Top 5 Waterfalls Within Driving Distance of Madison, WI

Waterfalls in Wisconsin? There sure are! In fact, you may be surprised to hear of the many beautiful waterfalls that are within driving distance of Madison. So, if you’re looking for a nice little day trip to get out of the house and you feel like a good adventure, you’ve found the right place!

Black Bear Falls – 45 Minutes North

Devil’s Lake State Park – Baraboo, Wi.

Black Bear Falls is located in Devil’s Lake State Park – it’s in the southwest corner of the park in an area called Pine Hollow. This is a beautiful waterfall that falls about 20-30 feet from the top of the cliff – the waterfalls down an overgrown boulder field before it laps into the stream at the bottom of the valley.

Getting to the falls is worth it – you need to drive to the end of the unpaved Burma Rd. (this is a pretty winding road). Once you have reached the end of Burma Road, just hide southwest, then climb down into a gorge – the gorge is pretty steep, so be prepared for this.

Stephens Falls – 45 Minutes West

Governor Dodge State Park – Dodgeville, Wi.

This is a 20-foot waterfall that is absolutely stunning. You can see it from the overlook on Stephens Falls Trail, which is located in Governor Dodge State Park – you’ll have to go up some stone steps.

Parfrey’s Glen – 45 Minutes North

1377 County Rd. Dl, Merrimac, Wi.

Parfrey’s Glen is located within Devil’s Lake State Park, approximately 4 miles to the east. Fun fact: This was Wisconsin’s first designated State Natural Area. As a visitor, you will be allowed to hike along the stream and up the pool right below the waterfall, but you won’t be able to go beyond the falls.

Pewit’s Nest State Natural Area – 45 Minutes North

County Highway W – Baraboo, Wi

Pewit’s Nest is a natural gorge that has been beautifully cut by a tiny stream known as Skillet Creek. To get to the waterfall, you will have to go down a ½ mile walking trail. This trail leads to the gorge and you will also have a beautiful lookout area on the cliffs.

Pewit’s Nest actually features numerous small waterfalls that have all been formed by Skillet Creek. There’s also a sandy beach and a deep clear pool, which is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day in Wisconsin.

December Falls – 45 Minutes North

Devil’s Lake State Park – Baraboo, Wi

December Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Devil’s Lake State Park. It can be found along the Roznos Meadow Trail on the South Shore Road. You can hear and see the waterfall from the trail. This waterfall drops approximately 15 feet before it slides over the stone and slips below the boulders and most of all, it is easily accessible.

There you have it – the top 5 waterfalls that you should visit. All 5 of these waterfalls are within driving distance of Madison, Wisconsin, so if you have a good vehicle, there is no reason you shouldn’t visit these waterfalls. 

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