Going With the Flow: Waterfalls of the Northwoods

By Allison Burns, Correspondent

The Northwoods is known for its natural beauty, including eagles soaring in the sky, towering pine trees, beautiful pristine lakes and bountiful wildlife. Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (the UP) offers numerous hidden treasures, including waterfalls.

My colleagues and I have compiled a list that features only some of the awe-inspiring waterfalls in our area. Iron County is home to the most waterfalls, and would therefore make a great starting point for waterfall connoisseurs hoping to see as many as possible.

We hope the sounds of cascading water drown out all your worries while you enjoy the beauty that is the Northwoods.  Happy exploring!

Brownstone Falls - Photo from Travel Wisconsin

Ashland County

The Tyler Forks and Bad Rivers are home to the scenic waterfalls in Copper Falls State Park. The park displays many natural landscapes such as canyons and gorges, as well as manmade features like a log shelter and campground. Read more about the park here.

Located in Copper Falls State Park, Brownstone Falls offers a fantastic view of a 30 foot drop waterfall pouring into the Tyler Forks River. The rock walls along with the rushing falls create a picturesque view. However, this waterfall is a bit more challenging to get a good look at, luckily the more accessible Copper Falls is about a third of a mile away.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Copper Falls, the namesake of Copper Falls State Park. Multiple mountain biking and hiking trails offer several different vantage points of the cascading falls. A selfie stand is located near Copper Falls on the Doughboy Trail. Hikers are encouraged to take a photo and share it on social media with the hashtag #ScenicWisconsin.

Pattison State Park - Photo by Wisconsin DNR

Douglas County

Pattison State Park features the highest waterfalls in Wisconsin and the fourth highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Big Manitou Falls is 165 feet high and Twin Little Manitou Falls is 31 feet high. This 1,400 acre park also has a lake with a beach, a nature center, camping and scenic hiking trails.

Big Manitou Falls and Gorge contains a unique river gorge carved out of both sandstone and basalt and includes the 165 feet high roaring, cascading falls of the Black River.

Lasalle Falls - Photo by Natures Water Park

Florence County

Florence County is home to eight breathtaking waterfalls, including Lasalle Falls. Trails to the falls range from a quarter-mile to a little more than one mile. Trails are primitive in some areas so good footwear is a must. Little Bull Falls can only be reached by water. Canoers and kayakers may put in at the Morgan Lake Road/Popple River crossing. Little Bull Falls in one-half mile downstream from the crossing.

View the Nature's Water Park map here.

Lake of the Falls - Photo by Iron County Forestry & Parks

Iron County

Iron County has the most waterfalls in the state.  View a list of waterfalls, camping and other points of interest here.

Foster Falls makes the top 10 list of tallest waterfalls in Wisconsin at 25 feet high. This is an easy-to-find site with a gorgeous view, requiring minimal hiking.

Gile Falls showcases a 15 foot drop. The area features a hiking and cross country ski trail. The trail leads to a bridge with a breathtaking view of the waterfall.

Kimball Falls is a 10 foot waterfall that flows into the Montreal River. This handicap accessible area features a spot for picnics and a pavilion.

Lake of the Falls features another peaceful 10 foot drop into the Turtle River. Stay a while at one of the 32 camping spots, enjoy lunch in the picnic area, or take some photos at the scenic overlook!

Peterson Falls is a high-flowing 25 foot waterfall that forms part of the border between Michigan and Wisconsin. It is most easily accessible from Wisconsin, and a great quick stop for a waterfall visit.

Potato River Falls There are two 90 foot Falls, Upper and Lower Potato River Falls, that link up with the Bad River. The park area has a place for a picnic and pit toilets available. Five campsites await campers on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saxon also contains Saxon Falls on the Michigan/Wisconsin border, which falls about 90 feet over several drops. You can find one of the deepest gorges in the Midwest at the bottom of these Falls. Saxon Falls can prove difficult to get a good view of, so be sure to carefully read directions to get to the right location.

You can also find Superior Falls, one of the state’s tallest waterfalls, in Saxon. Over several levels, the water drops about 110 feet. This waterfall is easily accessible with a parking area conveniently located nearby.

Wren Falls, a picturesque 12 foot high waterfall, is located along the 4,800 mile North Country Trail. There are two primitive campsites here for those looking to set their tent up in a beautiful area. This is a hidden gem, but worth the trek or drive in if you have a high clearance vehicle.

Grandfather Falls - Photo by Wisconsin Public Service

Lincoln County

Grandfather Falls, the highest waterfall on the Wisconsin River, is located about 12 miles north of Merrill on Highway 107. The total drop is 89 feet spread out in a series of cascades over one mile.

The upper third of the falls and most of the flow, except in the Spring, is diverted through a canal and a series of penstocks to feed hydroelectric generators. Read more here.

Long Slide Falls - Photo by Great Lakes Waterfalls

Marinette County

Long Slide Falls is the highest northeastern Wisconsin waterfall in Pembine. Venturing out on some rocks can provide varying views of this waterfall. Proceed with caution, as there are steep drops with no railings. Get directions here.

Approximately a one-half mile walk away, is Smalley Falls. You may also drive.

Bond Falls - Photo by Dan Dumas

Gogebic County (Upper Peninsula of Michigan)

Bond Falls

Although not part of the Ottawa National Forest, Bond Falls is surrounded by the Ottawa National Forest, and one of the most popular Upper Peninsula waterfalls. Managed by the U.P. Power Company, a developed trail is maintained with steps and bridges across the river at the base of the falls. This is one fall that is beautiful yearlong, and a variety of plants can be viewed throughout the summer.

Waterfalls of the Keweenaw Area

Being the westernmost county in Michigan, Gogebic County is actually in a completely different time zone than the rest of the state. With high elevations in the remnants of the Keweenaw Ridge to the north, this county contains many lakes that drain northwards over multiple drops of volcanic and conglomerate rock. The Black River and Presque Isle River are the main waterways here, each one containing many waterfalls on their journey to Lake Superior.

Wisconsin Waterfall Map

During our search, we also came across this website – The Wisconsin Waterfall Map.