Copper Falls

Copper Falls is a powerful 30-foot cascade on the Bad River within Copper Falls State Park near Mellen, where the river squeezes through a narrow gorge of dark brownstone and ancient lava flows before dropping into a churning pool. The park is named for the copper deposits once mined in the area, and the reddish-brown volcanic rock gives the gorge walls a warm, earthy tone. Just upstream, the 30-foot Brownstone Falls on Tyler's Forks adds a second impressive cascade to the experience, making this one of Wisconsin's premier two-waterfall destinations.

The Doughboys Nature Trail — named for the World War I-era Army veterans who originally built it — provides a 1.7-mile loop with dramatic views of both Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls, plus the Tyler Forks Cascades. The trail follows the gorge rim on well-maintained paths with wooden bridges, viewing platforms, and stone steps. Despite some elevation change, the trail is manageable for most hikers and offers numerous benches at scenic overlooks along the way.

Spring snowmelt creates the most powerful water flow, when both the Bad River and Tyler Forks are running high. Summer brings warm temperatures and the park's swimming beach on Loon Lake. Fall foliage in northern Wisconsin is spectacular, with the hardwood forest turning brilliant colors against the dark volcanic rock. The park offers tent and RV camping, and the Doughboys Trail is a must-do for any waterfall enthusiast visiting northern Wisconsin.