We’re quite lucky here in Wisconsin to have a huge network of state, county, and city parks. We respect and take care of our public land and there are thousands of wonderful trails crisscrossing Wisconsin that allow you to discover all kinds of beautiful bits of our great state. Tucked into Governor Dodge State Park is a short, half-mile trail that takes you right up to Stephens Falls. It’s a short little jaunt from a parking lot, but that short hike is like heading to another world.

Stephens Falls are a a 20-foot cascade over a mossy cliff into a small pool. The falls are named for the Stephens family, who operated a farmstead here in the late 1800's until WWII.
Flickr/Shazam791
The trail is wide and shaded, passing many of the limestone outcroppings that are iconic to Governor Dodge.
TripAdvisor/OurRoamingHearts
There are quite a few stairs in this part of the park that take you down to the bottom of the falls.
TripAdvisor/BeachCruizer77
But as you can see in this picture, there is also viewing of the falls from atop the rock, if that's preferable to you.
Flickr/TonyHuessner
The falls are the draw, but the rest of the this short trail is also beautiful. When the sun peeks through the foliage, it's a bit like a fairy tale, with dappled bits on the ground.
TripAdvisor/MartyK

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In the warmer months, the waterfall area looks like it could be in a rainforest. The forest is lush and standing atop the rock and looking down on it feels like discovering a secret.
Flickr/JoshHaroldson
The falls are just as interesting and worth checking out in winter.
Flickr/Al
The frozen falls mean hikers can access areas normally covered in water. Hikers can get a different view and perspective.
TripAdvisor/AlexL
One of the coolest things is getting to get a peak behind the falls.
Flickr/Al
This spot is truly gorgeous in all seasons and it's one of the shortest, sweetest hikes in the state. The parking lot is just a mile from the park entrance and the trail is just a half mile. But that short hike takes you far, far away from reality into one of the most unreal, beautiful spots in the state.
Flickr/Heussner

Governor Dodge State Park is located at 4175 WI-23, Dodgeville, WI 53533

What other short and sweet hikes do you love? Let us know in the comments! Looking for more short Wisconsin hikes? Check out 11 Amazing Wisconsin Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love.

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