Twelvefoot Falls
Wisconsin • 12 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Twelvefoot Falls
Twelvefoot Falls is a compact, scenic cascade of roughly 12 feet tucked into Marinette County, Wisconsin. Nestled within the Marinette County Forest and managed by Marinette County (land owner/manager: CNTY; land unit designation: LCA), the falls sit in a quiet, forested setting that makes for an easy, rewarding nature stop. The modest drop and wooded surroundings are ideal for quick visits, photography, and a peaceful stretch of fresh air. Access is short and approachable: the route to the falls is an easy outing that suits families and casual hikers. With a total trail length of about 0.4 miles and roughly 50 feet of elevation gain, Twelvefoot Falls is best enjoyed as a brief hike or as part of a larger day trip exploring Marinette County Forest lands.
The Setting
Twelvefoot Falls sits at 994 feet within Marinette County Forest, fed by the Pike River, in the foothills of Wisconsin. The falls drop 12 feet.
Height: 12 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Distance: 0.4 miles (round trip). Elevation gain: approximately 50 feet. Difficulty: easy — a short, low-gain route suitable for most visitors, including families and casual hikers. Specific USFS trail surface, grade, or class data are not provided for this route.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 12 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 Twelvefoot Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Twelvefoot 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 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 and rocky areas, as they can be slippery. Be aware of ticks and mosquitoes during warmer months.
Current Water Conditions
91 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 (14 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
89 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
88 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
85 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
90 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
97 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
93 cfs
6/10Sat
Low
101 cfs
4/10Best window: Fri — low flow, mostly 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 36 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The falls are listed at 12 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,002 feet above sea level.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. 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
- 1,002 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 36 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
Twelvefoot Falls is located within Twelve Foot Falls County Park, approximately 15 miles northwest of Crivitz, Wisconsin. The park is accessible via County Road I, and signage will guide visitors to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area within the county park, located a short walk from the falls.
Elevation
994 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.581072° N, -88.134007° W
Land Management
Managed by CNTY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in some areas. Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience.
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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
Pine Mountain Resort
Comfort Inn Iron Mountain North
Four Seasons Island Resort
Mountain Host Motor Inn
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)
19 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 nearby waterfalls include Eighteen Foot Falls and Eight Foot Falls, both located within a short drive. The area also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities.
Wildlife
The surrounding forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot fish in the Pike River.
Cities near Twelvefoot Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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