Laughing Whitefish Falls has a spectacular 30m (100-foot ) drop, and its deep gorge and layered limestone walls make it more than worth the easy hike.
Trail Data
Roundtrip: 1.6 km
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Sundell, MI
Click here for Google Map
Directions to Trailhead
From Chatham Michigan, head west on M-94 for 12.4km (7.7 miles) and turn right (north) onto Sundell Road. About 3.22km (2 miles) down Sundell Road the road will turn to the right; don’t go that way, instead continue straight onto the dirt road for about 500m (.3 miles) then turn right onto Laughing Whitefish Falls Road (indicated by park signage) and continue 650m (.4 miles) to the parking area.
The park does require a recreational pass, which you can purchase on the spot, it’s handy to make sure to bring a pen for this.
The parking area has a pit toilet, picnic table, charcoal barbeque grill, and a pump to access well water. No camping is allowed in this area. You will want to make sure you have bug spray with you on this trail.
Laughing Whitefish Falls Photos
Laughing Whitefish Falls Trail Details
The 20-minute walk to the falls is mostly downhill through a lovely hardwood forest. The trail begins as a well-kept path through a meadow. The trail then cuts through a thickly wooded area for about half a mile until you reach a flight of stairs. In total, the staircases have 153 steps with several platforms to take breaks. This is a good one for a family adventure, all the stairs aren’t necessary unless you want to view the falls from the bottom. There are benches along the walking trail if anyone needs to take a rest. Pets are welcome but must always be on a 6-foot leash.
You can then take the stairs down to the bottom of the waterfall. The view at the bottom isn’t the best because of the trees but it is fun to explore the river or walk up the cascade, but use caution as the limestone is slippery.
During the winter, the park is only accessible via snowshoes or ungroomed cross-country ski trails. The road leading into the park is seasonal and unplowed, with no turn-around. The dirt road may be very muddy at times.
Nearby Trails
The North Country Trail runs through the north end of the park, with a 1.9-mile spur trail connecting the park’s main trail to the falls. This national scenic trail hiking route from North Dakota to New York includes more than 1,500 miles in Michigan.
I found this trail in the guidebook called Waterfalls of Michigan. Other trails to check out when you are in the area are Miners Falls, Bridalveil Falls, and Chapel Falls.