One of the Keweenaw Peninsula’s nicest waterfalls is easy to visit, and only requires a short walk through a beautiful woods. But, finding Hungarian Falls near Hubbell, Michigan can be tricky. With some trial-and-error, I ended up in the right place, but I could have easily missed this beautiful spot.
Location
Hungarian Falls is located west of M-26, near Hubbell. From Calumet, take M-26 south through Lake Linden and into Hubbell. Turn right (west) onto 6th Street. 6th splits in two — take the left side of the Y onto Golf Course Road. Follow this dirt road into the woods. About 1/2 mile from M-26, you’ll see a gated road/trail on the left, and with any luck, you’ll see some cars parked in this area. Park alongside them and walk out that road/trail until you get to Dover Creek, then turn left or right and follow the creek.
My Visit
There really needs to be a sign, or two, or three, pointing visitors towards Hungarian Falls. If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll likely miss it altogether. I didn’t know where I was going, and with limited cell phone coverage, I had a hard time finding the right spot on a map. But, when I saw a few cars parked along the side of the road in the middle of the forest, I figured it must be the right spot.
From Golf Course Road, you’ll need to hike out this side-road. It’s closed to vehicles, and it’s easy to hike. Take it towards the sound of rushing water, and in moments, you’ll find…
… a waterfall. It’s pretty enough, but it’s not a real, natural waterfall. But at least you’re getting warmer. From this spot, you can hike upstream or downstream, and find some beautiful spots. I decided to go upstream first, which was a good choice, because finally…
… I found a sign! Granted, it was a tiny sign, made of paper, that probably won’t last the winter. But, I finally had confirmation that I was on the right path. Just up the hill a bit further, I found what I was looking for.
Hungarian Falls
That’s a pretty nice waterfall! I think this is the spot known as Upper Hungarian Falls — although some pictures I’ve seen on other websites look different, possibly because the volume of water was much greater. I’ve also read that these falls slow to a trickle during dry periods, so the photos you get may also look quite different.
It’s easy to hike up to the brink of the upper falls.
Once you’re at the top, several trails seem to criss-cross through the woods. I’m guessing there are more hiking opportunities here, but I didn’t know where I’d be going, so I didn’t go any further.
Instead, I turned around and headed downstream…
… past the turn-off that would take me back to Golf Course Road, and continued until I found another nice waterfall. This one isn’t quite as tall as the upper falls, but it’s still a nice scene, especially when surrounded by fall colors. My visit took place at the end of the first week of October 2017. I’m betting this area was even more colorful a week later, possibly reaching the peak of color around Hungarian Falls around mid-October.
Once I had filled my memory card with photos of the falls, I headed back to the car. Little did I know, I was about to stumble upon one of the neatest historical relics on the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Drivelapse Video
Here’s a look at the drive from Calumet, through Lake Linden and Hubbell, and out to Hungarian Falls, then on to Hancock and Houghton:
The Bottom Line
If you know where you’re going, Hungarian Falls is easy to find, and the hike is almost effortless. You’ll be rewarded with the sound of rushing water and some great views of Hungarian Falls along Dover Creek. It’s well worth the short amount of time required to visit, if you can squeeze it into your Keweenaw Peninsula itinerary.
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