Horseshoe Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls is a compact, picturesque cascade in Marinette County, Wisconsin, named for the curved, horseshoe-like lip of the drop. Tucked into the Marinette County Forest, the falls are surrounded by mature woods that make for a peaceful stop on the Marinette County Waterfall Tour — an easy-to-follow route highlighting several local cascades. The setting is intimate and scenic, a popular spot for photographers and hikers who enjoy a short outing rather than a long backcountry trek. The waterfall and its approaches sit on county-owned land and are managed by Marinette County (land owner/manager: CNTY; land unit: Marinette County Forest; designation: LCA). A 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains roughly 350 feet and delivers a moderately paced, rewarding hike to the viewing area. Because the site is county-managed rather than on federal USFS land, trail numbering from the U.S. Forest Service is not provided for this route.
The Setting
Horseshoe Falls sits at 997 feet within Marinette County Forest, fed by the Pike River, in the foothills of Wisconsin.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail length: 2.4 miles round trip (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. The trail to Horseshoe Falls is an out-and-back route of moderate difficulty, gaining about 350 feet over its 2.4-mile length. The path leads through wooded county forest to a compact viewing area at the falls; it is generally well-used and maintained by Marinette County. Surface, grade, and formal trail class are not specified in the available county/USFS data, so hikers should expect natural trail conditions and bring appropriate footwear and water for a moderate woodland hike.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Horseshoe Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Horseshoe Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for a pleasant hike.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall, especially after rain. Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the environment or risking injury.
Current Water Conditions
90 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 83 years of record
2.17 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge PIKE RIVER AT AMBERG, WI (12 km away).
Today
Low
90 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
89 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
91 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
90 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
94 cfs
5/10Wed
Moderate
95 cfs
5/10Thu
Moderate
99 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late June, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Dunbar hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 56 feet of drop through Horseshoe Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,004 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 45 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 27 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,004 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 56 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Horseshoe Falls is located near the town of Dunbar, Wisconsin. It can be accessed via Horseshoe Falls Road, which is part of the Marinette County Waterfall Tour. Follow signs for the waterfall tour to reach the site.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead for Horseshoe Falls. Parking availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
997 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.548018° N, -88.136784° W
Land Management
Managed by CNTY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during weekends or peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
Where to Stay
Pembine Cabin with Expansive Yard, Fire Pit and Grill!
Exxon Quik Stop & Motel
Crivitz Lodge
Four Seasons Island Resort
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Bear Lake Campground (Chequamegon-Nicolet NF, WI)
18.4 miles away · 27 sites
Overview If you are interested in a quiet campground and excellent pike fishing, Bear Lake Campground is for you. Campsites are situated along the wooded shore and ridge with outstanding views of the lake.Recreation The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Those most enjoyed at Bear Lake are fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The Rat River trail is a good nearby hiking opportunity.Facilities Bear Lake Campground has 27 sites. A majority
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls on the Marinette County Waterfall Tour, such as Long Slide Falls and Twelve Foot Falls. The nearby town of Dunbar also offers small shops and dining options.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter birds, deer, and other small woodland animals in the area.
Cities near Horseshoe Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Horseshoe Falls
14 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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