O Kun de Kun Falls via North Country Trail

The hike to O Kun de Kun Falls is a 3 mile out and back hike on the North Country Trail through a forest of hardwoods and softwoods. This hike also includes views of another smaller waterfall, Peanut Butter Falls which is also called Upper Falls. Peanut Butter Falls is a short distance upstream from O Kun de Kun Falls. O Kun de Kun Falls, named after an Ojibway chief, is a 30-foot-high waterfall on the Baltimore River.

Parking for this hike is located about 8 miles north of the town of Bruce Crossing on the east side of US highway 45. A very short connector trail takes you from the parking lot to the North Country Trail. Take a right on the North Country Trail onto a beautifully maintained trail of finely crushed gravel and boardwalks. The North Country Trail is marked with blue blazes. The trail is fairly level making this a great family hike. After traveling over a mile you will approach the Baltimore River where you will see a sign for Upper Falls; this waterfall is very close to the main trail. After checking out Upper Falls, which is a ten-foot drop, continue down the trail for about 800 feet to the top of O Kun de Kun Falls. Next continue down the trail and cross a suspension bridge, the best views of the falls are on this south side of the river. Follow an unofficial trail upstream to the falls. There are several nice viewpoints along the way. If you are feeling daring, it is possible to go behind the falls. Be warned, you may get wet.

If you are visiting Bond Falls, be sure to check out O Kun de Kun Falls as well on your visit to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.