimball Park which has light amenities and free camping (did someone say free camping?). Take US 2 west from Ironwood for a few miles until reaching Park Rd. Take a left/head south on Park Rd. You will see signs for the entrance to the park on your right, follow the short road in until you read a dead end at the falls/park/bridge.

These are just a few of the many options you have for great waterfalls near Ironwood, Michigan. If you’ve hit this list and are still looking for more, make sure to check out the Black River Scenic Byway and the Presque Isle River in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park aka “The Porkies”. As with any outdoor adventure, grabbing a growler of Cold Iron beer to bring with is always a great idea!