It always amazing that a small stream like this off shoot of the Amnicon River can create such a large and beautiful waterfall a few feet downstream.
Before the Falls
Picture of the Day for June 4, 2015
It may not get as many visitors as the Upper and Lower Falls on the Amnicon River, but the Snake Pit Falls is an interesting and twisting waterfall. The river splits in two as it flows around an island along the Douglas Fault (site of earthquakes that occurred about a half billion years ago), with the Snake Pit Falls on the far side of the island. Several smaller drops occur upstream from Snake Pit Falls, before it drops about 12 feet and then twists at a 90 degree angle and drops another 10 feet through the narrow gorge. I didn’t hike to the bottom of the second drop so the view is from the 90 degree bend after the first drop.
The Twist of the Snake Pit Falls
A short video of the twisting Snake Pit Falls.
Picture of the Day for January 30, 2015
I haven’t ventured to Amnicon Falls State Park in the winter time to see the river frozen over and the landscape covered in white. It has been a warmer January so I wonder if there is some open water. I wouldn’t mind visiting the falls and Horton bridge again, as each season offers a different sight from the rushing water of springtime melting changing to the summer greenery that fades to a quieter falls in the autumn with orange and yellow backdrop until the barren trees are blanketed in white again, ready to repeat the cycle.
Water Under the Bridge
Picture of the Day for December 16, 2014
The Amnicon River splits before the Upper Falls in Wisconsin’s Amnicon State Park, creating an rocky island about 500 feet wide and long, and the 55 foot Horton Bridge spans the river to provide access across the river. The bowstring bridge is historically significant due both to its age and unusual construction.
In 1897 and 1898, Charles M. Horton, while working in Duluth and Superior, obtained a number of patents for bridges that he claimed made them stronger, lighter and more durable. In addition, he said his design would allow workers to quickly assemble the structure without expensive machinery, tools and labor. His method called for using arched beams secured with hooks and clips rather than rivets and bolts.
The bridge was originally used as highway bridge and moved to the park in 1930 and a roof was added in 1939.
Horton Covered Bridge
Picture of the Day for November 6, 2014
The view at the upper falls on the Amnicon River has changed from two months ago. In September when this picture was taken, the trees were all green yet while last month the turning leaves would have added a array of colors on the scene. This month the trees would be bare except the evergreens and soon the ground will be white and ice forming on the water. Maybe next year I can head up north to see the falls in the autumn glorious colors.
Amnicon Upper Falls
Picture of the Day for October 25, 2014
One of the waterfalls in the Amnicon Falls State Park is called Snake Pit Falls and I can see why it was named that as it snakes and winds around the rock walls. I couldn’t get all the twists in the picture – apparently it is a long snake!
Snake Pit Falls
Picture of the Day for October 22, 2014
Before the water reaches the Upper Falls on the Amnicon River, it makes travels over numerous small drops and cascading rapids until the water rushes over the series of bigger falls to its final destination into Lake Superior.
Rapids on the Amnicon
