Copper Falls State Park is located at 36664 Copper Falls Rd in Mellen, Wisconsin. The park has a beautiful gorge, waterfalls, and a scenic overlook to enjoy.
General Info
| General: | Copper Falls State Park is a 3,068-acre park in Ashland, County, Wisconsin with 17 miles of trails used for hiking, biking, and skiing. There are wooden bridges, walkways, stair sets, and paths with native plants, excellent birdwatching, and views of waterfalls. |
| Hours: | 6am-11pm |
| State: | Wisconsin |
| County: | Ashland County |
| Google Map Location: | Google Map Location |
| Cost: | Wisconsin State Park sticker (daily or yearly) |
The Falls
The main waterfalls are Copper Falls (29 feet) and Brownstone Falls (30 feet) along with a beautiful rapid called the Cascades.
Doughboy Nature Trail
The Doughboy’s Nature Trail that runs along the Bad River was beautiful! You can walk sections of the trail without walking the entire 17 miles that loop that connects with the North country Trail and several additional trails. There are several stair sets and benches to sit on along sections.
The loop around the Bad River Gorge was 1.7 miles and has plenty of observation decks and scenic overlooks. The loop will allow you to get beautiful views of Brownstone falls, Copper Falls, the Cascades, and Devils Gate.
View this map to understand what I am talking about., look in the upper left-hand side of the map. If you only do one thing on your visit, hike this loop. The loop is a combination of trails.
The only thing we found disappointing was our pooch had to stay in the vehicle for that section. The Doughboy Nature trail doesn’t allow dogs, but the park does have another trail that does. We didn’t check that one out.
Plants You Might Encounter
Things To Do In Park
Copper Falls State Park, located in Mellen, Wisconsin, is known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Here are some popular hikes and things to see in Copper Falls State Park:
- Copper Falls: The park is named after the beautiful Copper Falls, which is formed by the Bad River. A popular trail, the Doughboys Nature Trail, provides stunning views of the falls from several vantage points.
- Brownstone Trail: This trail offers a scenic overlook of the Bad River and provides an opportunity to view the picturesque Copper Falls from a distance. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for most hikers.
- Red Granite Falls: Take the Red Granite Falls Trail to reach the Red Granite Falls overlook. This waterfall is another natural beauty within the park and offers a great place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
- Tyler Forks Suspension Bridge: This iconic bridge spans the Bad River and connects the east and west sides of the park. It’s a great spot for photos and provides access to various trails.
- Doughboys Nature Trail: This trail leads to the famous Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls. It’s a moderately challenging hike with some steep sections, but the views are well worth the effort.
- Morgan Falls: Although not within the park itself, Morgan Falls is nearby and can be visited. The trailhead is located a short drive from the park entrance. It’s a less crowded option for those looking to explore additional waterfalls.
- Loon Lake Trail: This trail takes you to Loon Lake, providing a more secluded and serene hiking experience. It’s a longer trail, so be prepared for a more extended trek if you choose to explore this area.
- Swimming: In the summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming in Loon Lake, providing a refreshing break after a hike.
- Wildlife Watching: The park is home to diverse flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as white-tailed deer, red foxes, and various bird species.
Remember to check with the park office for any trail conditions, updates, or specific information about guided tours. Always follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment and ensure a positive experience for future visitors.
Images & Videos From Copper Falls State Park
(Some images are videos. Click on pictures to open in larger screen)
If you enjoy native wildflowers, bird watching, and nature consider spending a couple of days here. The park has campground accommodations for walk-in backpackers to traditional camping.
Map of Campground
Campground Reservations
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