Apple River Falls Guide Before Visiting 2026 Updated

Apple River Falls is a waterfall in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, about 3.0 miles northwest of Somerset. This guide covers what to check, bring and expect before you go, using visitor ratings, official USGS records and live conditions for this exact location.

At a glance

Location

St. Croix County, WI

Nearest town

Somerset (3.0 mi)

Visitor rating

★★★★☆ 3.9 from 28 reviews

Crowds

Quieter

Coordinates

45.15747, -92.71215

USGS topo

Somerset North quad

Getting there

Apple River Falls sits about 3.0 miles northwest of Somerset in St. Croix County. Google lists the address as Somerset, WI 54025.

Open directions in Google Maps or Apple Maps, or view the map on the Apple River Falls listing. Navigation apps sometimes route onto seasonal forest roads, so check road status if you are heading into the mountains.

Wisconsin's best-known falls are in state parks such as Pattison, Amnicon Falls and Copper Falls, which require a state park vehicle admission sticker, and in county parks, notably in Marinette County. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest manages others. Falls in Menominee County are on the Menominee Indian Reservation, where access rules are set by the Menominee Nation, so check before visiting. Some northern sites are reached by gravel roads, and cell coverage can be patchy. Hazards include slippery rock, steep gorges with unfenced edges, cold water in spring, and powerful currents during high flow. Ticks are common in summer woods, and winter ice near falls can be deceptive.

What to bring

This checklist is tailored to Apple River Falls based on what visitors report and the conditions typical of Wisconsin. For the complete list, see our waterfall hike packing guide.

• Offline map and coordinates. Save 45.15747, -92.71215 and download offline maps; cell service is often weak near waterfalls.
• Shoes with real grip. Rock near falling water stays wet and slick even in dry weather.
• Water and a snack. More than you think you need, even for a short walk.
• A light rain layer. Spray from the falls and quick-moving showers can soak you.
• Warm layers. Northern and mountain weather changes quickly; spring and fall mornings can be near freezing.
• Headlamp. In case your visit runs later than planned; check sunset time in the conditions panel above.

How to prepare

Timing

Spring is peak season for Wisconsin waterfalls. Snowmelt in April and May, along with spring rain, sends the strongest flows over the falls, especially in the north, where melt can continue into May. Black flies and mosquitoes become thick in the northern woods by late May and June. Summer flows are lower but usually steady, and the state parks along Lake Superior and in the northeast are busiest from late June through August. Fall color typically peaks in the north in late September to early October and moves south through mid-October; autumn rains can restore flow. Winter turns many falls into ice formations, and some state parks maintain winter trails, but heavy snow, cold and short days require preparation. With 28 reviews, it sees fewer visitors than the region's headline falls, so you may have it to yourself on a weekday.

Safety

Stay behind railings and off wet rock, never climb on the falls, and keep children within arm's reach near the water. Check the weather panel above for flood or storm alerts before you set out; water levels can rise fast after upstream rain. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.

Respect the place

Pack out everything you bring, stay on established paths to limit erosion, and leave rocks and plants where they are. See Leave No Trace at waterfalls.

What visitors say

Apple River Falls holds a 3.9-star average across 28 Google reviews, and 61% of reviewers give it five stars. That makes it the most reviewed waterfall in St. Croix County. Visitors have shared 124 photos.

See the rating breakdown or read reviews on Google.

History of the area

Apple River Falls was entered in the Geographic Names Information System on August 29, 1980, and it appears on the USGS Somerset North 7.5-minute topographic map.

Its neighbors on the map tell the story of the surrounding land: Apple Falls Flowage (reservoir, 0.3 mi) and Apple River (stream, 1.9 mi).

Central Sands and the Western Valleys. Across central and western Wisconsin, falls tend to be small ledges where rivers cut through sandstone. Jackson County, around Black River Falls, and Eau Claire County each have two listed falls, and Wood and Waupaca counties have one each. Sauk County lies near the Baraboo Hills and the edge of the Driftless Area, and St. Croix County sits along the St. Croix River on the Minnesota border. Manitowoc County, near Lake Michigan, adds an isolated fall. These sites are often in local parks and are easy to combine with other outings.

Nearby waterfalls to add to your trip

Summary

Apple River Falls about 3.0 miles northwest of Somerset is rated 3.9 out of 5 by 28 visitors. Check the live forecast and stream gauge above, save the coordinates for offline use, and pack for wet, uneven ground. Ratings, hours and access can change, so confirm conditions with the land manager before you drive out.

See the full Apple River Falls listing for the map, photos and nearby landmarks.