The Black River reaches Lake Superior at Black River Harbor Recreation Area, on Ottawa National Forest north of Bessemer. The Forest Service knows the place for waterfalls, a Superior beach, short trails and a campground. Tannin from hemlock is what darkens the river. 1

What to see

Five short walks, a quarter-mile to three-quarters of a mile, leave paved lots for the falls. The Forest Service names them in order upstream to the lake: Conglomerate, Potawatomi, Gorge, Sandstone and Rainbow. Most of those paths have stairs. The trail, restroom and viewing platform at Potawatomi Falls are fully accessible. 12

The North Country Trail follows the river, crosses it on a suspension bridge at the harbor and continues east toward Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. From Copper Peak it is about six miles along the river into the harbor, then another 5.8 miles to the edge of the Porkies. 14

The harbor is one of the few Forest Service access points to Superior here. The beach, picnic area and campground sit where the river meets the lake. 12

Best seasons

The falls run all year. Spring snowmelt is the high-water week the Forest Service describes. Spring ephemerals — trout lily, trillium, bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches — show along the same walks from early to mid-May. Fall is the hardwood color on the slopes. 2 Winter viewing is possible; the Forest Service says snowshoes are usually needed and the trails may be icy. 2 Those winter notes sit on our Winter page.

How to get there

From Bessemer, the Forest Service sends drivers north on County Road 513, the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway. Waterfall trailheads are on the west side of the river. 2 The Bessemer Ranger District is the office for current access.

Tips

  • Potawatomi is the accessible platform. Rainbow and Sandstone are the steeper stair walks. 123
  • The other UP waterfall pages we keep are Bond Falls, Tahquamenon Falls and Munising Falls.
  • The Tahquamenon ornament and coaster set are the waterfall pieces we print.

Safety

Steep stairs, open platforms and a drop to the river are the hazards the Forest Service names. Parents are asked to watch children at the viewing decks. This page does not report today's ice or flow. Check the Black River Harbor page before you go. 12