LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Ni-ho-kha-wa-ne-ey-ja
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
75 ft
About Ni-ho-kha-wa-ne-ey-ja
Ni-ho-kha-wa-ne-ey-ja, also known as 'Stand Rock' in the Ho-Chunk language, is a waterfall located in Wisconsin. It is part of the Wisconsin Dells area, which is renowned for its unique sandstone formations and scenic beauty. The waterfall is not a traditional cascading waterfall but rather a seasonal flow that may vary depending on rainfall and snowmelt.
The Setting
Ni-ho-kha-wa-ne-ey-ja sits at 748 feet along the La Crosse River @ Cnty Trunk Highwy Bb, in the foothills of Wisconsin.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.6-mile out and back trail gains 75 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trails around the Wisconsin Dells area offer scenic views of sandstone formations, forests, and seasonal waterfalls like Ni-ho-kha-wa-ne-ey-ja. Trail conditions and accessibility may vary, and some areas are only accessible via guided tours.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect to see unique geological formations, seasonal water flows, and lush surroundings. The area is rich in cultural and natural history, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
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 Ni-ho-kha-wa-ne-ey-ja?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ni-ho-kha-wa-ne-ey-ja?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the waterfall due to higher water flow from snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Trails may be slippery or uneven, especially after rain. Guided tours are recommended for safety and to ensure access to the best viewpoints.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 21.3 miles away
65 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 18 years of record
6.60 ft
Water depth at gauge
53°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 53 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LA CROSSE RIVER @ CNTY TRUNK HIGHWY BB NR TOMAH,WI (34 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
65 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
67 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
66 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
66 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
64 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
63 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
62 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid May to late June, peaking in May.
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 Black River Falls 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 59 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 741 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 35 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 25 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
- 741 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 59 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
Ni-ho-kha-wa-ne-ey-ja is located in the Wisconsin Dells area. Visitors can access the site via guided boat tours or by exploring the surrounding trails. The exact location of the waterfall may require local guidance or maps.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at various locations in the Wisconsin Dells area, including near boat tour departure points and trailheads.
Hours
Elevation
748 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.296628° N, -90.844864° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear as trails may be uneven or slippery. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rainfall can affect trail accessibility and waterfall flow. Guided tours are recommended for the best experience.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Quality Inn & Suites Black River Falls I-94
Comfort Inn & Suites Black River Falls I-94
Days Inn by Wyndham Black River Falls - Access to ATV Trail
Coratel Plus Suites by Jasper Black River Falls
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
Wisconsin Dells attractions include boat tours, hiking trails, and other natural landmarks like Devil's Lake State Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and other wildlife typical of Wisconsin's forests.
Cities near Ni-ho-kha-wa-ne-ey-ja
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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