Little Manitou Falls
Wisconsin • 31 ft
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 Little Manitou Falls
Little Manitou Falls is a picturesque 31-foot waterfall located in Pattison State Park, Wisconsin. The falls are part of the Black River and are known for their scenic beauty, especially during the fall when the surrounding foliage is vibrant with color.
The Setting
Little Manitou Falls sits at 1,037 feet within Pattison State Park, in the foothills of Wisconsin. The falls drop 31 feet.
Height: 31 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Big Manitou Falls, the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin at 165 feet, lies 1.0 miles to the north.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Little Manitou Falls is short and well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors. It features a gentle path through the forest, leading to a viewing area where the falls can be admired.
What to Expect
The falls drop 31 feet. 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 Manitou Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Manitou Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during spring for high water flow, summer for lush greenery, or fall for vibrant foliage. Winter offers a unique view of the frozen falls.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated trails and viewing areas. Rocks near the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Be cautious of ticks and bring bug spray during warmer months.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Nemadji River, 7.8 miles away, not on Little Manitou Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
43 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 52 years of record
3.84 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 NEMADJI RIVER NEAR SOUTH SUPERIOR, WI (13 km away).
Today
Low
43 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
49 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
65 cfs
6/10Mon
Moderate
63 cfs
5/10Tue
Moderate
66 cfs
5/10Wed
Moderate
61 cfs
5/10Thu
Moderate
54 cfs
5/10Best window: Sun — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early 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 Oliver 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 84 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The falls are listed at 31 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,037 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 51 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 25 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,037 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 84 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Little Manitou Falls is located within Pattison State Park, approximately 13 miles south of Superior, Wisconsin. The park is accessible via WI-35, and clear signage will guide visitors to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at Pattison State Park near the trailhead for Little Manitou Falls. A Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is required.
Elevation
1,037 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.522163° N, -92.126026° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Bring sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy after rain. Don't forget your camera to capture the beauty of the falls.
Where to Stay
Willard Munger Inn
Super 8 by Wyndham Superior WI
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Superior by IHG
Comfort Inn Duluth West
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.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Big Manitou Falls, the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin, is also located within Pattison State Park. The park offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and a beach on Interfalls Lake.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species in the park. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Little Manitou Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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