🌊🐾 Hiking to Wisconsin’s Tallest Waterfall at Pattison State Park – Superior, WI

On this leg of our Life on Paws and Wheels journey, Simba the Adventure Pup and I ventured to Pattison State Park in Superior, Wisconsin — home to the tallest waterfall in the state: Big Manitou Falls, standing a jaw-dropping 165 feet tall! 🌲🌊

This was one of those hikes that makes you pause, breathe it all in, and just say: "Wow."

📍 Location Details

Park: Pattison State Park
City: Superior, Wisconsin
Trail: Manitou Falls Trail
Waterfalls: Big Manitou Falls & Little Manitou Falls
Dog-Friendly: 100%! Simba loved every step of this one.
RV Access: Yes – easy parking for RVs and trailers.

🥾 Trail Overview: Manitou Falls Trail

The Manitou Falls Trail was the perfect route to see both Big and Little Manitou Falls. This scenic path took us:

• Along peaceful wooded stretches with plenty of shade ☀️🌳
• Over rustic footbridges spanning small streams and ravines
• To multiple overlooks, offering dramatic waterfall views
• Near the Black River Gorge, carved by glacial meltwater

Simba was in trail-dog heaven — ears perked, tail wagging, and paws eager for every new scent and sound.

🌊 Big Manitou Falls – A Midwest Wonder

At 165 feet, Big Manitou Falls is the 4th tallest waterfall east of the Rockies and towers above the surrounding gorge with a thunderous roar. The viewing platforms let you see it from several angles, and it's honestly hard to capture just how massive and powerful it is on camera — but we tried!

Just down the trail, Little Manitou Falls provides a more intimate and tranquil scene, and it’s just as beautiful in its own way.

🐶 Simba’s Trail Report

Simba gave this hike four enthusiastic paws up. He loved:

• Splashing in nearby creeks (on leash, of course)
• Exploring wooded side trails and lookout points
• Enjoying a snack and water break with a view

This park is truly dog-friendly, with well-maintained trails, accessible rest stops, and welcoming signage for leashed pups.

🎥 Why We Loved This Stop

We’re always on the lookout for dog-friendly state parks, and Pattison delivered in every way — especially if you’re a sucker for waterfalls (like I am 🙋‍♀️).

If you’re road-tripping through northern Wisconsin, don’t skip this park — the combination of scenic beauty, trail variety, and accessible views makes it a highlight of our Midwest travels.

🚐 Life on Paws and Wheels

This waterfall adventure is part of our full-time RV travel series, where Simba and I hit the road to explore trails, parks, quirky roadside stops, and pet-friendly places across the U.S. 🐾

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See you on the next trail! 💛