Big Falls County Park — Attraction in Town of Seymour

Most versatile outdoor park in the greater Chippewa Falls area. Whether you're going for privacy, social interaction, swimming, wading, sunbathing, fishing, nature watching (including bald eagles--I saw three there), trail running, beach sports, photography, you name it... you have it here. Everything EXCEPT mountain biking. I would ride a road bike here from the Staybridge Suites Altoona, which alone is a nice ride, then the path from the south entrance down to the falls. Downstream to the left, there's a big island with some sparse trees where teens are usually out playing volleyball, drinking beers, tanning and listening to music. Busier on the weekends, during the summer and later in the evenings. To the right of the falls (upstream), there's a small beach that usually has a handful of people laying out as well, perhaps reading books or lost in thought or splashing in the river. Cross the river there--usually no more than waist-deep for me [5'11"] and walk into the woods perpendicular to the river on the opposite side until intersecting a path within two minutes. OPTION A: Turn right, and it travels upstream... there are a total of 4 miles worth of paths if you follow them all. Beautiful trails. Common plants are Canadian ginger, bloodroot, dwarf ginseng, garlic mustard, horsetail and many others. A lot of deer, an occasional racoon at the creek, and some very small squirrels. OPTION B: Turn left, and follow the trail downstream with the river at your left. A couple of steep, sketchy trail spots but still navigable by all ages and skill levels. Follow this down to some cool rock formations, followed by a kayak splash point which doubles as a shallow water crossing to the aforementioned island, followed by junction with a hardball road that leads to the park's north entrance (arrive via north entrance if you're planning to kayak the river downstream of the falls). A stone's throw from the north parking lot, there's a single unimproved trail that shoots southwest; follow it 3/4 mile to a large, rather private beach on a point where the river hooks a dogleg. Here, the bald eagles fish for giant muskie--the largest members of the pike family--as evidenced by the scales and skeletal remains of the fish among sign of the majestic bird (feathers, talon prints, eagles flying overhead). I visited this park about ten times. Worth the visit. $5 daily car parking fee ($30 annual for...

I absolutely have enjoyed coming to this park for over 20 years. It's great to see the natural beauty that's there. It's very peaceful to go listen to the falls and nice to hear groups of people having fun along the beaches in the summer.

Unfortunately if you have a disability which prevents you from walking on uneven terrain or rugged terrain this park is not going to be very accessible by the falls area.

The other issue with the park is that Park goers need to take their trash OUT with them when they leave. There are trash bins provided at the entrance of the park but once you get to the falls you need to be responsible for your own trash and take it out.

Park-goers should also be aware that it is a Falls area and the water has a strong current so any swimming in the park needs to be done carefully. Highly suggest going swiming with a buddy and being aware of drop offs in the water.

If you are able to get down the beach and through some of the train there are really beautiful sites hiking along the waterways and there have been for decades so I hope we all can keep it...

Beautiful park but they will ticket you any chance possible. Be CAREFUL.

*went to the park with friends. Friends went ahead with some items, while I was busy unloading other items. Realized I sent my $5 cash for park fee with friends. Ran a few yards to catch up with friends and got the cash. (Still within sight of the car) Came back to vehicle (which had doors and trunk open, evidence I had left the scene in a rush) to a parks n rec official ticketing me $50 for not paying entrance free. I tried to explain I did in fact have the entrance fee ready but misplaced it for a moment but the official wouldn't hear any of it. Told me 'You can either pay it or call on Monday to fight it'...