Potawatomi Falls
Black River National Scenic Byway, Michigan · 844 ft
Typical peak
Sep 26 – Oct 4
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
The Black River spreads 30 feet wide over a conglomerate shelf and drops into a hemlock-shaded chute, with maple leaves collecting in the pools below. Five waterfalls sit within four miles of byway, so one stop rarely ends the day.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
Follow County Road 513 north from US-2 in Bessemer about 13 miles to the signed Potawatomi Falls lot, then take the boardwalk 300 yards to the viewing decks.
What turns here
- sugar maple
- yellow birch
- eastern hemlock
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 30Typical color progression for Potawatomi Falls. No change from Aug 23 to Sep 9. First color from Sep 9 to Sep 18. Approaching peak from Sep 18 to Sep 26. Peak from Sep 26 to Oct 4. Past peak from Oct 4 to Oct 14. Bare from Oct 14 to Oct 28.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Sep 9.
This season so far
First frost
None yet
No night at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
62°F / 45°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Potawatomi Falls on September 30, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:27 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 93° | 6:57 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 40 min of low, warm light | 7:37 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:50 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 40 min before sunset | 6:02 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 267° | 6:42 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:13 PM |
Times in America/Menominee · day length 11h 46m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.