14 Wisconsin Waterfall Routes Where Dogs Can Join The Hike
Some Wisconsin waterfalls sit just minutes from a parking lot, while others make you earn the view over roots and rocks. Choosing the right route means your dog can enjoy the outing without tackling more than their paws can handle.
Short riverside walks, shady forest paths, and handy nearby stops make planning easier. Bring a leash, drinking water, and waste bags, then check current park notices before heading out.
1. Amnicon Falls State Park: Covered Bridge Views in South Range
A covered bridge gives this waterfall walk a storybook touch without requiring a long trek. Amnicon Falls State Park in South Range offers several cascades along short riverside trails.
Upper and Lower Falls make rewarding early stops.
Dogs can join on permitted waterfall trails with a leash no longer than eight feet. Keep them out of picnic areas and buildings, and follow posted restrictions.
Bring a vehicle admission sticker, grippy shoes, and drinking water. Wet rock deserves extra care near every overlook.
2. Big Manitou Falls: Wisconsin’s Tallest Drop Near Superior
The sound arrives before the full view, and the height makes everyone pause. Big Manitou Falls drops 165 feet at Pattison State Park near Superior.
Follow the signed overlook route rather than seeking riverside shortcuts.
Leashed dogs are allowed on hiking trails, with a maximum leash length of eight feet. Keep dogs out of buildings and follow posted restrictions for beaches and other designated areas.
A vehicle admission sticker is required. Give other visitors room at viewpoints, especially when your dog needs reassurance around noise.
3. Little Manitou Falls: A Twin Cascade at Pattison
Two streams tumble side by side here, giving the smaller Manitou waterfall plenty of personality. Little Manitou Falls sits within Pattison State Park near Superior.
Its roughly 31-foot drop rewards a shorter outing or a longer park walk.
Your dog may use permitted hiking trails on a leash measuring eight feet or less. Bring the park map before connecting routes between waterfalls.
Carry water rather than relying on river access. Check posted closures before extending your walk.
4. Dave’s Falls: Rocky Riverside Rambling in Amberg
Roots, rocks, and rushing water make this stop feel bigger than its short approach suggests. Dave’s Falls County Park in Amberg sits just off Highway 141.
A walking bridge offers another angle on the Pike River.
Dogs are welcome on trails with leashes no longer than eight feet. Watch each step where roots cross the path.
County park admission applies, so check current payment options. Keep your pup away from slick ledges and posted restricted areas.
5. Strong Falls: River Energy at Goodman Park
Foamy water races over rock shelves, bringing plenty of excitement without a long waterfall approach. Strong Falls lies in Goodman Park near Athelstane, along the Peshtigo River.
Start with established park paths for a manageable visit.
Leashed dogs can join permitted routes; keep the leash within eight feet. Nearby singletrack also serves cyclists, so check trail signs before continuing.
Yield early and avoid technical sections. County admission applies when entering through Goodman Park with your vehicle.
6. Twelve Foot Falls: A Compact Waterfall Base Near Dunbar
A short walk delivers a satisfying cascade, leaving energy for another nearby stop. Twelve Foot Falls Park near Dunbar sits on the North Branch Pike River.
Its rustic campground makes a useful base for slower exploring.
Trail access welcomes dogs on leashes no longer than eight feet. Keep pets out of designated picnic areas and follow posted restrictions.
Bring your county park pass or pay current admission. Pack drinking water, even when campground pumps are available.
7. Eighteen Foot Falls: A Rougher Walk Near Dunbar
Leave the smooth strolling expectations behind for this rocky woodland approach. Eighteen Foot Falls near Dunbar lies in Marinette County Forest, close to Twelve Foot Falls Park.
The short trail requires more attention than its length suggests.
Leashed dogs can accompany you, but uneven footing may challenge smaller or older pups. Use an eight-foot leash or shorter and keep close near unguarded edges.
Download directions beforehand. Turn around whenever the terrain exceeds your dog’s comfort level.
8. Long Slide Falls: A Dramatic Descent Near Pembine
Water slides roughly 50 feet through striking rock formations, making this short route feel wonderfully dramatic. Long Slide Falls County Park near Pembine follows the North Branch Pemebonwon River.
The approach is brief, but some sections are steep.
Dogs are allowed on trails with leashes no longer than eight feet. Choose secure shoes and keep your pup beside you on descents.
County park admission is required. Save energy for the return climb rather than exploring slippery rocks.
9. Smalley Falls: A Boulder-Framed Stop Near Pembine
A narrow chute threads through boulders here, trading towering height for close-up river character. Smalley Falls near Pembine makes a handy partner to Long Slide Falls.
Expect a short approach with uneven and occasionally steep ground.
Dogs are welcome on an eight-foot leash or shorter. Pause before tight sections so other hikers can pass comfortably.
Check current county admission requirements at the entrance. Driving between trailheads is simpler than assuming an easy connecting path follows the river.
10. Four Foot Falls: Small Drop, Careful Footwork Near Dunbar
Height isn’t everything, and this little cascade proves the point with a tucked-away forest setting. Four Foot Falls near Dunbar lies along the Pike River, south of Old County Road A.
The approach can be muddy.
Dogs can join the route on a short leash; follow county signs and cleanup rules. Check road conditions before committing to the narrow access.
Soft parking surfaces may complicate visits after rain. Bring a towel for paws, because mud happens here.
11. Horseshoe Falls: Curving Cascades in Marinette County
A curved spread of falling water gives this quiet stop its memorable name. Horseshoe Falls in Marinette County Forest near Dunbar offers a short approach that changes from gravel to roots.
Nearby trails also serve horseback riders.
Bring your dog on a controlled leash and follow posted county rules. Step aside calmly when horses approach, giving them generous space.
Carry all drinking water rather than expecting a working pump. Save offline directions before entering the wooded roads.
12. Veteran’s Falls: Bridge Views Near Crivitz
A walking bridge helps turn moving water into an easy sightseeing stop. Veteran’s Falls at Veteran’s Memorial Park near Crivitz tumbles along the Thunder River.
The tiered cascade offers several views without demanding a lengthy hike.
Dogs are welcome on trails and in the campground under county leash rules. Keep the leash within eight feet and avoid designated picnic areas.
Admission applies. Check seasonal trail conditions, especially after snow or rain, before choosing any additional downstream paths.
13. Upson Falls: A Short Potato River Walk
The Potato River supplies the scenery, and the small park keeps the outing pleasantly low-key. Upson Falls in Upson Town Park lies just north of Upson.
A short walk leads from the parking and camping area.
Leashed dogs may accompany you, and owners must clean up and keep pets attended. Roots and rocks call for patient footing near viewpoints.
Bring water and waste bags rather than counting on supplies. Visiting the falls generally requires no admission fee.
14. Lost Creek Falls: A Woodland Finale Near Cornucopia
Boardwalks and forest shade make the approach part of the reward, not just the way there. Lost Creek Falls near Cornucopia offers an out-and-back woodland hike with bridges.
Allow time for breaks instead of rushing toward the cascade.
Dogs are welcome on leash; carry water and collect every waste bag. Stay on dry footing rather than squeezing behind falling water.
Check current trail notices before leaving. Grab the leash, choose your pace, and let Wisconsin supply the splash.
