Laughing Whitefish Falls Trail Hiking Guide
Laughing Whitefish Falls sits outside Pictured Rocks, west of Munising near Chatham, in its own state park. The river runs down a long slide about 100 feet high into a gorge under old white pine and hemlock. A level forest walk gets you to the top, and a long wooden staircase takes you down for the full view.
Permit: This is a state park, so a Michigan Recreation Passport must be displayed on your vehicle; a Pictured Rocks pass doesn't count. 2026 rates: $15 for Michigan plates at registration renewal ($29 for two years, plus a $5 convenience fee if bought later); for non-Michigan vehicles, $12 daily or $42 annual. Michigan-plated cars have no daily option.
Trail and Stairs
The state's description is a half-mile walk through beech-maple forest, or 1 mile round trip. onX maps it at 0.49 mile with 166 feet of descent and no climbing on the way in, so the 166 feet of gain all comes on the way back, nearly all on the stairs. Outdoor Project gives 0.6 mile each way and 138 feet of gain. The trail forks into a small loop before reaching the top of the falls, and either branch works.
Three Levels of View
The upper observation platform has no stairs at all. The middle platform is 20 steps down and, according to one trail description, gives a much better look than the top. The state counts 137 stairs to the lower platform; a widely repeated hiking description says 155. Either way, it's the one tiring part of the outing. Take the descent slowly when the boards are wet, and stay on the stairs and platforms.
Passport and Directions
The Recreation Passport is displayed on your vehicle, and Pictured Rocks passes don't cover it. From Munising, follow M-94 west through Chatham and turn north on Sundell Road for 2 miles. Continue another quarter mile as the pavement turns to dirt, which can be muddy, then turn right on Laughing Whitefish Falls Road at the park sign and drive 0.4 mile to the lot. The Munising visitor bureau lists a picnic area and water pump there. The state's number for the site is 906-341-2355.
Water Levels and Timing
Flow makes or breaks this waterfall. A slide this long looks thin once the water drops, and Go Waterfalling calls spring the time to see it, noting that later in the year it can get hard to see at all. onX's trail description says the same: go when flow is good, because dry spells leave very little. In winter the road in is seasonal and unplowed with no turnaround, and the state says access is by snowshoe or ungroomed ski trail only, so don't try to drive it.
Dogs and Longer Walks
Leashes have to stay at 6 feet or under here, and owners carry out all pet waste. Think about whether your dog can manage a long wooden staircase before you start down. If you want more miles, a spur leaves the main trail about halfway along to join the North Country Trail; the state says 1.9 miles and onX's description says about 3, so carry a map. The DNR lists hunting among the park's activities, so wear something bright in fall. Its page posted no closure notice when checked on November 4, 2026.
Hiking tips for Laughing Whitefish Falls Trail
- Come in spring or another time of good flow, when the slide has real water on it.
- Stop at the middle platform, only 20 steps down, if the full staircase is too much.
- Buy or display a Recreation Passport; the Pictured Rocks pass doesn't apply here.
- Watch for mud on the gravel stretch of the road in during wet weather.
- Hold dogs to a 6-foot lead and carry waste back to the car.
Nearby trails to explore
- Miners Falls Trail
- Miners Castle Overlook
- North Country Trail (Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Peak flow doesn't last long here, so it helps to plan around the weather. Float a spring date in TrailMates, watch the forecast together in the event's group chat, and head for the stairs when the river is up. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.