Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park

Laughing Whitefish Falls is one of the Upper Peninsula's many impressive waterfalls. The falls cascade through a picturesque gorge with old-growth white pine and hemlock trees towering above. There are three observation platforms to view the falls from different levels, which can be reached by a half-mile hike through beech-maple forest (1 mile round-trip). The upper observation platform does not have any stairs leading to it, and a wooden staircase leads to the middle (20 stairs from the top) and lower (137 stairs from the top) observation platforms.

There is a charcoal grill and hand pump for water near the parking area; however, please pack all trash out with you as there are no trash cans. Pets are welcome but must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be packed out to be properly disposed of later.

The North Country Trail runs through the north end of the park, with a 1.9-mile spur trail connecting to the park’s main trail to the falls.

During the winter, the park is only accessible via snowshoe or ungroomed cross-country ski trails. The road leading into the park is seasonal and unplowed with no turn-around. The dirt road leading to the park may be very muddy at times.

Before visiting a state park, boating site or trail, it’s always a good idea to check the latest closures due to weather-related events, planned improvement projects and repairs. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.