How to Enjoy Copper Falls State Park, Wisconsin
A visit to Copper Falls State Park in Ashland County, Wisconsin will clearly show the visitor why this is one of the most scenic parks in the state. With hiking trails that wander past waterfalls, cascades and rapids and wind through deep rich forest this park is sure to please any nature lover. Created in 1929, most of the building and bridges in the park were done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the WPA (Works Progress Administration). These beautiful sturdy log cabins and wooden structures are still in use today.
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Instructions
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Reserve your campsite. There are 2 campgrounds within the park with a total of 54 sites, 24 of which have electric hook-ups. There is also a group camping site available that can accommodate up to 40 people, and a CCC log cabin that is accessible for those with disabilities. Reservations are recommended due to the popularity of this park, and can be made either by phone (1-888-WI-PARKS) or over the internet (link below).
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Drive to Copper Falls. Located just outside of Mellen in Ashland County you will need to take Hwy 169 NE about 3 miles from the junction of Hwy 3 and 169. The park entrance is located on Hwy 169.
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Explore the trails. With more than 23 miles of trails available, this park is an all season wonder. There are more than 8 miles of trails set up for skiing and mountain biking, as well as 8 miles of hiking trails that vary in difficulty. There is also about ½ mile of ADA accessible trail. The favorite is the "Doughboy's Nature Trail," which leads past 2 of the parks waterfalls (Copper and Brownstone) as well as through the woods and past the rivers. Another trail "Red Granite Falls Trail" is a 2 ½-mile hike leading to Red Granite Falls from Loon Lake Beach.
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Visit the falls. Plan to spend some time exploring the magnificent waterfalls of Copper Falls State Park. Copper Falls itself is just the first of many drops the Bad River takes in this 2-mile stretch of canyon and gorge. Watching the water fall more than 29 feet over Copper Falls can only be matched by the site of the Tyler Forks River merging with the Bad at Brownstone Falls.
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Fish the Bad and Tyler Forks rivers. Catching rainbow, brown or brook trout is easy in these smooth flowing rivers that run the length of the park. Catching pan fish in Loon Lake is also an experience not to be missed. Canoes, small boats and electric motors only are allowed on the lake and WI fishing licenses are necessary.
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Picnic at the Loon Lake Beach. With 21 acres of picnic grounds available, it is easy to set up near the beach at Loon Lake in the heart of the park. The 300 feet of sandy beach make access to swimming a breeze.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase a year round State Park Pass to be able to move from one park to another visiting the waterfalls or hiking. It will also reduce your camping fees.
Firewood should be purchased at the park or nearby to prevent the spread of the "ash borer" beetle.
