Amnicon Falls State Park allows you to drive right up next to the falls. Get out of your car and immediately hear the rushing water. Walk 100 feet and you cross the rustic covered bridge and get straight to exploring the many areas to view the rapids and falls of Amnicon Falls. This is not the biggest park but the beautiful Amnicon River offers countless scenic views and it’s a great park if you have someone who doesn’t want to walk too far to see the best parts of the park. Camping is also an option, read on for more information. If you are looking for longer hike or more waterfalls, check out nearby Pattison State Park, it’s only 30 minutes away. For a longer drive, 1.5 hours, you can get to Copper Falls State Park. Check out more Wisconsin State Parks here.
Accessing the Falls
Most people will want to go to the main parking area on the island. When you come into the park, stay right. This takes you right next to the covered bridge and the trail heads. The road to the parking area takes you across a small single lane bridge though so if you have a larger vehicle you will want to park at the first parking area you come to on arrival to the park. The road with the bridge is well marked and states “Trailers, Buses, and RV’s, DO NOT ENTER.”
If you have a larger vehicle, there is a larger parking area right at the entrance to the park which is not on the current map as of 2022. You can easily walk the 1/4 mile from this parking area down to the covered bridge and trail head. There is not a trail the whole way so part of it you will be on the road. The only traffic on the road is coming and going to the parking for Amnicon Falls. Everyone driving on this road has to cross the single bridge so people tend to be driving slow.
Hiking at Amnicon Falls
There are two trails to check out at Amnicon State Park. The one with the best views of the upper falls, lower falls, and snake pit falls. It is aptly named the “Trails around the falls.” This trail isn’t an out and back trail or a loop trail but rather several trails going up and around various parts of the rapids and falls. It goes right along the river with great views all along. Keep a close eye on kids, there isn’t much between the trail and the water and it’s not a river you want anyone to fall into!
One of the best views of the falls and a nice look at the covered bridge is on the parking lot side of the river. Instead of crossing the bridge head away from the parking area with the bridge on your left. That is where you will find the selfie station and a great view of the falls. There is a steep ledge with a drop off into the water, keep your kiddos or furry friends close.
The other trail is just under a mile and called Thimbleberry trail. It is a loop trail going partly through the woods and partly along the river. It offers easy access to the river that is just downstream of the falls. Along the trail there are numbered signs. Pick up a booklet to read about each marked sign post.
Camping
Are you looking for peace and quiet at your campsite? Amnicon Falls might be a good fit. There are 36 campsites and no generators are allowed. There are also no electric hook ups. No showers and no dump stations. Perfect for tents or self sufficient trailers! They do have vault toilets and drinking water available. If the main site still isn’t private enough for you, check out one of the two walk-in sites. They are 100-150 feet from the parking area.
Playgrounds and Picnics
The listed playground on the map is a set of swings. There is also a set of swings and a sandbox in the middle of the camping loop.
Amnicon Falls has multiple picnic tables scattered around the park and around the falls. There is not one main picnic area or an especially large green space.
Swimming at Amnicon Falls
There is no specific beach area for swimming. Wading and swimming is allowed at your own risk. The conditions can change quickly and the current can by really fast in certain areas. Everyone loves a good close up view of the falls but you do not want to find yourself pulled through them so take care if you choose to enter the water.
Dogs
Biking/Boating/Horse Riding
These activities are not available at the park.
Nearby Activities
Nearby Food
Less than a mile away is Riverside Bar and Grill. Typical Wisconsin pub type restaurant with pizza, burgers, drinks. About 10 minutes away is the funky Gronks Grill and Bar. Huge burgers and a selection of beer. Try one of their food challengers if you’re feeling really ambitious. If you’re looking for breakfast head a little farther into superior and find The Kitchen for a great way to start your day.
