NCTH Other Trail - Laughing Whitefish Falls Spur

Laughing Whitefish Falls Spur

Other trail: Laughing Whitefish Falls Spur

Trail adopter(s): Lon/Lynn Emerick, 906-942-7879 / lemerick@up.net

Segment length: 2.3 miles

Last update: May 2008

On the trail:: Westbound: 2.26 miles to the falls from the NCT Segment 4 intersection; Eastbound: 2.26 miles from the falls to the NCT Segment 4 intersection

Connecting 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.

The Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site Trail begins here. There is a nice signboard with a map of the area. A rare restroom is also available. The Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site Trail heads east towards the falls. The NCT Connecting Spur will intersect in approximately one-quarter mile. At this time, there is no directional sign where the connector spur to the NCT leaves the Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site trail....look for ribbons and blazes on the left side of the Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site trail before the falls. The connector trail is well marked and fairly level from its intersection with the main trail to Laughing Whitefish Falls to the signed intersection with the North Country Trail just above a long set of stairs down to the Laughing Whitefish River. This area is subject to windfalls and there are some wet spots as the trail winds down from old woods roads to benches above the river. The trail passes some lovely sandstone cirques and spring waterfalls.

If you are on the NCT trail, Segment 4 Rumely Road to Peter White Road, the spur to the Laughing Whitefish Falls begins 0.30 miles east of the Rock River NCT footbridge. There is a NCT trail sign at the intersection, pointing in the direction of the spur and the Scenic Site parking lot near the end of the spur. The spur angles southwesterly through a pleasant woods. A small waterfall can be heard and seen as it cascades into a small but striking canyon scene. At this point the trail heads more westerly and includes a small jump over the stream feeding the waterfall. Shortly the NCT spur intersects with the Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site Trail. Turn east to follow the Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site trail to the falls. At the top of the falls there is a platform to view but there are also a series of 154 steps descending to the bottom of the falls. The multiple views from the platforms as you descend, and eventually ascend, are well worth the extra effort.

Last trail maintenance: October 2007

Download printable full page map and directions as a pdf file.

Waypoints (east to west)	Latitude	Longitude	Distance to next
Sign (north end of spur)	N 46º 24.1717'	W 87º 3.4892'	1.25 mi
Small falls	N 46º23.4637'	W 87º 4.1157'	.73 mi
Scenic Site Trail Intersection	N 46º23.0140'	W 87º 4.4290'	.28 mi
Laughing Whitefish Falls	N 46º23.0500'	W 87º 4.1400'	.55 mi
Parking at Scenic Site Entrance	N 46º22.8991'	W 87º 4.6294'	.42 mi
Road to LWF Falls Parking	N 46º22.8685'	W 87º 5.1076'

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.

For more detailed information about the Laughing Whitefish Falls, see Eric Hansen's Hiking Michigan's Upper Peninsula, pp. 106-109, and also Laurie, Bill and Ruth Penrose's A Guide to Michigan Waterfalls, p. 21.

Laughing Whitefish Falls
Sign directing hikers to Laughing Whitefish Falls Spur and Parking.	Small falls frozen over.
Entrance to Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site trail at parking area.	Trying to free a chain saw.