Surprisingly, Wisconsin is home to numerous picturesque waterfalls scattered across its state. This magical road trip will take you to the best waterfalls in Wisconsin! This loop trip takes you through lush forests, serene parks, and charming county parks, showcasing cascades ranging from towering giants to hidden gems.
Let’s road trip!
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Table of Contents
Wisconsin Waterfalls Road Trip Map
Use this map to help plan your perfect Wisconsin waterfall road trip route!
Best Waterfalls in Wisconsin
To some, Wisconsin is simply a fly-over state. However, if you take the time to slow down a bit, you’ll find so many gems! This Wisconsin waterfall road trip loop is just a glimpse into the beauty of the state.
1. Big Manitou Falls
- Location: Pattison State Park, Douglas County
- Height: 165 feet
- Length of Hike: Short walk from parking area
Big Manitou Falls, the state’s highest waterfall, captivates visitors with its powerful cascade plunging into the Black River. Enjoy viewing platforms (on both sides) that offer spectacular vantage points of this natural wonder.
2. Little Manitou Falls
- Location: Pattison State Park, Douglas County
- Height: 31 feet
- Length of Hike: Short walk from parking area
Adjacent to Big Manitou Falls, Little Manitou Falls offers a more intimate experience with its graceful descent over rock formations. You can walk down to Little Manitou Falls for an up-close experience (it’s my favorite picnic spot!)
There’s an easy 4-mile trail that connects both Big and Little Manitou Falls if you want to turn it into more of an adventure.
Bonus! Aminicon Falls State Park also has a great waterfall worth checking out. It’s just 20 minutes from Pattison Park!
3. Lost Creek Falls
- Location: Cornucopia, Bayfield County
- Height: 15 feet
- Length of Hike: 2.2 miles
A hidden gem in Bayfield County, Lost Creek Falls rewards visitors with its peaceful cascade and secluded natural beauty. After a short and easy hike (just over 1 mile to the falls), you’ll be rewarded with this gem of a waterfall!
If you have more time in the area, I highly recommend reserving a tour to kayak to the famous sea caves OR heading over to Madeline Island for some more fun outdoor adventures!
4. Copper Falls
- Location: Copper Falls State Park, Ashland County
- Height: 29 feet
- Length of Hike: 1.7 miles
Located within a pristine wilderness area, Copper Falls is framed by ancient lava flows and offers scenic trails that lead to multiple viewpoints of the falls and the rugged Bad River Gorge.
5. Brownstone Falls
- Location: Copper Falls State Park, Ashland County
- Height: 30 feet
- Length of Hike: 0.7 miles
Also located in Copper Falls State Park, Brownstone Falls flows gently over layers of brown sandstone into the Tyler Forks River. The state park is also a great place to kayak, bike, and swim. It’s an excellent stop on your Wisconsin waterfall road trip!
6. Potato River Falls
- Location: Gurney, Iron County
- Height: 90 feet
- Length of Hike: Short walk from the parking area (1 mile total if going to both lookouts)
One of Wisconsin’s tallest waterfalls, Potato River Falls impresses with its powerful cascade over ancient volcanic rock formations. There are two lookouts available, but both include going up or down stairs. The total distance of both lookouts is just over 1 mile.
7. Upson Falls
- Location: Upson Town Park, Iron County
- Height: 18 feet
- Length of Hike: Short walk from parking area
Upson Falls is another off-the-beaten-path waterfall that should definitely be on your list! After arriving, you can take the short trail down to the river for an up-close view. There are also 6 campgrounds available where you could listen to the sound of the falls all night long!
8. Saxon Falls
- Location: Near Saxon, Iron County
- Height: 90-foot
- Length of Hike: 0.7 miles
Continue your adventure with a visit to Saxon Falls, located on the Montreal River. The falls have a 90-foot drop and are accessible via a short hike, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.
9. Superior Falls
- Location: Near Saxon, Iron County
- Height: 110-foot
- Length of Hike: .7 miles
Just a few miles from Saxon Falls, Superior Falls is another breathtaking sight. This waterfall straddles the border between Wisconsin and Michigan, with a dramatic 110-foot drop into Lake Superior. You can view the falls a short walk from the parking lot, or you can walk down a steep trail to reach the lake.
10. LaSalle Falls
- Location: Florence County
- Height: 22 feet
- Length of Hike: Short walk from parking area
LaSalle Falls flows gently over a rocky ledge, creating a serene atmosphere amidst the forested landscape of Florence County. You can actually canoe or kayak right up to the base of the falls!
11. Long Slide Falls
- Location: Marinette County
- Height: 50 feet
- Length of Hike: Short walk from parking area (220 yards to base of falls)
Named for its long, cascading slide down the rock face, Long Slide Falls offers a scenic stop with easy access and picnic facilities nearby. There is a 220-yard gravel trail that leads you to the bottom of the falls. It’s steep but worth it!
Note: There’s a $5 fee to enter this park!
12. Strong Falls
- Location: Goodman Park, Marinette County
- Height: 6 feet
- Length of Hike: Short walk from parking area
A small yet picturesque waterfall nestled in a tranquil park setting, perfect for a peaceful break amidst nature. It’s not as impressive as others on the list, however, it’s set in a beautiful park with a bridge, maintained trails, and a playground.
13. Eighteen Foot Falls
- Location: Marinette County
- Height: 18 feet
- Length of Hike: Short walk from parking area (300 yards)
Located along the Pike River, Eighteen Foot Falls is known for its tranquil pools and rocky ledges, making it a favorite spot for photographers. The hike to the falls is just a short 300 yards, but it can be a bit tricky to navigate.
PS. The next two waterfalls are in the same park!
14. Twelve Foot Falls
- Location: Twelve Foot Falls County Park, Marinette County
- Height: 12 feet
- Length of Hike: Short walk from parking area
Named for its modest height, Twelve Foot Falls offers a serene setting with cascading waters and scenic woodland surroundings.
15. Eight Foot Falls
- Location: Marinette County
- Height: 8 feet
- Length of Hike: Short walk from parking area
A charming waterfall tucked away in Marinette County, Eight Foot Falls invites visitors to relax and enjoy its peaceful ambiance. Be sure to pack a picnic as you could definitely spend a whole day at this park checking out the 3 waterfalls!
16. Bull Falls
- Location: Marinette County
- Height: 8 feet
- Length of Hike: Short walk from parking area
Just 14 miles from 12-Foot Falls Park, you’ll find a small yet picturesque waterfall nestled in a serene natural setting. It’s definitely doesn’t compare to Dave’s Falls (below), but it’s a great stop along your WI waterfall loop!
17. Dave’s Falls
- Location: Amberg, Marinette County
- Height: 15 feet
- Length of Hike: Short walk from parking area
Dave’s Falls features a narrow chute that plunges into a rocky pool below. It’s just a short hike to the lower falls, and a bit longer to the upper. It’s a fan-favorite on this list of Wisconsin waterfalls.
18. Veteran’s Falls
- Location: Marinette County
- Height: 15 feet
- Length of Hike: Short walk from parking area
Honoring veterans with its name, this three-tier waterfall offers a peaceful setting amidst Marinette County’s scenic beauty. And if you are a fishermen, it’s also popular for great trout fishing!
19. Dells of the Eau Claire Falls
- Location: Dells of the Eau Claire Park, Marathon County
- Height: < 5 feet
- Length of Hike: Short distance from Parking Lot
3Continue your journey to Dells of the Eau Claire Falls, where you can explore the beautiful rock formations and cascades. Although this waterfall is small, the 190-acre park makes up for it. You’ll oftentimes find families swimming, grilling, and camping. The park actually connects to the famous Ice Age Trail, one of the best hiking trails in the state!
20. Pewitts Nest
- Location: Dells of the Eau Claire Park, Marathon County
- Height: < 10 feet
- Length of Hike: 0.8 miles
Oftentimes overshadowed by all the area’s attractions (I mean…it is the Waterpark Park Capital of the World), Pewitt’s Nest deserves a visit! It’s quite the hidden gem and just a short .8-mile (round trip) hike to the gorge with a beautiful waterfall.
21. Stephens Falls
- Location: Governor Dodge State Park, Iowa County
- Height: 25 feet
- Length of Hike: 0.3 miles
Nestled within a wooded gorge, Stephens Falls is a great surprise! This would be an especially magical stop during peak fall foliage!
22. Willow Falls
- Location: Willow River State Park, St. Croix County
- Height: 45 feet
- Length of Hike: Varied trails available
And last but certainly not least… a stop at Willow Falls State Park is a must during your Wisconsin waterfall road trip! Surrounded by lush forests and rocky cliffs, Willow Falls cascades gracefully into a serene pool, offering scenic hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints.
Wisconsin Waterfalls Road Trip
Whew! What a hefty list of BEAUTIFUL waterfalls scattered all across Wisconsin. How many can you check off?!
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