Hiawatha National Forest Black River Falls Technical Route
Hidden waterfalls via granite gauntlet
The Black River carves a deep gorge through ancient Precambrian rock, where this technical route follows old logging roads and trap lines to reach a series of spectacular waterfalls hidden in the Hiawatha National Forest. Starting from Forest Road 513, you’ll immediately hit the first challenge—a steep rocky descent down granite shelves that serves as the gatekeeper for this remote corner of the UP. The route threads between massive white pines and crosses the Black River multiple times, with Rainbow Falls being the crown jewel at the end of a particularly gnarly rock garden approach.
Difficult terrain demands a capable 4WD with rock sliders and recovery points—the granite shelves will test your breakover angle and the river crossings can reach bumper height during spring runoff. Skid plates mandatory for the rocky sections that’ll eat up anything exposed underneath. Best attempted June through September when water levels drop and the trails firm up. No permits required but check with the Forest Service for seasonal road closures. Dispersed camping allowed throughout, though finding level ground near the falls requires some creativity. This is real UP wilderness where cell service is a fairy tale.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 19 mi / 30.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1580 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Munising, Michigan |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run this trail, or does it need to be built?
A stock rig will get hurt here. The granite ledges and jagged rock sections demand at minimum skid plates, rock sliders, and a lift — a bone-stock truck is asking for frame damage. Come with armor or don't come at all.
When does the trail open after winter, and is June actually snow-free up here?
The U.P. hangs onto winter longer than most people expect — early June can still have snow in shaded sections and saturated trail conditions from snowmelt. Late June through September is the reliable window; July and August are peak.
Do I need a permit or do I pay a fee to run this route through Hiawatha National Forest?
No permit or fee is required to drive the trail itself. Dispersed camping in Hiawatha National Forest is free but must comply with USFS rules — stay limits apply and you must camp outside designated no-camp zones near water.
What's the hardest section and what specifically makes it technical?
The granite ledge sequences mid-route are the crux — you're picking lines over exposed, uneven rock shelves with no clear 'correct' path and minimal room for error. Articulation matters here, and a wrong line can high-center or drop a tire into a crack with real consequence.
Is there any place to refuel between the trailhead and the end, or do I need to carry extra fuel for the full 19 miles?
There is zero fuel available on route — Munising is your last stop and it's a reasonable distance from the trailhead. At technical crawling speeds over two days, fuel burn climbs fast; carry a minimum of an extra 5-gallon jerry can.
Trail track
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