There’s breaking news on the waterfront. This is to say that a little-known but impressive waterfall just below the Pine River Dam now has an official name.

Breakwater Falls is one of eight waterfalls located in Florence County’s Pine and Popple rivers. It’s the sixth-largest waterfall in Wisconsin. Until recently, the towering waterfall didn’t even have a name and was omitted from maps, making it one of Wisconsin’s best-kept secrets.

Breakwater Falls features three tiers of cascading falls, with rapids, to create a spectacular 60-foot waterfall. Unique rock formations of two-billion-year-old bedrock show the power of the river and the beauty of nature. Breakwater Falls changes drastically with water flow: thundering at high flow and intricate ledge flows during low flow.

The south side has the best trail, while the north side offers a high bluff view and delicate backchannel falls.

To get to the south side, turn west on Power Dam Road off Hwy N. After 1.25 miles, stay right at the Y-intersection. The road dead-ends at the Pine River Dam powerhouse. Park there; walk around the gate and up the gravel road. At the top of the road, follow the signs down to the top of the first tier. The trail along the river is primitive and requires a climb uphill after the third tier to get back up to the road.

To see the falls from the north, turn south on Pine River Road off of Hwy D. Follow Pine River Road to the Pine River Flowage We Energies campground. From the parking lot, walk down to the dam and follow the footpath to the falls.

Other Fall Options

The fall colors have started. So plan a trip to photograph all hikeable waterfalls in Florence County. Or plan an ATV/UTV color ride on the Blue Ox Trails.  Hike, drive, or disc golf to the top of Keyes Peak for the best fall color shot in the county. Or drive Rustic Road #74 in Fence between County C and Hwy 139.  Go to ExploreFlorenceCounty.com or the Visitor Center on the corner of U.S. 2 and Hwy 70 for more information.