Copper Falls State Park
4.8(2.5K)google
HikingNatureOutdoorPhoto SpotSecluded & UncrowdedWaterfall
Overview
An absolute dream destination for wilderness hikers and outdoor photographers, this spectacular park features deep ancient river canyons completely carved out of black basalt rock over thousands of years. The jewel of the park is the historic Doughboys Nature Trail, which guides guests along high wooden boardwalks directly overlooking the roaring, tea-colored cascades of Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls. Dense northern hemlock forests, ancient lava flows, and pristine log cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps blend seamlessly here, creating a deeply peaceful woodland travel experience.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-4 hours
Best TimeBest visited during late spring (May to June) for roaring waterfall volumes, or early October for unforgettable autumn color contrasts. The ancient volcanic rock gorges and CCC-era log bridges look spectacular in daylight.
Getting ThereTucked deep into northern Wisconsin at 36764 Copper Falls Rd. Completely inaccessible via public transit; driving is required. Take Highway 13 North into the preserve gates; standard state park vehicle passes apply.
Travel Tips
- Valid vehicle admission passes are required; the iconic 1.7-mile Doughboy's Nature Trail along the Bad River canyon wall faces permanent misting from the falls, making technical deep-lug trail boots mandatory.
- The park's gorge walls rise up to 100 feet over violent rapids; outside the designated Loon Lake swim beach, entering any waterfall pool or diving off the Civilian Conservation Corps rock fencing is a felony.
- This northwoods wilderness harbors active black bear, wolf, and tick populations; leashes must be kept under an 8-foot limit at all times, and pets are barred from entering any 1930s CCC log structures.
Reviews
Positive
- A truly jaw-dropping geological masterpiece in Northern Wisconsin; trekking the famous Doughboys Trail rewards you with front-row views of roaring waterfalls carved through deep ancient basalt canyons.
- The water boasts a remarkably unique rich amber 'cola-colored' hue due to natural hemlock tannins upstream, reflecting stunning, magical iridescent tones under dappled sunlight.
- The trail engineering is top-notch, featuring beautiful wooden observation decks, sturdy safety railings, and sections with flat ADA-accessible surfaces that accommodate strollers easily.
- The rustic campsites and historic CCC stone pavilions from the 1930s offer a gorgeous aesthetic; dining under the shade of towering birch and pine trees provides profound spiritual relaxation.
Heads up
- The location is highly remote, nestled deep in the wilderness of Northern Wisconsin; cellular service drops off to zero, making cached offline maps mandatory to avoid getting stranded.
- Sections of the upper loop trails are rugged with steep elevation changes, wet soil, and slippery stone steps; navigating without trail boots during damp days presents major slip hazards.
- The dense river canyon canyon ecology breeds intense swarms of mosquitoes and midges on warm afternoons; notably, local deer flies bite painfully, demanding high-strength repellent.
- Vehicle entry requires a mandatory state park admission sticker; for out-of-state road-trippers, the pricing carries a premium sticker cost, which budget-conscious travelers should note.