Great Conglomerate Falls

Great Conglomerate Falls is one of five waterfalls on the Black River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. All five of these waterfalls are within the Black River Harbor Recreation Area in the Ottawa National Forest north of Bessemer. A map of the Black River Harbor Recreation Area can be found here. This waterfall is unique as the river slides down 20 feet around both sides of a huge mound of conglomerate rock. The North Country Trail passes by all five waterfalls. Great Conglomerate Falls is the waterfall farthest away from the mouth of the river. The parking area for Great Conglomerate Falls is located off the Black River Scenic Byway (CR 513) about 12 miles north of Bessemer. Look for the Great Conglomerate Falls entrance sign for a paved parking lot.It is a little over a half mile hike through woods to the falls. This is the longest hike of any of the falls of the Black River. The trail is well-worn and easy to follow. There is an old-growth forest near the Black River of hemlocks, pines and hardwoods. The trail drops over 200 feet in elevation as it leads visitors to a viewing platform. There are some stairs to aid in the descent as you near the river. Dogs on a leash are allowed off the trail.After taking in the wonderful views of the Great Conglomerate Falls and the Black River, you can return the way you came or hike downstream for about a quarter mile on the North Country Trail to Potawatomi Falls.