Manakiki Falls & Maple Creek Falls

Wayne Premo

Wayne Premo, who has hunted down more U.P. waterfalls than anyone else, considers the hike along Maple Creek to the falls one of the most beautiful in the U.P. The path leads through a small but splendid canyon. At places one may have to wade through water, so expect to get your feet wet.

Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and mood of this beautiful river.

It is easy to locate these waterfalls, and the hike on top of the ridge is not difficult. There is a faint trail.

Getting up and down to the creek can be a challenge from Unnamed Maple Creek Falls #3 to the bridge. One must be careful walking the river. There are 4 waterfalls on this creek, These directions are for all four.

Turn west on Maple Creek Road off County Rd. 513. This turn-off is about 5 mils south of Black River Harbor and about 12 miles north of U.S. 2 west of Bessemer (just beyhond the sign for Potawatami Falls on the right).. Go 3 miles west of Maple Creek Rd. to a bridge over the creek and park. Descend carefully to the river at the NW corner of the bridge and look upsteam to see Unnamed Maple Creek Falls #3.

Climb back up the bank and start in the woods at the SW side of the bridge. As soon as there is a place where you are able to descend to the river, do so. Walk upstream carefully to Manakiki Falls. Continue walking upstream another .4 mile to the other two waterfalls.

To return to the bridge quickly, walk the high bank. If you remain close to the creek on the bank you will get a good view of Manakiki Falls from the very high bank. It would be hard to descend here.

Return to Black River Harbor