Keweenaw Land Trust has maintained the Hungarian Falls Nature Area since 2013. The ten-acre area includes a three-mile out-and-back trail that explores the upper and lower falls and a nearby dam. KLT Director B. Lauer says the space has become a popular recreation spot, where residents and visitors can enjoy a nice hike, search for thimble berries, and view the rushing waters at any time of the year.
This was originally used by the Torch Lake Township Fire Authority, and that’s who KLT purchased it from, because they use it as a water source for fighting fires. So there’s a pond at the top that comes down the dam, which then leads down to the Upper Falls, which nicely meanders down to the Middle Falls, where there’s a lovely, huge swimming area and a nice little vista there, and then eventually goes down to the Lower Falls. Before going under the ATV bridge that crosses Dover Creek and eventually out to Torch Lake. – B Lauer, Director, Keweenaw Land Trust
Spring starts with a couple of hundred inches of snow melt, which fills creeks, streams, and rivers. Often, creating sparkling waterfalls, you’ll only find once a year. Lauer says the Dover Creek fills up. Adding her favorite part is seeing the water shoot out over the lower falls.
We have a ton of runoff from all of those 300 inches of snow that we have enjoyed over the winter, and these falls, Dover Creek is full. – B Lauer, Director, Keweenaw Land Trust
Summer depends more on how much rain the region receives. 2025’s summer has brought several strong thunderstorms, dropping rain over the Keweenaw Peninsula. Near the falls, hikers can come across wild thimbleberries, or see the Tamarack Pines, or American Larch trees, before the deciduous conifer changes color.
There are times when we are in times of drought. Dover Creek is more of a trickle, and the upper falls that we see here are a lot more gentle. – B Lauer, Director, Keweenaw Land Trust
In the fall, many people will take a hike and enjoy looking at the change of seasons displayed on trees. Lauer says the Hungarian Falls trail opens as hikers make their way toward the top of the upper falls.
But really, the best parts in the fall are looking out at those broad vistas that look out over the entirety of Dover Creek, all the way out to Torch Lake, and being able to see the sea of fiery reds and oranges as the trees change. – B Lauer, Director, Keweenaw Land Trust
Winter offers a special quiet. At the same time, the waterfall does not flow nearly as fast. Some water trickles and carves a path to Torch Lake beneath the snow.
I love coming here in the winter because it’s very, the creek is a gentle meander, and you get to see the coolest ice formations that form along the creek. – B Lauer, Director, Keweenaw Land Trust
The largest drop in the Hungarian Falls system consists of a 50-foot drop. There are three levels of falls. Lauer says people can cross the creek upstream from the upper falls and Dover Creek pond to reach a lesser-used trail.
It’s consistently uphill. It knocks the breath out of me when I’m cruising up it. But there are really lovely spots to stop and look. And so as you are cruising uphill, getting a nice little heart rate-elevated workout, there are plenty of nice spots for a break where you can stop, take a rest, and enjoy the creek and the falls. If you go from the top down, it’s a lovely, nice meander. There’s also a trail that goes on the other side of the falls. – B Lauer, Director, Keweenaw Land Trust
Keweenaw Land Trust suggests starting at the main trailhead on Golf Course Road, approximately half a mile off the highway. Turn left off of M-26 in Hubbell onto Golf Course Road, follow the road slightly left, and continue past the snowplow blade about 500 yards to the trailhead.
It’s 9 a.m. on a Tuesday, and I see two people walking over there. I ran into a gentleman who is visiting from out of state, and it’s 9 a.m. on a Tuesday. If you come at, you know, a beautiful time on a Saturday or Sunday in the summer, I have seen upwards of, you know, 20 to 30 people here at one time using different trailheads but scattered across the trail.- B Lauer, Director, Keweenaw Land Trust
The Keweenaw Land Trust maintains 41 public nature areas or easements in Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw counties. The conservation organization hopes to improve infrastructure at popular destinations in the future, as funding becomes available. The organization works with a board of directors made up of 12 members, and is managed by a team of five employees.
Those interested in supporting KLT or want to learn more about the Keweenaw Land Trust can do so here.
Learn more about the Hungarian Falls here.
