Hike Grandfather Falls on the Ice Age Trail

Irma, Wisconsin

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Details

Distance

1 miles

Elevation Gain

100 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Tammy Molepske

Along the highest waterfall of the Wisconsin River, the rock hopping and hydro history is excellent.

About 12 miles north of Merrill on 107, there is easy access parking from either the dam on the north or Camp New Wood County Park to the south. We started at the Falls and hiked south to enjoy the rock formation known throughout the Ice Age Trail. While early June meant a cloud of biting insects, the mood didn’t suffer.

We met a few people fishing off the rocks, some through hikers and a few day trippers along the way. The kids enjoyed the rock climbing and pretty potholes, and I enjoyed the history lesson behind the hydro dam and diversion. We stopped for pictures in the old wooden penstock canal section removed a few years back.

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Features

Fishing

Backpacking

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

River

Scenic

Waterfall

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