Copper Falls State Park

Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make this one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks. Log buildings from the 1930s CCC era add a special charm. The call of the loon, the forest primeval, the timeless character of cascading waterfalls; these and more await the visitor to Copper Falls State Park. There are also three terrific mountain bike trails to ride. Take-on some hills or enjoy an easy roll. The Takesin is a single-track trail with glimpses of the Bad River through the tall pines. Be sure to check out the view of the 80 foot-deep gorge at the scenic overlook. The Vahtera Trail rolls through a beautiful forest of birch and maple. The North Country National Scenic Trail skirts Loon Lake and crosses the marshland and woods to Mellen.

Park Information

• 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 & Rustic Cabins
• Swimming – There’s a 300-foot sand beach for swimming at Loon Lake. No lifeguard is on duty.
• Boating – 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.
• 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.

Directions

Copper Falls is about two miles northeast of Mellen in Ashland County, about 30 minutes from Ashland. Take State Highway 13 to the north side of Mellen and turn (northeast) on State Highway 169. Go about 1.8 miles. The park entrance will be on your left. Geographic coordinates are 46° 20′ 51.8″ N, 90° 38′ 34.0″ W.

Falls Map
 
 

All content the property of www.travelwisconsin.com and Wisconsin DNR. Photography the property of www.travelwisconsin.com

IMPORTANT NOTE: Great Lakes Drive, affiliates, and site resources are not responsible for any incidents attributed to the use of this information. All information provided on this site should be considered a simple bit of information that informs the average individual on activities or available lodging that others have participated in, and in many cases warns them of dangerous aspects of a location, and should not be considered a promotion for taking part in the activity or a recommendation to use, stay, or support. Some of these pages represent extremely dangerous activities and should not be considered by individuals and families as normal activities. Many of the links provide information contributed by professionals or adrenaline junkies and are meant only as interesting points. Other information would probably never be heard about and represents wonderful historic facts and fiction about places that have disappeared. All activities from driving a car to entering the water can be hazardous and should be taken on at your own risk. Take responsibility for your actions and be very careful when exploring this wonderful fast land that is available to us all. Ads on the site may be from awesome companies but for legal reasons they do not necessarily represent the beliefs or receive the support of GreatLakesDrive.com. By reading the information on a page, and/or clicking on any of the links, you agree to take full responsibility in the result. Drive Safely! Stay on the path if you are concerned about the results of stepping off the edge. Discover a wonderful place right in your own backyard! You will never forget it.