A list of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin for you to discover and experience!
I felt calm and renewed when hiking the lush forest trails of the Midwest, but hearing the rush of the best waterfalls in Wisconsin, nothing could be more rewarding.
With powering drops and impressive views, it’s a kind of adventure I seek year-round.
The Northwoods and numerous state parks that once sheltered Wisconsin’s first inhabitants hide magnificent waterfalls waiting to be admired.
They may not be as towering as mountainous states have, but they are distinctly marvelous, inviting adventure seekers to travel Wisconsin.
Join me as I list and revisit the most beautiful cascades along the hiking trails of Wisconsin.
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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Wisconsin posts? Have a look at my other posts:
- Places to Visit in Wisconsin in April
- Top Resorts In Western Wisconsin
- Things to Do in Wisconsin with Kids
Table of Contents
My favorite Waterfalls in Wisconsin
- Big Manitou Falls
- Copper Falls
- Potato River Falls
1. Big Manitou Falls
Location: Superior
Dropping with turbulence and power at 165 feet to the Black River, Big Manitou Falls is the highest waterfall in Wisconsin.
Enchanting as it looks, the first native American settlers named it Manitou, which means “Falls of the Great Spirit.”
Creating spectacular Wisconsin scenery, the waterfall has a natural root beer color from the decaying leaves and plant roots that strongly drop through a deep gorge.
I was filled with awe watching Manitou Falls from several viewing points as I traversed a four-mile (6.4 km) loop trail within Pattison State Park.
I hiked upstream to a 30-foot-high Little Manitou Falls, which split into two beautiful cascades.
To find the falls, head to downtown Superior. From Belknap Street, turn south on Tower Avenue. The park’s main access is on the left.
2. Willow Falls
Location: Hudson
With its refreshing allure, Willow Falls is the crown jewel of the lush Willow River State Park, located along Wisconsin and Minnesota’s borders.
There were several trails to the falls, but I took the longer Nelson Farm Trail to get more park views.
The hike became challenging because of the steep hills, but I felt recharged as I reached this astonishing tiered waterfall.
Check out the perfect hiking trails for you on hiking trails in Wisconsin with waterfalls and hiking in Northern Wisconsin.
After this hike, down the road from the park is the Willow River Saloon, where you can have some heavy meals.
To get here, take Interstate 94 east into Wisconsin, then follow the route to the River Road Parking Area. Choose the main entrance off County A for an easy trail, and take the first right.
3. Copper Falls
Location: Mellen
Sheltered by Copper Falls State Park, Copper Falls is one of the most spectacular Waterfalls in Northern Wisconsin.
With waters dropping generously and dramatically for 30 feet, it delights photographers, hikers, and cross-country skiers.
I hiked around this charming wonder in a 1.5-mile loop from the main parking area, stopping at lookout points to enjoy the lush views.
On my way, I saw many wildlife creatures, such as deer, black bears, raccoons, and more.
The falls plunge into deep and winding gorges while some waters stream over steep canyons. Visitors find Copper Falls one of the best places for fall colors in Wisconsin.
Surely a must among things to do in Northern Wisconsin and Wisconsin Fall getaways!
Coming from the south, I drove to WI-169 Highway north through Mellen and took the park entrance off Copper Falls Road. You can buy snacks and drinks at the park’s concession area.
4. Amnicon Falls
Location: South Range
Flaunting a series of charming waterfalls and streams, Amnicon Falls is not the largest waterfall in Wisconsin, but it offers visitors a lot of enjoyment.
Amnicon Falls features four waterfalls. The first is the Upper Falls, which is around 15 feet high.
The Lower Falls slides 30 feet along the river, and there are two more minor falls, Snake Pit Falls and Now and Then Falls. The rare feature of these falls is the reddish limestone rocks shaping the river.
To get here, take US Hwy 2-53 to the southeast of the South Range. Then, at the intersections of highways 2 and 53, take US-2 for 1 mile east the County Hwy U. Turn left until you reach the park entrance.
After the two-mile hike in the park, I had a satisfying meal at the nearby Rapids Riverside Bar and Grill.
If you want to learn more about the area, I recommend purchasing Wisconsin guides to learn more.
5. Cascade Falls
Location: Osceola
Discovered in 1884, Cascade Falls is one of the must-visit waterfalls in Wisconsin. True to its name, it is a fine rushing shower of water that creates enchanting scenery.
This 25-foot waterfall drops into Wilke Glen, streaming towards the St. Croix River, which turns into a majestic snow drift during winter.
I had a great afternoon trek on its 0.6 miles of trails, which pass through beautiful boardwalks and more minor falls. Then, after dusk, I watched the falls glow with colors, with LED lights installed by the park.
Head to Cascade Street (Highway 35) near 1st Avenue in downtown Osceola to get here. You’ll see a deck’s signage, then go down 135 steps to the falls.
Several restaurants are a short distance away, such as The Watershed Cafe.
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6. Potato River Falls
Location: Gurney
Potato Rivers is one of the best waterfalls in Northern Wisconsin.
It has two alluring waterfalls: the Upper Falls, which features rapids in sprawling directions dropping 40 feet, and the Lower Falls, which are tiered cascades over rough rocks 50 feet high.
Visitors can either view the falls through the lookout decks or view them up close by going down steep wooden stairs, which means reaching the Lower Falls will be steeper, and that’s about 200 steps.
I did not hesitate to climb down for a closer look. The impressive views of the Potato River Falls make it one of my most satisfying waterfall hikes in Wisconsin.
To get there, along US-2 on Highway 169 of Gurney, head south for 2.8 miles. Then, turn west on River Falls Road for 1.5 miles. Gurney is a small town without a nearby restaurant so a picnic would be great.
7. Dave’s Falls
Location: Amberg
Named after a man who tried to save a log jam in the late 1800s, Dave’s Falls is Marinette County’s hidden gem. The falls are typically minor but meander beautifully between the Pike River’s rocky edges.
Many consider the trails easy and you’re free to view the falls anywhere, so I cautiously found my way atop high rocks to watch the main waterfalls glide about 10 feet long through the river.
Upstream, past a wooden bridge, I sighted two more charming more minor falls.
With drops turning white because of the strong currents, it’s indeed one of the most impressive waterfalls in Northeast Wisconsin!
To get here, take Highway 141 along Pike River, and you will notice signs leading to the entrance road. Right off the side of the highway, you’ll find the closest restaurant, Patti’s Platter.
You can buy a Wisconsin guide to help you navigate your journey.
8. Lost Creek Falls
Location: Cornucopia
Another small hidden gem on the list of waterfalls in Wisconsin is Lost Creek Falls.
One of its rarities is that visitors can hike to the back of the falls, which is rare among the waterfalls of Wisconsin around Lake Superior.
I started the hike at the graveled paths and then through the wooded boardwalks until large rocks and sand mounds began to show on my way.
Shortly, I saw this beautiful 8-foot plunge coming from the top of limestone rocks and cascading for a few more feet below.
One of the easiest Wisconsin hikes with waterfalls, you won’t get lost on this creek.
To find Lost Creek, from County Hwy C, turn on Trail Drive. Then, travel .5 miles to the parking area.
9. Morgan Falls
Location: Marengo
Morgan Falls is a tightly squeezed stream of waters running diagonally through the channels of an enormous granite and plunges 70 feet to a pool below.
Truly distinct, it is one of the best waterfall hikes in Wisconsin.
I hiked .75 miles on trails that passed through a boardwalk and a bridge. I also saw some rocks near the falls, where visitors suited themselves to eat snacks or rest.
The falls are part of the massive Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and share a trailhead with another well-known fall, St. Peter’s Dome.
To get here, take Highway 63 or 13, depending on where you are traveling from, and then find the parking lot along Ashland Bayfield Road.
10. Upson Falls
Location: Upson
Near Potato River Falls, Upson Falls showcases a gorgeous view of layered streams flowing through moss-covered sharp rocks.
The lower or main falls drop between 10 and 20 feet, while the upper falls are smaller and serene.
The falls are next to a small campground, so it is just a short trail. I started from the white pavilion and explored along the riverside, but I found an obscure viewing point that captured the best view of the falls.
I headed west on Hwy 77 to get here. Turned right in Upson on Hoyt Road, then left on Upson Park Road. I crossed the bridge over the Potato River until I found the Upson Falls campground.
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My final thoughts on the best waterfalls in Wisconsin
Just like their brimming rivers, Wisconsin is overflowing with natural wonders. With more than a hundred sprawling waterfalls in the state, expect more unique hidden gems to surprise you.
Feel the refreshing power of Big Manitou Falls or witness the glow of Cascades Falls at night.
I found Copper Falls unforgettable because of its beautiful gorges and rich park, while Dave’s Falls flaunts a stunning river.
Give yourself a worthwhile adventure and hike the best waterfalls in Wisconsin! Or, have you hiked one of them lately? Share your experience here.
If you’re into lakes, check my post, Lake Towns in Wisconsin.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
