Waterfalls, forest trails, and quiet Northwoods views—built into one easy weekend on Wisconsin’s South Shore.
Hike the Falls Weekend Plan
This weekend is for people who want to hear rushing water and wind in the pines more than traffic. You’ll chase waterfalls through deep ravines, follow forested ridges, and end each day in small towns with good food and a soft place to land.
Weekend at a Glance
- Best for: Hikers, photographers, families with older kids
- Season: Spring through late fall
- Home base: Towns near the Brule River, Iron River, and the Bayfield Peninsula
- Highlights: Multiple waterfalls, forested trails, ridge-top views, and lakeside sunsets
- Some locations may have limited or paid parking. Please respect local homes and landowners, and pay when required to help preserve these wonderful attractions for future generations
Day 1: Cornucopia & Your First Two Falls
Roll into Cornucopia, Wisconsin, and start your weekend with two classic South Shore waterfall hikes. You’ll warm up on Lost Creek Falls, then follow the Siskiwit River down toward Lake Superior before ending the day in town.
Afternoon: Lost Creek Falls
Late Afternoon: Siskiwit River Falls
Golden Hour & Evening in Cornucopia
Start with a hike to Lost Creek Falls, tucked back in the woods just inland from Cornucopia. The trail winds through quiet forest and ends at a rocky little gorge where the creek drops over a sandstone ledge. Plan on a couple of hours for the hike and time at the falls, and wear shoes that can handle roots, rocks, and mud.
After Lost Creek, head back toward Cornucopia and follow the Siskiwit River. Short paths near town bring you to small drops and rapids as the river works its way toward Lake Superior. It’s less about one big waterfall and more about a series of riffles, ledges, and pools—perfect for listening to the water and taking photos.
As the light softens, make your way to the Cornucopia beach and harbor, where the Siskiwit River meets Lake Superior. Walk the beach, check out the harbor, and watch the sky change over the lake. Then check into your cabin, motel, or rental nearby and head back into town for a relaxed dinner and a drink.
Tip: Pack a small daypack with water, a light jacket, and shoes that can handle wet roots and rocks. Even on sunny days, shaded trails and riverbanks around Cornucopia can stay cool and muddy.
Fun Tip: Head down to the beach and fill your water jugs from the area’s famous natural artesian spring. Trusted by locals and sought out by visitors for generations, many consider it the purest and best-tasting water on the South Shore of Lake Superior. Don’t forget to bring a container and experience this local treasure for yourself!
Day 2: Twin Falls & Amnicon Falls
Today you’ll leave Cornucopia and follow Highway 13 toward Port Wing for Twin Falls, then continue inland to Amnicon Falls State Park near Poplar. It’s a day with more driving, but the mix of lakeshore views, small towns, and two very different waterfall stops makes it worth it.
Morning: Highway 13 Drive & Twin Falls
Start your morning by heading west out of Cornucopia on Highway 13. Take your time with the drive—this stretch of road gives you glimpses of Lake Superior, small towns, and side roads that lead to quiet beaches. When you reach the Port Wing area, turn inland toward Twin Falls, where a short walk brings you to a pair of drops tucked into the woods.
Midday: Lunch & Beach Time (If You Have It)
On your way between Cornucopia and Port Wing, or after Twin Falls, stop in one of the small lakeshore towns for lunch. Look for a café, bar, or diner where you can grab something simple and local. If you have extra time and the weather cooperates, add a quick beach walk along Lake Superior before you turn inland toward Highway 2.
Afternoon: Amnicon Falls State Park
From the lakeshore, work your way south and east toward Highway 2 and Amnicon Falls State Park, just outside Poplar. Here you’ll find a network of short trails, multiple falls and cascades, and classic Northwoods river scenery. Plan to spend a couple of hours wandering the paths, crossing bridges, and exploring different angles on the water.
Evening: Drive Back & Wind Down
After Amnicon Falls, decide whether you want to loop back toward the South Shore or stay closer to Highway 2 for the night. Either way, give yourself enough time to drive in daylight and stop at one or two roadside pull-offs if something catches your eye.
Trail etiquette: Stay on marked paths, keep dogs leashed where required, and give space to people taking photos at overlooks and bridges.
Day 3: Meyers Beach & the Sea Caves Trail
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Your last day trades waterfalls for wide-open lake views. You’ll head to Meyers Beach, hike the trail above the famous sea caves, and look out over Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands for a final, big-sky goodbye to the South Shore.
Morning: Meyers Beach Trail Above the Caves
Drive to Meyers Beach and follow the trail that runs along the top of the sandstone cliffs. As you hike, you’ll pass overlooks where you can peer down toward the sea caves, watch waves roll in, and see stretches of shoreline that feel wild and remote. On clear days, you’ll spot parts of the Apostle Islands out on the horizon.
Late Morning: Take Your Time at the Overlooks
This isn’t a rush-out-and-back kind of hike. Build in time to stop at the overlooks, listen to the waves, and watch how the light changes on the water and cliffs. If you’re into photography, this is where you’ll want extra battery and space on your camera or phone.
On the Way Home: Scenic Drive & Small-Town Stop
When you’re ready to head out, work your way back toward your route home with one last small-town stop for coffee, ice cream, or a late lunch. Choose a path that lets you see the lake a few more times before you turn fully inland.
You’ll leave with wet boots, full camera rolls, and a last, wide-angle memory of Lake Superior’s cliffs, caves, and islands—an ending that feels like the cherry on top of your Hike the Falls weekend.
Fun fact: In winters cold enough for the lake ice to form safely, this same stretch of shoreline becomes the famous Apostle Islands ice caves. On those rare years when conditions line up and the area opens, visitors hike out across the frozen lake to see the caves from below instead of above.
Stay
- Cozy cabins near rivers and trailheads
- Lakeside motels with easy access to town
- Campgrounds for tent and RV campers
As The Local grows, you’ll find specific cabins, cafés, and guides recommended right here—each with photos, details, and direct links.
Where to Stay & Eat
Use this plan as a loose guide and plug in the places that fit your style—cabins, motels, campgrounds, cafés, and supper clubs.
Eat & Drink
- Breakfast cafés and bakeries in nearby towns
- Lunch spots close to trailheads
- Supper clubs, taprooms, and bars for post-hike dinners
Explore Nearby Towns
Complement your waterfall adventure by exploring our South Shore town guides for the best local dining and lodging. Fun Fact: During exceptionally cold winters, Lake Superior freezes thick enough for the Apostle Islands ice caves to open! In these rare seasons, you can actually trek across the solid lake ice to witness the incredible caves and hanging icicles from the frozen floor looking up, rather than peering down from the cliffs above.
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