Strong Falls is a 6-foot tiered cascade on the Peshtigo River in Goodman Park, Marinette County, Wisconsin, near Athelstane. The river narrows and tumbles over a series of ledges beside a county park, where footbridges and short trails give views from both the bank and an island.
The falls
The falls drops about 6 feet in a 10-yard stretch over several ledges, with a main center drop of more than 4 feet, and is also known under the alias Horse Race Falls. On the island next to the main drops, a short trail system with boardwalks overlooks smaller falls beneath tall cedars.
Getting there
Goodman Park is on Goodman Park Road south of Benson Lake Road, and road signs lead to the entrance. Visitors can park in the main lot and follow a wide trail past the cabins to the river. Marinette County charges $5 per vehicle for a day pass, sold at the park entrance (exact change preferred), online or at the county courthouse; a county annual sticker also covers entry. The separate Strong Falls Trailhead needs no park pass, but that exemption doesn't apply when entering through Goodman Park.
When to go
The park is used in winter, with past events including a February candlelight hike and snowshoe across the lantern-lit bridge over the falls.
On site
Several trails cross the river on footbridges with views of the falls. Kayakers rate the main drops Class IV and run them in medium to high water; in low flows the ledges are shallow, and boulders at the base can crack a boat. Paddlers should land at the stone wall on river left above the footbridge to scout or portage. A private residence sits on one side of the river beside the falls; visitors should stay on park land. Leashed dogs are welcome in county parks, though the county discourages them on its blue and black trails. The campground has 15 sites, vault toilets and drinking water.
History and name
Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Dunbar began developing the park in 1936, and the county named it for Robert B. Goodman in 1938.
Nearby
Jerry Chute, also on the Peshtigo River, and Armstrong Creek Falls are each about 8 miles away. Eagle Creek Falls is about 10 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.