Laughing Whitefish Falls State Scenic Site – Alger County

Laughing Whitefish Falls may rank among the most beautiful and unique in the state, but they’re also somewhat of a hidden gem and not visited as frequently as their counterparts in Munising to the north. This is a day-use only area maintained by Indian Lake State Park, with picnic areas, hiking trails and this stunning waterfall. The Laughing Whitefish River starts out 15-20 feet wide at the top before it drops and then fans out on limestone shelves as it makes the 100-foot trip down into a gorge.

No matter the season, this is an impressive waterfall. In the spring it can really blow you away as it gushes with snowmelt; in the fall there may only be a trickle but it still captivates with its trip down the limestone wall.

The view looking down into the gorge as the river plunges down is something to behold as well, and there is an observation deck there that provides this view:

This waterfall is reached by a nearly one-mile hike through a tranquil forest, and given the somewhat remote location you may have this scenic site all to yourself.

Directions: From M-94 near Sundell, head north on CR-327 (also Sundell Rd.) for about two miles and then take a right on Laughing Whitefish Falls Rd. This road is not always in great shape; it will dead end as a loop/parking area at the trailhead for the falls hike.

Be prepared for: some bugs, moderately difficult hike, potential rough drive back to trailhead.