Amnicon Falls State Park is one of three state parks in northern Wisconsin featuring dramatic waterfalls. While you won’t find the tallest falls in the state (that title goes to nearby Pattison State Park), the waterfalls and hiking trails are still lovely and make Amnicon Falls State Park a great addition to any northern Wisconsin itinerary.
In this guide, I’m going to cover all of the top things to do at Amnicon Falls State Park.
About Amnicon Falls State Park
The big draw to Amnicon Falls State Park is its waterfalls, but there are also a few hiking trails within the park boundaries (though fewer than you might expect).
The park is located in northern Wisconsin, in Douglas County. While it’s unlikely that you’ll make the journey out here for just this state park, there’s plenty of other exciting things to do in the area including more state parks and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Hiking at Amnicon Falls
Amnicon Falls State Park is very light on hiking trails. In fact, there’s only 1.8 miles of hiking trails throughout the entire park, so it’s pretty easy to cover all of the trails, even on a short visit.
Amnicon Falls Loop
This trail doesn’t have a true name (at least not that I could find), so I’m just calling it the Amnicon Falls Loop. This series of trails takes you to different viewpoints of the waterfalls that make up Amnicon Falls State Park. The trail does eventually loop back on itself, so if you keep following it, you’ll eventually reach where you started.
While it might be tempting to just stay by the main Amnicon Falls view points, I really recommend taking these trails. Yes, there are more waterfalls, but I also found there to be slightly fewer people. You won’t have the trail to yourself (unless you’re here early in the morning), but I found there to be slightly fewer people and that’s always a plus for me.
Throughout these trails you’ll pass by the main overlooks for Amnicon Falls as well as Snake Pit Falls. Now and Then Falls is nearby though not technically on this trail’s loop.
Thimbleberry Trail
This 0.8 mile loop gets significantly less traffic than the main Amnicon Falls loop, but I still think this loop is worthwhile. The Thimbleberry Trail is a nature trail that provides information about the plants and wildlife along the way.
Along the Thimbleberry Trail, you’ll also find a spur that takes you out to an old brownstone quarry. There’s a path that circles the quarry and it makes an excellent, easy addition to your hike.
Note that the Thimbleberry Trail also intersects with a snowshoe trail. Presumably you could walk the snowshoe trail in summer, but it adds a little bit of extra hiking and there are just so many other great trails in northern Wisconsin to use that energy on. There are plenty of signs along the trail to help point out where you are and what trail to take, but pay attention. The junction for the Thimbleberry Trail and the snowshoe trail is easy to miss.
Looping it All Together
The good news is that Amnicon Falls State Park is small and the trails all intersect. Therefore, you can park once, hike all of the trails, and never have to move your car. When I visited and did this, I logged 2.4 miles and 200 feet of elevation. Yes that’s more than the advertised 1.8 miles of hiking, but I added on the spur for the quarry and took the long way back to my car (as I didn’t realize if I had just crossed the covered bridge, I would have been back at my parking lot).
Waterfalls at Amnicon Falls
You’ll find several waterfalls at Amnicon Falls State Park and for that reason alone, I think it’s worth a visit. One brochure I read said there were seven waterfalls, but I’m not quite sure how they arrived at that number. Regardless, there are still several distinct falls that you can visit.
Amnicon Falls
Unsurprisingly, you’ll find Amnicon Falls at Amnicon Falls State Park. There are two places to view the falls: the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. Often, I have a strong preference about which viewpoint is better. That’s not the case here. At Amnicon Falls, I think both views are great and you can’t go wrong with either one. Those since you’re already here, I recommend walking to visit both.
Amnicon Falls is part of the Amnicon River and you can view the falls on both sides of it. There’s a covered between the two viewpoints that allows you easily to cross the river (and get some nice photos of the river). Take the trails along the falls to take in the views from the many different angles.
Snake Pit Falls
Snake Pit Falls felt less busy than the main waterfalls at Amnion Falls State Park. Yes, there were still other visitors, so I did have to share the view with others. But there were still noticeably fewer people here than at the other viewpoints for Amnicon Falls.
Overall, I’d say Snake Pit Falls is average. It was nice, but it was another waterfall that had an awkward angle. That said, it looked like there may have been a side trail (or at least a path worn by other visitors) that would allow you to get down to the river and get a better look at Snake Pit Falls. I didn’t do this, but it might have provided a nicer view and who knows, maybe I would have rated Snake Pit Falls higher.
Now and Then Falls
Now and Then Falls is easy to miss because most people focus on the more powerful river next door. Near the covered bridge, on the east side of the river, head south and you’ll eventually see a sign pointing to the falls.
Compared to the other waterfalls at Amnion Falls State Park, Now and Then Falls doesn’t feel as dramatic or exciting. But if you’re in the area to see Amnicon Falls, it just makes sense to include a quick stop at Now and Then Falls.
More at Amnicon Falls State Park
You may be wondering, aren’t waterfalls and hiking trails enough? Yes, but I also want to mention one other thing that you will likely see at Amnicon Falls State Park and that’s the Horton Covered Bridge. This bridge is 55 feet long and provides easy crossing of the Amnicon River. There’s actually a bit of an interesting history with this bridge and it’s construction, so if you want to learn more, check out the Wisconsin DNR’s website.
How Long Do You Need at Amnicon Falls State Park
Honestly, you don’t need much time here. If you just want to see the main views at Amnicon Falls, you’d only need 15 to 30 minutes. I’d say that you should give yourself an hour or two since that gives you enough time to see the main falls, but also to take the trails to get to the other nature views around the park.
Entrance Fees for Amnicon Falls State Park
A one day entrance ticket costs $13 for vehicles with Wisconsin license plates. For out-of-state plates, a one day pass costs $16.
If you plan to visit multiple state parks in Wisconsin, an annual pass can be a great value. For residents of Wisconsin, an annual pass is $28, while out of state visitors will pay $38. If you plan to visit at least three state parks in one year, the annual pass is worth it.
Just a note that the annual passes are incredibly sticky. Do not peal the sticker until you are ready to place it. You will not be able to move it once it sticks to your windshield. I don’t know what the Wisconsin DNR puts on their stickers, but wow are they strong.
When to Visit Amnicon Falls State Park
When people think of Wisconsin weather, they likely think of snow and cold. That’s not an unreasonable assumption as winters here can be cold, snowy, and brutal. While you’ll find some winter activities here like cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and a few others, for most visitors, you’ll want to look to warmer weather.
By far the most popular time to visit northern Wisconsin is during the summer months. This is when you’ll have the warmest weather (a definite plus while spending time near Lake Superior) but also the highest prices. Summers in Wisconsin can also get humid, so keep that in mind.
During the fall months, the changing leaves make everything in Wisconsin a gorgeous color. Temperatures are cooler which can be both good and bad. Summer crowds have also diminished but that may mean limited availability for activities near the Apostle Islands.
More in Northern Wisconsin
Amnicon Falls State Park is close to two other state parks in the region. Pattison State Park is nearby and is home to the tallest waterfall in the state of Wisconsin. It’s very easy to visit both Pattison and Amnicon Falls State Park in one day. Slightly further afield is Copper Falls State Park which is home to several more waterfalls. The Doughboy Trail is one of my favorite trails in this part of the state and takes you past three of the falls. And even outside of our state parks, you’ll find a lot of waterfalls.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has more hiking trails, including my favorite which takes you to Morgan Falls (the second tallest waterfall in the state) and the St. Peter’s Dome viewpoint.
Also in the very north of Wisconsin, you’ll find the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. You’ll find more hiking trails on the mainland, but getting out to see the rock formation of the islands is what’s really special. Either take a scenic cruise from Bayfield or hit the lake in a kayak.
Madeline Island also makes a great day trip from the mainland. Visit the main town of La Pointe or head to Big Bay State Park.
Final Thoughts
Amnicon Falls State Park may be small, but it can still be a great way to spend a few hours. Visit the waterfalls, bring a picnic, and hike on one of the trails through the park. As far as state parks in Wisconsin go, this one is a good one to add to your list.
Continue Your Adventure
Wisconsin Northwoods: Swing through the best waterfalls of Northern Wisconsin, including Big Manitou Falls at Pattison State Park. At Copper Falls State Park, hike the Doughboy Trail for a great time. For more hiking, check out my list of the best hikes in northern Wisconsin, including one of my favorites to St. Peter’s Dome. Don’t miss a cruise through the Apostle Islands.
More in Wisconsin: In Door County, don’t miss the gorgeous parks and endless hiking opportunities. Further south on the shores of Lake Michigan is Kohler Andrae State Park, which is one of my favorites. About an hour north of Madison, you’ll find Wisconsin Dells and Devil’s Lake State Park.
More in the Midwest: South of Wisconsin is Illinois and the city of Chicago. Slightly east of Chicago is Indiana Dunes National Park. To the southwest of Wisconsin is Iowa with its fun Maquoketa Caves State Park.