Autumn Colors #7 -- Copper Falls

Copper Falls State Park

The Bad River flows through about two miles of steep-walled canyons of awesome and rugged splendor, as it passes through Ashland County and empties into Lake Superior.  The walls of the gorge rise 60 to 100 feet, and with the rushing river add up to breathtaking and exceptional scenic experiences. The river has been cutting through an outcropping of resistant rock for thousands of years forming the sights you see today.

 Lots of steps to get to the tower!

 Finally the tower - more steps!

Autumn Colors from the top to the tower.

During the past several thousand years, many different Indian tribes lived in this region.  The earliest Indians followed the retreating glacier’s edge as nomadic hunters, and killed giant mastodons for food.  Old Copper Culture Indians lived here for many centuries mining pure copper veins for copper from which to make hunting weapons and tools.  The most recent Indians in this region were the Sioux and Chippewa.  They were here when the French first came to Lake Superior country.

 Someone did a little sculpture work - cairns.

 Nice place to rest.

 Interesting moss growth.

The first trails and bridges in this park were built in 1920 and 1921 by returning veterans of World War 1.  Today there are miles of trails with absolutely beautiful views at every turn.

Hope you enjoyed the travels to Copper Falls.