Residents of Wisconsin will be quick to tell you that Wisconsin has it all. Mountains, lakes, low lying areas, fields, parks and rivers. What most won’t say, or don’t know, is that Marinette County, in the Northeastern portion of the State, has more waterfalls than any other county. Some well known, some hidden and only found by hiking through the woods, all are incredibly beautiful and well worth any effort to find. Here are just a few for you to explore.
Find Daves Falls. Just off of Hwy 141 in the town of Amberg, Dave's Falls has it all. A great picnic area, playground for the kids, restroom facilities, and best of all two waterfalls to hike to. Each has wonderful rock formations to explore. Don't stop when you get to the first. The next level is a short hike in, and viewable from two different angles. The best view has you walking over a bridge that spans the river.
Explore Piers Gorge, which is close to Niagra, WI. Just head north of Pembine on Hwy 141 to Hwy 8 East. Just across the Menomonee River bridge (technically the Michigan side), is a small road on the left that will lead you to Piers Gorge. Follow the signs. There is a parking area, but the road can get a little rough. A half mile walk through a spectacular wooded area and over some great rock formations will lead you to your first view of the Gorge. Continue walking along the trail for even more awesome views. River Rafting on the Gorge is available, and in mid-summer, it is often the home of the International Kayak races.
Find Smalley Falls. This incredible waterfall offers incredible rock formations and a steep drop that makes for a beautiful view of the falls. Take Hwy 141 to Morgan Park Road just north of Pembine. Turn east on Morgan Park road and watch for a sign about one third of a mile in, showing the turnoff to the falls. The sometimes rough road goes to a small parking area. From there a walking trail will lead you to the falls.
Explore Long Slide Falls. The magnificent 50-foot drop makes this one you don't want to miss on your tour. Close to Smalley Falls, just continue on Morgan Park Road until you see the sign for Long Slide Falls. A paved road leads you to a small parking area. Just a short walk in takes you to the upper section of the falls. A longer trail is available for hiking both above and below the falls as well.
Explore Eighteen Foot, Twelve Foot and Eight Foot Falls. All are located very close to one another. These three waterfalls are located on the Pike River. Each park is easy to get to and has picnic areas available. Twelve foot falls can be reached by taking Beecher Lake Road off of Highway 141 to Smeester School Road. Turn left on Trout Haven Road and right on Twelve Foot Falls Road. The gravel road is well marked so following the signs will be easy. Eight Foot Falls is a short walk through the camping area of Twelve foot falls.Eighteen Foot Falls is about one mile from Twelve Foot Falls. Go north from the park to the second sand road on the right. Drive or walk to the parking area. A foot path will lead you to the falls.
Find Carney Rapids. This great waterfall on the Pike River is just south of Pembine off of Hwy 8 (west) and can be seen from the bridge on the west side of Hwy 8. Take Highway 8 west from Hwy 141 to County Road A. Turn Left (south) and go to the first bridge, about two miles. More a rapids than a true waterfall, it's an incredible sight to see so close to the road.With many more waterfalls and rapids available to see, Marinette County, WI is a dream come true for those who love the majestic sound of water tumbling over ancient rock formations.
