Guide to Hiking Pemene Falls - Menominee River State Recreation Area
To be honest, I feel like I'm giving up a secret location by sharing Pemene Falls with you. The only reason I know it exists is because about ten years ago, a good friend randomly took me there one day. And I am so glad he shared this place with me. While it's not a large vertical drop, it's definitely a unique area of the Menominee River that seems to have a strange history to it. This is the only waterfall in Menominee County and it's a place that makes me proud to be from the area.
Pemene falls lies between Wisconsin and Michigan so you are actually able to access it from both sides. After doing some digging around online, I found some great info on how to access it on the Wisconsin side, even though I have never been there before. I am pumped to check it out soon though!
Directions to Pemene Falls From the Michigan Side
If you're familiar with Dave's Falls in Marinette County, Pemene Falls is not very far away from there. There are actually more than twelve waterfalls in that area. Crazy right!? Pemene Falls is not the easiest place to find because it's not well marked along sandy gravel road, but it's worth the drive. If you're coming from Dave's Falls, you'll be heading north a bit until you get to Beecher, WI and turn right at County Road Z you'll take road for about 11 miles until you cross a big bridge at the Menominee River. Then you'll take the first left after the bridge to head North onto State Road. Take that for about a mile. You'll go over Pemene Creek and even pass a boat launch on your left about halfway through. Keep your eye out for a small dirt road on your left with sign for Pemene Falls.
Parking at the Michigan Side of Pemene Falls
PARKING IN THE SPRING, SUMMER, AND FALL
The parking area is not very big, and is kind of a free for all. Be generous and park along the outside edges so others have a chance to park or turn around. It has no cement is mostly dirt and hard sand. In the spring and after the rain, it can be a rough ride into the parking area. Pot holes and ruts can form from the soft ground and water. Just drive slow and be mindful of your vehicle.
Again, as I mentioned before, because it is a one lane road to the parking area, please be cautious when coming and going to the parking area.
PARKING IN THE WINTER
The parking area to Pemene Falls is not plowed or maintained (to my knowledge) in the winter. So please be very careful driving any vehicle on the road. Over time, the road can get packed down from other visitors, but I've definitely taken a risk and gone into 8 inches of snow with my Toyota Matrix and luckily did not get stuck. Haha. Just be smart and you'll be just fine.
The road is one lane, so be cautious when you enter the road or exit the parking area.
To be honest I am not 100% sure on the status or condition of the sign for the road to the parking area, but I'm pretty sure its still there. Hit that button below to get directions to Pemene Falls on google maps.
Directions to Pemene Falls From the Wisconsin Side.
I personally have never been to the Wisconsin side of Pemene Falls, but have been always curious how to get there. While trying to do research on the history of the area, I was able to find this statement on a website about how to get there Check it out!
"...in Wisconsin you can park at the end of a two track and hike back about .35 of a mile to the falls. We enjoyed the view more from the Wisconsin side, the Michigan side can and will be more crowded."
I also was able to find this trail map below on the Wisconsin DNR Website. The area is not well documented with imagery, but at least we know that it's accessible and state land that the public can safely access. It does seem like hunting is allowed on the land, so please be cautious when going on any of these trails. I will be updating this post in the near future with new photos on parking, trails, and views from the Wisconsin side!
How accessible are the views at Pemene Falls?
This area generally is not handicap accessible. The road to the parking areas can be rough at certain times of the year. And the parking areas are not paved or maintained so proceed with caution. There are wooden stairs that lead down to the falls on the Michigan side or you can find your way down other ways as well. There are many edges and drop offs, so be mindful if you have children with you. On the Wisconsin side I can only imagine it is less accessible since it is a short hike to reach the falls from there.
Recommended Footwear
Since you don't have to walk very far to access the area, you can get away with almost any sneakers, sandals, flats, etc. Just be mindful of where you are stepping. If it just got done raining, hiking shoes or boots will be to your benefit though. In the winter, I highly recommend warm snow boots since the area is not maintained at all.
Restrooms (Not Available)
You're pretty much in the middle of nowhere and there aren't even outhouses. So either find a good tree in the woods or make sure you use the bathroom before you head here. I am not 100% sure, but the boat launch that you pass on the road the way in could have an outhouse.
Swimming (Not Safe)
I have never seen anyone swim here. The currents are very dangerous. Even past the falls. I would not recommend swimming at Pemene Falls
Camping Along the Menominee River
There are designated camping areas near the falls, but information about them is a little tough to find and are first come, first serve. Here is what I found about camping on the Wisconsin side of the river from the Wisconsin DNR.
"There are multiple rustic campsites available on the property. No permits are required at this time, and all sites are first-come, first-served, so have a back-up plan in case your planned site is occupied. No potable water source is provided. Other camping opportunities also exist on the Michigan side of the river."
Learn more about camping on the Wisconsin side.
I can't seem to find anything definite for camping on the Michigan side of the River in that area except for another boat launch north of the falls. You can find directions to that location here.
Fishing
While I have not gone fishing there myself, I have seen a few people fishing in the area. Not really sure what they are going for, but I am sure there are bass and panfish above and below the falls.
The History of Pemene Falls
It has been very difficult to find any historical facts about this specific site. There clearly was some kind of cement and stone based structure in the center of the river at Pemene Falls. Historically speaking, it could have been a dam of some sort other for controlling logs that would be floating down the river for to get to the lumber mills further down river. I found this quote from the Wisconsin DNR website.
"There is no developed viewing area, but it's a sight to see. Remnants of an old concrete dam still exist. During the spring flow, the water thunders through a granite constriction in the river corridor."
Where does the water from Pemene Falls go?
Pemene Falls is on the Menominee River and runs all the way into Lake Michigan. The water is sourced from the north between Wisconsin and Michigan. Multiple rivers and streams can be found within the Menominee River watershed.
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