2 Hikers Rescued After Plunging Over 40-Foot MI Waterfall: Sheriff

GOGEBIC COUNTY, MI — Two hikers suffered minor injuries after they were swept over a 40-foot waterfall in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, according to sheriff's officials.

The incident happened at 1:38 p.m. Monday along the Black River Trail at Rainbow Falls in the western Upper Peninsula, officials said.

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Officials said one of the hikers was crossing the river when they slipped. The second hiker tried to help, but officials said the river's current pulled them in and swept them over the falls.

Witnesses told police they could hear yelling near Rainbow Falls. Rescue crews eventually found the hikers and pulled them up with a rope system.

The two hikers suffered only minor injuries, officials said.

Rainbow Falls is a popular Michigan destination. Hikers can reach the falls with a half-mile hiking trail down into the river valley.

The falls are roughly 40 feet high and create a mist. With the right angle of sunlight, they produce a rainbow effect, which gives the falls their name.