Guide to Hiking Dave's Falls - Waterfalls in Northeast Wisconsin
One of the best waterfalls in Marinette County
If you are looking for waterfalls near Green Bay, Wisconsin, you don't have to drive very far to see them. Dave's falls is one of the twelve waterfalls you can find in Marinette County, about 70 miles north of Green Bay. Not only is it very accessible, it's a great place to hang out for a few hours with friend and family. In the winter, it's especially quiet and beautiful. Rock bluffs, low shorelines, and a wooden walking bridge provide scenic views of the falls and the Pike River in many places.
Travel tip! - If you're planning on getting the most out of your day in this area, I recommended checking out Long Slide Falls, Smalley Falls, and Piers Gorge. All of those locations are fairly close along highway 141. You can fill up your whole day visiting all of those spots. I'm working on guides for all of those locations too!
I grew up only 30 minutes away from Dave's Falls and I didn't end up going there until after high school. My parents never went their much either. It's really interesting how close and beautiful sites like this can be easily hidden or just not made well aware to the public. Almost every time I go there I end up running into someone that says "This is my first time here, this is amazing! I am not sure why I haven't come here sooner." This location is a place you can come back to during any season and have a different experience every single time.
Directions to Dave's Falls County Park
Dave's Falls is located along Highway 141 near Amberg, Wisconsin along the Pike River. You'll be able to easily spot signs along the highway and the entrance to the road that leads to the parking lot is clearly marked with a big wooden sign.
This is the staircase that leads to Dave’s Falls. Photo taken in autumn.
How accessible are the views at Dave's Falls?
While the entrance to the parking lot and restrooms are handicap accessible, most of the views are not. There is a set of stairs that is maintained with railings, but the trails you can discover along the Pike River in the area are not maintained, so you need to proceed with caution. There is also a fantastic wooden walking bridge that always shares a great view of the river before the falls.
Views along the South side of the Pike River
There are a few different places where you can view the falls from on the South side, which is the side you will see first when you arrive. There are also smaller viewing areas of smaller falls and rapids in the area as well. Depending on the time of year and the water level, you can hop across rocks to get to different places in the area.
As far as safety goes, if you use common sense, you'll be just fine. Be careful along large rock faces especially if it just got done raining or you are there in the winter. The ice on the rocks and the water can be deceiving and dangerous. While you are walking along the trails, be sure to watch your step. There are large root systems from the trees that can easily roll an ankle if you're not paying attention.
Trail conditions have large roots and rock formations along the Pike River.
The geology and terrain you can find at Dave's Falls.
Looking up Dave's Falls in the morning in October.
Views along the North side of the Pike River
Once you cross the wooden walking bridge that up the river above the falls, you can either go left to see more rapids, smaller falls, and serene areas of the river. This area has some sandy shoreline and really cool views that end along a train bridge. I've never seen a train cross it whenever I've been there, but it is still active, so please be mindful around it for your own safety.
If you take a right after the wooden walking bridge and venture along the river (eastward direction toward the largest falls) you can see higher altitude view of the most intense part of the falls. This photo below is a good example of what you will be able to see. Please be careful when scaling the bluff. It there are no stairs or railings anywhere on that side. Climbing can be especially dangerous after rain or a snow melt. I would not take little kids to this elevated area.
You can also see Dave's Falls from above on the other side of the Pike River.
Recommended Footwear
In the spring, summer, and fall, you'll be just fine with regular sneakers, sandals, flats, etc. There is no real need for expensive hiking shoes or boots. If it just got done raining, hiking shoes or boots will be to your benefit though. In the winter, I highly recommend warm snow boots.
Parking at Daves Falls
Parking in the Spring, Summer, and Fall
You can easily access the road to the well paved parking lot any time of the year since it is fairly close to Highway 141. There is usually a place to park, but there have been days were the lot is fairly full. Weekends, Holidays, and summer are always busier than other days of the year.
Parking in the Winter
The parking lot is not plowed in the winter and there is actually a gate that is closed to prevent vehicles from entering the parking lot. My thought is that too many people got their cars stuck with the steep incline out the parking lot there. You will have to park along the road near the gate and walk down the road to access the falls in the winter. Be prepared with snow boots, hats, and gloves to stay comfortable on your hike in.
To be honest, the hike in on the road during the winter is an added view that I always fall in love with. The road, snow, trees and sunlight add a beautiful moment to the entrance to the park.
Restrooms Near the Parking Area
There are two outhouses that are easily accessible near the parking lot and well maintained by the county parks department. They do not have running water.
Dogs Are Allowed at Dave's Falls
Just like any state or county park, I would recommend having your dog on a leash. It prevents any issues from happening with other dogs or your furry friend from running off into the woods. As always, be cool and bring bags just it case your dog has to go number two!
Hiking with Kids.
Playground and Picnic Area
There is a small playground are for kids to play on near the parking lot. There are also benches and picnic tables available to use for picnics and gatherings. Little kids and toddlers should be supervised when near the falls and the river. The currents can be strong and deceiving. Most the the trails shouldn't be an issue for kids over the age of six.
Swimming at Dave's Falls
The water doesn't seem to get very deep and there are strong currents almost everywhere. There are areas around the falls where you could wade in the water, but please proceed with caution. The bottom can be rocky and you could easily roll an ankle.
Camping near Dave's Falls
Unfortunately you are not allowed to camp overnight on the property, but there are plenty of campgrounds in the area. Shakey Lakes Campground is the only place I have personally been to. As I learn more, I will share other locations as well.
My favorite restaurants near Dave's Falls
When I drive up Dave's Falls, there are three places I try to make my way to. Each location is a little different, yet the same. When you're "up north" you're mostly going to find a lot of greasy spoon/diner style restaurants. Those types of places are hold a special place in my heart though. It's just kind of a part of the northern Wisconsin experience!
Patti's Platter (aka Mary's Place) - Beecher, WI
This is the first restaurant I recommend since it is closest to Dave's Falls. Patti's Platter used to be called Mary's Place and I still end up calling it that among friends. If you're looking for big plate of breakfast food, this is it. They also offer sandwiches, fish plates, and burgers as well. It's right off the side of highway 141, so it's hard to miss.
B's Country Cafe - Iron Mountain, MI
If you end up driving to see Piers Gorge on the same day, try to hit up B's Country Cafe in the morning or for lunch. They are only open until 2pm. This place has a very similar menu to Patti's Platter, but I think it tastes better. Awesome and cheap breakfast food. You can't go wrong. They also have these giant cinnamon rolls that my friend Gary loves to get and share among friends. It's freakin huge. Way too big for one person. Like honestly four people could easily share it together.
Fishing on the Pike River
While I have not gone fishing there myself, I have seen many people fly fishing and casting lures both above and below the falls. I have never seen anyone catch anything, but apparently you can catch trout in the area.
The History and Geology of Dave's Falls.
I've always been curious about the history of places I visit and why they are the way there are. Geology and stuff you know!? So I just want to share some facts that I've discovered doing a little digging online.
History of Dave's Falls
Originally called Pem-a-wan Falls, this scenic area is named after Dave Frechette, a lumberjack who tried to clear a log jam and lost his life to the falls in 1881. Floating logs down the Pike River would take them through some falls that were life threatening. During the lumber boom, companies would use the Pike River to float the logged pines to the Menominee River and then on to the saw mills in Marinette, WI.
Where does the water from Dave's Falls Go?
Dave's Falls is on the Pike River, which is a tributary of the Menominee River, and eventually makes it's way into Lake Michigan. It's crazy to think about where all the water comes from and where it ends up.
Geology of the Area
The Amberg Granite is one of the most extensive in Wisconsin. It is well known for its great variety of color and texture. The two most common types are a fine-grained gray granite and a course-grained red granite known as "Amberg red." These granites were a valuable commodity in the late 19th century and early 20th century, causing quarries to be started in the area.
Views in the Spring and Summer
Views of Dave's Falls in Autumn
Views of Dave's Falls in the Winter
Did you like this guide?
Please share this page with others! We really appreciate any support we can get and look forward to continue providing a valuable resource for exploring the Midwest and more.
