The Ottawa National Forest will begin a major effort to repair and replace waterfall viewing platforms, stairways and trail structures along the Black River corridor beginning Monday, May 18.
Visitors should expect temporary closures at key waterfall access points as crews work to improve safety, restore aging infrastructure, and enhance public access in one of the region’s most iconic recreation destinations.
Why This Project Matters
Nestled in a landscape of towering pine, hemlock and hardwood forest, the Black River Harbor Recreation Area is known for its dramatic waterfalls, tranquil campground, Lake Superior access, and historic Civilian Conservation Corps–built pavilion. The area draws thousands of visitors each year for hiking, boating, photography, and sightseeing.
Repairing and rebuilding deteriorating trail structures provides several key public benefits:
- Improved visitor safety on steep, wet or uneven segments leading to waterfall overlooks.
- Enhanced accessibility, making more viewing points and trail sections usable for a broader range of visitors.
- Protection of natural resources, reducing erosion and keeping foot traffic on durable, well defined routes.
- A better overall visitor experience with updated platforms, railings and viewing decks that showcase the river’s unique tannin rich waters and waterfall sequence.
- Stronger support for local communities and tourism, maintaining a safe, attractive destination that draws visitors to the western Upper Peninsula.
- More resilient infrastructure, built to withstand harsh winters, heavy rains and long term use.
What Visitors Can Expect
Work will begin at Sandstone Falls on Monday, May 18; some trails and platforms will fully or partially close as construction begins. Current conditions are:
| Waterfall/Trail Name |
Current Status |
Notes |
| Sandstone Falls |
Closed |
Construction project starts May 18,2026. |
| Potawatomi Falls |
Open with some platform closures |
Construction project will close portions of the trail later this summer. |
| Gorge Falls |
Open with some closures |
Construction project will close portions of the trail later this summer. |
| Rainbow Falls |
Open |
Construction project will close portions of the trail later this summer. |
| Conglomerate Falls |
Open |
Use caution on trial tread and stairs. |
About the Project
The Ottawa National Forest received funding to replace and repair aging sections of waterfall trail infrastructure throughout the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. This work supports the Forest Service’s broader effort to modernize recreation facilities, reduce maintenance backlogs, and restore safety across high use sites on the forest. Construction is expected to continue through fall 2027.
Planned improvements include:
Sandstone Falls
- Remove about 210 linear feet of aging timber steps and railing.
- Install new helical piles to support a modern elevated stair and platform system.
Rainbow Falls
- Remove worn timber steps and railings.
- Replace with new stairs, railings, platform decking and recast concrete piers.
Potawatomi and Gorge Falls
- Remove deteriorated stairs, railing and boardwalk sections.
- Install new stairs, railings, decking and a puncheon style bridge.
- These upgrades will ensure safe, sustainable access to some of the Upper Peninsula’s most photographed natural features for years to come.
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