Red Granite Falls Trail

The Red Granite Falls Trail is a 2.5-mile-long trail in Copper Falls State Park near Mellen, Wisconsin. This trail takes hikers to Red Granite Falls on the Bad River. There is a fee to enter the park; a day use or annual permit can be purchased at the Park Office. Unlike the popular Doughboys Nature Trail, dogs are allowed on this trail but must be on a leash that is 8 feet long or shorter. This is the only trail in the Park that leads to a waterfall that dogs are allowed on. The parking area for this trail is by Loon Lake near the Park entrance.

The trailhead is located near the southeast corner of the parking lot. The Red Granite Falls Trail is a wide, crushed gravel path that makes it suitable for most abilities. The trail travels through a mostly hardwood forest; there are gently rolling hills that must be navigated. The trail has two loops (kind of a figure eight), but is easy to follow if one goes to the right at every fork on the trail. It is about a mile from the trailhead to Red Granite Falls. Many would call Red Granite Falls a set of rapids; the water flowing over the red granite outcroppings is scenic none the less. Across the river one can see evidence of an old railroad line that was used to transport iron ore from the region to the city of Ashland on Lake Superior.

After taking in the falls, one can explore the many rapids upstream or return to the trail and hike back to the parking lot. There are picnic tables and a swimming beach at Loon Lake to enjoy after completing this hike.