Wisconsin's Best Waterfalls

Wisconsin's waterfalls are concentrated in the Northern Highlands (where streams descend the Penokee-Gogebic Range) and the Copper Falls area.

Big Manitou Falls (165 ft) — Pattison SP
The highest waterfall in Wisconsin and the fourth-highest east of the Rockies — the Black River drops 165 feet over a basalt ledge into a narrow gorge near Superior. The falls are dramatic in spring when flow is highest; the basalt gorge walls and the forest canopy make this visually extraordinary. The Little Manitou Falls (30 feet, 0.5 miles upstream) is accessible by a short trail.

Copper Falls (25 ft) and Brownstone Falls (30 ft) — Copper Falls SP
In the Penokee Range near Mellen — the Bad River creates Copper Falls (copper-colored water from tannins in the watershed) and then the Tyler Fork creates Brownstone Falls, with both canyons visible from the gorge overlook trail. The suspension bridge across the gorge between the two falls gives views of both simultaneously.

Saxon Falls (25 ft, near Hurley)
On the Montreal River on the Wisconsin-Michigan border — Saxon Falls is accessible by a short trail through the Montreal River Gorge, one of the finest gorge hikes in Wisconsin. The falls drop into a pool; the basalt gorge walls are striking.

Potato River Falls (30 ft, near Gurney)
A three-tier cascade on the Potato River through a red granite gorge — Upper and Lower Potato River Falls are accessible by trails from Potato River Falls County Park. The granite gorge is unusual in a state dominated by sandstone and dolomite formations.

Pewit's Nest (Baraboo area)
On Skillet Creek near Baraboo — a narrow gorge cut through sandstone, with a series of small waterfalls and pools. The gorge narrows to 10 feet in places; the Skillet Creek swimming holes are a summer destination. Short trail from the parking area.