| Other Trail: Laughing Whitefish Falls Spur |
| Trail adopter(s): Lon / Lynn Emerick, 906-942-7879 / lemerick@up.net |
| Segment length: 2.3 miles (round trip from NCNST to falls and back is 4.6 miles) |
| Last update: March 2010 |
| On the trail: |
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Westbound: From the intersection of the NCNST, Segment 4 Rumely Road, and the spur trail at N46 24.167 W87 03.502 the trail goes southwest following the ridge above the Laughing Whitefish River. As you make a turn about a 0.9 mile down the trail you will pass a small unnamed waterfall and gorge. Hop across the stream and continue through the woods emerging out on an old logging road after approximately 0.6 miles. Turn right and follow the road for 0.5 mile until it intersects with the MI DNRE trail to the falls. Turn right and the top of the falls is just another 0.3 mile. There are steps leading down to the bottom of the falls with great views. Worth the effort, but of course, you will have to climb all 150 steps back up.
Eastbound: From the MI DNRE Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site parking area take the trail past the signboard to the falls, a distance of approximately 0.5 mile. Be sure to view the falls from both the top and the bottom of the 150 steps. Then head back west on the trail to the intersection with the Laughing Whitefish Falls Spur, about 0.3 mile from the top of the falls. Turn right (north) and follow the old logging road for about 0.5 mile where it turns to the right into the woods. After about 0.6 mile you will come across a small stream where the trail turns sharply right. There is a nice little unnamed waterfall and gorge here so enjoy before continuing on the last 0.9 mile to the intersection of the spur trail with Segment 4 Rumely Road of the NCNST. |
| Linking segment: 4 Rumely Road to Peter White Road |
Vehicle access to this trail is via Sundell Road off M-94 6.3 miles east of the US-41 and M-94 East intersection.
- At Sundell Road, turn north and go to the Michigan DNR Scenic Site Sign, approximately 2 miles. Follow east on the Michigan DNR Scenic Site Road to the Laughing Whitefish Falls parking area, approximately .42 miles from Sundell Rd.
Trail update (8-26-10): The Laughing Whitefish Connector leaves the main trail to Laughing Whitefish Falls at a junction signpost about .3 from the parking lot. The trail is well-marked and in good condition, with the exception of muddy stretches due to a rainy 2010. After 1.95 miles from the junction, the trail joins the NCT running east-west.
If you plan to leave a car at the Laughing Whitefish parking lot to access the falls, orÊthis connector trail and the North Country Trail, be advised that a current Michigan State Park pass is required. Passes are available at the dispensing box near the parking lot.
Download printable full page map as well as directions as a pdf file.
As you get out and hike this or any of our segments, please contact the trail adopter or Cliff Stammer (906-228-9897 / cnstammer@charter.net) with reports of trail conditions, including blow-downs, washouts, and inadequate blazing.
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Laughing Whitefish Falls
Falls from the stairs
From the top
Frozen unnamed falls on Laughing Whitefish Falls Spur
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