About Grandfather Falls
Grandfather Falls is a named waterfall in Lincoln County, Wisconsin, located about 10.0 miles northwest of Merrill. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Grandfather Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 45°18′14″ N, 89°47′25″ W (45.30386, -89.79041). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Grandfather Flowage 2295 (reservoir, 1.1 mi), Ripley Creek (stream, 1.1 mi), and Posey Rapids (rapids, 1.6 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Rainbow Rapids, 37 miles to the north.
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Grandfather Falls:
area by the fallsice age trailnarrow trailhydroelectric plantlarge rocks and rootsrocky walkgetting feet wetrock climbingriverfishing
More Photos
299 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Grandfather Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Grandfather Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Chicago time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Grandfather Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Grandfather Falls holds a 4.4 average from 46 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Grandfather Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Grandfather Flowage 2295 — reservoir, 1.1 mi
- Ripley Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Posey Rapids — rapids, 1.6 mi
- Alery Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 45.30386, -89.79041. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Grandfather Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Grandfather Falls located?
Grandfather Falls is in Lincoln County, Wisconsin, about 10.0 miles northwest of Merrill. Its coordinates are 45.30386, -89.79041 (45°18′14″ N, 89°47′25″ W).
What town is closest to Grandfather Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Merrill, WI, about 10.0 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Grandfather Falls?
The closest is Rainbow Rapids (37 mi north).
Which USGS topographic map shows Grandfather Falls?
Grandfather Falls appears on the USGS Grandfather Falls 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.