Brownstone Falls

Worth the drive

Is it plungeworthy?

30feet tall

A horsetail on Tyler Forks River.

Scale36/60

Documentation20/20

Character14/20

The details

Type: Horsetail
Watercourse: Tyler Forks River
Coordinates: 46.37483, -90.63623

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About Brownstone Falls

Brownstone Falls is a 30-foot horsetail in Wisconsin, on Tyler Forks River.

It's fullest after rain, and flow can drop off during dry spells — plan around recent weather.

Plungeworthy rates Brownstone Falls 7/10 — worth the drive. The score weighs its scale, how confidently it's mapped, and its character.

What you'll find

Tyler Forks cannonballing into the Bad River gorge at the far turn of the Doughboys loop — Copper Falls State Park's second act, and for many its better one. No pets, no shortcuts, all reward.

Getting there

Trailhead: Doughboys Nature Trail loop, Copper Falls State Park
Parking: Same nature-center lot as Copper Falls
Road: Paved
Hike: 1.7 mi round trip (moderate)
Heads up: Not reachable via the accessible spur — the full loop is the only way.

When to go

Spring melt and after rain; October stacks maple color over black gorge rock.

Rules & fees

Fee / pass: WI vehicle admission
Dogs: Banned on the loop
Camping: Park campground
Warnings: Stay behind the gorge fencing — the drop is straight down.

Researched from WI DNR — Copper Falls State Park · WI DNR — Copper Falls trails. Conditions change — verify before you drive. Been to Brownstone Falls recently? Post a conditions report below.

Where it is

Before you go

The pin marks the feature, not a trailhead or a legal route in. Some sit on private land or need a real hike, and conditions change with season and rain. Check local access, don't trespass, and never enter water — hot or cold — where it isn't safe.