WISCONSIN—A true Wisconsin gem, Morgan Falls is a popular point of interest on the Great Divide District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Some 70 feet at its highest point, the waterfall slows to a trickle during the winter months. However, this isn’t a deterrent for the hundreds of visitors who travel, sometimes over 2.5 hours, to participate in what has become a community social high point of the winter season, the Morgan Falls candlelight hike.

“Morgan Falls is one of the incredible treasures of the Wisconsin Northwoods and this hike has become a favorite annual tradition for many people,” said Katie LeMoine, assistant recreation program manager.

The annual event takes place at the Morgan Falls/St. Peter’s Dome Recreation Area. Forest employees groomed and packed the trail and hauled wood to light a warming fire, while volunteers made cookies. Site fees were waived for event participants on the 1.6-mile family-friendly hike to Morgan Falls.

“In late winter the warmer temperatures entice people outdoors, and with the moonlight shining through the trees and the flickering of the candlelight on the path, the night hike to Morgan Falls was perfect. I love greeting the visitors and enjoyed seeing all of their smiling faces and families out enjoying their public lands,” LeMoine said.

The Morgan Falls/St. Peter’s recreation area features two popular trails—one leading to the falls and the other to a scenic overlook at the top of St. Peter's Dome. The area was severely affected by flooding in 2016; the parking area and a majority of the trail was washed out. Site recovery involved moving the parking area to a more sustainable location and rebuilding the trail to withstand future severe rain. The trail’s rehabilitation included making it an accessible trail, including its boardwalk and bridge.

Thanks to these recovery efforts, this special place remains available for everyone to enjoy, whether on private family picnics, individually or as part of community gatherings like the recent winter hike.