DNR Parks And Recreation News-Property Highlight: Copper Falls State Park
Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls State Park one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks. Log buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s add to the park’s charm. The park offers camping, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, fishing and swimming opportunities in Loon Lake. The 1.7-mile Doughboys Nature Trail, along the Bad River, is one of the best hikes in Wisconsin.
Copper Falls State Park offers several accessible opportunities, including an accessible rustic cabin, accessible campsites, an accessible fishing pier and a historic picnic shelter with a fireplace. The park also offers an adaptive tandem kayak available through its rental program. Call the property at 715-274-5123 for more information on how to check out the adaptive kayak.
A portion of the Doughboys Nature Trail is recommended to be universally accessible. The trail has a crushed granite surface and has an accessible trailhead from the access road. The 1/2-mile universal trail leads to an overlook of Copper Falls and includes a historic Civilian Conservation Corps-built bridge over the Tyler Fork Cascades. This trail has a firm or stable surface with no obvious obstacles, so it’s considered more universally accessible. However, not all trails are suitable for all users. Please call the property for conditions and usability.
The main picnic area at Copper Falls State Park, on the banks of the Bad River, is over five acres in size and has several picnic tables and grills, a spacious log shelter, a concession stand and a playground. The picnic area is located at the start of the Doughboys Nature Trail that goes to Copper and Brownstone Falls.
A pet-friendly picnic area is directly adjacent to the main picnic area and has several tables and grills for visitors to picnic with their pets. This pet picnic area also has water access for pets in the Bad River. Pets are not allowed on the Doughboys Nature Trail.
There’s a 300-foot sand beach for swimming at Loon Lake. The beach features a paved accessible trail to the water’s edge. No lifeguards are on duty.
Copper Falls State Park features a small carry-in boat access on Loon Lake for canoes and kayaks. Loon Lake is open to electric motors only. Several other lakes within 10 miles of the park offer boat launch facilities and opportunities for larger watercraft.
The rustic cabin at Copper Falls State Park is fully accessible. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals are available at the park office, along with the adaptive kayak.