Wisconsin actually has some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the whole country, and if you love these gorgeous natural scenes of falling water, there is a way to can see eight cascades in just one day of travel. Way up north, practically in Michigan, there’s a cluster of small towns and forests with miles and miles of rumbling river. There are four major rivers here, and a number of waterfalls that are concentrated in the region. There are more than a dozen waterfalls in more than 200,000 acres of forest and parks up here and you can spend a day visiting eight of them with some easy and gorgeous hiking. Many are located in the park system, but you can buy a car pass to gain access to the parks for just a small fee. Here’s an interactive map that will take you some beautiful easy waterfall hikes in Wisconsin.
- Long Slide Falls
Flickr/WIDNR We’ll kick off the day with what might be the most impressive waterfall up in this part of the state. As the name implies, this waterfall covers a lot of ground. Instead of a single dramatic drop, this is a cool waterfall where the water glides over the rock formations and you can climb around to find all kinds of different angles from which to take in the view! There are trails all over this hike and from here, you’ll head to our next falls on foot, so strap on your hiking boots and check it out.
- Smalley Falls
TripAdvisor/sland1225 Located about a half-mile northwest of Long Slide Falls, this cascade can be difficult to see all at once, but it’s worth the simple hike. All in all, you’ll put in about two miles round trip to see these two falls. They’re a bit more hidden, but you’ll love finding all the little twists and turns and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a gorgeous and remote ecosystem.
- Bull Falls
TripAdvisor/Sally1382 Next, head over to see Bull Falls. Just a short 15 minute drive from Smalley and Long Slide, it’s just far enough away to give you a break from the sunshine. This is a short little hike down to a waterfall on the Pike River and though it’s not massive, it’s still a great cascade and a wonderful spot to stop and put your fishing pole in the river in search of some trout.
- 18 Foot Falls
Flickr/AL These next three falls will be accessed from Twelve Foot Falls County Park. You’ll park here and then head about a mile north to find Eighteen Foot Falls. This hike is a bit rougher than the rest, so be prepared! Carry a map and make sure you take your time trekking through the woods. It’s another one on the Pike River and simply gorgeous.
- 12 Foot Falls
TripAdvisor/FancyFree55 We’re really good at naming waterfalls here in Wisconsin. After you see 18 Foot Falls, backtrack towards the parking lot and walk over to Twelve Foot Falls. These are varied and interesting views of the same winding river and there’s stellar fishing here.
- 8 Foot Falls
Travel Wisconsin You walk through the campground to get here and you’ll hear the falls before you see them. The river mellows a bit after this waterfall, so there’s a gorgeous, calm pool at the end. It’s a great place to cool off on a hot summer day.
- Horseshoe Falls
TripAdvisor/Sally1382 The roads and trails here are susceptible to being beat up by the weather, so use caution and check in with the rangers before heading out. There are signs to let you know you’re going in the right direction and once you reach the falls, you’ll realize it was all worth it. The sound of the water and the mist from the falls make this a magical little place you’ll be happy you took the time to find.
- Dave’s Falls
Flickr/RyanWick With gorgeous, rocky scenery that has been carved out by the river flowing through here, you’ll love getting to check out these falls from both sides of the river. There’s a wood bridge that crosses over the top, offering all kinds of viewing options. You’ll usually find folks climbing the rocks, but definitely use your best judgement and be careful as they can get slippery and it can be dangerous to attempt any daredevil moves.
If you love Wisconsin waterfalls, you have to check out this awesome wine and waterfalls road trip that’s basically the best way to spend a day in the Dairy State. There’s no better way to take in our scenery than by embarking on some easy waterfall hikes in Wisconsin!
Flickr/WIDNR
We’ll kick off the day with what might be the most impressive waterfall up in this part of the state. As the name implies, this waterfall covers a lot of ground. Instead of a single dramatic drop, this is a cool waterfall where the water glides over the rock formations and you can climb around to find all kinds of different angles from which to take in the view! There are trails all over this hike and from here, you’ll head to our next falls on foot, so strap on your hiking boots and check it out.
TripAdvisor/sland1225
Located about a half-mile northwest of Long Slide Falls, this cascade can be difficult to see all at once, but it’s worth the simple hike. All in all, you’ll put in about two miles round trip to see these two falls. They’re a bit more hidden, but you’ll love finding all the little twists and turns and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a gorgeous and remote ecosystem.
TripAdvisor/Sally1382
Next, head over to see Bull Falls. Just a short 15 minute drive from Smalley and Long Slide, it’s just far enough away to give you a break from the sunshine. This is a short little hike down to a waterfall on the Pike River and though it’s not massive, it’s still a great cascade and a wonderful spot to stop and put your fishing pole in the river in search of some trout.
Flickr/AL
These next three falls will be accessed from Twelve Foot Falls County Park. You’ll park here and then head about a mile north to find Eighteen Foot Falls. This hike is a bit rougher than the rest, so be prepared! Carry a map and make sure you take your time trekking through the woods. It’s another one on the Pike River and simply gorgeous.
TripAdvisor/FancyFree55
We’re really good at naming waterfalls here in Wisconsin. After you see 18 Foot Falls, backtrack towards the parking lot and walk over to Twelve Foot Falls. These are varied and interesting views of the same winding river and there’s stellar fishing here.
Travel Wisconsin
You walk through the campground to get here and you’ll hear the falls before you see them. The river mellows a bit after this waterfall, so there’s a gorgeous, calm pool at the end. It’s a great place to cool off on a hot summer day.
The roads and trails here are susceptible to being beat up by the weather, so use caution and check in with the rangers before heading out. There are signs to let you know you’re going in the right direction and once you reach the falls, you’ll realize it was all worth it. The sound of the water and the mist from the falls make this a magical little place you’ll be happy you took the time to find.
Flickr/RyanWick
With gorgeous, rocky scenery that has been carved out by the river flowing through here, you’ll love getting to check out these falls from both sides of the river. There’s a wood bridge that crosses over the top, offering all kinds of viewing options. You’ll usually find folks climbing the rocks, but definitely use your best judgement and be careful as they can get slippery and it can be dangerous to attempt any daredevil moves.
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Address: Long Slide Falls, Niagara, WI 54151, USAAddress: Smalley Falls, Niagara, WI 54156, USAAddress: Bull Falls, Dunbar, WI 54119, USAAddress: 18 Foot Falls Rd, Wisconsin 54119, USAAddress: 12 Foot Falls Rd, Wisconsin, USAAddress: Horseshoe Falls, Dunbar, WI 54119, USAAddress: Dave’s Falls, Amberg, WI 54102, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
easy waterfall hikes in Wisconsin May 06, 2020 Kim Magaraci What is the largest waterfall in Wisconsin? Wisconsin’s breathtaking Pattison State Park, located in Superior, is home to the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin. Big Manitou Falls is a 165-foot high cascade that tumbles along the Black River. There are a few trails that lead you to stunning views of Big Manitou, but they’re often washed out by floodwater. Check out the trail conditions online before heading out to make the trek. What are the best waterfall hikes in Wisconsin? The best waterfall hikes in Wisconsin can be found tucked away in all corners of America’s Dairyland. Some of the most breathtaking cascades include Copper Falls, Upson Falls, Log Jam, Hidden Falls, Siskiwit Falls, and Amnicon Falls. Are there any waterfalls in Wisconsin I can see without hiking? While many of the Badger State’s best waterfalls require a little bit of an adventure to see, you can still access stunning cascades without wandering far from the trail head. Some of the best easy-access waterfalls in Wisconsin include Stephens Falls in Dodgeville, Granite Quarry Waterfalls in Montello, Siskiwit Falls in Cornucopia, Upson Falls, Dave’s Falls (shown above) and Cascade Falls in Osceola.
The OIYS Visitor Center
easy waterfall hikes in Wisconsin
May 06, 2020
Kim Magaraci
What is the largest waterfall in Wisconsin? Wisconsin’s breathtaking Pattison State Park, located in Superior, is home to the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin. Big Manitou Falls is a 165-foot high cascade that tumbles along the Black River. There are a few trails that lead you to stunning views of Big Manitou, but they’re often washed out by floodwater. Check out the trail conditions online before heading out to make the trek. What are the best waterfall hikes in Wisconsin? The best waterfall hikes in Wisconsin can be found tucked away in all corners of America’s Dairyland. Some of the most breathtaking cascades include Copper Falls, Upson Falls, Log Jam, Hidden Falls, Siskiwit Falls, and Amnicon Falls. Are there any waterfalls in Wisconsin I can see without hiking? While many of the Badger State’s best waterfalls require a little bit of an adventure to see, you can still access stunning cascades without wandering far from the trail head. Some of the best easy-access waterfalls in Wisconsin include Stephens Falls in Dodgeville, Granite Quarry Waterfalls in Montello, Siskiwit Falls in Cornucopia, Upson Falls, Dave’s Falls (shown above) and Cascade Falls in Osceola.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Wisconsin’s breathtaking Pattison State Park, located in Superior, is home to the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin. Big Manitou Falls is a 165-foot high cascade that tumbles along the Black River. There are a few trails that lead you to stunning views of Big Manitou, but they’re often washed out by floodwater. Check out the trail conditions online before heading out to make the trek.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Wisconsin?
The best waterfall hikes in Wisconsin can be found tucked away in all corners of America’s Dairyland. Some of the most breathtaking cascades include Copper Falls, Upson Falls, Log Jam, Hidden Falls, Siskiwit Falls, and Amnicon Falls.
Are there any waterfalls in Wisconsin I can see without hiking?
While many of the Badger State’s best waterfalls require a little bit of an adventure to see, you can still access stunning cascades without wandering far from the trail head. Some of the best easy-access waterfalls in Wisconsin include Stephens Falls in Dodgeville, Granite Quarry Waterfalls in Montello, Siskiwit Falls in Cornucopia, Upson Falls, Dave’s Falls (shown above) and Cascade Falls in Osceola.
