Morgan Falls

Morgan Falls is a 70-foot cascade in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, where a small creek tumbles over a cliff of ancient Pre-Cambrian rock into a mossy, fern-lined grotto surrounded by towering old-growth hemlock and birch. The falls are slender and elegant, fanning slightly as they descend the layered rock face, with thick carpets of emerald moss covering the cliff and the boulders at the base. The intimate, grotto-like setting feels primeval and untouched, making Morgan Falls one of the most atmospheric waterfalls in the Upper Midwest.

The trail from the parking lot is a gentle 0.75-mile walk one way through a beautiful mixed forest, with a boardwalk and bridge section near the falls to ease the approach. The path is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels, though the surface can be muddy after rain. A viewing area at the base of the falls provides a clear view of the full cascade. For a longer adventure, the trail continues to St. Peter's Dome, a 1,600-foot summit with panoramic views of the surrounding forest — a 4.5-mile round trip from the same trailhead.

Spring snowmelt produces the most dramatic water flow, as the falls rely on seasonal runoff. By late summer, the flow may diminish to a trickle during dry spells. Fall foliage in the National Forest is exceptional, with the surrounding hardwoods turning brilliant oranges and golds. The area has a $5 day-use vehicle fee. Morgan Falls is located about 15 miles south of Ashland, deep in the heart of Wisconsin's northern forest.