Explore Waterfalls and Trails at Willow River State Park in Wisconsin
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Willow River State Park
Willow River State Park located in Wisconsin offers a stunning natural escape with breathtaking waterfalls, where the cascading waters invite you to immerse yourself in its beautiful surroundings. This picturesque state park allows the opportunity for water play with lush greenery next to the soothing sounds of the water. You can take part in this beautiful backdrop while cooling off in the water on a warm day in nature.
This is one of our favorite parks to visit when we are in Wisconsin. We enjoy the short walk to the smaller but powerful waterfalls.
Address: 1034 City Highway A, Hudson, Wisconsin
Hours: 6am to 11pm daily
Daily admission: $8 for Wisconsin residents and $11 for non-Wisconsin residents
Waterfall Play
There is a short walk to the waterfall from either the campground area or the Willow Falls north parking lot.
Once at the waterfall, you can spend time playing in the water and climbing on the rocks, sitting on the rocks and enjoying the view, or bringing snacks or a picnic lunch and enjoy the time eating as you listen to the sounds of the waterfall. There is a small area where you can also walk behind the waterfall near the top of the falls.
USE CAUTION as some of the rocks you may walk on as you trek in the water are slippery and due to the fast-moving waters, be aware as to not let the water sweep you away.
Don’t forget to tag your Willow River photos at #scenicwisconsin
What to pack for hiking at Willow River State Park
Teva sandals - perfect shoe for hiking and water play. I wear these All..The..Time when hiking!
Other things to do at Willow River State Park
Biking
Hiking
Fishing
Boating/Kayaking
Hunting
Picnics
Swimming
Camping
Snowshoeing/Dog sledding
Hiking
There are 13-miles of trail in Willow River State Park. Only a few of the paths are paved, and some paths have steep edges so beware when hiking with children.
Burkhardt Trail - 2-4 miles in length. Follows the river bottom and to an overlook to view Willow River Falls.
Hidden Ponds Nature Trail - paved trail is 0.5 miles in length and starts behind the Nature Center.
Knapweed Trail - 1 mile in length. Trail is full of beautiful purple flowers.
Little Falls Trail - 0.7 mile in length. Paved trail from the campground to the Little Falls Dam. Bikes and rollerblades allowed on this trail.
Mound Trail - 1.1 miles in length. Named after a glacial mound, this trail runs along Willow River.
Nelson Farm Trail - 3.7 miles in length. This newer trail passes through several rivers, wetlands, and prairies to a breathtaking vista.
Oak Ridge Trail - 1.1 mile in length. Up and down hills through the forest.
Pioneer Trail - 1.2 miles in length. Follow this trail along the forest edge to the grave campsites of the first settlers.
Trout Brook Trail - 1.4 miles in length. Easy walking trail along the lower Willow River through pines and prairie.
Whitetail Trail - 0.7 mile in length. Hike the trail through the forest where you are likely to spot whitetail deer.
Willow Falls Hill Trail - 0.4 mile in length. Trail goes up and down but is the shortest trail to the Falls.
Willow Falls Trail - 1 mile in length. Start at the campground as you walk to the Falls.
We have taken both the Willow Falls Hill Trail and Willow Falls Trail. The Willow Falls Trail is shorter but slightly more strenuous.
Check out the Willow River State Park trail map below. Some trails close in the winter months so check the Willow River State Park Website for details.
Camping at Willow River State Park
This very popular campground is located on the Little Falls Lake. There are 3 campground areas with plenty of shade trees. There is room for tent camping up to RV’s camping. You can reserve campsite online.
Amenities included but might not be available at each campground:
toilets
playgrounds
showers
dump stations
drinking water
Grill/fire ring
Firewood is available at the park office.
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Don’t want to stay to stay at the campground at the park? Check out booking.com or VRBO to book the perfect accommodations.
Create some amazing memories as you visit the stunning waterfalls, hike the lush trails, and take in the tranquil scenery. Wisconsin parks offer the perfect place to relax in nature. You will leave here with a sense of calm and the desire to return again and again. We have been here twice since we have enjoyed this park so much. Enjoy the great outdoors at this beautiful park.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US.
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