Big Spring Creek (2022)

Big Spring Creek - Spring water cascading down the rocks

My turkey hunt was going nowhere fast today. After striking out at Governor Dodge State Park I fueled up, took a short midday nap, and drove around in search of new public lands with favorable terrain. Along the way I ended up at a familiar destination at Big Springs Fishery Area in Highland, Wisconsin. Here’s … Read more

Osceola Bedrock Glades Falls

Osceola Bedrock Glades Falls - Looking downstream standing next to main stretch of falls/rapids

Trying to squeeze in one last stop today as the sun was falling low on the horizon, I stopped at the trailhead for the Ridge View Trail: Osceola Loop in Osceola, Wisconsin. This is easy to find on River Road / County S and there is a small parking lot that holds maybe 10 vehicles. … Read more

Shale Falls

Shale Falls - Named a "falls" but is in fact a Class I rapids

My final stop today was in Brule, Wisconsin, and the goal was to settle a score and make it to Shale Falls where I had failed in the past. Knowing now there are no formal trails and you just have to bushwhack towards the river, I was as ready as I’d ever be. Will I … Read more

Little Sioux River Falls (2021 Partial Attempt)

Little Sioux River Falls attempt 2021 - Section of large boulders across the river forming a falls/rapids

Weather today started a little bit cranky but thankfully it stopped drizzling, winds calmed, and temperatures remained quite comfortable. I spent the better part of the morning in Washburn drinking coffee and waiting to make a decision on what to try next. The nearest location is known as Little Sioux River Falls but to my … Read more

Spring Brook Lower Falls & Rapids

Spring Brook Lower Rapids - The rocky rapids continue and so does the amazing autumn scenery

After visiting the beautiful Spring Brook Falls, I traveled just a short distance back up Spring Brook Road and parked in a wide spot on the shoulder. Thanks to my friend Bob at waterfallswisconsin.com I had been given intel of another possible falls/rapids downstream about a mile in a more remote part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet … Read more

Spring Brook Falls

Spring Brook Falls - Fourth falls (main) direct view long exposure

After my small detour at the Brunsweiler River, I drove just a bit further up Spring Brook Road, parked at a tiny spot that only fits two vehicles, and made my way through the woods to find Spring Brook Falls. Once upon a time there was a sign post at the trail head but the … Read more

Brunsweiler River Rapids at Spring Brook Road

Brunsweiler Rapids - End of the rock garden cascading down

I was having a great time driving through parts of the Nicolet-Chequamegon National Forest and nearing my next destination when I spotted something under a bridge and got sidetracked. The warm temperatures meant I had the windows down for fresh air, and as I crossed a bridge it struck me immediately: “I hear moving water!” … Read more

Trout Brook Falls

North Country National Scenic Trail - Bridge over Trout Brook Falls

Morning of October 2nd and it’s a bit overcast and dreary, but that makes for great hiking weather. Today we start with a teeny tiny “falls” found via hiking a nice gentle section of the North Country National Scenic Trail in Foster Junction, Wisconsin. The trail starts just off Kornstead and North York Road and … Read more

Potato River Falls – Lower Trail (2021)

Potato River Lower Rapids - Long rock garden

After hiking the entire upper falls trail and running out of drinking water in the process, I took a short break at the parking lot for a refill and some snacks. I was able to get a small bit of cell signal and confirmed the rain was done for the afternoon. Time to continue down … Read more

Willard Falls & Rapids (2021)

Willard Falls - Aerial view

Continuing upstream from Potato River Falls, I followed the foot-worn trails until reaching the campsites and the trail head towards Willard Falls. I’ve been down this way before, but today I had more knowledge of the area and was determined to find the actual falls that I missed before. The trail isn’t very long and … Read more