Doughboy's Nature Trail

The Doughboy's Nature Trail is an extremely popular trail in Copper Falls State Park. This 1.7-mile-long trail provides beautiful views of Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls and the Tyler Forks cascades. There is a fee to enter the park; a day use or annual permit can be purchased at the Park Office. Please be aware that Dogs are NOT allowed in this area of the Park. A large parking area for this trail is located at end of the park’s main road just past the North Campground.

The trail begins near a concession building; just past the concession building cross the Bad River using the foot bridge. Follow the wide, well-maintain trail north. Soon you will come to the viewpoint for Copper Falls. Copper Falls often split into two cascades split by a rocky structure. There is informational signage here that shows how the falls have changed over the years. The next view point is for the 30-foot Brownstone Falls. For those that struggle with large flights of stairs, this is a good turning around point. The trail continues above the Bad River Gorge and passes by Devil’s Gate. Devil’s Gate is conglomerate layer of rock that the Bad River cuts through. The trail soon drops toward another footbridge over the Bad River via a series of stairs.  A view of Devil’s Gate can be seen from the bridge.

After crossing the bridge, the trail heads up another flight of stairs. This portion of the trail offers a different view the Brownstone Falls. Next there is a boardwalk platform that offers views of Tyler Forks Cascades. The trail then crosses the Tyler Forks and heads back the parking lot. An alternate view of Copper Falls can be seen along the way.

This scenic trail is easy to follow and suitable for most abilities; a couple of long flights of stairs are the only challenging parts.