Chase Some Water
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Waterfalls.
Forest trails, rocky river gorges and rushing water. Some of Wisconsin's most memorable outdoor trips are waiting at the end of a waterfall trail.
Forest trails, rocky river gorges and rushing water. Some of Wisconsin's most memorable outdoor trips are waiting at the end of a waterfall trail.
Wisconsin's waterfall country is especially concentrated in the northern part of the state, where rivers cut through rock, forests surround the trails and several falls can often be combined into one road trip.
Some waterfalls are easy roadside stops. Others reward you for putting on hiking shoes and following the sound of water through the woods.
Big drops, rocky gorges and waterfall trails worth putting on the itinerary.
A dramatic waterfall in Pattison State Park and one of Wisconsin's signature falls.
Waterfalls, rocky river scenery and forest trails inside Copper Falls State Park.
A broad cascading waterfall reached by trails inside Willow River State Park.
Use these as starting points for hikes, day trips and northern Wisconsin road trips.
One of Wisconsin's most dramatic waterfall destinations near Superior.
A smaller waterfall that pairs naturally with a visit to Big Manitou Falls.
Forest trails and dramatic river scenery make this more than a quick waterfall stop.
Another scenic waterfall experience within the Copper Falls landscape.
A wide, multi-level cascade and popular waterfall hike in western Wisconsin.
A wooded waterfall hike that fits naturally into a Bayfield-area getaway.
A northern Wisconsin waterfall that can be combined with forest and Lake Superior country.
A collection of river cascades and falls close to Superior and Lake Superior.
A scenic northern Wisconsin waterfall surrounded by forest and rugged river country.
A smaller northern Wisconsin waterfall that works well on a multi-stop waterfall trip.
Add another waterfall stop while exploring Wisconsin's far northern counties.
Combine several northern Wisconsin waterfalls into one scenic driving trip.
Big Manitou Falls makes an easy anchor for a northwest Wisconsin waterfall trip. Pair the falls with Pattison State Park, nearby waterfall stops and a drive toward the Lake Superior region.
Explore Big Manitou Falls →You don't have to build every waterfall trip the same way.
Look for waterfall stops requiring less trail time.
Earn the ViewPut on hiking shoes and make the trail part of the experience.
Hit the RoadString several northern Wisconsin falls into one getaway.
Stay AwhileExplore during the day and head back to a cabin at night.
Northern Wisconsin is where this gets interesting. Instead of driving hours for one waterfall, build a route that combines several falls with small towns, state parks, Lake Superior scenery and a cabin for the night.
Explore Wisconsin Road Trips →The same waterfall can look very different throughout the year.
Snowmelt and seasonal precipitation can make spring an especially interesting waterfall season.
Longer days make it easier to combine trails, waterfalls and other northern stops.
Combine waterfalls with Wisconsin's changing hardwood forests.
Ice and snow can completely transform waterfall country, but conditions require extra care.
Water levels, trails, roads and weather conditions can change quickly. Check current park and trail information before leaving, especially during spring runoff, after storms and during winter.
Many of Wisconsin's best-known waterfalls are in northern and northwestern Wisconsin, particularly around Lake Superior country and the state's rocky northern river systems.
Big Manitou Falls in Pattison State Park is Wisconsin's highest waterfall, dropping about 165 feet.
Spring can bring stronger flows from snowmelt and precipitation, while fall combines waterfall trips with autumn color. Actual conditions vary with recent weather.
Yes. Northern Wisconsin has enough waterfall destinations that several can be combined with state parks, Lake Superior stops, small towns and overnight cabin stays.
Pick a trail, pack the car and turn one waterfall into a weekend.