Copper Falls State Park in northern Wisconsin is known for its dramatic river gorge, scenic waterfalls, and forested hiking trails. Located near the town of Mellen in Ashland County, the park offers visitors a chance to explore rugged landscapes shaped by rushing water, dark rock formations, and dense northern forests.
The park’s most famous features include Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls, and the Cascades. Wooden bridges, stairways, and scenic overlooks allow visitors to experience several viewpoints of the Bad River gorge while hiking through the surrounding woods.
General Information
| Location | Copper Falls State Park |
| Nearest Town | Mellen |
| County | Ashland County, Wisconsin |
| State | Wisconsin |
| Main Features | Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls, The Cascades, Bad River Gorge |
| Popular Trail | Doughboys Nature Trail |
| Activities | Hiking, photography, waterfall viewing, camping, wildlife watching |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Cost | Wisconsin State Park admission sticker (daily or yearly) |
What To Expect
- Beautiful views of Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls, and the Cascades
- Wooded hiking trails with stairways, bridges, and scenic overlooks
- Excellent scenery for photography, birdwatching, and wildflower spotting
- Short scenic walks as well as longer trail connections
The Falls
The park’s best-known waterfall features are Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls, and the Cascades. Together they create some of the most dramatic river scenery in northern Wisconsin. The dark volcanic rock, rushing water, and deep gorge give the park a rugged character that stands out in every season.
Copper Falls drops roughly 29 feet while nearby Brownstone Falls drops about 30 feet. The Cascades add additional movement to the landscape as the river flows through a series of rocky channels and pools.
Doughboys Nature Trail
The Doughboys Nature Trail along the Bad River is one of the most popular routes through the park. The trail connects visitors to several scenic overlooks and some of the park’s best viewpoints of the gorge.
The loop around the Bad River gorge is about 1.7 miles and provides views of Brownstone Falls, Copper Falls, the Cascades, and Devil’s Gate. Wooden bridges, stairways, and benches make it easier to explore the terrain.
Dogs are not allowed on the Doughboys Nature Trail, although other areas of the park are pet-friendly.
Plants You Might Encounter
In addition to the waterfalls and rocky gorge, Copper Falls State Park can also be a rewarding place for wildflower and plant lovers. Woodland trails and river edges support a variety of native species throughout the growing season.
Some plants you may encounter include Trout Lily, Eastern Red Columbine, Purple Gaywings, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, and Mayapple.
Things To Do In The Park
- View Copper Falls from the scenic overlook
- See Brownstone Falls along the gorge trail
- Explore the Cascades section of the river
- Hike the Doughboys Nature Trail loop
- Photograph the Bad River gorge
- Look for birds and woodland wildlife
- Camp overnight in the park campground
Before visiting, check current park conditions and seasonal notices. Following Leave No Trace principles helps preserve the landscape for future visitors.
Images & Videos From Copper Falls State Park
If you enjoy native wildflowers, birdwatching, and quiet northern landscapes, Copper Falls State Park is worth more than a quick stop. With trails, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and camping, it is a place where you could easily spend a full day exploring.