Bond Falls

Bond Falls Scenic Area (State Park) is located just north of Watersmeet in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The falls are located on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River near the smaller town of Paulding, popular for the Paulding Light as seen on Unsolved Mysteries (I've seen the light too, eerie but cool). This is a Michigan DNR property and fee area requiring a Michigan Recreational Passport.The charges are as follows: Michigan resident $11/yr and non-resident $31/yr or $8.40/day.

When arriving at Bond Falls, there are two parking options. There is a new parking lot with a paved trail that leads to a viewing boardwalk of the 50ft cascading falls. Parking along the steet on the way to the Bond Falls Outpost or Flowage/beach area is also available, but limited. If parking on the street, you may pick up the trail on either side of the bridge and walk the loop. There are three viewing platforms that are along 600 ft of fully accessible boardwalk.

I first visited the falls about 15 years ago and there are some serious upgrades that have occurred, most of which look quite recent. There is a very easy paved walking trail that is short if your goal is to view the falls. For those feeling more adventurous, there is an opportunity for rock hopping, scrambling, and wading at the bottom of the falls. 

There are other recreational opportunities available near Bond Falls; camping, swimming, photography, and picnicking. Note* dogs are not allowed on the beach, but are allowed on trails. After a nice time at Bond Falls, I would recommend a visit to the outpost to get some ice cream!