Great Conglomerate Falls

Great Conglomerate Falls is one of the spectacular 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. Here the dark, powerful Black River splits and tumbles around a large island of rugged conglomerate rock, dropping in a broad, dramatic cascade that gives the falls its name.

Reached by a forest trail and stairways from the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway, Great Conglomerate is the uppermost of the famous Black River falls — followed downstream by Gorge, Potawatomi, Sandstone and Rainbow falls on the way to Black River Harbor on Lake Superior. Set in deep northern forest, with the river splitting around its distinctive rock island, it is a striking first stop on one of the finest waterfall corridors in the Midwest.

Great Conglomerate Falls is reached by a forest trail and stairways of about a mile from the Black River Scenic Byway, with overlooks of the cascade splitting around its conglomerate-rock island. Hiking the trails that link the string of Black River falls — part of the North Country Trail — is a highlight, along with photography. The nearby Black River Harbor on Lake Superior adds a beach, picnic area and harbor for a full day of exploring the corridor.

Spring snowmelt sends the most thunderous flow over the falls. 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 powerful cascade and its rock island.

Like the other Black River falls, Great Conglomerate 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.

Great Conglomerate Falls takes its name from the rugged conglomerate bedrock the Black River splits around — a hard, pebbly rock formed over a billion years ago in the deep geologic history of the Lake Superior basin. The river has carved its gorge through this resistant ancient rock, creating the string of falls as it drops toward the lake. The dark, tannin-stained water and the hard, old rock give the cascade its 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.

Great Conglomerate Falls lies within a rich tract of northern hardwood and hemlock forest in the Ottawa National Forest, its spray zone 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 the uppermost of the celebrated Black River waterfalls, Great Conglomerate is a centerpiece of one of the most renowned waterfall corridors in the Midwest and a highlight of the western U.P.’s reputation as a waterfall lover’s paradise. Its distinctive rock island and dramatic cascade draw photographers and fall-color seekers, anchoring the outdoor identity of the Ironwood, Bessemer and Black River Harbor area.

Great Conglomerate Falls is reached from the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway (County Road 513) north of Bessemer in Gogebic County, with a forest trail and stairways of about a mile to the falls and overlooks. 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 current conditions.

The U.S. Forest Service preserves Great Conglomerate 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 river gorge edges are steep, rocky and dangerous, and the wet rock is slippery. Keep well back from the edges and the powerful, cold water, especially during high spring flows and with children. The trail involves stairs and uneven footing; wear sturdy shoes. In winter the trails are icy and largely inaccessible. Bring water for the trail network.

Great Conglomerate 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 — Gorge, Potawatomi, Sandstone and Rainbow — are all linked by trail along the byway, which ends at Black River Harbor on Lake Superior with its beach and picnic area. 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.

Hike the connecting trails to see the whole string of Black River falls — Great Conglomerate, Gorge, Potawatomi, Sandstone and Rainbow — in one outing, then continue to Black River Harbor on Lake Superior. Come in spring for volume or fall for color. Wear good shoes for the stairways, stay back from the gorge edges, and use Ironwood or Bessemer as your base.