This post brought to you by my 39th birthday.
5. Superior Falls
Frustrating, honestly. We completely missed the trail to the lookout–because it was mentioned on only one tiny sign among TWENTY on the dam perimeter–which was just another spot behind a fence and not at all close to the dam. People have clearly forged trails, both inside and outside the fence, to get closer but I’m not sure there’s a really good spot to view from up top.
There’s a much more noticable trail on the other side that forks, which is the one we originally took. The upper fork goes to a bench that overlooks Lake Superior that feels like an afterthought and is partially obscured. For those who are adventurous, you can take the fork downward, which gets you much closer to the falls near the base. However, it was late in the day and I already had blisters forming, so I skipped it.
4. Saxon Falls
I added this waterfall to my list because my grandpa lived in Saxon for a while and had spent some time here, so it was a sentimental visit. There’s only one path from from the parking lot next to the dam, and it’s short is short, however. So it’s a nice stop if you’re in the area.
In terms of awe, it’s not the most impressive. It’s small-ish–smaller than Superior Falls but less frustrating, otherwise, Saxon Falls would be last place–and you can only see it from a trail across the water that lacks good photo and viewing opportunities. However, you can clearly see how the ground has given way to visitors before, so it’s necessary for the fence to be further in.
Neither Superior Falls nor Saxon Falls are parks. You’re allowed to view them on the land owned by Excel Energy, which is why the signage and lookouts are lacking. I almost wonder if they’re trying to subtly discourage people from visiting.
3. Copper Falls
Our first stop on the trip and the first waterfall I really knew of in northern Wisconsin. It’s part of a state park that includes much more than the waterfalls and could be a whole weekend (camping) trip. However, it’s easy enough to do as part of the day trip due to a loop called Doughboys Trail, which starts near the gift shop. The path is marked at 1.7 miles and you can cross the bridge or head right to do it in reverse. Either way, you’ll come across the accessible lookout, Brownstone Falls will be in the middle of your loop, and you’ll have to descend and ascend numerous stairs.
It’s not the only waterfall in the park (see below), and you get to enjoy the general park, including rock formations and a small rocky area near the low point of the Bad River. This is fortunate because Copper Falls are interesting but certainly not breathtaking. I think they’ve been oversold due to the park itself.
Visitors can view only Copper Falls from either side of the Bad River, with the larger lookout connecting to a shorter accessible trail to an accessible parking lot, which becomes. Because the Doughboys Trail took much longer than I expected due to stairs and stops, the accessible trail is also a good option when you’re crunched for the time necessary to see multiple falls and more of the park.
2. Brownstone Falls
Honestly, I’d name the park after these falls. You don’t get super close–there’s only one really good lookout in the park–but they’re infinitely more impressive than the more divided copper falls in terms of drop. You’ll need to ascend some stairs from Copper Falls to get to them (if you headed to the bridge first), but could double back to avoid the majority of the stairs on the Doughboys trail. If you’re short on time and stamina but don’t necessarily need the accessible route, this would be a good option.
1. Interstate Falls
Even though Interstate falls isn’t the largest in that I visited–or in Northern Wisconsin–it is probably the most memorable. Don’t believe what Google Maps tells you. Access is not in Michigan. Look for the sign on the Wisconsin side off highway 2. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
The payoff compared to the amount of effort a short cannot be beat. There’s a relatively easy hike from the parking (full of good signage) lot to multiple lookouts close to the top and bottom of the falls, offering fantastic photo opps. You can hear the waterfalls well before you can see them and practically feel the the water falling you’re so close! It’s a real multi-sensory experience.