Exploring Waterfalls in Marinette County, Wisconsin (From A Local)

You might not immediately think of Wisconsin when someone first mentions exploring waterfalls. We have discovered that several areas in Wisconsin have some amazing waterfalls. We are here to tell you that exploring the waterfalls in Marinette County, Wisconsin, will not disappoint you.

Wisconsin is home to more than 40 gorgeous waterfalls, many of which are in the northeastern part of the state, Marinette County. This area often gets overlooked, but each waterfall there is worth exploring.

As soon as you decide to embark on the adventure of discovering the waterfalls of Marinette County, the excitement begins. Plan your day, but leave room for some unexpected pleasures along the way.

Some of these waterfalls are located in areas off the beaten path. Prepare for bonus hikes and possibly getting lost along the way. We advise having a picnic basket, a blanket, and even extra clothes for those just-in-case moments. Don’t forget to download your Google Maps in case you lose reception along the way, which you may do in this area.

After visiting and enjoying most of the waterfalls in Wisconsin, we have selected some of the best ones we know you will enjoy. These waterfalls are located in the northeastern part of Wisconsin in Marinette County.

This self-proclaimed waterfall capital of Wisconsin has more than a dozen waterfalls waiting for you to discover. You will soon learn why it is a shame that this area gets overlooked in favor of the bigger waterfalls located in the northwestern part of Wisconsin.

Let’s head north to Marinette County and see what the area’s parks have to offer. This is an amazing place to enjoy the outdoors and some leisure time.

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Waterfalls In Marinette County

Much of Northern Wisconsin’s unique landscape comprises lush woods and beautiful rocky hills, which are the ideal features for waterfalls.

Planning Your Marinette County Waterfall Trip

Plan your road trip and get ready to find some waterfalls. Grab your camera, hiking shoes, and backpack for a possible day hike.

If you haven’t purchased an annual county park pass, you should be prepared to pick up a Marinette County Park day pass at one of your first stops.

Your day pass will be good at any of the Marinette County parks on the day of your purchase. If you have planned ahead and know you will visit the parks often during the year, you can pick up an annual pass.

🎫 – THIS BLUE ICON INDICATES THE PARK REQUIRES A PASS TO ENTER – Day passes can be purchased at the park entrances, or a seasonal pass can be purchased online.

The Enchanted Trail

These three are within a 45-minute drive of each other. They offer the ideal opportunity to view the falls and enjoy the Rapids.

Veterans Fall’s, Crivitz

Getting There: Google Maps of Veterans Memorial Park 🎫

Veteran’s Falls is located in Veteran’s Memorial Park. It is a great place to explore and is known for its three-tier falls on Thunder River. From the parking lot, stone stairs lead to the falls, and caution they can be slippery if wet. You can see the falls from a bridge directly over them or from a viewing platform.

A well-marked path leads to the two smaller tiers of the waterfall. Enjoy the exquisite scenery and take advantage of the great photo opportunities along the way.

In addition to the falls, you can enjoy a wooden bridge, hiking, and some great fishing.

McClintock Falls, Silver Cliff 🎫

McClintock Falls is a beautiful area to stop and explore. The falls are a series of rapids with wooden bridges that span the rapids.

This is a very peaceful, serene place. There are bridges, paths for exploring, and plenty of photo opportunities.

The park also has a kayak area, complete with a kayak launch.

Strong Falls ~ Athelstane

Getting There: Google Maps to Strong Falls 🎫

Strong Falls is located in Goodman Park, just a short distance from Veteran’s Park. The waterfall is just a short, easier hike from where you park.

This waterfall also has a bridge, giving you a unique look at the water. Several other falls are located upstream, all accessible by a bridge.

The Hidden Falls

Known as the Hidden Falls, the falls in Dunbar may not be the easiest to find, but don’t skip them. Each is worth the extra effort required to see them. All four falls are within a 30-minute drive from each other. Trails connect a couple of the falls.

Twelve-Foot Falls ~ Dunbar 🎫

Getting There: Google Maps to Twelve-Foot Falls

Twelve-Foot Falls is easily accessible in 12-Foot Falls County Park, located on the Pike River. It is a great place to cool off in its refreshing water. Although there is no swimming, dipping your feet in the water on a hot day is refreshing.

Eight-Foot Falls ~ Dunbar 🎫

Eight-Foot Falls is just downstream of Twelve-Foot Falls. You can access Eight-Foot Falls from the same parking lot as Twelve-Foot Falls by taking a short walk through the campground and down a path.

Eighteen Foot Falls ~ Dunbar

Eighteen Foot Falls is right on the way out of Twelve Foot Falls Park. It is about a ten-minute hike to the falls from the parking lot. You will need to walk along a somewhat uneven and rough trail. There are no railings, but the trail takes you right to the falls.

There are only a few good vantage points from which to see the falls.
All three parks offer areas with benches and picnic tables for a relaxing afternoon.

Horseshoe Falls, Dunbar

Getting There: Google Maps to Horseshoe Falls

This is a real hidden gem, if you are visiting twelve-foot falls this is just a short extra jaunt and you will be taking a gravel road. After a short hike, you will come face to face with Horseshoe Falls, tucked away on a bend in Pikes River. This beautiful waterfall flows in the exact shape of a horseshoe.

Although this is not the tallest waterfall, it is magical and worth the extra effort to get to.

Rocky Trail Tour To Falls

These two falls are more challenging to see. Although beautiful, getting to these falls is not for everyone, and there is no shame in that. Hiking and climbing is required. A hilly trail leads you to Smalley Falls and a serious hike is required to see Long Slide Falls.

Smalley Falls

Getting There: Google Maps to Smalley Falls

Smalley and Longslide were two of our favorite waterfalls. Smalley Falls is not the easiest to reach. Maybe it was the work it took to get to the falls. Even the road to the parking lot is gravel.

There is a path, but it does not give you a good view of the falls. For a good view, you will need to climb an incline and go through some rocky terrain and trees. This is a waterfall for an experienced hiker. If you attempt a visit, be sure you have good hiking shoes and lots of bug spray.

Long Slide Falls, Niagara 🎫

Getting There: Google Maps to Long Slide Falls

Long Slide Falls is considered one of the area’s most impressive waterfalls. This waterfall cascades 50′ through large rock formations. Although every angle gives you a breathtaking view, you may want to do some rock climbing to get an even more breathtaking look.

Keep your eyes open when visiting Long Slide Falls. Several smaller un-named falls are within the same area, and you may want to stop at one of them.

Log Jam Tour

Logging is part of Wisconsin’s history, and the rushing water of Dave’s Falls in Marinette County is said to have helped bring the logs to their final destination.

Dave’s Falls, Amberg

Getting There: Google Maps to Dave’s Falls 🎫

Dave’s Falls is not the largest waterfall, but it is very impressive. The surrounding rocks also allow you to easily get close to the falls, take great photos, and play a little in the water. Remember that rocks are slippery when wet, so ensure you have the proper shoes.

Bull Falls, Amberg

Bull Falls is close to Dave’s Falls, yet there are no signs, and it may not be easy to find. This also is not an easy fall to reach. There are no trails, and you must make your way down the hill on a crude path.

Listen for the falls and let the sound of the rushing water lead the way. If you have any concerns about the hike, please hike with a partner and don’t undertake anything you are unsure about.

This is just a small sampling of Wisconsin’s must-see hidden waterfalls. Northwestern Wisconsin has some larger waterfalls.

Camping in Marinette County Parks

When visiting Marinette County Waterfalls, the best way to enjoy the area and spend additional time enjoying the waterfalls is to camp at one of the county parks.

Marinette County campgrounds open on May 1st. Every campsite is reservable, helping you plan your summer trips and getaways. The reservation system makes it easy to see if there are any sites available. For those who may be a bit more spontaneous, reservations can still be made on the day of arrival. However, please note that many areas in the County have intermittent cellular service, so this may still require some prior planning.

For more information or to plan your camping getaway, please check out the campgrounds reservation system.

Tips For Being Prepared For Summer Waterfall Adventure

Wear non-slip shoes
Remember, bug spray is your friend. Apply it frequently
Pack light trail snacks and extra water
Bring extra clothes and your swimsuit just to be prepared
Pack towels just in case one of you ends up in the water
Have an emergency picnic, a blanket, and maybe a bottle of wine in your trunk.

Whether taking a day trip or venturing out during a Staycation, Wisconsin state and county parks have much to offer.

Tips For Winter Waterfall Visiting

Waterfall viewing is not limited to summer. When winter hits Wisconsin, the waterfalls freeze, giving us a unique and beautiful view. If you enjoy the snow and don’t mind the cold, this is your chance to see what few get to see. If you are heading out to see the waterfalls in the winter, be prepared.

Dress in layers – This is good practice for any outdoor winter activity in Wisconsin. You will want to wear warm layers, including snow pants, boots, a hat, and scarves. If you are overheating, it is easier to take layers off.
Bring along extra clothing – Snow is frozen water, and you will get wet. Driving home in wet clothes, even with the car heater running, will be uncomfortable.
Hand and Foot Warmers – I discovered these several years ago when helping to unload furniture from a semi. Having hand warmers in your mittens and foot warmers in your boots really does make a huge difference.
Remember to bring water and snacks – Just like in the summer, you will need to stay hydrated, maybe even more so, as you will be burning energy while tracking around in the snow. Snacks are just a good thing to always have in the car. Trail mix, dried fruit, and beef jerky are good snacks to have on hand.
Have a blanket or two in the car – This is good practice for anytime you are winter driving, but it is even more important when you are traveling places where you may not have cell service.

The Wrap~Up – Waterfalls In Marinette County, Wisconsin

Recently, the question was asked online: “Which is your favorite waterfall in Wisconsin”? Although some definitely had an answer, most replied, “I couldn’t pick just one waterfall. They are all so beautiful and unique in their own way. We couldn’t agree more.

Exploring Wisconsin waterfalls is exciting. There is an adventure and possibly a little romance associated with visiting waterfalls. Because each is so different, you must always be prepared for the unexpected. Even Wisconsin’s smallest waterfall is impressive and gorgeous.

Have you visited any of these waterfalls? We would love to hear about your visit. Are there any waterfalls we should add to this must-see list?

Enjoy your waterfall journey!