Why do we love waterfalls? Is it their power? Hundreds of thousands of gallons of falling water-the hydrogen dominant substance of life-making us feel small and insignificant? Or is it their awe-inspiring beauty? Waterfalls can often be found in remote and mysterious locations such as mist shrouded forests or rocky gorges. Perhaps it is the usually adventurous and rewarding hikes which are required to arrive at them. Or perhaps they just make epic skinny-dipping locations?
I love waterfalls because they stimulate my senses. There is almost always a noise which accompanies them; sometimes a pleasant bubbling cascade and other times a thunderous torrent. When I look at them I see beauty, chaos and raw power. My brain, always looking for order, tries to make sense of it, but then throws in the towel and just accepts what’s before me as a visual gift from nature. There is then the spray and smell of a rushing and pulsing clean body of water. My skin, nose and eyes love it as if it triggers my most basic human instinct to seek fresh water – the elixir of life – which we all rely on to survive.
It turns out that there is actually a scientific explanation for why homo-sapiens love waterfalls: negative ions. Waterfalls release negative ions, and when we are near them we soak those ions up as positive energy. Once they enter our blood stream, our production of serotonin increased, therefore making us naturally happier.
This, of course, enhances the skinny-dipping experience.
So, when Falcon Guidebooks asked me if I wanted to write a waterfall guide for Wisconsin, I rolled up my sleeves, took off my shoes (intentionally forgot my bathing suit), and hit the road to hike and map 50 different features of cascading water.
Extracted from my upcoming book: “Waterfall Hikes of Wisconsin”:
“Wisconsin introduces an intricate landscape with a diversity of unusual waterways and eye-catching rock features. The waterfalls in our state have their own personalities as if crafted to compliment and adorn the distinctive natural beauty which surround them. Steep-sided canyons and sandstone bluffs collide with grid-like farmland and interconnected rivers. Sizeable rivers and marshlands appear unexpectedly and ribbon their way through the countryside, nourishing local crops and creating thriving environments for a rich variety of wildlife. Lumpy forested bluffs dotted with scenic ski and bike trails offer incredible hiking and camping destinations. It is the magnificent variety of rivers, creeks and streams which pulse and flow through this area like arteries to create beautiful water features and memorable waterfalls.
Many of these waterways meander east like coiled ribbons eventually emptying into Lake Michigan. These waters, sacred to the indigenous peoples of southeastern Wisconsin, are woven into the fabric of the urban and suburban landscape resulting in an area which showcases multiple impressive and easy to explore waterfalls. The intricate waterways which create them are an integral part of both the health and beauty of the region. The intensity of these various water features and their auditory bubbling reflect that of Wisconsin’s beer drenched and motorcycle loving roots: Miller beer and Harley Davidson.
Wisconsin is home to multiple bustling metro areas as well as quieter towns and villages. Here you will find a variety of farmer’s markets, brewery tours, summer festivals, vibrant art and music scenes and Summerfest: nation’s largest music festival. Many indigenous groups have called Wisconsin their home at some point in the last three centuries and some. Federally recognized tribes such including the Ho-Chunk, Menominee and Potawatomi, have active communities throughout the region and still hold significant portions of land. Elaborate museums, artifact shows and drum and dance festivals occur yearly, offering residents and visitors a look into the proud ethnic heritage and influence of these tribes into southeastern Wisconsin’s history.”