Copper Falls State Park

Copper Falls State Park is truly one of the most beautiful in Wisconsin… and that’s saying something. Located just northeast of Mellen in southern Ashland County, it is notable for its namesake waterfall. But it’s not the only waterfall – or spectacular scenic spot – in the park.

Copper Falls State Park is bisected by the Bad River. The river runs through the county northward to Lake Superior, one of the few northward-flowing rivers in not only the state, but the country. Other bodies of water in the park include the Tyler Forks River (named for a ship captain and surveyor), Loon Lake, and Murphy Lake. This area is filled with natural wonders beyond several beautiful waterfalls. Animals you may encounter range from fish – it’s a good place to fish – to elk, which were reintroduced to the park not too long ago. Five snake species are known to be in the park; fortunately, none are poisonous.

Trails at Copper Falls State Park outside of Mellen, Wisconsin — *Part of the extensive trail network at Copper Falls State Park.*

Established in 1929, Copper Falls State Park features a terrific trail system. It covers everything from high ridges to riverbed spots, portions of which can function as beaches in the summer. Go to the park office or concession stand for trail maps. You can start at the big log footbridge that spans the Bad River. That’s the start of a self-guided nature trail that leads to observation points overlooking some stunning vistas. The first trails and bridges date back to around 1920. They added more trails over the last several decades, resulting in the network people enjoy today.

The park holds about 8 1/2 miles of river. The first drop of the Bad River in the Park is Copper Falls, which drops 29 feet. This part of the river navigates roughly two miles of steep-walled canyons of, as the Wisconsin DNR describes it, “awesome and rugged splendor.” And they aren’t lyin’.

Downstream, Tyler Forks of the Bad River joins the main branch of the river as it plunges into the canyon over Brownstone Falls. Gorge walls rise anywhere from 60 to 100 feet on either side, making them very Instagrammable.

Winter at Copper Falls State Park

This portion of northern Wisconsin also gets frequent “snow effect” storms from Lake Superior. Consequently, the park receives an average annual snowfall approaching 100 inches. Copper Falls embraces the winter season with groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, winter camping and ice fishing on Loon Lake. The park features 13.7 miles of classic ski trails and 6.5 miles of skate ski trails. You can also enjoy snowshoeing and winter hikes on portions of these trails. You can rent snowshoes at the park office. Check out the Copper Falls State Park Winter Map here (.pdf) to get more info.

You’ll find Copper Falls State Park along Highway 169 just north of its junction with Highway 13, about two miles northeast of Mellen, one of only two incorporated cities in all of Ashland County. Want to explore more waterfalls? Head to Potato River Falls. it’s about a 15 minute drive northeast via Highway 169.