Big Manitou Falls
The Black River drops 165 feet through Pattison State Park, carrying tannin-stained water past basalt, forest, and accessible overlooks.
Artwork inspired by George Morrison
Big Manitou Falls forms where the Black River crosses resistant volcanic rock and plunges into a steep gorge. Tannins from upstream wetlands tint the water, and flow varies dramatically with snowmelt and rain; the same falls can appear divided, thin, or thunderous without any change in height.
Overlooks provide the safest complete view. Trails continue along the gorge and toward Little Manitou Falls, but wet roots, stairs, road crossings, and cliff edges require attention. Pattison also holds a lake, beach, campground, and CCC history, yet the waterfall visit should begin with water conditions and trail closures rather than a checklist of park amenities.
- River
- Black River
- Rock
- Basalt gorge
- Park
- Pattison State Park
Quick guide
- Begin at the main overlook
- Establish the full 165-foot drop before viewing partial angles along the gorge
- Best context
- Pair with Little Manitou
Use changing flow to read a fixed drop
- Begin at the main overlook
- Establish the full 165-foot drop before viewing partial angles along the gorge.
- Notice tannin color
- Tea-brown water reflects dissolved organic material, not pollution by appearance alone.
- Compare the smaller falls
- Little Manitou reveals how channel width and rock structure change a river’s form.
- Respect gorge closures
- Stay behind barriers; erosion, ice, deadfall, and wet bedrock make informal viewpoints hazardous.
Good to know
Search results may map the waterfall separately, but parking and access are through Pattison State Park.
Notice these
- Main overlook
- Tannin-colored plunge
- Black River gorge