Baraga County
Black Slate Falls
drops over slate rock near an old slate quarry
Black Slate Falls is a series of short, stepping drops scattered along the Slate River for about a half mile. Near the old town of Arvon, this waterfall flows down from the {{link=“blog/slate-quarries-of-arvon” anchor=“old slate quarries”}} northwards towards Huron Bay.
The lowermost drops are the tallest and are within easy viewing distance of a wooden bridge for a logging road. Upstream the falls lessen in height, resembling long, shallow stairs, before suddenly increasing in height and variety at the upper drops. Hiking along the river may be difficult with no established trail but is quite rewarding.
Directions
Turn off of Skanee Road onto Arvon Road and drive 3.4 miles. Turn left and park near the wooden logging bridge. Walk to bridge and follow river upstream about a half mile to view all falls. The old slate quarries are west of the upper drops to provide a side destination and alternate return route along Arvon Road.
- Rating
- 2/5
- River System
- Slate River
- Height
- 40'
- Width
- 15'
- Tallest Drop
- 4'
- Drops
- 20
- County
- Baraga County
- Closest Town
- Arvon
- Location
- 46.78754, -88.23947
- Elevation
- 1049'