Manabezho Falls is a 15-foot block waterfall on the Presque Isle River in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Gogebic County, Michigan. It is the lowest of the three named falls on the river's final stretch, below Nawadaha and Manido Falls.
The falls
The whole river spills over a broad ledge in a single drop that splits into separate plunges. Lidar data puts the drop at about 15 feet, though earlier surveys listed 20 feet. Historical records also note the feature as Presque Isle Falls. The falls are much wider than they are tall, and the dark, tannin-stained water is typical of rivers in the northern forest country.
Getting there
The falls are in the Presque Isle River Scenic Site at the western end of the park, managed by the Michigan DNR. A large parking lot serves the river trails. The West River Trail (1.1 miles) has boardwalks, stairs and viewing platforms, and the East River Trail (1.2 miles) is rougher. The combined loop spans 3 miles with 609 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. Manabezho is the first falls reached on the west side, about a quarter mile from the lot, and the last on the east side. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicles: $15 a year for Michigan plates, or $12 a day and $42 a year for nonresidents.
When to go
Flow peaks with spring snowmelt in April and May, when the trails are often muddy. The park's South Boundary Road closes to vehicles in winter.
On site
On the west bank an overlook provides an open view of the falls, and stairs lead down to a boardwalk that passes the brink. Fenced boardwalks run along very steep cliffs there; on the east bank, undercut soil can overhang the river and give way, so visitors should stay back from the edge. Swimming and wading in the Presque Isle River are prohibited, and the DNR asks that children be held by the hand near the water. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet.
History and name
Manabezho refers to a spirit god of the Ojibwe.
Nearby
Manido Falls is about 0.2 mile upstream and Nawadaha Falls about 0.6 mile, both on the same loop. Iagoo Falls, also on the Presque Isle River, is about 3.4 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.