Waterfall Hikes Near Wausau, WI

71,236 residents
Chicago Time Zone
15 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Grandfather Falls is the one people drive to from Wausau, a rough stretch where the Wisconsin River drops through boulders north of Merrill. About two miles of walking follows it. Fifteen falls fall inside the radius, and most of the walks are short, half a mile or less. Dogs are allowed at Grandfather and at Big Eddy. Several of the smaller ones have no maintained trail at all.

Located at 44.9620°N, -89.6459°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Wausau

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

15 of 15 gauged

15 of 15 waterfalls near Wausau are flowing strongly today

Beartrap Falls Roaring Big Eddy Falls Roaring Freeman Falls Roaring Gilmer Falls Roaring Little Bull Falls Roaring Peavey Falls Roaring Rainbow Falls Roaring Wayka Falls Roaring Big Smoky Falls Roaring Ducknest Falls Roaring Evergreen Falls Roaring Sullivan Falls Roaring Grandfather Falls Strong Little Bull Falls Roaring Little Falls Roaring

Updated about 2 hours ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Thursday

Mostly Sunny · 73°F

Aft 84°F Mostly Cloudy
Sat 80°F Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
Sun 79°F Mostly Sunny
Lab 78°F Partly Sunny
Tue 80°F Showers And Thunderstorms
Wed 81°F Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
Thu 73°F Mostly Sunny Best

Flowing best right now near Wausau

Updated about 2 hours ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

  1. 1 Beartrap Falls Roaring · 314 cfs 100th percentile
  2. 2 Big Eddy Falls Roaring · 314 cfs 100th percentile
  3. 3 Big Smoky Falls Roaring · 309 cfs 100th percentile
  4. 4 Ducknest Falls Roaring · 309 cfs 100th percentile
  5. 5 Evergreen Falls Roaring · 309 cfs 100th percentile
  6. 6 Freeman Falls Roaring · 314 cfs 100th percentile

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Wausau hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Find waterfalls to hike near Wausau

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Wausau (4 waterfalls)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

Peavey Falls

11.9 miles away
Wisconsin
Easy
0.6 miles 50 ft

Wayka Falls

5.3 miles away
Wisconsin
Easy
1.0 miles 100 ft

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Wausau (7 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Grandfather Falls waterfall

Grandfather Falls

48.2 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Rainbow Falls waterfall

Rainbow Falls

13.4 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Big Eddy Falls

48.3 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

All 15 Waterfalls Near Wausau

Grandfather Falls waterfall

Grandfather Falls

48.2 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Rainbow Falls waterfall

Rainbow Falls

13.4 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Peavey Falls

11.9 miles away
Wisconsin
Easy
0.6 miles 50 ft

Beartrap Falls

6.5 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Big Eddy Falls

48.3 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Wayka Falls

5.3 miles away
Wisconsin
Easy
1.0 miles 100 ft
Freeman Falls waterfall

Freeman Falls

7.1 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Little Bull Falls

30.8 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Little Falls waterfall

Little Falls

29.8 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Gilmer Falls

6.5 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Little Bull Falls

6.4 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Big Smoky Falls

45.9 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Evergreen Falls

45.7 miles away
Wisconsin
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Ducknest Falls

45.3 miles away
Wisconsin
Easy
1.0 miles 100 ft
Sullivan Falls waterfall

Sullivan Falls

45.1 miles away
Wisconsin
Easy
0.6 miles 80 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Wausau

Are there free waterfalls near Wausau?

There are 9 free waterfalls near Wausau, including Ducknest Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Wausau?

There are 4 easy waterfall hikes near Wausau, including Ducknest Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Wausau?

There are 7 dog-friendly waterfalls near Wausau, including Big Eddy Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Wausau?

There are 8 kid-friendly waterfalls near Wausau, including Big Eddy Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Wausau?

The shortest waterfall hike near Wausau is Beartrap Falls at 0.6 miles round trip.

Do any waterfalls near Wausau require permits?

Yes, 1 waterfall near Wausau requires a permit. Check individual trail pages for current permit details.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Wausau?

Yes, 12 waterfalls near Wausau have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Wausau?

The closest waterfall to Wausau is Grandfather Falls, approximately 22.8 miles away.

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Where to Stay

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