Summer Waterfall Tour
Discover 10 spectacular waterfalls from delicate cascades to Wisconsin's tallest 165-foot plunge, with a complete 3-day touring itinerary.
Discover the spectacular waterfalls of northern Wisconsin, from delicate cascades to thundering 165-foot plunges. This comprehensive guide covers the region's most beautiful falls within an hour of Hayward.
Close to Hayward (Under 30 miles)
Morgan Falls (18.9 miles)
A delicate 70-foot ribbon-like cascade in forested setting. Easy 1.2-mile round-trip hike. Head north on WI-13 for 12 miles, turn left onto County Hwy M, follow signs to USFS parking lot. $5 daily parking fee.
Lost Creek Falls (26.6 miles)
A peaceful 15-foot cascade in lush forest setting with tranquil pool. Easy 2.2-mile round-trip trail. From WI-13 toward Cornucopia, turn left onto County Rd C. Free parking.
State Parks & Regional Falls (30-50 miles)
Houghton Falls (35 miles)
Seasonal waterfall through ancient sandstone gorge to Lake Superior. Easy 2-mile trail, gated access (6 AM–6 PM). From Washburn, turn right onto Houghton Falls Rd. Free parking.
Copper Falls (42.7 miles)
Dramatic 29-foot multi-tiered waterfall in Bad River Gorge. 1.7-mile Doughboy Trail with railed viewpoints. From County Hwy M, turn right onto WI-169 to Copper Falls State Park (36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen). $8-$11 pass.
Brownstone Falls (42.8 miles)
30-foot plunge where rivers meet, framed by reddish cliffs. Same location as Copper Falls - accessible via 0.7-mile spur trail from parking lot. Same park pass required.
Potato River Falls (45 miles)
90-foot cascade (Upper and Lower combined). 1-mile trail with stairs, slippery clay banks. From WI-169 north to WI-13, then US-2. In Ironwood, MI, turn left onto WI-77, right onto County Rd C in Gurney. Small lot, no fee.
Iron County & Superior Area (45-60 miles)
Saxon Falls (48 miles)
90-foot multi-level cascade on Montreal River near Wisconsin-Michigan border. 0.7-mile moderate trail, best after rain. From US-2 east, then north on WI-122. Cross into Michigan, turn left onto Montreal River Rd (gravel).
Superior Falls (49 miles)
Dramatic 110-foot plunge into Lake Superior straddling Wisconsin-Michigan border. 0.7-mile trail with optional steep descent to lake level. From Saxon Falls, continue north on WI-122 for 0.5 miles, turn left onto gravel road.
Big Manitou Falls (49 miles)
Wisconsin's tallest waterfall at 165 feet. Short walk with ADA-accessible viewing platforms. Tunnel connects to Little Manitou Falls (30 feet). Pattison State Park (6294 WI-35, Superior). $8-$11 pass.
Amnicon Falls (58 miles)
Series of waterfalls with picturesque covered bridge. Snake Pit Falls is a 25-foot standout. Easy 1.8-mile loop, family-friendly. Amnicon Falls State Park (4279 County Rd U, South Range). $8-$11 pass.
Planning & Access Information
- State Park Passes: $8 daily (WI residents), $11 (non-residents) - required for Copper Falls, Amnicon Falls, Pattison State Park
- Forest Service Fees: $5 daily parking at Morgan Falls (US Forest Service lot)
- Best Flow: Spring through early summer, or after significant rainfall
- Trail Conditions: Clay banks can be slippery - stay on marked paths and wear sturdy shoes
- Facilities: Most locations have pit toilets, some have picnic areas
Safety & Swimming Tips
- Swimming Areas: Limited - these are primarily viewing waterfalls with few safe swimming spots
- Stay Alert: Keep children close due to steep drops and gorge edges
- Slippery Surfaces: Rocks around waterfalls are extremely slippery when wet
- What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, bug spray (summer), camera, snacks
- Parking: Some lots are small - arrive early during peak seasons
Optimized Loop Route (1-2 Days)
Efficient Route Order
Total Distance: 150-200 miles • Driving Time: 4-5 hours (excluding hikes)
Hayward → Morgan Falls → Copper/Brownstone Falls → Potato River Falls → Saxon Falls → Superior Falls → Lost Creek Falls → Houghton Falls → Amnicon Falls → Big Manitou Falls → Hayward
Day 1 Option (Eastern Loop)
Morgan Falls → Copper/Brownstone Falls → Potato River Falls → Saxon/Superior Falls. Overnight in Ashland or return to Hayward.
Day 2 Option (Western Loop)
Lost Creek Falls → Houghton Falls → Amnicon Falls → Big Manitou Falls. Complete the loop back to Hayward.
Time Planning
Allow 1-2 hours per waterfall including hiking time (varies from 0.5 to 2.2 miles per trail). Add time for meals and photo stops.
Optimal Planning Guide
Photography Tips
- Golden Hour: Early morning light creates beautiful reflections on water
- Long Exposure: Use slower shutter speeds to capture silky water flow
- Polarizing Filter: Reduces glare and enhances water clarity
- Composition: Include surrounding forest for scale and context
- Seasonal Variety: Visit the same falls in different seasons for diverse shots