We told you about how great Amnicon Falls State Park is when we gave you this awesome Wisconsin waterfalls road trip, but there's actually so much more to see there than just the falls. This area of Wisconsin is rich with history - millions and billions of years of it. Definitely take time to appreciate and enjoy the waterfalls, but make sure you read up on the history of the area and then go looking for the signs of that history throughout the park. You're going to love this waterfall hiking trail in Wisconsin.
There are more than two miles of hiking trails through this state park way up north and those trails help you discover amazing scenery and proof of a world we can barely even imagine today.
The best part of the park is that it showcases quite a few different periods and geological movements and you'll see evidence of so much history here.
This park sits on what is known as Douglas Fault. This fault line triggered earthquakes more than half a billion years ago.
The dark basalt of the upper falls is actually remnants of billion-year-old lava that flowed in the area from ancient volcanoes.
About 500 million years ago, The bedrock south of the fault slowly moved upward and you can see the remnants of that.
Fast forward a few million years and Wisconsin was basically a big ocean. The splintered layers you see are sandstone from silt that was deposited by rivers that flowed into this ocean.
The Amnicon River has undermined some of the sandstone, creating some amazing cliffs and smooth spots.
More recently (relatively) glaciers moved through this area, bringing different types of rocks and silt, including granite from Canada.
As the winter turns to spring, the runoff turns the river and falls brown, giving the whole area a totally different look.
As the glacier melted, the land started to form as we know know it today. As the waters receded, holes and gorges were worn in the sandstone and they show up when the river levels run low.
Walking through this park will help transport you to a different time in this very same place because you'll see the evidence of that other time.
What is more unique than being able to see a billion years, a half a billion years, and a million years of history right there at your fingertips?
It's easy to see why Amnicon Falls is one of the best state parks in Wisconsin. You'll find this beautiful oasis at 4279 S County Road U, South Range, WI 54874.
Have you explored Amnicon Falls State Park yet and taken this waterfall hiking trail in Wisconsin? Where's your favorite place to see Wisconsin nature?
Looking for more waterfalls in Wisconsin? Check out these 11 gorgeous hiking trails!
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