Copper Falls State Park is a 3,068-acre state park in Penokee Range in Bayfield County, Wisconsin. The park contains a section of the Bad River and its tributary the Tylers Forks, which flow through a gorge and drop over several waterfalls.

The park was established in 1929 and is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming.

History

Copper Falls State Park is a beautiful and historic park located in northwestern Wisconsin. The park is known for its stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and serene lakes. It is a popular destination for camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming.

The history of Copper Falls State Park dates back to the Ice Age, when glaciers carved out the deep gorge that now houses the park's waterfalls. The area was later home to Native American tribes, who mined copper in the region. European settlers arrived in the 1800s and continued to mine copper until the early 20th century.

In 1929, the state of Wisconsin purchased the land that is now Copper Falls State Park. The park was developed during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC built many of the park's rustic cabins, trails, and bridges.

Copper Falls State Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Today, the park is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. It is a place where people can come to enjoy the beauty of nature and learn about the park's rich history.

Ecosystem

Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin's Chequamegon National Forest, Copper Falls State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park's namesake, Copper Falls, is a stunning two-tiered waterfall that cascades over ancient lava flows. The park also boasts a variety of other natural wonders, including the Bad River Gorge, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Doughboys' Nature Trail.

The park's ecosystem is a rich tapestry of plant and animal life. The forests are home to a variety of trees, including hemlock, sugar maple, white pine, and yellow birch. The Bad River, which flows through the park, is home to a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and panfish.

Wildlife in Copper Falls State Park is abundant and diverse. Visitors can spot deer, fishers, black bears, raccoons, chipmunks, and skunks. Gray squirrels, gray wolves, and porcupines also live in the park. The park is an important breeding ground for birds, including northern cardinals, blue jays, and chickadees.

Climate Change

Climate change is a major threat to Copper Falls State Park. The park is already experiencing warmer temperatures and more extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts. These changes are putting stress on the park's ecosystems and making it more difficult for the plants and animals that live there to survive.

One of the most immediate impacts of climate change on Copper Falls State Park is the change in precipitation patterns. The park is receiving more rain and snow in the winter, and less rain in the summer. This is causing problems for the park's plants and animals, as they are not adapted to these new conditions.

For example, the park's sugar maple trees are being stressed by the increased winter precipitation. The trees are not able to store enough energy in the winter to survive the summer, and many of them are dying. This is having a ripple effect on the park's ecosystem, as the sugar maple trees provide food and shelter for a variety of other plants and animals.

Another major impact of climate change on Copper Falls State Park is the increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The park has been experiencing more floods and droughts in recent years, and these events are damaging the park's infrastructure and ecosystems.

For example, the park's campground was flooded in 2016, and this caused damage to the park's buildings and roads. The flood also washed away soil and vegetation, and this is making it difficult for the park to recover.

The increase in extreme weather events is also having a negative impact on the park's wildlife. For example, the park's fish populations are declining due to the warmer water temperatures. The fish are not able to survive in the warmer water, and this is making it difficult for the park's anglers to find fish to catch.

Climate

The park's climate is humid continental, with warm summers and cold winters. The average high temperature in July is 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius), and the average low temperature in January is 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 degrees Celsius). The park receives an average of 30 inches of precipitation per year, with the most rain falling in the summer months.

The park's climate is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking. The park is also home to several cross-country ski trails. Here is a table of the average monthly temperatures and precipitation for Copper Falls State Park:

Month	Average High (°F)	Average Low (°F)	Average Precipitation (inches)
January	10	-12	2.0
February	18	-4	2.2
March	32	12	2.6
April	48	26	3.1
May	63	40	3.6
June	75	50	4.1
July	82	58	3.9
August	80	56	3.3
September	70	48	3.2
October	58	38	2.9
November	40	24	2.6
December	20	2	2.2

As you can see, the temperature in Copper Falls State Park varies greatly throughout the year. The park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, but it is important to be prepared for the changing weather conditions.

Pros and Cos

Pros:

Breathtaking Waterfalls: Copper Falls State Park is home to a series of captivating waterfalls that cascade gracefully through the verdant landscape. The park's namesake, Copper Falls, plunges over a rocky cliff, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Diverse Hiking Trails: The park boasts a network of well-maintained hiking trails that cater to various skill levels. From the gentle Purple Trail, offering accessible views of the waterfalls, to the challenging Doughboy Trail, winding through dense forests, there's a path to suit every adventurer.
Serene Loon Lake: Nestled amidst towering pines, Loon Lake provides a tranquil retreat for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The lake's calm waters and picturesque surroundings offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Abundant Wildlife: Copper Falls State Park teems with diverse wildlife, including deer, black bears, numerous bird species, and even the occasional moose sighting. The park's diverse habitats provide a haven for these creatures, offering visitors the opportunity to observe nature in its purest form.
Camping and Picnicking Facilities: Copper Falls State Park provides well-equipped camping and picnicking facilities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park. The campground offers campsites with varying degrees of privacy, while the picnic areas provide ample space for enjoying alfresco meals amidst stunning scenery.

Cons:

Mosquitoes: During the warmer months, mosquitoes can be abundant in the park, especially in areas near water. Applying insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants is highly recommended to avoid bites.
Limited Accessibility: Some of the park's trails and attractions, such as Copper Falls itself, are not wheelchair accessible. While the park does offer accessible paths to view Brownstone Falls, visitors with mobility limitations may find certain areas of the park challenging to navigate.
Crowds: Copper Falls State Park is a popular destination, especially during peak seasons, and can become crowded during these times. If you prefer a more secluded experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or on weekdays.

Tourist Attractions

Copper Falls State Park is a 3,068-acre (12.42 km2) state park in Wisconsin. The park contains a section of the Bad River and its tributary the Tylers Forks, which flow through a gorge and drop over several waterfalls. The park also contains Loon Lake, a small lake that is popular for fishing and boating.

The park is a popular destination for camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming. It also has a number of historical attractions, including the remains of an old copper mine and a CCC-built visitor center.

Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Copper Falls State Park:

Copper Falls: The park's namesake waterfall is a series of cascading falls that drop over a 200-foot (61 m) cliff.
Doughboy's Nature Trail: This 1.7-mile (2.7 km) trail follows the Bad River and offers views of the gorge and waterfalls.
Tylers Forks Trail: This 1.5-mile (2.4 km) trail winds through a forest of maple, birch, and aspen trees.
Loon Lake: This small lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
CCC-built visitor center: This log cabin visitor center was built by the CCC in the 1930s and contains exhibits about the park's history and natural resources.
Historic copper mine: The remains of an old copper mine are located in the park. The mine was operated by the Ojibwe people in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Copper Falls State Park is a beautiful and scenic park that offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking for a relaxing hike or a thrilling adventure, you're sure to find something to enjoy in Copper Falls State Park.

Transportation System

How to Get to Copper Falls State Park

By car: The park is located about 150 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Take I-90/94 west to Madison, then take US 51 north to Mellen. The park entrance is located about 5 miles north of Mellen on County Road M.
By bus: The nearest bus stop is in Mellen. From there, you can take a taxi or Uber to the park.
By train: The nearest train station is in Superior, Wisconsin. From there, you can take a bus to Mellen.

Parking

There are three parking lots at Copper Falls State Park: the Ballfield Parking Lot, the North Campground Parking Lot, and the South Campground Parking Lot. The Ballfield Parking Lot is located near the park's main entrance and is the closest parking lot to the falls. The North Campground Parking Lot is located near the North Campground and is a good option for campers. The South Campground Parking Lot is located near the South Campground and is a good option for hikers and bikers.

Getting Around the Park

The best way to get around Copper Falls State Park is by walking or biking. There are also several trails that are suitable for hiking and biking. The park also has a few roads that can be used for access by vehicles.

FAQ

How many waterfalls are in Copper Falls State Park?

There are three waterfalls in Copper Falls State Park: Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls, and Little Brownstone Falls. Copper Falls is the largest of the three, with a height of 25 feet.

What animals are in Copper Falls?

Copper Falls State Park is home to a variety of animals, including deer, black bears, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including loons, eagles, and hawks.

How big is Copper Falls?

Copper Falls State Park is 3,068 acres in size.

What town is Copper Falls in?

Copper Falls State Park is located in the town of Mellen, Wisconsin.

How many acres is Copper Falls State Park?

Copper Falls State Park is 3,068 acres in size.

Does Copper Falls State Park have showers?

The park does not have any shower facilities.

Can you fish at Copper Falls State Park?

Fishing is permitted in Loon Lake, but a valid Wisconsin fishing license is required. There are also a number of trout streams in the area that are open to fishing.

Is Copper Falls dog friendly?

Yes, Copper Falls State Park is dog friendly. However, dogs must be leashed at all times.

How long is the trail to Copper Falls?

The trail to Copper Falls is 1.7 miles long.

Is Copper Falls open in the winter?

Yes, Copper Falls State Park is open in the winter. The park is a popular destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

Does Copper Falls State Park have electricity?

There are some campsites in the park that have electricity hookups.

Can you hunt Copper Falls State park?

Hunting is not permitted in Copper Falls State Park.

Can you kayak at Copper Falls State Park?

Yes, kayaking is permitted on Loon Lake. However, a valid Wisconsin boating registration is required.

Copper Falls State Park, Wisconsin