Potato River Falls

Potato River Falls is a dramatic two-part waterfall system in Iron County where the Potato River drops 40 feet over the upper falls, makes a sharp turn through a narrow gorge, and then plunges another 50 feet over the lower falls — a combined 90-foot descent through ancient Pre-Cambrian rock. The upper falls is a broad, powerful cascade, while the lower falls is a narrow, thundering plunge into a deep, spray-filled canyon. The dark volcanic rock walls, stained with iron oxides in shades of rust and copper, create a moody, dramatic atmosphere.

The trail system is compact but steep, with separate paths leading to the upper and lower falls overlooks. The upper falls trail has approximately 130 steps, while the lower falls trail descends about 190 steps to a viewing platform perched on the gorge rim. If you hike both trails, the total distance is just over a mile, but the combined stair climbing makes it a moderate workout. The viewing platforms provide dramatic perspectives of both falls and the gorge between them.

Spring is the best time to visit, when the river is swollen with snowmelt and both falls are at full power. Summer brings lower water but still impressive cascades. Fall foliage in the northern Wisconsin iron country is gorgeous, with birch and maple turning gold and scarlet against the dark rock. The falls are on county forest land with free access and basic parking. The nearby town of Gurney is the closest service point, though Hurley and Ironwood offer more amenities.