Waterfalls

The sound, the sight and the experience of visiting a waterfall can work magic on anyone regardless of who you are. No matter your hobbies, interests or personality type, visiting a waterfall can be a truly awesome experience any time of the year.

For instance, those “adrenaline junkies” among us may feel energized by the rush of a waterfall’s swift springtime flow along steep rock formations. Geology & History buffs can visit and learn about the formation of waterfalls due to glaciers and igneous rock formations. Science enthusiasts may be interested to learn that waterfalls are a natural source of negative ions. Sometimes known as the “waterfall effect”, negative ions are released whenever water collides with itself. The negative ions are tossed in the air and we can reap the benefit by breathing them in. Health & Wellness fans may be intrigued to learn that after reviewing over 100 years of scientific studies, researchers found evidence that negative ions have the ability to reduce stress, boost immune system function and help regulate sleep patterns and mood!

The states of Wisconsin and Michigan are fortunate to be host to a multitude of waterfalls that flow through the land. Whether you find yourself traveling through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan/Iron County, Wisconsin area or through the North West, North Central or North Eastern portion of Wisconsin, visiting a waterfall (or several!) is sure to be a memorable experience. Please be sure to exercise caution when hiking and adhere to posted regulations and rules.

of the NorthSomething for Everyone

Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan & Iron County, Wisconsin

Potato River Falls Gurney, WI Iron County

Located off Potato River Falls Road just past Gurney, Wisconsin, visitors will find Potato River Falls. There are multiple drops to this waterfall and several paths down to the river that vary in difficulty. The upper falls can be viewed from an observation deck. From the observation deck, visitors can also make their way down 200 steps to view the lower falls. This is a strenuous walk but well worth it to view the impressive lower falls crashing 40-50 feet over the wide rock face.

Interstate Falls & Peterson Falls Hurley, WI Iron County

Located down a winding hardwood-hemlock trail, Interstate Falls is considered to be a powerful and beautiful waterfall. You will most likely hear this 18 foot waterfall crashing into the Montreal River before you see it! Located just upstream is Peterson Falls. Peterson Falls consists of 3 cascades 25 feet high with a crest of 15 feet among jagged rocks. Be sure to watch your footing as there are no fences and it’s possible to get right down to the base or top of the falls.

Superior Falls Near Saxon, WI Iron County

Located on the Montreal River just a few hundred yards from Lake Superior, Superior Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Wisconsin with an impressive total drop distance of 110 feet across several levels. As with most waterfalls in this area, Springtime is considered the best season to visit as water levels are high resulting in fast-moving flows.

Wren Falls Saxon Area, WI Iron County

After parking at an intersection connecting Casey Sag Road and Vogues Road in Saxon, WI, visitors can wander down the unmarked dirt road 1.3 miles to a fork in the road. Veer right and follow path to a rustic campsite at the end of the road. Wren Falls is just to the left and there is an excellent view from atop the 30 foot canyon wall. You can also venture down the steep hill to the base of the falls which is considered the most impressive view. This waterfall powerfully crashes through a narrow rock canyon and drops 15 feet to the pool below.

Upson Falls Upson Area, WI Iron County

These falls drop 18 feet into the Potato River just north of Upson. Camping and a picnic area are available in Upson Town Park. Although the falls may not be considered very high, it is still a beautiful place to visit due to smaller crowds and scenic views.

Bond Falls Haight Township, MI Ontonagon County

Bond Falls in a waterfall on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River. Considered to be one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Great Lakes Region, Bond Falls features a roaring 50 foot drop. An accessible boardwalk with six viewing locations makes for an enjoyable experience. This scenic site is located within a Michigan State Park. Visitors will need to purchase a Michigan recreation passport to park there.

Agate Falls Scenic Site Trout Creek, MI Ontonagon County

This scenic waterfall is nestled under a railroad trestle which adds to the scenic and historical interest. Located in Roadside Park, Agate Falls is considered to be one of Upper Michigan’s most picturesque waterfalls. These falls are created as the Ontonagon River finds its way over an extended shelf of terraced sandstone. The resulting waterfall is a broad band of interlacing cascades and small falls nearly 40 feet high. Access to view the falls is via a foot path a half-mile in length. Parking, water, toilets and picnic tables are available.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Near Ontonagon, MI Ontonagon & Gogebic Counties

Featuring over 90 waterfalls, this park is a definite must see! Located at the western edge of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the Presque Isle River is home to beautiful waterfalls including Manabezho, Manido & Nawadaha. Park at The Presque Isle Scenic Area (Presque Isle Road north from South Boundary Road) and take the fairly easy path to falls. Roadside parking and picnic area available.

Northwest Wisconsin

Copper Falls State Park Mellen, WI Ashland County

Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls State Park one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks. Notably, Brownstone Falls has been described by many as the prettiest waterfall within Copper Falls. Here the Tyler’s Fork of the Bad River plunges 30 feet into the Bad River Gorge. This is a fast-flowing waterfall surrounded by impressive root-beer colored rock. This State Park offers camping, hiking, biking, fishing and swimming opportunities in Loon Lake.

Lost Creek Falls Cornucopia, WI Bayfield County

After hiking approximately 30 minutes off Klemik Road (6 miles past Herbster, WI), visitors will be pleased to find Lost Creek Falls. This hidden gem is well worth the effort to reach. This waterfall is unique in that it is possible to walk behind the cascading waters to catch a stunning view. The stream drops off a 15 foot ledge and splashes on the rocks below. Be sure to bring your camera to capture some unique photos.

Cascade Falls Osceola, WI Polk County

Located in the center of Osceola, Cascade Falls is a popular attraction and a must see. The water drops 25 feet off a rocky cliff and as you walk closer to the falls you can actually feel the mist spraying the air. A walkway over the river provides good views of the waterfall but visitors can get off the walkways for more exploring. It’s even possible to walk behind these impressive falls! Other notable Polk County falls include; Buttermilk Falls, Geiger Falls, and Silverbrook Falls

Northcentral Wisconsin

Grandfather Falls Near Merrill, WI Lincoln County

Grandfather Falls, the highest waterfall on the Wisconsin River, is located approximately 12 miles north of Merrill on Highway 107. The total drop is 89 feet spread out in a series of cascades over 1 mile. Several hundred million years ago, the northern highlands of Wisconsin were an alpine mountain range. Beneath this range, igneous rock formed which now is called pre-Cambrian bedrock, the top layers of the mountains having been worn down by erosion. Grandfather Falls lie in a pre-Cambrian rock bed and is a remnant of the physical geography of this ancient mountain range. The upper third of the falls and most of the flow is diverted through a canal and a series of penstocks to feed hydroelectric generators. A parking area at the top of the penstocks on the west side of Highway 107 offers access to the Ice Age Trail and Grandfather Falls.

Northeast Wisconsin

From the Menominee River near Niagara to the Village of Crivitz, Marinette County is home to 14 waterfalls which are primarily located within county parks.

Long Slide Falls Pembine Area, WI Marinette County

Located a few miles north of Pembine, WI, Long Slide Falls is a long steep slide among impressive rock formations. Considered by many to be one of the most impressive of the Waterfalls of the Lake Michigan Watershed, Long Slide Falls is easy to visit and with its 50 foot scenic slide it is the highest of waterfalls in this region. Visitors may clamber around on the rocks to get a different view but are encouraged to be careful as there are steep drops and no fences or railings.

Smalley Falls Pembine Area, WI Marinette County

Smalley Falls is a miniature version of Long Slide Falls which is located ½ mile downstream. The falls drop approximately 10 feet across a span of 100 feet. There is a small parking area and a trail that leads to the falls or access the falls by walking a short distance from Long Slide Falls.

Daves Falls Amberg Area, WI Marinette County

Daves Falls is a small waterfall located 1 mile south of Amberg, WI in Daves Falls County Park. It is off U.S. Highway 141 between Old 38 Road and Old Highway 141 Road. In addition to the scenic falls and easy 0.6 mile hike, the park offers playground and restroom facilities.