Waterfalls

Shay's Dam Falls

5 Feet Turtle River (Mercer Area): Head east on County J in Mercer for 2.5 miles. Turn north (left) on Beaver Lodge Circle. Proceed 3.6 miles, passing Beaver Lake Road. Turn east (right) on Fisher Lake Road 1.2 miles to the small side road on the left leading to Shay’s Dam. Watch for “Shay’s Dam” sign. Park with picnic area available. 

 

Foster Falls

This is allegedly the 10th highest waterfall in Wisconsin. It is in a remote location off of a forest road but no hike is required, and it is relatively easy to find. Make sure you check out the far more impressive Potato Falls downstream or Superior Falls to the north before spending a lot of time looking for this one. It also makes sense to combine your visit to Foster Falls with a visit to the nearby Wren Falls.

Foster Falls is located in a fairly remote location 6 miles north of Upson Wisconsin. Apparently the Potato River splits with the eastern branch going over a steep drop and the western branch going down a more gentle cascade.  This is a wild waterfall with no fences or barriers of any kind. You can clamber about on the rocks as much as you like. You can even pick up a rock or two and take it home with you.

To reach this waterfall head north on 122 from Upson, or south on 122 from Saxon. Head west on Sullivan Fire Lane. This is a dirt road, but it is well maintained. Sullivan Fire Lane is about 6 miles north of Upson and 5 miles south of Saxon. Go just about 3 miles on Sullivan. Just before the road starts to look like a two track, there is a short side road to the right which leads to a turnaround. Park here. You will be able to hear the falls, which are a short walk to the right.

You can also reach this falls from the west. The main reason to do this is to see Wren Falls on the way. From Highway 169 take Vogues Road east. The road curves around to the south and eventually back west. At about 3.6 miles take a left on the connector with Casey Sag Road. Continue west on Casey Sag, taking the left fork, until you reach the dead end at the river upstream of the falls.

 

Peterson Falls

A nice, easy-to-visit waterfall on the Michigan/Wisconsin border.

This waterfall is located on the Montreal River just a few miles upstream of Saxon Falls. The Montreal River forms part of the border between Michigan and Wisconsin so the falls is technically in both states, and can be visited from either state, but it is most easily visited from the Wisconsin side.

Some sources refer to this as Peterson Falls, and the sign on the highway says "Peterson Falls". However, others say that this falls is Interstate Falls and that Peterson Falls is a smaller waterfall upstream of Interstate Falls.

From Hurley, head west for about .6 miles. This is just past the US 2/US 51 interchange. Look for the large Ero Nasi Construction sign and the smaller Peterson Falls sign. Turn right onto the gravel road. Follow this road a short distance (.3 miles) to a small turn around. Park here. The trail follows the river bank. It is about a 10-minute walk to Peterson Falls. The other waterfall is apparently in this same area and much closer to the parking area.

You can reach the gravel road if you are heading east but it is easy to miss because US 2 is a divided highway here. There is no "Peterson Falls" sign for eastbound traffic.

There are no fences here and you can get right down to the base or top of the falls. The area looks fairly wild, despite the fact there is a house just downstream on the Michigan side of the falls. 

 

Kimball Falls

Kimball Falls is in Kimball, Wisconsin. While driving west along US 2 from Saxon Falls to Peterson Falls you will see a small sign on the south side of the road for Kimball Falls. Kimball Falls is a small rapids in a small park. It is less than a mile from US 2 and easy to get there, so visiting it will not take much time, and it would be a nice area to stop for a lunch break. The sign for Peterson Falls is the same style as the sign for Kimball Falls, but Peterson Falls is far more impressive.

 

Gile Falls

This small waterfall southwest of Hurley, Wisconsin in the town of Gile is on the West Branch of the Montreal River. There are two main drops here with a sharp curve between them. The total drop is listed at 15 feet.

Gile Falls is off of 77 west of Hurley. To reach the falls park at the fire station off of 77. In the southeast corner of the parking lot there is a hiking/cross country ski trail. Follow this trail and it will take you to a bridge just above the falls. This trail skirts one of the impressive man-made hills here. The hills were created during the mining era.

Some directions tell you to take Kokogan Street to Gile Falls Street. However, there are signs posted here saying the trails are closed and large piles of deadwood block the trails. 

 

Upson Falls

Upson Falls is in Upson, Wisconsin. It is in a small town park off of Park Rd. If you are heading south on 122, take a right when you reach Upson and you will be on Park Rd. There are signs on 77 telling you how to reach Upson Falls.

This is a small waterfall consisting of a couple of drops, the largest of which is around 6 feet high. The waterfall is on the Potato River (or Creek at this point). As the Potato River flows north it gets more impressive. The large Potato Falls are roughly 20 miles away. Foster Falls is about 6 miles downstream. 

 

Wren Falls

A wild and dramatic falls located in the woods of Iron County. A rough two-track leads to within a couple hundred yards of the falls, but you may prefer to hike in. This is one of the most scenic falls in Wisconsin, despite by no means being the biggest.

Wren Falls is located on the Tyler Forks, a tributary of the Bad River. The Bad River is aptly named, as it and its tributaries have carved rocky, twisted, and often deep gorges through Northern Wisconsin on its way to Lake Superior. The falls is only 12 feet high at most, but the deep gorge it slides into is very impressive, and the dramatic view from the overlook seems to make the falls look much bigger than it actually is.

Reaching the falls is straightforward, especially if you have an ATV or a high clearance vehicle. For those of us with less rugged vehicles, you may need to hike about 1.5 miles to reach the falls. From Highway 169 take a right onto Vogues road. Vogues road is a wide, well-maintained dirt road. Follow Vogues road for 3.6 miles. It does a big arc and ends at a hairpin turn where it meets Casey Sag Road. At this point you will be heading west. Casey Sag Road continues west as a rough two-track. Another two-track heads south. This is the road, or perhaps more accurately the trail, to Wren Falls. You could take a car or truck down it, but it is only wide enough for one vehicle, and there is no room to pass, and little room to pull off. People take ATVs down the trail, and mountain bikes would work well.

Follow the trail for about 1.3 miles. There you will reach a fork. Take the right fork, and follow it for about 1000 feet. It ends at a turnaround. There is an impressive overlook here, 100 feet above the falls. There is a steep descent down to the base of the falls here if you look carefully. If you follow the trails on the rim downstream, you can find some less high but still steep descents into the gorge.

There is a smaller cascade with a drop of a few feet about 1/2 mile downstream that can be heard from the trail. With some effort you can climb down to it.

 

Saxon Falls

When it has water this is a very impressive waterfall. Unfortunately, it is hard to get a good view of the falls. If you are looking for some adventure it might be a fun stop, but there are many other nearby waterfalls that are more scenic and easier to get to.

Saxon Falls is located on the Montreal River just a few miles upstream of Superior Falls, about 10 miles west of Ironwood. The Montreal River forms part of the border between Michigan and Wisconsin so the falls are technically in both states however it can only safely be accessed from the Wisconsin side of the river. 

From Hurley, travel about 11 miles west on US 2 to the intersection with CTH B; head north on CTH B for roughly 2.7 miles at which point CTH B will curve to the west; do not follow the curve, but rather continue north on Saxon Falls Road (unpaved) down the hill approximately 0.5 miles to the unpaved parking area, which is located at 46.535797, -90.380255. 

From Ashland, travel about 26 miles east on US 2 to the intersection with WI 122; head north on WI 122 for roughly 1.6 miles, then veer easterly (right) onto Berg Road (unpaved) and continue for an additional 0.4 miles to the intersection with CTH B; travel east on County Highway B for an additional 1.9 miles, at which point CTH B will curve to the south; do not follow the curve, but rather turn north on Saxon Falls Road and continue down the hill approximately 0.5 miles to the unpaved parking area. 

 From the parking area, follow the short, wooded hiking trail to the east of the parking area, which leads to the overlook location.

Copper Falls

The namesake of Copper Falls State Park. An easy-to-visit waterfall with a scenic gorge and a very scenic neighbor. There is a $10 per day use fee to visit the park. There are many other waterfalls in the area, including two others in the park. 

The Bad River has carved out an interesting gorge through the rocky terrain so prevalent around Lake Superior. It is hard to get a really good view of the waterfall itself. Most of the river goes around a large chunk of rock in two plunges.

There are several vantage points from which to view different parts of the waterfall. A large part of this trail is accessible to wheelchairs. Brownstone Falls is just a short distance downstream. The gorge just below the confluence of the Bad River and Tyler's Fork is very picturesque. Access to the gorge is prohibited and would be rather challenging. 

 

Brownstone Falls

A very scenic waterfall, and easy to get to. There is a $10 per day fee to visit the park. There are many other waterfalls in the area, including two others in the park.

Brownstone Falls is located in Wisconsin's Copper Falls State Park. Here the Tyler's Fork of the Bad River plunges into the Bad River Gorge. This is a very pretty waterfall, surrounding by impressive reddish-brown rock. It is only 30 feet high but something about the surroundings make it look much larger. Copper Falls is a third of a mile upstream.

There are not a lot of vantage points from which to view this waterfall. Access to the gorge is prohibited and would be rather challenging.

 

Red Granite Falls

Red Granite Falls is located in Wisconsin's Copper Falls State Park. This is better described as a set of rapids instead of a waterfall. Here the Bad River tumbles over and through a large number of rocks.

The area is a mile or so upstream of the much more scenic Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls. The one big advantage Red Granite Falls has over the others is that there are no fences here, and you can easily get out on the rocks amidst the rapids.

After you enter the park, take the first left on the road to Loon Lake. The trail to the fall is a 2.5-mile round trip through woods. There are a few ups and downs, but it is mostly level. The area is clearly marked on the park map.

 

Potato Falls

This is the upstream of the most impressive waterfall in all of Wisconsin, and is an interesting waterfall all by itself, especially if you are looking for some adventure. This is a large, hard to see all at once waterfall, but definitely worth visiting.

Potato Falls is in Gurney, Wisconsin. This is a very impressive waterfall. If you are tired of having your hands held by the State Parks and are looking for a big waterfall that you can freely climb all over, risking life and limb, this is the one for you.

The waterfall is located in a county park in Gurney. The park is easy to find, and there is no fee. Gurney is on Hwy 169, about 12 miles northeast of Copper Falls State Park and about 3 miles south of US 2. The park is at the end of Potato River Falls Road, west of Hwy 169. Potato River Falls Road is gravel, but it is in good shape and the park is just about a mile from Hwy 169.

The park consists of a parking lot, a picnic area, a pit toilet, and some trails to view the falls. 

Upper-

To view the upper falls take the trail to the left. There is a sign indicating it is the trail to the upper falls. The trail ends at an observation deck from which you can view the upper part of the waterfall. This is a complicated waterfall consisting of several drops each going in different directions. Below the part visible from the observation deck, the water tumbles down another 20 feet in two different places. In high water it probably becomes one big sheet of water.

From the observation deck it is fairly easy to get down to the river. From here you can walk downstream to the top of the lower falls, or clamber around on the rocks and through the water looking for better views of the upper falls. In higher water this may be dangerous if not impossible. If you could get to high ground on the far bank you might be able to get a more comprehensive view of the entire falls. 

Lower-

This is one of the most impressive waterfalls in all of Wisconsin, especially if you are looking for some adventure. The waterfall is large, easy to find, and provides all sorts of opportunities for exploration. There is also a nearby upper falls that is equally as impressive.

There is an observation deck right by the parking lot from which you can get a somewhat obstructed view of the falls. It is tempting to try to get down to the river from here, and you will see evidence of people having worked their way down the steep hills, but if you go back to the parking lot you will find a maintained trail complete with stairs that will take you down into the gorge. At the bottom of this trail there is an observation deck from which you can get a nice distant view of the entire waterfall.

You can get even closer if you wish. The trail leads to the river and you can walk upstream towards the falls. Unfortunately, you will have to wade across the river at some point. The walls on the side of the river you will be on become sheer and there is no river bank. In the spring, crossing the river may not be possible. If you do cross the river you can get right up to the base of the falls. There are also some precarious spots from which you can get a dangerous view of the falls. 

Bond Falls

This is the best single waterfall in the Western U.P. and the second-best waterfall in Michigan. If you are in the Western U.P., possibly on your way to or from the Porcupines or Copper Harbor, this is a definitely worth a stop.

Bond Falls is in the western U.P. on Bond Falls Rd, east of Pauding, MI. This is the most impressive waterfall in Michigan with the possible exception of Tahquamenon Falls. The main drop is 40 feet high and 100+ feet wide. Above the main falls are a series of cascades and rapids that must drop a total of 20 feet.

The water level is controlled by a dam, and a steady flow over the falls is maintained for scenic reasons. Of course during the spring melt the flow is much higher.

Bond Fall is a Michigan State Scenic Site. The site was renovated around 2003. The old parking area was upstream of the falls, and a steep concrete stairway led to the base of the falls. The new parking area is near the base of the falls, and a level boardwalk leads you to prime views of the falls. The area is not quite as wild-looking as it once was, but it is accessible to everyone. The trail on the east side of the falls is still wild with some steep rocky climbs. There are other trails that go off into the woods, and there are campsites nearby.

In addition to being very picturesque, this is a very popular waterfall, and unless you visit early in the morning or in winter, you are going to have a lot of company. 

 

Agate Falls

This is a pretty waterfall, and relatively easy to get to. Stop by and see it on your way to or from Bond Falls.

Agate Falls is a Michigan State Scenic Site 6.5 miles east of Bruce Crossing on MI-28. There is a roadside park (Joseph F. Oravec roadside park) just past the bridge over the Ontonagon River. Unfortunately, the provided trails and overlooks are somewhat limited. With some effort you can scramble down to the river to get some very good views of the falls, which seems to be popular with local fishermen or scramble up the river banks to get to the old railroad bridge over the falls. The bridge is now part of a snowmobile trail.

 

Gorge Falls

A very scenic waterfall set in a very scenic gorge. An added plus is the close proximity of the equally impressive Potawatomi Falls. These are two of the most impressive falls on the Black River and are also the two easiest to access.

Gorge Falls is named for the deep and narrow gorge above and below the falls. It is also one of the easier waterfalls to visit, being only a short distance from the parking area. There are a fair number of stairs to the falls overlook. It is only a short walk upstream to see Potawatomi Falls.

The Black River Scenic Byway starts north of US 2 near Bessemer. There are signs on US 2. Gorge Falls is about 14.5 miles north of US 2. The scenic area is on the right and is clearly marked. 

 

Rainbow Falls

This is the last of the main falls on the Black River before it enters Lake Superior. This is an interesting waterfall. Unfortunately, the best views are from the east side of the river and the observation deck is on the west side of the river. The hike from the west side trailhead is 1/2 mile. Another option is to drive down to the end of the Black River Scenic Byway, cross the river and hike back up to the falls. A suspension bridge takes you across the river and a mile long, scenic, and mostly level trail, takes you back to the falls. The views are far superior. In low water you can wade across the river above the falls.

The Black River Scenic Byway starts north of US 2 near Bessemer. There are signs on US 2. Rainbow Falls is about 16 miles north of US 2. The scenic area is on the right and is clearly marked. It is about a 1/2 mile walk from the parking area to the falls. There are a lot of stairs at the end.

The waterfall has carved out a large pothole. Most of the river falls into the pothole, but some of the water, depending on how high the river is, goes around or jumps clear over this hole. 

 

Manabezho Falls

The Manabezho Falls are part of the Presque Isle River's spectacular final dash to Lake Superior. The entire 1-mile stretch is very beautiful, with lots of bare rock and rapids. It is easily accessible from the Presque Isle entrance off of CR-519 in the western end of the park.

Manabezho Falls is the largest, and last named drop on the river. It is also the closest to the main parking lot. A short walk with many stairs will take you to a nice view of the falls. There is an overlook at the top of the falls, but you cannot see much of the falls there. The falls can be seen from the trails on both sides of the river.

Downstream of the parking area is a suspension bridge for pedestrians which leads to Presque Isle. From the bridge you can see the fabulous potholes the river has carved into the gorge. In the summer, when the water is lower, the river goes to the left of the "island" (west), but when the river is high it surrounds the island, resulting in additional falls. In high water Manabezho Falls is very wide, but later in the summer it becomes segmented.

 

Nawadaha Falls

Nawadaha Falls is the uppermost of the three falls along the Presque Isle River's final stretch. Until recently you had to walk along a rather rugged trail with lots of steep ups and downs, and there were no viewing platforms for the falls. Sometime after 2001 they added a viewing platform and a short trail to the falls from behind the entrance station.

This is a low, wide waterfall. Its width varies greatly depending on the water levels. Nawadaha Falls is similar to, but a little higher than, Manido Falls. The steepest part of the falls is on the eastern side, and when the river is low, most of the water flows there. There is a nice natural overlook out in front of this drop easily reached from the trail on the east side of the river.

South Boundary Road is not too far beyond Nawadaha Falls. You can cross the river here and hike down the other side to make a loop around all the Presque Isle Falls. The eastern side is much wilder, but the whole hike is very enjoyable.

 

Potawatomi Falls

A very scenic waterfall along an especially scenic part of the Black River. An added plus is the close proximity of the equally impressive Gorge Falls. These are two of the most impressive falls on the Black River and are also the two easiest to access.

Potawatomi Falls is just upstream of Gorge Falls and is reached from the same parking area. Potawatomi is the name of one of the native tribes. This waterfall is wheelchair accessible. Gorge Falls is just a short walk away.

The Black River Scenic Byway starts north of US 2 near Bessemer. There are signs on US 2. Gorge Falls is about 14.5 miles north of US 2. The scenic area is on the right and is clearly marked. The falls are a short walk from the parking area. 

 

Superior Falls

This is a very impressive waterfall just a short distance from the shores of Lake Superior. Water is diverted by a dam, but the power company is required to maintain a flow over the falls. It is relatively easy to get to, and not too far off US 2.

Superior Falls is located on the Montreal River just a few hundred yards from Lake Superior. The Montreal River forms part of the border between Michigan and Wisconsin so the falls is technically in both states, but it is most easily visited from the Michigan side.

This is an impressive waterfall consisting of several drops and some very dramatic gorge walls. There is a dam a short distance above the falls and most of the water is diverted for power generation. The power company is required to maintain at least 20 cubic feet of water per second flowing over the falls. Early spring is the best time to see the falls.

Superior Falls is off of Hwy 122 north of US 2. The US 2 and Hwy 122 junction is in Wisconsin, but you will cross into Michigan. About 1/2 mile past the Michigan border turn left onto the gravel road that leads to the parking lot. There is a sign saying "Superior Falls". Northern States Power operates the Superior Falls Hydro plant and keeps the area open to the public.

From the parking lot you can head to the left for a nice scenic view of the final drop (65 feet). You can see some of the upper falls as well from here. The fence is a bit frustrating and often blocks your view, but it also will save you from a long, long fall into the gorge. The overlook is at the top of the gorge wall.

There is a wide grassy trail that leads farther upstream. From here you can find a relatively safe way down to the level of the top of the final drop. This is not a maintained trail, but it gets a lot of local traffic. From here you can get a good look at the upper drop (20 feet), a bunch of rapids above that, and the dam above that. It looks like the dam may have been built on the edge of another sizable drop.

From the parking lot there is also a paved trail that descends steeply down to the river and lake. Superior Falls is very close to the lake. You can look at the falls, and then turn around and look at the lake. Once at the bottom you can walk upstream for some closer views of the final drop. There is a well-beaten path that goes behind the powerhouse. The cliffs and rocks at the base of the falls are really spectacular.

Powderhorn Falls

Powderhorn Falls is located in Bessemer, Michigan. This is a small waterfall and there are no signs identifying its location. Visiting it requires you to climb down into a steep gorge (there are some ropes to help) and you have to cross the creek to get a good look of the falls. If this sounds like too much work, Gabbro Falls is much larger and much easier to visit.

The falls is located off of Powderhorn Road, about 1.5 miles north of US 2. Powderhorn Road is easy to find, thanks to the giant skier on US 2. The road leads to the Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Area and there is plenty of signage. The falls on the other hand has no signs. Look for Flintlock Road on the left. This is a small, rough dirt road. Opposite this on the right side of the road is a trail. The road runs parallel to the creek and the creek is not visible from the road. If you reach the Powdermill Creek Resort or the big curve in the road you have gone too far.

The trail will lead you to top of the falls. Some ropes will help you make the descent into the gorge. The area just above the falls appears to be part of somebody's backyard.

This falls is also known as Powdermill Falls. 

 

Shining Cloud Falls

Shining Cloud Falls is the largest and most scenic of the Porcupine Mountain's backcountry falls. It is at least a 5-mile one-way hike to the falls, but definitely worth it if you like hiking and wild waterfalls.

You will have to hike at least 5 miles in to see the falls, and another 5 miles to get back. If you are looking for a good long day hike this is a winner. In addition to the main falls there are also a number of smaller cascades, and whatever route you take there is lots of wilderness scenery.

The total drop of the falls is about 20 feet. The falls consist of two parts: a slide on the left, and a plunge on the right. In higher water the two parts merge, but in lower water the two parts are distinct. Plunge falls are rare around Lake Superior.

From the trail you cannot see much of Shining Cloud Falls. Just below the falls is a deep and precipitous gorge and the trail passes high above the falls. There is one distant somewhat overgrown overlook on the trail. To get better views you will have to descend into the gorge a bit. Getting to the top of the falls is not too hard, and assuming the water is not really high, you can walk down the side of the slide to reach the base of the falls.

The real challenge with seeing Shining Cloud Falls is reaching it. It is located on the Big Carp River Trail. This trail begins at the Lake of the Clouds Overlook. It is 8.5 miles one way from Lake of the Clouds to Shining Cloud Falls. This features some fabulous escarpment scenery. Another scenic route is to take the Lake Superior Trail from Presque Isle to the mouth of the Carp River and then hike upstream to the falls. It is about 7.5 miles to the mouth of the river, and the falls are 1.25 miles upstream. The shortest, but perhaps least scenic route is to take the Pinkerton Trail to the mouth of the Little Carp River, follow the Lake Superior Trail to the mouth of the Big Carp River, and then follow the Big Carp River Trail upstream to the falls, for a total distance of about 5 miles.

Downstream of Shining Cloud Falls are a number of unnamed falls and rapids. Several of these are larger than some of the named falls on the Little Carp River. The last drop near the Lake is known as Bathtub Falls. If you are hiking upstream to the falls, do not be fooled by the smaller drops. The trail follows the river closely, but it climbs away from the river before reaching Shining Cloud Falls. There is no sign marking Shining Cloud Falls, but it is very distinctive. 

 

Gabbro Falls

Gabbro Falls is on the Black River and is as impressive, if not more impressive, than its more celebrated neighbors downstream along the Black River Scenic Byway. This is a largely wild waterfall with no fences or barriers of any kind. It consists of three separate drops. When the water is high there is a fourth drop that is the height of the other three combined. The main drop falls into a narrow crevice between two large rock formations.

Gabbro Falls is relatively easy to find but there is some confusing information out there. The waterfall is also known as Baker's Falls, and it is often mistakenly called Garbo Falls (gabbro is a type of rock). There is also a Neepikon Falls upstream, but it is just an unremarkable rapid. To reach the waterfall head north on Blackjack Rd from US 2 in Ramsay. Head north for about 2 miles. Blackjack Rd takes a sharp left and goes over a wooden covered bridge. From this point on the road is gravel. Continue to the left (you are still on Blackjack Rd) and head up the hill. You will be heading roughly south at this point. At the top of the hill there will be some old, run-down-looking buildings on the right. Turn around, and park opposite the buildings. There are some obvious trails. To reach the top of the falls, head to the right. To reach the base, head straight.

You can rock hop across the river below the falls in low water. To reach the other side without possibly getting your feet wet, go back to Blackjack Rd and find the first gas line clearing from the covered bridge. This is the third, not the second gas line clearing from US 2. If you walk down the hill along the clearing, you will reach the river just above the falls.

 

Lake of the Falls

Lake of the Falls Waterfall in Mercer, Wisconsin.

The falls drop 10 feet into the Turtle River in Lake of the Falls County Park. The park offers picnic and rustic camping facilities, as well as a boat landing with access to the Turtle Flambeau Flowage via the Turtle River.

Located 5 Miles West of Mercer via County FF; picnic area, tables, fireplaces, drinking water, pavilion, rest rooms,35 units for overnight camping, swimming, boat launching area, boating, fishing, caretaker.

 

Manakiki Falls

From Hwy. US 2 in Bessemer take Powderhorn Rd North. When the road ends at the stop sign make a left-hand turn on Black River Rd. Follow Black River Road until you see a sign for the Gorge Falls, turn left. Follow this road for about three miles until you come to a wooden bridge. Park before the bridge, then cross it and follow the creek on your left upstream (there isn't much of a path).

Notes: This falls is also know as Maple Creek Falls. The falls are in a very steep canyon.