Copper Falls State Park in northern Wisconsin impresses even the most experienced outdoors person with its dramatic landscaped scarred by ancient lava flows and vast gorges. This 3,000-plus acre state park contains a variety of natural and historic points of interest, from roaring waterfalls to historic log cabins. Its namesake, Copper Falls, is particularly beautiful, cascading over the terraced river bottom through lush forests. Copper Falls State Park offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including swimming, fishing and camping in the summer and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
Copper Falls State Park features 17 miles of marked trails, many of them leading to spectacular views. The 1.7-mile Doughboys Nature Trail, which follows the Bad River to Brownstone and Copper Falls, has earned a reputation for being the most scenic hike in the state. (Please note that pets are not allowed on the Doughboys Nature Trail.) Another popular hike for views is Red Granite Falls Trail in the southern portion of the park. This 2.5-mile, pet-friendly trail leads from Loon Lake Beach to the epic Red Granite Falls.
There are two dedicated biking trails in Copper Falls State Park. The 2.5-mile Takesson Trails feature two loops that offer excellent views of the Bad River. Meanwhile, the 1.7-mile, double-loop Vahtera Trails meander through peaceful hardwood forest. Both trails are fairly hilly, so be prepared for a challenge. It’s also worth noting that both routes are also open to hikers.
Copper Falls State Park features two designated campgrounds containing 55 campsites between them, as well as bathrooms and water fountains. The North Campground has 28 sites with electrical hookups and four without, and one site is designed for visitors with disabilities. The South Campground is entirely non-electric. Some visitors note that these campsites are located fairly close together. If you prefer more privacy, consider reserving the park’s backpack campsite, located along the Bad River about a two-mile hike from the nearest parking lot. The backpack campsite doesn’t have much in the way of amenities – just a fire pit and a simple latrine – but it’s the best option for more adventurous campers. Copper Falls State Park also has a designated campsite for larger groups, and an accessible cabin for visitors with disabilities.
Six campgrounds in the North Campground are cleared of snow during the winter and are available on a first come, first served basis. The rest of the campground is used as a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trail, so pedestrian and vehicle traffic is prohibited.
Campers can purchase firewood, food and other supplies at the concession stand located in the park’s main picnic area. We strongly recommend reserving campsites well in advance to ensure availability.
Copper Falls State Park’s Loon Lake has a small boat launch for canoes, kayaks and small, electric-motor boats. Visitors can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at the park’s main office. The park does not allow larger, gas-powered boats.
Loon Lake also features a fairly small, but scenic, sand beach for swimming, though there is no lifeguard on duty.
The lake draws those looking to fish for panfish, northern pike and largemouth bass. Fishing is also permitted in the Bad and Tyler Forks rivers, which teem with brook, brown and rainbow trout. Visitors will need a Wisconsin fishing license.
Copper Falls State Park’s main picnic area spans five acres along the Bad River near the Doughboys Nature Trail head and features tables, grills, a log shelter, a playground and a concession stand. While pets are not allowed in the main picnic area, there is a smaller adjacent area – complete with tables and grills – for visitors looking to dine outdoors with their animals.
Copper Falls State Park is open every day, all year round. During the colder months, Copper Falls State Park sees 100 inches of snowfall on average, making it a great destination for winter sports.
There are just under 14 miles of classic cross-country ski trails, and 6.5 miles of skate ski trails. Four out of five marked ski trails (the Blue, Yellow, Orange and Green) are designated for skiers only, and pets are not allowed. The Red Loop (which follows the Red Granite Falls hiking trail to the waterfall) is a multi-use, packed trail also frequented by snowshoers and winter hikers, and the only path open to pets. There is one additional marked trail, the Purple Loop, that is only open to winter hikers and snowshoers. This one-mile loop leads to an observation deck where visitors can enjoy views of Brownstone Falls.
When cold temperatures are sustained long enough for Look Lake’s surface to freeze over, visitors can try their hand at ice fishing (fishing licenses are required). There are also six campsites in the North Campground open to winter campers, which are available on a first come, first served basis.
Many previous visitors recommend visiting Copper Falls State Park in the spring, saying that the falls are at their best during this season due to snowmelt. Hiking trails and campgrounds are open during the spring, though the weather can still be quite cool – particularly at night. That said, the park welcomes visitors year round, and many people say the scenery is stunning no matter the season.
Copper Falls State Park is open every day from 6am to 11pm, all year round.
You will need a vehicle sticker to enter Copper Falls State Park. Single-day vehicle stickers cost $8 with a Wisconsin license ($3 for residents ages 65 and up), and $11 for out-of-state vehicles. Annual vehicle stickers, which are valid for the calendar year, cost $28 with a Wisconsin license ($13 for residents ages 65 and up), and $38 for out-of-state vehicles. Vehicle stickers can be purchased online or at the park entrance.
Copper Falls State Park is located a little over two miles north of the town of Mellen in northern Wisconsin. The single entrance to the park, located on Route 169, leads visitors around the eastern shore of Loon Lake to the park office.
Flush toilets are located at the park office just inside the entrance, and at the main picnic area in the northern portion of the park. The North Campground also has flush toilets, as well as vault toilets. The South Campground only has vault toilets. Please note that the flush toilets are not open during the winter months.
A concession stand selling firewood, food items, and other basic supplies is located at the main picnic area. The concession area is open every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
There are four kayaks and four stand-up paddleboards available to rent from the park office. These are available on a first come, first served basis.
Visitors are welcome to bring their pets with them to Copper Falls State Park, although there are only a few areas where pets are allowed. Pets can join their owners on the Red Granite Falls Trail all year round, and on the Takesson and Vahtera Trails when they are not being used for skiing. The campgrounds and a designated picnic area are also open to pets, though they cannot be left unattended.
Fires are only permitted in designated areas in campsites, and in the grills in the main picnic area.
