Located in the Ottawa National Forest, The Black River Harbor National Scenic Byway begins on County Road 513 at its intersection with County Road 204 (Airport Road) and continues north for 11 miles to Black River Harbor.

Black River Harbor, one of only two harbors within the National Forest System, is a popular recreation area throughout the year.  The Harbor is approximately 15 miles north of Bessemer, Michigan, at the mouth of the Black River.   The Black River flows through areas of large pine, hemlock, and hardwood trees and has a series of scenic waterfalls as it drops to meet Lake Superior.  On September 19, 1992, Highway 513, which follows this section of the Black River, was officially dedicated as a National Forest Scenic Byway in recognition of its exceptional beauty and recreational opportunities.

In addition to the breathtaking views and remote ruggedness of the Black River Area, there are numerous areas of special interest along the way.  If you're really daring perhaps you'd like to visit a world class ski flying facility, Copper Peak, with the largest ski jump in the Northern Hemisphere.  If the weather happens to be a little too warm for skiing, you can always hike the North Country Hiking Trail which boasts picturesque vistas and scenic waterfalls.  You can also visit the Royal Palm Ranch, a nationally recognized equestrian school.  And of course, there's one of only two harbors within the National Forest System, the Black River Harbor, a unique harbor with beautiful stretches of Lake Superior beaches, a wooden suspension bridge, and other attractions in the area.

Waterfalls

• Rainbow Falls - Located approximately 14 miles north of US 2 on County Road 513 (directional sign).

Access to Falls:  A 1/2 mile hiking trail will take you from a paved parking lot to a stairway dropping down to an observation platform overlooking the scenic Black River and Rainbow Falls.  The falling water creates a mist, and sometimes with the right angle of sunlight, produces a rainbow effect, which gives the falls its name.  Rainbow Falls can also be viewed from the east side of the river.  This side will provide photographers with a better angle of the falls.  Trail access to the east side begins after crossing the suspended foot bridge at Black River Harbor Picnic Area.  This trail is 3/4 mile long via the North Country Scenic Trail.

Difficulty:  Easy to strenuous (stairs and steep grades).   Pace yourself and avoid over-exertion.

About the Area:  Black River Harbor parking lot and picnic area can also be hiked to from the Rainbow Falls west trail (County Road 513).  In September one can watch as the Chinook and Coho salmon make their upstream runs to the falls.

• Conglomerate Falls - Located 12 miles north of US 2 on County Road 513 (directional sign).

Access to Falls:  Hiking trail (3/4 mile in length) and paved parking lot at the head of the trail.

Difficulty:  Trail is easy to strenuous at times.  Pace yourself and avoid over-exertion.

About the Area:  The hiking trail will drop steadily as you near the riverbank.  At the falls, the river separates into two sections, falling 40 feet around an island of conglomerate rock, which gives the falls its name.  Old growth hemlock and hardwoods add to the natural beauty of the area.   Gorge and Potawatomi Falls can also be hiked from Conglomerate Falls going north (downstream) along the river (1/2 mile) via the North Country Scenic Trail.

• Sandstone Falls - Located 14 miles north of US 2 on County Road 513 (directional sign).

Access to Falls:  A 1/4 mile hiking trail will take you from a paved parking lot down a series of steps to the falls.

Difficulty:  Trail is short but steep (series of steps).  Pace yourself and avoid over-exertion.

About the Area:  Although Sandstone Falls is not a large waterfall, the area is well worth visiting because of its varied rock formations and hollows carved out of sandstone and conglomerate rock by stream erosion over the centuries.  Gorge and Potawatomi Falls can also be hiked to (upstream 1/3 mile) via the North Country Scenic Trail.

• Potawatomi and Gorge Falls - Located 13 miles north of US 2 on County Road 513 (large directional sign).

Access to Falls:  Brief hiking trails will take you from a paved double-loop parking lot to a series of stairways and observation platforms overlooking beautiful Gorge and Potawatomi Falls.

Difficulty:  Trail is easy to strenuous (series of steps).  Pace yourself and avoid over-exertion.

About the Area:  We recommend that you take the trail from the Potawatomi Falls parking lot, then walk down along the river as you view the scenic river and falls.  Gorge Falls is only a short distance north of Potawatomi Falls.  An asphalt surface trail connects the parking area at Gorge Falls to the viewing platform overlooking Potawatomi Falls.  A connecting platform provides barrier free access to the viewing platform to provide easy access and a unique opportunity to view one of our areas most beautiful waterfalls.  Conglomerate Falls can be hiked going south (upstream 1/2 mile) via the North Country Scenic Trail.   Sandstone  Falls can also be hiked going North (downstream 1/2 mile) via the North Country Scenic Trail.  Picnic sites and toilets are available near the parking lots with easy access.  Gorge Falls has a 29 foot width and a 24 foot drop.   Potawatomi Falls has a 130 foot width and a 30 foot drop. 

Additional Information on any of the areas can be obtained by calling the Ottawa National Forest at (906) 932-1330.

Old Depot Museum
150 North Lowell
PO Box 45
Ironwood, MI.  49938
906/932-1122 (phone)
906/932-2756 (fax)
email: chamber@ironwoodmi.org

We are Proud Members of the

Network

This site and all pages herein have been designed by and are hosted by the Internet Specialists at BOTEK CORPORATION and are the property of the Ironwood Chamber of Commerce.
Copyright © 2008 IRONWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE All Rights Reserved.