Moderate hike with 168-stair descent to view a 75-foot waterfall; NOT wheelchair accessible.
NPS entrance pass required (Standard Pass $15-$25 depending on entry mode; America the Beautiful Pass accepted)
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Sable Falls near Grand Marais is a 75-foot waterfall within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The primary feature of this hike is the dramatic descent down a 168-step staircase to reach the best viewing platform at the base of the falls.
The staircase is substantial — descending 168 steps means the return climb is equally challenging. This is not a casual walk; come prepared for a moderate workout. The payoff is a close-up view of a significant waterfall. The hike is accessible year-round, though spring through fall offer the best trail conditions.
An NPS entrance pass is required for access ($15–$25). This site is not wheelchair accessible due to the staircase. The waterfall is open and accessible as of the checked date.
Spring through fall when trail conditions are best; accessible year-round.
NOT wheelchair accessible due to 168-step staircase.
You need wheelchair accessibility — a long staircase of 168 steps is required to reach the best viewing.
NPS entrance pass required (Standard Pass $15-$25 depending on entry mode; America the Beautiful Pass accepted)
The managing agency's page (linked below) has the current trailhead and route details — round-trip distance wasn't published when we checked.
We track 9 waterfalls in Pictured Rocks.
There are 8 other waterfalls we track in Alger County. All Pictured Rocks waterfalls →
nps.gov
NPS Pictured Rocks waterfalls page, checked 2026-09-04. 'Sable Falls tumbles 75 feet... best viewing is from the bottom of a long staircase of 168 steps.' No round-trip mileage published, so left null. No per-falls pet statement given, so left null. No closure notice found; closure check result: open.
Checked September 2026.