On my trip to northern Wisconsin, I visited numerous waterfalls and did lots of hiking. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of these two things, the Doughboy Trail at Copper Falls State Park is the perfect addition to your itinerary. On this fun trail, you’ll pass by three waterfalls and have great views for most of the trail. The trail is not strenuous, making it ideal for many visitors.
About Copper Falls State Park
Copper Falls State Park is one of three state parks in northern Wisconsin (excluding Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island which would bring the total to four). While there are camping opportunities and several hiking trails, the waterfalls are a big draw for many visitors (myself included). You’ll find at least four waterfalls through Copper Falls State Park. In addition, you’ll have the chance to hike a small section of the much longer North Country National Scenic Trail.
Hiking the Doughboy Trail
The Doughboy trail loops through three waterfalls along the Bad River and Tyler Forks River. It also follows along the much longer North Country National Scenic Trail. While the trail is short, you’ll still get a lot of scenery.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise
Fundamentally, I don’t think it matters. From the parking lot, you’ll walk about 0.1 miles before you need to decide. If you cross the bridge, you’ll be hiking clockwise and will pass the views for Copper Falls first. If you continue on the trail (and don’t cross the bridge), you’ll get a tiny glimpse of Copper Falls, but will ultimately hit the Cascades first and will hike in a counterclockwise direction.
I honestly don’t think one way is better than the other, but in the interest of transparency, I chose to hike counterclockwise and that’s how this article is laid out. That said, it’s worth noting that it appears that most people I saw were hiking clockwise, but again, I don’t think it matters.
The Cascades
If you’re hiking in a counterclockwise direction, you’ll be heading north along the Bad River. You’ll get some viewpoints and glimpses as you go, but don’t stress too much. Any time you see what looks like a waterfall it can be tempted to go down closer to the river for a better view, but trust me when I say that all of the waterfalls will have a clear view at some point along the trail.
For those hiking counterclockwise, the first major view you’ll hit is the Cascades which were some of my favorite views along the trail. The Cascades are actually on the Tyler Forks River. Just before you hit the viewpoint, you’ll see the meeting point of the Bad River and the Tyler Forks River. Take in the views, but keep hiking. You’ll cross a bridge and then work your way along the banks of the river in the opposite direction. This means you’ll be able to take in the views from both sides of the river.
From the parking lot, it’s a little over 0.5 miles until you reach the main views of the Cascades. Note that at 0.8 miles (which is after you’ve crossed the bridge and are on the north side of the river), there is a viewing platform that offers a great view.
Devil’s Gate
Keep hiking along the river until you reach a bridge. You’ll cross over the Bad River to start working your way back to the starting point (and will pass two more waterfalls along the way). But take in the view from the bridge. This is Devil’s Gate and offers a very nice view, even if there are no waterfalls involved.
Brownstone Falls
From the bridge, you’ll walk back east along the river until you reach the meeting point of the Bad River and Tyler Forks River again. Just down from here is Brownstone Falls. While you may have gotten glimpses of the falls as you’ve hiked along the east side of the river, I think the views on the west side make it a little easier to see. Brownstone Falls is about 30 feet tall and gets its name from the brown colored rocks surrounding it.
Take your time and savor the view.
Copper Falls
Continue hiking down the trail and you’ll eventually reach the final waterfall, although in my opinion the view is a little awkward. Copper Falls is the namesake of this state park and it’s the last waterfall you’ll pass. Ironically, it was not my favorite view of the day, but I think the area is still beautiful and the Doughboy Trail is still worth it.
Observation Tower
I have to talk about the Observation Tower on the Doughboy Trail. To reach it, you’ll take a detour from a spur in the trail and reach a tower where you’ll climb several flights of stairs to a viewpoint.
So is it worth it?
In my opinion, no. Skip the extra hiking and skip the Observation Tower. I didn’t pass anyone else on the spur to the tower and maybe that should have been my first clue. But I still hiked it and in the end I didn’t think it was worth it. The problem is that the trees have grown so tall so even when you’re at the very top of the Observation Tower, you can’t see much. You’re at eye level with the trees, not above it and therefore you can’t see much beyond the leaves. So save your energy and give it to one of the many other hikes in northern Wisconsin.
Trail Stats
From the main parking lot, I followed the trail and went counterclockwise, passing the Cascades, then Brownstone Falls, and finally Copper Falls. I also took the spur to the Observation Tower. In total, I logged 2.3 miles and 358 feet of elevation gain. The trail took me just over an hour, but that included plenty of time for photos.
As mentioned above, I don’t have a lot of positive things to say about the Observation Tower spur. If you were to cut this spur, you’d save 0.5 miles and about 150 feet of elevation gain. That would make your stats closer to 1.75 miles and 200 feet of elevation gain.
More at Copper Falls State Park
There are more hiking options at Copper Falls State Park, but perhaps the most next most popular trail is the trail to Red Granite Falls. This trail is not as scenic as the Doughboy Trail, but still offers some nice views of the falls. On this trail, I logged 2.7 miles and 210 feet of elevation gain over the course of an hour (which includes plenty of time to stop for photos).
Beyond the Doughboy Trail and the Red Granite Falls Trail, you can look at Takkeson Trail (1.5 miles to 2.5 miles depending on your route) and the Meadow Trail (approximately 1.5 miles). I had plans of hiking both of these trails, but I simply ran out of time.
Entrance Fees for Copper 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 Copper 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
Copper Falls is one of three state parks in northern Wisconsin and all three have great waterfalls. Further west you’ll find Amnicon Falls State Park which features a few hiking trails and several great waterfall viewpoint. Pattison State Park, which is home to Big Manitou Falls (the largest waterfall in Wisconsin), is also a great addition. Though if you’re looking for waterfalls, don’t limit yourself to just the state parks. You’ll find plenty of waterfalls all over northern Wisconsin.
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
The Doughboy Trail may be a shorter trail, but I think it is still a great addition to any northern Wisconsin itinerary. And if you’re at Copper Falls State Park, the Doughboy Trail becomes a must do.
Continue Your Adventure
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.