🌤 Weather at Copper Falls State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15–64 °F | 50–77 °F | 22–68 °F | 2–26 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Mellen 4 NE, 0 mi away, elevation 1,300 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Copper Falls State Park: Wisconsin’s Waterfall Gorge
In the deep forests of northern Wisconsin, two rivers — the Bad River and Tylers Forks — have carved a pair of stunning gorges through ancient volcanic rock, creating some of the most dramatic waterfalls in the Midwest. Copper Falls State Park near Mellen offers hikers an easy 1.7-mile loop that delivers views of Copper Falls (29 feet), Brownstone Falls (30 feet), and the roaring cascades where Tylers Forks plunges into the Bad River through canyon walls rising 60 to 100 feet.
But this park is more than waterfalls. It’s a layered story of copper mining ambition, Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship, and a stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2005, Copper Falls is part geological wonder, part living museum.
Park Facts at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Mellen, Ashland County, Northern Wisconsin |
| 📐 Park Size | 3,068 acres |
| 🏞️ Key Features | Copper Falls (29 ft), Brownstone Falls (30 ft) |
| 🥾 Trails | 17 miles (hiking, biking, XC skiing) |
| 🏕️ Camping | 55 sites + group camp + backpack site |
| 🛤️ Long Trail | North Country NST (4+ mi through park) |
| 📜 History | National Register of Historic Places (2005) |
| 💰 Entry | Wisconsin State Park Vehicle Sticker required |
| 📞 Phone | (715) 274-5123 |
The Waterfalls: Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls
Copper Falls plunges 29 feet as the Bad River crashes through a narrow volcanic gorge. Just downstream, Brownstone Falls drops 30 feet where Tylers Forks joins the Bad River in a spectacular confluence. The canyon walls between the two falls rise 60 to 100 feet, creating a dramatic corridor of mist, moss, and ancient rock. The park’s Doughboy’s Nature Trail (1.7 miles) connects both waterfalls with well-maintained paths and observation platforms — partly wheelchair accessible.
North Country National Scenic Trail
Over 4 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail pass through Copper Falls State Park. This 4,600-mile trail stretches from Vermont to North Dakota, and the Copper Falls segment is widely considered one of its scenic highlights. It follows the Bad River gorge through old-growth hemlock and offers a quieter, more remote alternative to the popular Doughboy’s loop.
Copper Mining History
Copper mining in this area dates back to the Old Copper Culture Native Americans. In the 1860s, European settlers sank exploratory shafts into the canyon walls, and a later operation by Wells M. Ruggles even diverted the entire Bad River trying to reach copper deposits. The mine found little copper despite the dramatic effort. In the 1930s, the CCC and WPA transformed the former mining landscape into a state park, building rustic log shelters, stone fireplaces, and trails that remain the backbone of the park today.
Camping
| Area | Sites | Details |
|---|---|---|
| North Campground | 32 | 28 electric, 1 accessible |
| South Campground | 23 | Non-electric, 4 walk-in |
| Group Camp | 1 | Up to 40 people, tent only |
| Backpack Site | 1 | 2-mile hike in, on Bad River |
| Winter Camping | 6 | Plowed, electric, vault toilet |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the waterfall trail at Copper Falls?
The Doughboy’s Nature Trail is a 1.7-mile loop that passes both Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls, with observation platforms at each. Part of the trail is wheelchair accessible. It’s the park’s most popular hike and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Pets are not allowed on this trail.
Can you camp at Copper Falls year-round?
Yes — Copper Falls offers 6 plowed winter campsites with electric hookups and a vault toilet nearby. The main campgrounds (55 sites) operate seasonally. There’s also a primitive backpack campsite on the Bad River banks, about 2 miles from the parking area. All sites require reservations.
Is the North Country Trail at Copper Falls worth hiking?
Absolutely. Over 4 miles of the 4,600-mile North Country National Scenic Trail pass through Copper Falls State Park, following the Bad River gorge through old-growth hemlock forest. It’s a quieter alternative to the Doughboy’s loop and is widely considered one of the most scenic segments of the entire trail.
Are there waterfalls at Wisconsin state parks?
Yes, several Wisconsin parks feature waterfalls including Amnicon Falls, Copper Falls, Pattison (Big Manitou Falls — tallest in WI at 165 feet), and Interstate. Most are in the northern part of the state.
Explore More Wisconsin State Parks
Copper Falls State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Wisconsin. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Wisconsin guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Copper Falls SP — 3,068 acres featuring ancient lava flows from 1.1 billion years ago — part of the Midcontinent Rift System. The Bad River plunges through a deep gorge creating Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls. The park’s old-growth hemlock-hardwood forest, gorge, and river support black bears, timber wolves, and bald eagles.
Nearby Attractions
Mellen — adjacent. Chequamegon-Nicolet NF — surrounding. Lake Superior — 20 miles north.
More parks nearby: Big Bay State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Flambeau River State Forest lies elsewhere in the state.
⛺ Camping at Copper Falls State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 55 standard sites (North: 32, South: 23) + 1 group tent area + 1 backpack site + 1 accessible cabin — North Campground: 32 sites, 28 electric, 4 non-electric, 1 accessible. South Campground: 23 sites, all non-electric, 4 walk-in (~100-yard walk, carts provided). Group tent area: up to 40 people. Backpack site: primitive, 2-mile hike from parking. 6 winter campsites, plowed, electric hookups available. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Rustic accessible cabin, up to 4 people (max 6 with tent). Amenities: paved driveway, electrical outlets, accessible picnic table, fire ring; flush toilet/shower building ~200 feet away; wheelchair accessible. NOT provided: space heaters, cooking, smoking; pets not allowed except service animals. |
| Pets | Pets not permitted on the Doughboys Trail (backpack site route); otherwise generally allowed except at accessible cabin. |
| Reservations | wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or 1-888-947-2757. |
| Special sites | Group tent area (40 people); backpack site (2-mile hike-in, primitive). |
| Season notes | Water systems operate from Memorial Day weekend to Oct. 1 (weather dependent); winter camping available by reservation only (6 plowed electric sites). |
Camping questions about Copper Falls State Park
Can you camp at Copper Falls State Park?
Yes. Copper Falls State Park has 55 standard sites (North: 32, South: 23) + 1 group tent area + 1 backpack site + 1 accessible cabin. North Campground: 32 sites, 28 electric, 4 non-electric, 1 accessible. South Campground: 23 sites, all non-electric, 4 walk-in (~100-yard walk, carts provided). Group tent area: up to 40 people. Backpack site: primitive, 2-mile hike from parking. 6 winter campsites, plowed, electric hookups available.
How do you reserve a campsite at Copper Falls State Park?
wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or 1-888-947-2757.
Are there cabins at Copper Falls State Park?
Rustic accessible cabin, up to 4 people (max 6 with tent). Amenities: paved driveway, electrical outlets, accessible picnic table, fire ring; flush toilet/shower building ~200 feet away; wheelchair accessible. NOT provided: space heaters, cooking, smoking; pets not allowed except service animals.
Are pets allowed at the Copper Falls State Park campground?
Pets not permitted on the Doughboys Trail (backpack site route); otherwise generally allowed except at accessible cabin.
Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Copper Falls State Park
Park policy: Wisconsin DNR states plainly that there is no trail from which you can view Copper and Brownstone Falls with your pet, because the 1.7-mile Doughboys Nature Trail that loops past them is closed to animals. Your dog is welcome instead on the Red Granite Falls Trail and on the Takesson and Vahtera trails whenever those are not groomed for skiing.
- Pets allowed?
- No pets on the Doughboys Nature Trail, the park's only route to the falls
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 8 ft maximum physical leash required at all times (except in designated pet swim areas while the pet is in the water)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed on public beaches, but over 30 properties (e.g. Devil's Lake, Governor Dodge, Point Beach) have designated pet swim areas
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in buildings, picnic shelters or other structures unless specifically signed as open to pets
- Park-specific rules
- In winter, Red Granite Falls is the only dog-friendly trail at Copper Falls because pets are kept off every other ski trail, and the CCC 692 spur to the 65-foot observation tower branches off the closed Doughboys loop. Pets may never be left unattended in the park, including inside your vehicle or at your campsite.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited entirely at Copper Culture, Heritage Hill and Hoffman Hills State Recreation Areas; designated pet picnic areas exist at many properties
- Dogs & wildlife
- Pets are not allowed on the Doughboys Nature Trail; the Red Granite Falls Trail is the only waterfall trail open to pets, which must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter.
Are dogs allowed at Copper Falls State Park?
No pets on the Doughboys Nature Trail, the park's only route to the falls.
Beyond that, Wisconsin’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.wisconsin.gov. More: Wisconsin state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Copper Falls State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: Wisconsin DNR lists deer, fishers, black bears, raccoons, skunks, chipmunks, and red squirrels among the animals most commonly seen here, with gray wolves and porcupines also living in the park. Birdlife is a highlight, with perhaps as many as 200 species in or passing through the park each year, including eagles, loons, ruffed grouse, and pileated woodpeckers. The park's five snake species are all non-venomous, and banded purple and tiger swallowtail butterflies are common in June and July.
Watch out for: Black bears are native to this part of Wisconsin, and the DNR's guidance is direct: never run from a bear — make yourself look large, shout, clap, or bang pots together — and report any sighting to park staff or the campground host. Secure food at your campsite, wash dishes immediately, and dispose of fish remains at least 200 feet from campsites, trails, and shorelines. The trails follow the edges of the Bad River gorge past waterfall overlooks, and a section of the Doughboys Nature Trail closes in winter because ice makes its rock stairs very slippery.
Are there bears at Copper Falls State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via dnr.wisconsin.gov.
Park Location
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