Northern Wisconsin is truly chock full of magical waterfalls that you and your family would just love exploring. Happily, many of these scenic trails are both accessible and family friendly. One of the very best hikes in all of the state is in Copper Falls State Park. Located in Mellen, just about 25 miles south of Ashland, this gorgeous 3,000-acre state park is home to the Bad River as well as Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls, and the Tyler Cascades. At this gorgeous park, you’ll also find the the Doughboys Nature Trail — an easy waterfall hike in Wisconsin. Lace up your hiking boots and let’s explore!

Copper Falls State Park is home to a section of the Bad River and its tributary the Tylers Forks, which flow through a gorge and drop over several waterfalls.
TripAdvisor/Traveler8901
Hiking here is amazing as it contains part of the North Country Trail.
TripAdvisor/Traveler8901
There are footbridges that take you up and over some of the most spectacular and interesting rock formations. The base of the gorges here is actually basalt - ancient lava from volcanoes that once covered the area. Copper was once mined in the area.
Though there are several trails to explore at Copper Falls State Park, but the Doughboy Nature Trail is the most kid-friendly.
Flickr/KatieWheeler
It's a 1.7-mile trail that starts near the concession building, and gives you a comprehensive look at the very best the park has to offer.
The trail follows the Bad River and Tyler Forks and takes you by Copper and Brownstone Falls and their cascades.
TripAdvisor/CanadianGuy1000
If your kids are up for it, there's also a mile-long trail spur off of the Doughboy trail called CCC 692. A remnant of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, the trail will take you to a 65-foot observation tower. Views from atop the tower include Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

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This state park gets its geographical uniqueness from ancient lava flows, deep gorges, and waterfalls.
TripAdvisor/KirstenJ
Also at Copper Falls State Park, Brownstone Falls is where the Tyler's Fork of the Bad River plunges into the Bad River Gorge.
Flickr/DawnPerry
The waterfall is only 30 feet tall, but the deep gorge and the way the water has carved the rock here makes it seem bigger and even more impressive.
It can be more difficult to get a full view of Copper Falls, and the path the water takes on this one is fully dependent on the height of the water as well as rainfall, time of year and snow melt.
TripAdvisor/CanadianGuy1000
The rock here is craggy and worn, and it's not difficult to squint a bit and imagine yourself in some far away or fantastical place.
This short hike does have some climbing, but the path is well-maintained and there are tons of interesting bridges and foot paths to discover.
Flickr/MikeGoad
There's a magical feeling about this park, with its craggy falls and crashing water.
And of course: the waterfalls. You'll get to see two rushing falls on this easy waterfall hike in Wisconsin.
Flickr/WIDNR

Address: 36683 Copper Falls Road, Mellen, WI, 54546. A one-day admission fee or state parks sticker is required for admission. For more information on this easy waterfall hike in Wisconsin, visit the Copper Falls website.

If you’ve got little ones not yet quite ready for major hiking, check out Cascade Falls, which is located right in the middle of Osceola, no hiking required! And if you’re looking for more short-and-sweet hikes in Wisconsin, here are 11 incredible hikes under 5 miles.

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Easy Waterfall Hike In Wisconsin

Sarah | February 05, 2021

Are there any other waterfalls in Wisconsin?

Yes! Not only is the great state of Wisconsin full of absolutely gorgeous waterfalls, there are also lots of waterfalls that super accessible. Two of our favorite easy waterfall hikes in Wisconsin are Long Slide Falls and Smalley Falls, which are located about a half a mile apart. Long Slide Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls up in the state. As the name implies, this waterfall covers a lot of ground. Instead of a single dramatic drop, this is a cool waterfall where the water glides over the rock formations and you can climb around to find all kinds of different angles from which to take in the view! There are trails all over this hike and from here, you'll head to our next falls on foot, so strap on your hiking boots and check it out. Half a mile from Long Slide Falls, you'll find Smalley Falls. This cascade can be difficult to see all at once, but it's worth the simple hike. All in all, you'll put in about two miles round trip to see these two falls. They're a bit more hidden, but you'll love finding all the little twists and turns and you'll find yourself surrounded by a gorgeous and remote ecosystem.

What are some family-friendly hikes in Wisconsin?

It's simply magical to be a kid in Wisconsin, and the state is super accessible -- even for tiny explorers. These 14 kid-friendly hikes in Wisconsin are all under a mile, and will take you to some of the most scenic spots in the state! One of our favorites on that list is Stephens Falls Trail at Governor Dodge State Park. The trail is just half a mile long, and takes you to a spectacular waterfall! Whether you’re a first-time hiker or someone who’s got folks with little legs looking to ease into hiking in Wisconsin, you'll definitely enjoy these short-but-sweet hiking trails.

Does Wisconsin have any natural wonders?

Wisconsin is full of natural wonders that will take your breath away. From underground caves to immaculate rock formations, Wisconsin is a state that will leave you speechless. One of our favorites is the Niagara Escarpment; it's a ridge that runs from Wisconsin, through Canada and all the way to New York that’s responsible for the Niagara Falls and is formed from the bedrock of the Great Lakes Basin. It's a stunning rock formation, and absolutely needs to be on your bucket list.

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Copper Falls State Park, 36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546, USA