Nawadaha Falls is a 10-foot cascade on the Presque Isle River in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Gogebic County, Michigan. It is the uppermost of three named falls on the river's lowest stretch, above Manido Falls and Manabezho Falls, and the loop trail of the Presque Isle River Scenic Site passes it on both banks.
The falls
Lidar data puts the drop at about 10 feet in a single step, though earlier surveys listed 15 feet. The cascade spans a crest 50 to 150 feet wide, and the eastern side of the falls carries more water later in the year.
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 flat gravel trail behind the Presque Isle contact booth provides an easy walk to the viewpoints, as described in the 2024 park visitor guide. The West River Trail (1.1 miles) and East River Trail (1.2 miles) have boardwalks and viewing platforms, though reaching the falls also involves some rugged path sections. The full loop spans 3 miles with 609 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate, reaching Nawadaha Falls about 1.2 miles in and passing it again at mile 1.9 on the east bank. 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. The park's South Boundary Road closes to vehicles in winter.
On site
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
Local historical accounts trace the name to an Ojibwe expression meaning "in the midst of rapids."
Nearby
Manido Falls is about 0.4 mile downstream and Manabezho Falls about 0.6 mile, both on the same loop. Iagoo Falls, also on the Presque Isle River, is about 3 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.