Chasing Waterfalls in Marinette County

Did you know that Marinette County is called the Waterfalls Capital of Wisconsin? So if you are creating a list of places to explore during your next visit to the region, a tour of the waterfalls in Marinette County is an essential item to add. The 14 major waterfalls in Marinette County’s Waterfalls Tour are located along the Thunder, Pike, Peshtigo, and Menominee Rivers, but dozens of smaller falls can be found throughout the area, as well. All of these 14 major waterfalls are within easy walking distances from parking areas. Half of the waterfalls are located within the Marinette County Parks system and have amenities such as restrooms, shelters, picnic areas, and campgrounds. There is a $5-per-vehicle fee to enter the parks and that allows access to all Marinette County Parks for that day. You can also purchase an annual parks sticker for $20. The other half of the waterfalls are located in the Marinette County Forest.

The Marinette County Waterfalls Tour has become a popular attraction to both locals and visitors in recent years. Since Marinette County is a large county, it can be a challenge to view the waterfalls in one day. As an alternative for those seeking a shorter tour, Marinette County Tourism suggests embarking on one of their four mini-tours listed below. Come prepared with stable walking shoes, as the trails leading to the falls may be slippery when wet or covered with leaves; other trails have rocks, roots, or other challenges to navigate. Here are Marinette County’s Waterfalls Mini-Tours, along with the general locations of the falls and trail difficulty.

Enchanted Trails Tour

Located along Parkway Road and County Highway I, these falls are situated along a truly enchanting and scenic rustic road.

• Veteran’s Falls: Located on the Thunder River, west of Crivitz, at Veteran’s Falls Memorial Park. Moderately difficult
• McClintock Rapids: Located on the Peshtigo River, north of Silver Cliff, at McClintock County Park. Moderately difficult
• Strong Falls: Located on the Peshtigo River in Silver Cliff, at Goodman County Park. Easy

Hidden Falls Tour

This mini-tour features the most falls, but they are all fairly close together.

• Carney Rapids: Located on the Pike River, south of Old County Road A in Dunbar, in the Marinette County Forest. Easy 
• Four Foot Falls: Located on the PikeRiver, south of Old County Road A in Dunbar, in the Marinette County Forest. Difficult
• Eighteen Foot Falls: Located on the Pike River, east of Dunbar, in the Marinette County Forest. Difficult
• Twelve Foot Falls: Located on the Pike River, east of Dunbar,  at Twelve Foot Falls County Park. Easy
• Eight Foot Falls: Located on the Pike River, east of Dunbar, at Twelve Foot Falls County Park. Difficult
• Horseshoe Falls: Located on the Pike River, east of Dunbar, in the Marinette County Forest. Moderate 

Rocky Trails Tour

Named for its dangerous hills and scenic overlooks, this tour is for the brave and sure-footed waterfall chasers.

• Smalley Falls: Located on the Pemebonwon River in Niagara, in the Marinette County Forest. Difficult
• Long Slide Falls: Located on the Pemebonwon River in Niagara, in the Marinette County Forest. Difficult
• Pier’s Gorge: Located on the Menominee River, across the river from Niagara in Norway, Michigan: Difficult

Log Jam Legends Tour

See some landmarks of logging history on this tour. The legend goes back to the early days of logging in Marinette County. Dave’s Falls was actually named for a logger who died at the site trying to guide lumber to its final destination.

• Dave’s Falls: Located on the Pike River, south of Amberg, in Dave’s Falls County Park. Difficult/Extremely difficult
• Bulls Falls: Located on the Pike River, south of Amberg, in Wisconsin DNR Land. Moderate

For more information and to download a waterfall map and brochure, visit Marinette County Tourism’s website. For current information about the availability of the amenities at the parks and forests where the waterfalls are located, contact Marinette County Tourism at (800) 236-6681 or the Wisconsin DNR.