10 Amazing Waterfalls in Northern Wisconsin

Easy Hike With Unique Views

"Houghton Falls is only about 15 minutes from Bayfield so we stopped for a quick morning hike. We took our time and the hike lasted about an hour round trip. The path is incredibly well maintained. The sandstone gorges were interesting sights but sadly the falls were mostly dried up in early August. The trail ends at Lake Superior and gives some great opportunities for scenery and family pictures. Worth a quick stop while visiting the Apostle Islands!"


-Ben S.

Hidden Gem

"We went out of our way to hike at Copper Falls State Park, based on a friends recommendation. We were really glad to fit Copper Falls into our itinerary! Great trails, waterfalls, canyons...And all in our own state! Great lookouts for family photos. We came the day after a rain shower and the falls were flowing. Make sure you read the story about why the water looks like a deep amber brown (hint, it has to do with trees that fall in the water.)
With COVID, make sure you get your State Park pass before arriving as there are no State park rangers working with the new elevated numbers. Super easy to do it online."


-Rhawig

Amazing Experience

"Amazing experience. The hike was easy, mostly flat, and good for beginners (3mi round trip). We saw various wildlife along the way, which is always nice, but may want to bring bug spray. The falls themselves were incredible: small but intimate. You are able to walk behind the falls! The pool underneath the fall is fairly shallow and great for taking your socks and shoes off and wading in the cool water. We went mid-week so we were the only people there, which made the experience even nicer - no sharing."


-Savannah Best

Magnificent Spot to Watch the Sunset

"We have been here a few times, and it's never a disappointment. It's a pretty steep climb down and then back up to the parking area, but there is a cable to hold on to. It's a magnificent spot to watch the sunset. The kids always have fun playing with the sandstones. The waterfall is tricky to get back to because you have to climb around an outcropping. However, once you get to it, you feel like you're in on a secret beauty."


-Briana King

Wonderfully Well-Kept Park

"We hiked the trail by the concessions & big parking area. It's 3.5 miles roughly with wide trails, steep but well kept stairways & gorgeous waterfalls. Next time we come back we'll do the 5 mile round trip on the Red Granite Trail (you can take dogs on this one). My daughter & her husband hiked this one also & said the trails were equally as well kept, but not as steep & there were some challenging spots you could actually hike down to the river."


-Shelleylee

Beautiful & Not Far Off the Road

"This is a beautiful waterfall with various areas to view it. If you just want to see the top side, there is an easy, short, flat trail to get to the security fence with a clear view of the largest portion. If you want to travel up stream by the dam and see the red, layered rock formations and more smaller falls, the trail is well marked, but be ready to climb around rocks and roots. It is worth the slight effort taken. There is also a steeper trail that takes you to the bottom of the falls for a completely different view point. The natural beauty here is worth the stop!"

-DC

Worth Seeking Out

"This hidden gem is work seeking out. It's a short hike but well worth it to see the falls at the end. Lots of spots along the hike for photo ops. There are a lot of wooden stairs to take and some are in need of repair so be prepared for the climb."

-Jason M.

Great Hike Anytime of the Year

"Ample parking in new blacktopped lot. Annual park sticker, or day use fee, is required. Morgan Falls hike is short & easy with footbridges over most low areas along the way. Great hike anytime of the year and suitable for families with children."

-Lana F.

Biggest Waterfall in Wisconsin

"Big Manitou Falls is the biggest waterfall in Wisconsin and it's just beautiful. We drove all the way from Bayfield (1 hr 45 minute drive) to view. We also stopped at Amnicon State Park along the way to view some other waterfalls. The falls in Pattinson State Park are lovely and worth visiting. The trails are short walks and wide for accessibility. There are some stairs. There is a detour on the road leading to the state park. Hopefully that will be over soon, as we were on a winding dirt road! But we got there and it was worth it. Bathrooms in the front area are clean and well-maintained."

-Marjory

Off the Beaten Path

"This waterfall is beautiful. Its off the beaten path and you think you're lost, but you're not. The path can be dangerous in wet weather so be cautious but it is soo worth it!! Don't forget to walk down the first path to the bottom of the rock where the rope is and climb it :)"


-C K