Waterfalls

Northern Wisconsin has some beautiful waterfalls nestled in the hills and valleys. Since we were spending some time up by Gordon, Wisconsin, we headed out one morning in search of some of these falls.

After many miles of road construction and dusty gravel roads we arrived at the first destination, Morgan Falls. The trail to the falls begins with a nice wide path leading to a bridge and boardwalk over the creek . Spring wildflowers and early spring vegetation encompass the trail through the woods before opening up to reveal Morgan Falls. Water cascades sideways down the rocky slope for about 70 feet before making a 180° turn in the last few feet, dropping to the forest floor. While it may not be spectacular in volume, its unusual geometry is quite amazing.

Potato River Falls was next. Rushing water at this falls has created three distinct falls of 90 feet total in a short distance along the Potato River. The upper falls tumble over boulders as it cuts a path through the hard rock lining the gorge. The middle falls have less fall, a casually relaxed flow. The lower falls make use of the full width of the river bed to cascade down the rocky, although the slope to get there is difficult. All three locations require a lot of stairs before you are rewarded with a view of the falls, but are well worth it.

Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls were the last two of the day. Copper Falls is on the Bad River. Brownstone Falls is where Tyler Creek drops 30 feet to the Bad River Gorge. They are both located on the same trail in the state park. The copper colored waters, stained with tannins from the surrounding area, plunge to the floor of the gorge. Nearly vertical walls line the gorge after the falls keeping the Bad River hemmed in. Mosquitos were quite heavy on the wooded trail that leads to the falls, and they caused us to retreat from the falls early.

All in all, it was a fine day of exploring and spending time with family. Thank you Joan for joining us.

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