LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Little Bull Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Little Bull Falls
Little Bull Falls sits on the Big Eau Pleine River in Wisconsin, tucked into a forested stretch that makes for a peaceful, photogenic stop. The falls are a compact, scenic cascade that attracts nature lovers and photographers looking for a rewarding view without a full-day commitment. The surrounding woodlands and river setting offer pleasant seasonal contrasts, from bright summer greens to icy winter shapes. Accessing the falls requires a moderate hike: the approach is a 2.4-mile out-and-back with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain. That short-but-steady route makes Little Bull Falls a great half-day outing for hikers who don’t mind a few climbs in exchange for riverside viewpoints and the chance to soak in the waterfall scenery.
The Setting
Little Bull Falls sits at 846 feet along the Red River, in the foothills of Wisconsin.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail to Little Bull Falls: 2.4 miles round-trip (out-and-back) with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain. The route is rated moderate and follows a well-defined footpath that leads directly to viewpoints of the falls. Provided data does not include a USFS trail name/number or specific surface, grade, or trail class; plan for typical forest trail conditions and wear appropriate footwear.
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 Little Bull Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Bull Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery. Be mindful of ticks and other insects in the area.
Current Water Conditions
114 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 33 years of record
5.80 ft
Water depth at gauge
55°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 55 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
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 RED RIVER AT MORGAN ROAD NEAR MORGAN, WI (12 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
115 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
115 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
124 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
129 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
129 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
129 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
129 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Gresham 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 29 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 850 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 21 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 28 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 850 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 29 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Little Bull Falls is located near the town of Mosinee, Wisconsin. Visitors can access the falls via local roads, with signage leading to the area. The falls are part of a small park area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls, which is free to use.
Hours
Elevation
846 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.841090° N, -88.718715° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls. Visit during spring or after rainfall for the best water flow.
Where to Stay
Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone Hotels - Shawano
Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Clintonville
Haven Hotel Shawano WI
Landmark Motel
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
BOULDER LAKE
21 miles away · 99 sites
Overview Boulder Lake Campground is located on the shores of Boulder Lake in northern Wisconsin. It is the forest's largest campground but campsites fill up fast. The campground is home to individual and group sites, making it an ideal location to relax with friends or family. Recreational opportunities abound. Recreation Boulder Lake provides ample opportunities for power boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming. Anglers might catch walleye, northern pike, bass or panfish. Ice fishing is also
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Big Eau Pleine County Park and the town of Mosinee, which offers dining and shopping options.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and other small wildlife. Visitors may also see fish in the river.
Cities near Little Bull Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
LiDAR
LiDAR
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Little Bull Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
Writing about Little Bull Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.