By Chloe Langerman | Photo courtesy of Travel Wisconsin
Northwest Wisconsin has no shortage of natural vegetation and wildlife. One particularly enticing aspect of this corner of the state is its prevalence of waterfalls. The following “Waterfall Tour” can technically be completed in a day – the first waterfall is about a two-hour drive from the final stop on the list. However, depending on your eagerness and the amount of time you want to spend at each location, you can always mix and match these destinations. Or, take your pick and spend some quality time at the attraction that most interests you.
SUPERIOR FALLS
Saxon, WI or Ironwood, MI
Located on the Montreal River and right next to Lake Superior, Superior Falls is a stunning 110-foot waterfall.
While not the tallest on this tour, Superior Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the state! After the waterfall drop, the water empties directly into Lake Superior, giving the falls their namesake. Superior Falls is technically on the border of both Wisconsin and Michigan and can be visited from either side. When visiting the waterfall in Wisconsin, the viewing area for Superior Falls is to the left of the parking lot. If you want a more immersive experience of Superior Falls, you can hike down a steep decline that will give you a head-on view. Once down near the waterfall, you can walk along the Montreal River to Lake Superior, where the river eventually feeds into. After your hike, you can take a quick five-minute drive over to Saxon Harbor, a popular spot perfect for water activities and agate hunting. This park also includes convenient restrooms and picnic tables.
POTATO RIVER FALLS
Gurney, WI
A quick 18-minute drive from Superior Falls, Potato River Falls is a lovely destination that drops 90 feet into the Potato River. This waterfall has two drops: the Upper and Lower Falls. Once you reach the parking area, you can opt to hike to either the upper or lower observation deck (or, if you’re ambitious, both!). To reach the Lower Falls, you take 204 steps, and to the Upper Falls, you hike along the gorge and take 131 steps. These hikes are described as relatively easy, but be prepared to go up and down the steps. If you don’t want to do any climbing, there is also an observation deck right by the parking lot. However, it will not give you the best view of the waterfall.
COPPER FALLS STATE PARK
Mellen, WI
Another 20 minutes southwest, stop by Copper Falls State Park, home to three gorgeous waterfalls – Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls and Red Granite Falls. The park has over 17 miles of trails you can hike to explore the waterfalls. The 1.7-mile Doughboys Nature Trail will take you on a scenic route where you will see stunning views of Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls. This hike also features lush foliage, including some of the oldest trees in Northwest Wisconsin.
If accessibility is a concern, part of the Doughboys Trail is accessible and includes a view of Copper Falls. If you want to see Red Granite Falls, take the 2.5-mile Red Granite Falls Trail. Because of the gravel trail, this path is suitable for families. If you don’t have a yearly Wisconsin State Parks & Forests admission pass, vehicles with Wisconsin license plates must pay $13 to enter.
LOST CREEK FALLS
Cornucopia, WI
An hour northwest of Copper Falls State Park, check out Lost Creek Falls, one of the more petite waterfalls in Northwest Wisconsin. Like its namesake, this waterfall is a hidden gem. The falls are only 15 feet tall, but are unique in that you can walk behind and through them.
To access the falls, hike the moderate-level 1.5-mile trail where bright berries and green foliage line the path. This path is well marked and maintained, with 1/4 of it being boardwalk. Once at the waterfall clearing, this retreat is perfect for exploring and enjoying the scenery. What Lost Creek Falls might lack in size, it makes up for in a peaceful oasis that is not often as busy as some other waterfalls in the area.
AMNICON FALLS STATE PARK
South Range, WI
Another hour west and you will arrive at Amnicon Falls State Park. This park is particularly special, as it boasts multiple waterfalls along the Amnicon River. There are two miles of trails in the park, relatively easy routes that will take you to the falls and to view all of the foliage the park has to offer.
Amnicon Falls is also an incredible park to visit if you’re interested in geology. The park is physical evidence of the Douglas Fault, the result of huge earthquakes that struck the region over half a billion years ago.
Today, the fault stretches from Ashland to the Twin Cities. The fault is responsible for the Amnicon Waterfalls, along with the dark basalt and sandstone around the park. As this is a state park, you will also need to pay the $13 admission fee to enter if you do not have an annual pass.
BIG MANITOU FALLS
Superior, WI
To cap off a full day of waterfall sightseeing, pop a quick 25 minutes over to Big Manitou Falls, aptly-named as the tallest waterfall in the state. Big Manitou Falls is located in Pattison State Park, where seven miles of trails are at your disposal. While Big Manitou Falls is the biggest attraction of the park, Little Manitou Falls is also an impressive sight to see at 31 feet tall.
Pattison State Park is also an excellent destination for birdwatching (where you can spot nearly 200 species) and other animal sightseeing. Similar to its neighbor, Amnicon Falls State Park, the waterfalls at Pattison State Park are the result of the Douglas Fault’s seismic activity millions of years ago. During the summertime, this park is also a great place to swim and picnic.
Whether you’re ready to embark on a full day of waterfall hunting or you just want to bask in the serenity of a cascading stream, this list of waterfalls has a destination for every level of hiker to enjoy. And remember, this is not an exhaustive list of every waterfall in Northwest Wisconsin. There are many more parks, forests, trails, and of course, waterfalls to explore in this part of our beautiful state.
Other Impressive Wisconsin Waterfalls
Cascade Falls – Osceola, WI
Located in downtown Osceola, this 25-foot waterfall is both beautiful and easily accessible. Stairs to the waterfall are located off the main road and bring you directly to the bottom of the gorge.
There is also a trail near the waterfall that will take you along the St. Croix River. A little history tidbit: Cascade Falls is responsible for the creation of Osceola, and once provided a water source for a mill and brewery.
Willow Falls – Hudson, WI
1034 County Rd., Hudson, WI 54016
Only five miles north of Hudson, WI, Willow Falls is a must-see attraction if you are near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. This waterfall flows along three ledges and makes for a stunning sight.
Willow Falls is located in Willow River State Park, where there are over 13 miles of trails to explore. To see the falls, take either the Willow Falls Hill Trail or the Willow Falls Trail. The former is short, less than a mile, but it is very steep. The latter is a mile long, but is more scenic and is known for its wildflowers and wildlife on the way to the falls.
Smalley Falls – Niagara, WI
20501 Morgan Park Rd., Niagara, WI 54151
Located in Niagara, WI, these falls are bound to be impressive. The falls drop about 10 feet and are accessible by a half-mile walk from the parking lot.
Hikers say this route is moderate due to the steep climb up and down. Smalley Falls is located in Marinette County, also known as the Waterfall Capital of Wisconsin. The area boasts 15 unique waterfalls, each of which can be hiked to during a self-guided tour. A more detailed list of the waterfalls and their routes can be found on the Marinette County website.
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