Enchanted Trails Tour

Veteran’s Falls in Veteran’s Memorial Park

waterfalls

Located on the Thunder River, Veteran’s Falls is located west of Crivitz just off of the southern end of Parkway Road. Follow Cty. Hwy. W west out of Crivitz to Parkway Road North. Veteran’s Park is located 3 miles north of W on Parkway Road. From Crivitz, it takes about 15-20 minutes (14 miles). A large picnic area and children’s playground greet you right off the parking lot, and a campground is nearby. Take the many wood and stone steps at the rear of the play area down to the Thunder River where you’ll find several falls and exquisite scenery and photo opportunities. From Veteran’s Park to Twin Bridges Park is about 10 minutes (5 miles). Here you’ll find a large children’s play area, a very large picnic area, and lovely sand beaches along High Falls Flowage of the Peshtigo River. This is a popular family friendly spot where you can enjoy fishing, swimming, canoeing, jet skiing, boating, hiking, picnicking, camping and more.

Shortly beyond Twin Bridges Park, as you continue north on Parkway Road, you’ll pass the turn-off for the entrance to Governor Thompson State Park. This new state park is open to the public. Hiking trails and the lovely Woods Lake offer another natural respite. For more information on Governor Thompson State Park, call 715-757-3979. Keep going north on Parkway, about 8 miles north of Twin Bridges Park, to Cty. Hwy. C and turn left to follow Parkway.

Parkway continues north about 1/2 mile west off County Hwy. C where you’ll turn right and follow the designated Rustic Road sign. Marinette County has assumed responsibility for maintenance of Parkway Road from here to Hwy. 8 and have re-named it Cty. Hwy. I. Some improvements have been made, but it will remain generally winding with speed limits ranging from 25 to 45 m.p.h., and is the longest designated rustic road in the state.

About 5 miles north of Hwy. C on Parkway, notice the sign on the left describing the area as Marinette County Beech Forest. This 40 acre site is being preserved in a natural condition to encourage research and education. This is a State Natural Area sponsored by Marinette County in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources.

McClintock Falls in McClintock Park

About 15 miles (25 minutes) from Twin Bridges Park is the entrance to McClintock Park Campground. The park entrance is about 1/2 mile further north on Parkway Road. McClintock Park's Campground is the first ATV-friendly campground in Marinette County. For more information, contact Marinette County Parks at 715-732-7530. Drive another 1/2 mile north of the campground on Parkway Road to the entrance to McClintock Park. Enjoy a short stroll over scenic waters on bridges that connect miniature islands within the park’s boundaries. The “falls” is actually a series of rapids beneath the many bridges.

Strong Falls in Goodman Park

Almost 2 miles (5 minutes) north of McClintock Park is the turn-off to Goodman Park (follow the sign). You actually leave Parkway Road for a shorter and more direct trip to Goodman Park. An observant passenger might see deer and other wildlife, including a possible black bear, along the way.

About another mile and you’ll be at the entrance to Goodman Park. Park your car in the designated parking lot and follow the trails to the river. Strong Falls, located on the Peshtigo River, are easily accessible. This lovely park offers cabins and lodges, scenic bridges and walkways, a picnic area, a children’s play area, a campground, and a unique, covered firepit. Goodman Park Cabin is available for overnight rentals and the Lodge is rented for day use. For more information, contact Marinette County Parks and Outdoor Recreation at 715-732-7530.

Continue north on Parkway Road about 10 miles (20 minutes) to Hwy. 8. Turn right toward Dunbar (about 8 miles), where you’ll find an assortment of stops you can make.