Upper Quincy Falls GPS coordinates: 47.151259, -88.466479
Getting to Quincy Falls is a challenge; it’s tucked deep into the woods about 15 minutes from Houghton, Michigan. You won’t find a nicely marked hiking trail — or any trail at all, for that matter — but the bushwhacking pays off with a view of a beautiful (and almost always deserted) waterfall.
How To Reach Quincy Falls
Park at the ruins of the Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mill #1 (Use the Google maps location or GPS coordinates 47.146160, -88.460485) and walk behind it to the railroad trail. From here, there’s a nice view over Quincy Creek as it drops over mossy sandstone ledges. You can climb down the steep hill to the creek, but watch out for the sharp metal pieces that poke out of the banks.
To see the upper falls, follow Quincy Creek upstream. Take care to stay off land marked with Private Property signs. If you can find a route through the steep slopes and enormous boulders, the prettiest route is along the creek bed itself — it’s lined with small waterfalls, pools, and moss-covered rock cliffs.
Hiking Safely at Quincy Falls
When the water is high, you’ll probably need to walk along the ridge above the creek. The ticks are extremely active in the spring and early summer, so long pants, long sleeves, and a hat are a must. (A strong DEET spray doesn’t hurt, either.) Start looking for a route to the bottom when you get near the GPS coordinates above. Test each foothold carefully; the slopes are full of loose rocks and roots, and it’s a long way down.
If you make it there, Quincy Falls is a surprising little piece of paradise. The creek falls over a small cliff and flows downstream across pretty sandstone slabs. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, and you can climb behind the falls and explore the little pools in the ravine.