Smalley Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
75 ft
About Smalley Falls
Smalley Falls is a picturesque set of cascades on the Pike River in Marinette County, Wisconsin. Nestled within the Marinette County Forest and managed by Marinette County (designation: LCA), the falls offer intimate water views framed by surrounding woods and are a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers looking for a quick, scenic outing. Access is easy and family-friendly: a short approach brings you right to the cascades, making Smalley Falls an ideal stop on a county-forest drive or a brief half-day excursion. Because the falls sit within county-managed lands, visitors can enjoy a low-key, natural setting with straightforward access and clear signage from nearby roads.
The Setting
Smalley Falls sits at 968 feet within Marinette County Forest, in the foothills of Wisconsin.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Sand Portage Falls (5 ft) lies 4.6 miles to the north.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 75 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Length: 0.4 miles round trip, with approximately 75 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: easy. The trail is short and relatively flat, winding through wooded terrain in the Marinette County Forest to reach viewing spots along the Pike River. The path leads directly to the falls but can be uneven in places near the water—sturdy footwear is recommended. Managed by Marinette County, this brief route is accessible to most visitors seeking a quick hike to a scenic cascade.
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 Smalley Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Smalley Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen falls.
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 aware of ticks and bring insect repellent. During winter, icy conditions may make the trail hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Menominee River, 5.3 miles away, not on Smalley Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1,160 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 34 years of record
5.22 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 MENOMINEE RIVER AT NIAGARA, WI (9 km away).
Today
Low
1150 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
1166 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
1189 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
1134 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
1293 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
1402 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
1437 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late 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 Pembine hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Smalley Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Smalley Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 38°F to 30°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 1160 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Wisconsin.
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.
1-meter lidar measures about 45 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Smalley Falls. The brink sits at about 972 feet above sea level.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 972 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 45 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Smalley Falls is located off Morgan Park Road in Marinette County, Wisconsin. It is accessible via a short drive from nearby towns such as Pembine or Niagara. The falls are part of the Marinette County Waterfalls Tour.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, which provides access to Smalley Falls. Parking is free but may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
968 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.694960° N, -87.947067° W
Land Management
Managed by CNTY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during weekends. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven. Bring insect repellent during the summer months.
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For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn Iron Mountain North
Mountain Host Motor Inn
Four Seasons Island Resort
Motel 6 Norway MI
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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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in the Marinette County Waterfalls Tour, such as Long Slide Falls and Twelve Foot Falls, are located nearby and make for a great day trip.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Smalley Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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