Au Train Falls
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Au Train Falls

4.8
·172 reviews·, United States

Stunning, accessible cascades in Michigan's UP, featuring a unique hydroelectric plant and walkable falls.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Water flow is often highest

CrowdLow
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Au Train Falls

Au Train Falls

Best Time

Spring mornings

Water flow is often highest

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Stunning, accessible cascades in Michigan's UP, featuring a unique hydroelectric plant and walkable falls.

4.8
(172 reviews)

"Wasn’t expecting these falls to be so big or beautiful, so it was a wonderful sight to see!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Dirt Road Arrival

Don't be deterred by the dirt road; it leads to the correct parking area for Au Train Falls.

👟 Easy Downhill Walk

The path to the falls is a short, easy downhill walk from the parking lot.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 172 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cascading Beauty

Cascading Beauty

Main falls area

Witness the impressive, multi-tiered cascades of Au Train Falls, a truly beautiful sight in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Hydroelectric Plant View

Hydroelectric Plant View

Near the falls

Observe the unique small hydroelectric plant and its turbines, adding an industrial twist to the natural scenery.

Walkable Falls

Walkable Falls

Base of the falls

Explore the shallow, clear waters and walk around the base of the falls for a unique, up-close experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Easy Access, Big Reward

Don't let the dirt road fool you; Au Train Falls is incredibly accessible. A short, downhill walk from the parking lot leads to stunning cascades. It's a perfect stop for a quick nature fix without a strenuous hike. InstagramReddit

Hydroelectric Charm

Au Train Falls is unique due to the small hydroelectric plant. You can peek through the mesh to see the turbines and water flow, adding an interesting industrial element to the natural beauty. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Water flow is often highest
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Vibrant fall colors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Best fall hike in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the Escarpment Trail🍁 Hike in from Lake of the Clouds, or the trailhead before you get to the top! It’s worth every step! #fall #fallcolors #porcupinemountains #upperpeninsulamichigan #falliscoming
@amber_ofthenorth
14.7K likes • 186.1K views

🚗 Dirt Road Arrival

Don't be deterred by the dirt road; it leads to the correct parking area for Au Train Falls. Reddit

👟 Easy Downhill Walk

The path to the falls is a short, easy downhill walk from the parking lot. InstagramReddit

Au Train Falls #michiganrustic • #michiganoutdoors #michigancamping #michiganstateparks #michigandnr #campinginmichigan #mistateparks #puremittigan #exploremichigan #enjoymichigan #mittenstate #greaklakes #greatlakesstate #greatlakespround #michiganmade #michigander #puremichigan #naturalmichigan #puremichiganders #hikemichigan #michiganhiking #michigan #michiganforest #michiganawesome #puremitte...
michiganrustic
286 likes • 2.6K views
Au Train Falls 📍 . . 🎥: @annekeryanphoto . . #yooperlifesocial #yooperlife #yooper #upperpeninsula #906 #michigansupperpeninsula #uppermichigan #michigan #puremichigan #autrainfalls #marquette
yooperlifeofficial
70 likes • 1.3K views

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning shots of the cascading water and the unique hydroelectric plant. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Base

Walk around the shallow falls for a unique perspective and great photo ops. Reddit

Au Train Falls in the upper peninsula of Michigan. #onlyinmichigan #waterfall #michiganwaterfalls #michigan #michigan #upperpeninsula #puremichigan #uptravel #waterfalls
giffordoutdoors
86 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Dirt Road Arrival

Don't be deterred by the dirt road; it leads to the correct parking area for Au Train Falls. Reddit

👟 Easy Downhill Walk

The path to the falls is a short, easy downhill walk from the parking lot. InstagramReddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning shots of the cascading water and the unique hydroelectric plant. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Base

Walk around the shallow falls for a unique perspective and great photo ops. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Spots

Several areas are available for picnicking, making it a great spot to relax. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(172 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the beauty and accessibility of Au Train Falls, often exceeding expectations for a roadside attraction. The unique hydroelectric plant adds an interesting element, and the ability to walk on the shallow falls is a highlight. While some may initially question the dirt road access, the payoff is well worth the short, easy walk. InstagramReddit

"06/23/2025
wasn’t expecting these falls to be so big or beautiful, so it was a wonderful sight to see just a short downhill walk from the parking area!!

I was a bit worried about making a wrong turn or being somewhere we weren’t supposed to be when turning onto the dirt road from the main road, but don’t worry, you’re in the right spot. worth it!!"

annabelle r

"Unique falls to visit if you are in the Au Train area. The falls are shallow and great to walk around on. The bridge at the end of the falls is great for those who just want to look. There are a few areas for picnicking so its a great spot to spend some extra time."

Abbey Metzger

"Peaceful walk down to the waterfall. It was great to see a small hydroelectric plant. You can peek in through the metal mesh to see the turbines going and the water coming out of the back of the plant. There were a few trials in the area as well. Worth the stop!"

Scott Colgan

What People Like

Beautiful cascading falls
Easy access and short walk
Unique hydroelectric plant

What People Dislike

Dirt road can be confusing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Au Train Falls is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, near Munising. You'll turn onto a dirt road from the main road, which might feel like you're going the wrong way, but it leads to the parking area. InstagramReddit

No, the road leading to the parking lot is a hard-packed sand or dirt road. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is a designated parking area for visitors to Au Train Falls. Instagram

While possible, winter access might be challenging due to snow and ice. Check local conditions before visiting. Instagram

Yes, Au Train Falls is in the general vicinity of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, making it a convenient stop. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Au Train Falls is a natural attraction and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. Instagram

Au Train Falls is accessible year-round during daylight hours. Instagram

There is no admission fee to visit Au Train Falls. It's a free natural attraction. Instagram

While the water is clear and cold, swimming is generally not recommended due to the hydroelectric plant and currents. Reddit

Respect the natural environment and the hydroelectric facility. Stay on marked paths and do not disturb the area. Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The walk from the parking lot to the falls is a short, easy downhill path, approximately 500 feet. InstagramReddit

Yes, the easy access and short walk make Au Train Falls very family-friendly. Instagram

The falls are shallow in many areas, allowing visitors to walk around on the rocks. Reddit

Its unique feature is the small hydroelectric plant, where you can see turbines in operation. Reddit

Yes, there are a few trails in the area for further exploration. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the falls. Consider visiting during autumn for vibrant colors. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire scene, and a tripod can help with long exposures to smooth the water. Instagram

Yes, there's a bridge offering a great vantage point, and you can get close to the falls for unique shots. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. Always check local rules and regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

The cascading water, the surrounding greenery, and the unique hydroelectric plant offer diverse photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

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