Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls one of Wisconsin's most scenic parks. Log buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s add to the park's charm. There is plenty to do; hiking, bicycling, picnicking, fishing and swimming. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through Copper Falls State Park.
Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular Locationwaterfalls make Copper Falls one of Wisconsin's most scenic parks. Log buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s add to the park's charm. There is plenty to do; hiking, bicycling, picnicking, fishing and swimming. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through Copper Falls State Park.
Activities and recreation:
Hiking
Copper Falls State Park has 17 miles of trails with several overlooks of the waterfalls.
Biking
Copper Falls has two one-way mountain bike trails (used for skiing in winter). Heading east from the North Camp area is the Vahtera Trail and heading west from the North Camp area is the Takesson Trail. Bicycling is allowed only on the designated bike trails.
Camping
Campgrounds
There are 24 sites with electrical hookups. One is accessible for people with disabilities. Four of the sites are the more secluded walk-in type. For details about each campsite, see the Reservations website.
Showers are adjacent to the south campground and are open to all campers. A dump station is near the south camp area. The showers and dump station are closed when cold weather arrives, usually about October 1 each year.
Group camp
There is a group tent camping area for groups up to 40 people.
Backpack campsite
There is one backpack campsite at Copper Falls.
Swimming
There's a 300-foot sand beach for swimming at Loon Lake. No lifeguard is on duty.
Boating, canoeing and kayaking
Copper Falls State Park features a small canoe/kayak, car-top boat launch on Loon Lake. Loon Lake is an electric motor only lake. Several other lakes can be found within 10 miles of the park that offer boat launch facilities and opportunities for larger watercraft.
Picnic areas and playgrounds
Copper Falls has 5 acres of picnic area, with many picnic tables and grills, a spacious log shelter, a concession stand and a play area.
Fishing
Copper Falls is in the heart of prime fishing area, with scores of lakes offering all kinds of sport fishing within easy traveling distance. In the park, the Bad and Tyler Forks rivers both offer fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout. You can catch largemouth bass, northern pike and panfish in Loon Lake. Small car-top boats and canoes can be launched at Loon Lake. Only electric motors are allowed.
Hunting and trapping
Hunting and trapping are allowed in the open areas of the park during the Wisconsin state parks hunting and trapping time frame. Trapping is not permitted in closed areas as noted on the park hunting map or within 100 yards of any designated use area, including trails. Certain trap types are restricted on state park properties.
Winter activities
The park features 13.7 miles (22 km) of classical ski trail and 6.5 miles (10.5 km) of skate ski trail. The park has trails to suite all skill levels from beginner to experienced skiers. Trails are groomed on a regular basis as the Lake Superior snow belt is known for constant snowfall.
There are two multi-use trails at Copper Falls State Park, the Red Granite Falls Trail near the park office and the Water Falls Winter Trail at the north end of the park access road. Snowshoeing and winter hiking are also allowed off-trail in the park, except on the groomed ski trails.
The park does not monitor ice conditions on Loon Lake.
