We recently shared how to visit and view Quartzite Falls in Baraga County, and today we will take a look at the other waterfall that can be visited from the same parking area. Black Slate Falls is formed as the Slate River drops multiple times over rock ledges, framed by thick trees on both sides. It takes a drive of about a half hour from L’Anse to reach this waterfall, but the views are more than worth it.

From the parking area you head back towards the wooden bridge over the river and you can see most of the waterfall. A hiking path on the side of the road leads to closer views of the lower drops, some of which are around four feet tall.

If water conditions are right this is a great spot to wade in the river for an even closer view. We also enjoyed checking out the views from both sides of the river. The river is roughly 20 feet wide here, and when you are close to the waterfall you can get a good idea just how many little drops there are and how they vary in height.

This is a calm and peaceful place (other than some occasional side by side traffic) and we spent about a half hour here watching the river flow over the staircase of rock. There many drops on the Slate River, and each one is beautiful and different. We’ve visited here many times, and I like being able to see two waterfalls from the same spot as well as the contrast between the two. While Quartzite Falls makes a more dramatic drop over smooth rock, Black Slate Falls has a more wild feel to it as it flows over darker and rougher rock ledges.

To get to Black Slate Falls, head east on Main St. from downtown L’Anse. Follow Main St. through town and stay on this road as it becomes Skanee Rd. After more than 10 miles, turn right (south) on Arvon Rd. (if you cross the Slate River you’ve gone too far). Follow Arvon Rd. for around three miles, then take a left on an unmarked dirt road. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the old wooden bridge, and after crossing the bridge you can park on either side of the road and walk to the falls. (see map below).