Laughing Whitefish Falls Hike
Waterfall | Michigan
1 mi round trip
Route line not shown. The 1 mi distance for this hike is verified (michigan.gov), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Laughing Whitefish Falls
Laughing Whitefish Falls is a waterfall in Michigan, on land managed by Michigan DNR - Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park.
The Hike
The hike to the falls follows the Laughing Whitefish Falls Trail: 1 miles round trip, from Laughing Whitefish Falls parking area (Laughing Whitefish Falls Road). Distance from michigan.gov.
Before You Go
- A wooden staircase leads to the middle (20 stairs from the top) and lower (137 stairs from the top) observation platforms. (michigan.gov)
- The road leading into the park is seasonal and unplowed with no turn-around. (michigan.gov)
- In winter the park is only accessible by snowshoe or ungroomed cross-country ski trails. (michigan.gov)
- Rock around waterfalls is slick when wet; stay on the trail and back from the edge.
- Check Michigan DNR - Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park for current conditions, closures and parking before you go.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Laughing Whitefish Falls?
The Laughing Whitefish Falls Trail to Laughing Whitefish Falls is 1 miles round trip.
Where does the Laughing Whitefish Falls hike start?
It starts from Laughing Whitefish Falls parking area (Laughing Whitefish Falls Road).
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Slippery wet rock near the falls
- Fast, high water after rain or snowmelt
- Check weather before departure
Turn-Around Time
3:00 PM
Plan to reach the falls by this time so you are back before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Point Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Laughing Whitefish Falls Guide
Where the trail data, elevation and route line on this page come from.
- Verified against
- michigan.gov
- Distance
- michigan.gov
- Falls location
- gowaterfalling.com
- Elevation
- ≈ Copernicus GLO-90 elevation model at the falls coordinates (via Open-Meteo)
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Hikes
Other hikes within 30 miles of Laughing Whitefish Falls.