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Bond Falls, Ontonagon

4.9
#2 of 13 in Things to do in Ontonagon
Waterfall · Nature / Park
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Bond Falls is a waterfall on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River, a few miles east of Paulding in Haight Township in southern Ontonagon County, Michigan. The site is near U.S. Highway 45 in the western portion of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The waterfalls are listed by the state of Michigan as the Bond Falls Scenic Site.

The total drop of the falls is about 50 feet (15 m). Trails lead to and from the falls from a picnic area atop the falls. There is a newer walkway that extends across the river below the base of the falls that allows for perfect viewing. The river drops 875 feet (267 m) down from Bond Falls Flowage, which is perched on the highlands of the western Upper Peninsula, to Lake Superior. Bond Falls is the first stage of this drop in elevation. From Bond Falls, the river continues northward to the Agate Falls Scenic Site.
A "flowage", in the language of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is a reservoir. Bond Falls is not a natural waterfall, it has been changed by a nearby dam built by the Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO). There is a rest-area park below the dam and waterfall, from which the falls can be admired. The Ontonagan River and Bond Falls Flowage are separately stocked with brook trout.
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Bond Falls reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
412 reviews
Google
4.9
TripAdvisor
  • this is by far my favorite waterfall aside from Taquamenon Falls. We love to visit the falls in the winter because there's less traffic however, PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR ICE CLEATS!! As an experience....  more
    this is by far my favorite waterfall aside from Taquamenon Falls. We love to visit the falls in the winter because there's less traffic however, PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR ICE CLEATS!! As an experience....  more »
  • When you first arrive and see the falls, you have to catch your breath. Once you see the falls, you realize their is a hiking path up river to more falls. They just keep going. Plan on spending... 
    When you first arrive and see the falls, you have to catch your breath. Once you see the falls, you realize their is a hiking path up river to more falls. They just keep going. Plan on spending...  more »
Google
  • Beautiful falls! Weather was chilly and the falls/snow mixture made some of the surfaces rather slippery, but you get many different and beautiful views of the falls as you make your way to the bottom. Would absolutely go again when it’s nicer weather!
  • Of all the waterfalls we saw while visiting the UP this was my favorite. Not super busy and more than just one fall. Parking was close and easily accessible then we started our hike down to the base of the falls. We were there while there was some snow on the ground and there were a few slick spots. Once at the bottom you have multiple photo ops from all the different angles. I'd recommend going back up the same way you go down. We made a full loop and I'm fairly certain we weren't on a trail for a couple minutes. Overall it was a great time despite the cold weather and I wouldn't mind returning next time I'm in the area.

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