Upper Potato River Falls in June 2009

There are multiple drops on the Potato River in Wisconsin. The drops may not really end, meaning either there is one very long waterfall or many small waterfalls. However you interpret that, you really only get two different viewpoints, which is why I say there is only Upper and Lower Potato River Falls.

The Upper Potato River Falls can be easily viewed from a trail that leads to an overlook of the falls. I am not sure whether you can view the falls from the base. There was no clear trail down to the base, and the rock is rather steep in places. There was a faint trail that may lead somewhere, but I didn’t follow that lead.

The view from the overlook shows three separate drops. The drops are larger than they appear, though it’s deceiving in the picture since I’m looking at them from afar. The area is very beautiful, as is the waterfall. It’s just too bad there’s no easy way to get closer to it.

Directions:

1. From US-2, turn onto WI-169. If you’re heading west on US-2, you will take a left turn onto WI-169.
2. From there, head about 3 miles (maybe more) toward Gurney.
3. Turn left onto Falls Road, which is a dirt road.
4. Head to the end of that road. Be careful, as some drivers go crazy on this road.
5. From the parking area, take the trail to the Upper Falls, which is on the left side of the parking area (from where you entered).

Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 40′
Length of Hike: 0.2 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Upper Potato River Falls?