Gorge Falls

Gorge Falls is one of the most dramatic of the string of waterfalls along the Black River as it races toward Lake Superior through the Ottawa National Forest, in Gogebic County near Bessemer in the western Upper Peninsula. True to its name, the falls funnel the dark, powerful Black River through a narrow rock gorge, the water compressed and thundering between sheer walls of ancient rock.

Reached by trails and stairways from the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway, Gorge Falls sits between Potawatomi and Sandstone falls in the celebrated chain that runs down to Black River Harbor on Lake Superior. The confined, churning drop through the chasm makes it a powerful, photogenic stop on one of the finest waterfall corridors in the Midwest, set deep in the northern forest of the western U.P.

Gorge Falls is reached by a trail and stairways from the Black River Scenic Byway, with overlooks of the river thundering through its narrow rock chasm. Hiking the trails that link the string of Black River falls — part of the North Country Trail — is a highlight, along with photography of the dramatic, confined drop. The nearby Black River Harbor on Lake Superior adds a beach, picnic area and harbor for a full day of exploring the waterfall corridor.

Spring snowmelt sends the most thunderous flow through the gorge. Summer offers lush forest and full trail access to the whole string of Black River falls. Fall is spectacular, framing the cascades in brilliant color on one of the U.P.’s premier autumn waterfall drives. Winter turns the falls to ice and the byway largely inaccessible. Soft or overcast light is best for photographing the churning drop in the shaded gorge.

Like the other Black River falls, Gorge Falls lies in the wild, forested copper-and-timber country of the western Upper Peninsula, preserved within the Ottawa National Forest. The Black River National Forest Scenic Byway and its network of trails, stairways and overlooks were developed to give visitors access to the string of waterfalls and the historic Lake Superior harbor at the river’s mouth.

Gorge Falls funnels the Black River through a narrow chasm carved into the ancient, resistant bedrock of the western Upper Peninsula — rock formed over a billion years ago in the deep geologic history of the Lake Superior basin. The river has cut a tight, sheer-walled gorge through this hard rock, compressing and accelerating the water into a powerful drop. The dark, tannin-stained water and the confining rock walls give the falls their dramatic character.

The deep northern forest of hemlock, maple and birch along the Black River gorge shelters black bear, white-tailed deer, porcupine and a rich community of woodland birds, while the river corridor draws mergansers, kingfishers and bald eagles. The cool, oxygenated river supports aquatic life, and the wild Ottawa National Forest setting makes the area excellent, if rugged, wildlife country.

Gorge Falls lies within a rich tract of northern hardwood and hemlock forest in the Ottawa National Forest, its spray zone and shaded chasm supporting mosses, ferns and lichens on the wet rock. The free-flowing Black River and its gorge form a healthy riparian ecosystem within the protected forest. Keeping to trails, stairways and overlooks protects the fragile gorge vegetation and steep, erosion-prone banks.

As one of the most dramatic of the celebrated Black River waterfalls, Gorge Falls is a highlight of one of the most renowned waterfall corridors in the Midwest and of the western U.P.’s reputation as a waterfall lover’s paradise. Its powerful drop through the narrow chasm draws photographers and fall-color seekers, anchoring the outdoor identity of the Ironwood, Bessemer and Black River Harbor area.

Gorge Falls is reached from the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway (County Road 513) north of Bessemer in Gogebic County, with a trail and stairways to the falls and overlooks — it sits close to Potawatomi Falls, sharing a parking area. Connecting trails link it to the other Black River falls and the North Country Trail. The byway continues to Black River Harbor on Lake Superior. The falls are within the Ottawa National Forest; check the U.S. Forest Service for conditions.

The U.S. Forest Service preserves Gorge Falls and the Black River corridor within the Ottawa National Forest, managing the trails, stairways and overlooks to protect the gorge, its vegetation and the steep banks. Visitors help by staying on designated routes, keeping off the fragile rock and vegetation, packing out everything, and respecting the wild river setting. Protecting the gorge preserves both the scenery and visitor safety.

Stay on the trails, stairways and overlooks — the gorge edges are steep, rocky and dangerous, and the wet rock and stairs are slippery. Keep well back from the edges and the powerful, cold water, especially during high spring flows and with children. The trail involves many steps; watch your footing. In winter the trails are icy and largely inaccessible. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water.

Gorge Falls lies within the Ottawa National Forest; follow U.S. Forest Service rules. Stay on trails, stairways and overlooks; climbing into the gorge or on the falls is prohibited and dangerous. Pets should be leashed. Pack out all trash. Collecting is restricted. Camp only in designated sites. Check the U.S. Forest Service for current access, conditions and any seasonal byway closures.

The neighboring Black River falls — Great Conglomerate, Potawatomi, Sandstone and Rainbow — are all linked by trail along the byway (Gorge and Potawatomi share a parking area), which ends at Black River Harbor on Lake Superior. The towns of Bessemer and Ironwood, the Porcupine Mountains, Lake Gogebic and the western U.P.’s many other waterfalls are all within reach, making the area a waterfall-rich destination.

Pair Gorge Falls with neighboring Potawatomi Falls (they share a parking area) and hike the connecting trails to see the whole string of Black River falls, continuing to Black River Harbor on Lake Superior. Come in spring for volume or fall for color. Wear good shoes for the many stairs, stay back from the gorge edges, and use Ironwood or Bessemer as your base.