Best Waterfalls in the United States: 30+ Waterfalls to Visit
Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to go waterfall chasing. As an island girl, waterfalls are my second favourite place, after the beach. I just really love being near water. I particularly love waterfalls with a pool at the base so I can get in and take a refreshing dip.
Given the current situation regarding the pandemic, waterfalls can also be a great option to get out of the house. Many waterfalls are located in large parks, allowing a lot of space for social distancing. I’ve been exploring the waterfalls in Maryland and the general DMV-area. Even if you don’t choose to visit anywhere right now, you should definitely add some of these falls to your list of places in the United States to visit.
I must admit, visiting each state in the U.S. is on my travel bucket list but I have not accomplished it just yet. However, I was able to reach out to other travel bloggers to get their opinions on the best waterfalls to visit in each state. Check out the list below!
Note: The waterfalls are grouped according to the regions of the United States, then listed alphabetically by state.
Contents
Midwest
Illinois' St. Louis Canyon Waterfall
Illinois is known as the Prairie State, but despite its miles of flat farmland, Illinois has its share of beautiful waterfalls. One of the most popular is located in St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock State Park. The 80-foot waterfall sparkles as it flows over a moss-covered layered rock wall in a hidden alcove to a small shimmering pool below. The waterfall is spring fed and lasts long into the season.
From the Visitor’s Center, it’s an easy to moderate 3-mile round trip hike on a partly paved trail. You’ll climb four staircases encountering impressive canyon views along the way. For a shorter hike, there is a smaller parking area on the other side of St. Louis Canyon that is an easy 1.5 mile round trip hike. If you want to experience the falls in solitude, get there early before the crowds arrive, as more than 2 million people visit Starved Rock State Park each year.
– Deanne | Scenic and Savvy
Michigan's Tahquamenon Falls
Tahquamenon Falls is Michigan’s most famous waterfall. Consisting of a large upper falls and series of smaller cascades that make up the lower falls, it’s a fantastic place to visit. Located in the Upper Peninsula, it takes a while to get to these falls from most major cities, but the state park surrounding the waterfalls is worth the trip.
The Upper Falls area is easily accessible, with a paved trail leading to viewing points. Climbing down several flights of stairs is required if you wish to visit the brink of the waterfall. Don’t miss a stop at the brewery located at the Upper Falls parking area for some drinks and delicious food. To see the lower falls, you can hike a trail that follows the river four miles downstream or drive to another parking area. The Lower Falls can be viewed from the riverbank or by renting a row boat to visit the island in the middle of the river.
– Kris | Nomad by Trade
Minnesota's Caribou Falls
It just so happens that Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, is also home to some of the most beautiful and secluded waterfalls. One of the best waterfalls to visit on a weekend getaway to Minnesota’s North Shore is Caribou Falls.
Caribou Falls is just north of the beautiful Tettegouche State Park. The falls are located on a wayside rest area along the historic Highway 61. After parking, there’s an easy half-mile hike to reach the Caribou Falls. Make sure to pack water shoes and take a dip in the crashing torrential waves. That water will be icy cold but feels refreshing after a hot summer afternoon. Oftentimes when you visit, you’ll likely be the only soul to be found. This site is truly a hidden gem along Minnesota North’s shore.
– Martha | Quirky Globetrotter
Ohio's Waterfalls of Cuyahoga Valley National Park
When you think of waterfalls, Ohio does not often come to mind. However, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, south of Cleveland, has some of the best waterfalls begging to be explored.
Brandywine Falls is a stunning 60-foot drop waterfall fed from Brandywine Creek. Due to the natural rock formations within the park, a beautiful bridal veil cascading waterfall forms. The falls are reachable by an easy hike from the parking lot. Due to the moistness of the area, be careful not to slip!
Less than one mile away, you can visit Blue Hen Falls. Located 1/2 mile from its parking lot, an easy hike will take you to this 15-foot jewel named after the spring that feeds it upstream.
If you are adventurous, you can hike less than one mile to see spectacular Buttermilk Falls, only accessible via a hiking trail from Blue Hen Falls. Be advised, this moderate hike is not for beginners or the physically challenged. You will be rewarded with a lovely cascading waterfall.
These three waterfalls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park are very popular and parking lots fill up fast. Do not park along the side of the road or risk ticketing or being towed. Plan to visit early in the morning or later on in the afternoon. Ohio certainly does have some of the best waterfalls in the USA.
– Linda | Linda On The Run
South Dakota's Bridal Veil Falls
Spearfish Canyon Highway is a gorgeous 22-mile scenic road in the Black Hills area of South Dakota between the small towns of Spearfish and Lead. It is a phenomenal road trip but also is ranked as one of the top US bicycle rides. Bridal View Falls is about six miles into the drive from the Spearfish entrance with plenty of parking areas and scenic lookouts that allow for convenient views. You can also make a quick hike down to the river and to the waterfall itself.
Bridal View Falls is fullest in late spring after the winter snow has melted. Two other waterfalls can be found further into gorgeous Spearfish Canyon. Spearfish Falls is about a 1/2-mile hike and Roughlock Falls is a one-mile hike from the designated parking areas.
– Charles | McCool Travel
Northeast
Connecticut's Kent Falls
Kent Falls is located in Litchfield County, Connecticut at Kent Falls State Park. It is a beautiful place to visit just to see the waterfall or go on a short hike for more scenic vantage points.
The falls receive a steady stream of visitors all year for different reasons. In the summer, visitors come to wade in the water. In the spring, visitors enjoy the heavy flow from the snow melt. Then in the fall, the change of leaves attracts many out of town visitors. In the winter, Kent Falls usually freezes and it is a wonder to see. Picnics are also very common right by the falls as there is a huge grass area to run and play. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen, and one of my favorite on the East Coast
– Margie | DQ Family Travel
New Jersey's Boonton Waterfall
Boonton is a very old city in New Jersey, famous for antique shops. But the Boonton Waterfall is also famous here. You can spend a day with your friends and family, and definitely click some amazing photos. Besides the waterfall, you will see a deep river along with a dam.
Boonton Waterfall is very easy to reach. This lovely spot is situated on the side of Main Street in downtown Boonton. Take the road of the eastern bank of the Grace Lord Park and you will easily find the waterfall. Early June is the best time to visit. Please note, swimming and fishing is prohibited here.
– Ruma | TheHolidayStory
New Jersey's Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
Being the 2nd Strongest Waterfall East of the Mississippi, The Paterson Great Falls is a National Historical Park right in the heart of Paterson, New Jersey. There’s a ton of history involving this site, as Alexander Hamilton visited the site in 1778 to realize the power that could be harnessed to birth the Nation’s first industry city. Paterson Falls is very easy to see right from Overlook Park and an easier walk with a few stairs to get to the foot bridges that cross the fall’s gorge. You’re able to really get up close and personal to the water and get some great photos. After even a small rain storm it’s really a site to see!
You’re also able to enjoy the park and its trails that surround the Falls, as well as indulge in the historical buildings in the area. See a nice chunk of history when you visit The Great Paterson Falls.
– Amber | Run With Amber
New York's Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls (translating to Bobcat Stream Falls from Dutch) was immortalized by writers and famous painters of the early 19th Century drawing visitors to The Catskills to see nature’s beauty at its best. Still drawing over 100,000 people a year, the hiking options to see the largest cascading falls in New York state are the safest, and most inclusive, they’ve ever been. Recently the state made many safety improvements, created alternative entrances and hiking options to see this treasure. Most visitors think the lower entrance is the only way to see the falls, because it was for so long. However, there is now a ¼-mile paved trail providing access to view the upper falls from a new Viewing Platform. The Blue and Yellow Hiking Trails provide an opportunity to see the falls from various elevation points and are moderate to immediate in difficulty.
– Monica | Planner At Heart
New York's Taughannock Falls
The Finger Lakes region of New York state is famous for its breathtaking beauty, lakes, wineries and waterfalls. Overlooking the Cayuga lake are Taughannock Falls New York, even taller than Niagara Falls. The beauty of the falls can be enjoyed by viewing it from the Taughannock Falls Overlook Viewpoint, which can be easily reached by driving to the point. The falls can also be explored upclose at the Taughannock Falls State Park.
There are many trails in the State Park to enjoy hiking that take you to the base of the falls or along the rim. The Gorge Trail is an easy trail around 1 mile long that takes along the creek to the base of the waterfalls. The lush green trees shade the entire trail. The other trails are the North Rim Trail and the South Rim Trail with moderate difficulty levels that follow the gorge all the way up with some wonderful views of the gorge.
The State Park has picnic areas and pavilions near the Cayuga lake. This is the perfect place to sit and relax or indulge in activities like kayaking, boating, swimming or fishing in the Cayuga Lake.
– Neha | Travelmelodies
New York's Watkins Glen Falls
Watkins Glen State Park is located in New York’s Finger Lakes region and is home to nineteen waterfalls. The gorge descends 400 feet over a 1.5 mile span. Visitors have the option of beginning at the bottom of the park and making the hike up hill or, alternatively, can take the shuttle to the top of the gorge and make the descent down. The gorge consists of over 800 steps, so if making the ascend expect it to be a bit of work. However, if heading downward, the hike is relatively easy and can be done by hikers of all abilities.
As you hike along the trail you will be greeted by waterfall after waterfall. The most notable waterfalls along the trails are Cascade Caverns and Rainbow Falls. Cascade Cavern falls over a small cavern that the trail takes you through and then up a spiral staircase (you may get a little wet!). Rainbow Falls also allows visitors to walk behind it and if the lighting is right visitors might get a glimpse of the rainbow arc that the falls gets its name from. The variety of waterfalls as well as the beauty of the trail itself make it a unique location for waterfall chasers.
– Melissa | Navigation Junkie
Pennsylvannia's Cucumber Falls
Cucumber Falls is a beautiful waterfall you can find at Ohiopyle State Park in southwestern Pennsylvania. After a short hike, you will see the beautiful waterfall. However, if you want a better view, you will have the opportunity to go rock hopping until you find a better vantage point of the falls. This is a great waterfall because the trek is easy for people of all skill levels. If you have small children or older family members, you will still be able to successfully hike this short trail to see breathtaking views! A bonus is that the park is also home to other beautiful waterfalls you can easily view, as well.
– Raquel | Meals and Mile Markers
Vermont's Moss Glen Falls
Moss Glen Falls is a popular waterfall close to the destination town of Stowe, Vermont. There are several cascades in the falls making the total drop about 125 feet, one of the highest in Vermont. Located in C.C. Putnam State Forest, the hike and the parking are free. However, you won’t find any facilities such as restrooms or picnic tables.
The hike into the waterfall is only 10-15 minutes so it’s a busy place on a warm sunny day. Continuing up a steep trail through the forest brings spectacular views of the upper falls and the mossy gorge that gives the waterfall its name.
Interestingly, Moss Glen Falls is a popular name in Vermont because there is another waterfall by that name in Granville. So make sure to go to the right one. On second thought, that waterfall is beautiful too so it doesn’t really matter if you get lost.
– Karen | Outdoor Adventure Sampler
Southeast
Florida's Rainbow Springs
When people think about chasing waterfalls, images of those towering a million gallons a minute often come to mind. What likely isn’t at the forefront of anyone’s thought process is to check out the flat state of Florida.
While Florida is best known for its pristine beaches and palm trees, the Sunshine State offers quite a few surprises for out-of-towners looking to escape reality for a little while. One of those surprises is at Rainbow Springs State Park, where a few waterfalls flow freely in the mossy hammocks near sapphire-blue and clear spring water.
Although the three waterfalls at Rainbow Springs are man-made and were constructed in the mid-1900s, the two tallest waterfalls, one towering to 60 feet high, would fool even the most inclined waterfall chasers. Since it’s a State Park, getting to the waterfalls requires about a half-mile hike on paved sidewalks. The park is also conveniently located about 1.5 hours from both Orlando and Tampa, making it a great detour on a theme park vacation.
– Jarrod | Ramble Around the World
Georgia's Amicalola Falls
At 729 feet, Amicalola Falls is Georgia’s tallest waterfall and is the main attraction of the popular Amicalola Falls State Park in North Georgia.
From the Visitors Center you can take the West Ridge Falls Access Trail, an easy 0.3 mile wheelchair accessible walk to a reflecting pool at the base of the falls.
The most popular hike is the 2.1-mile Base of the Falls Trail rated moderate to strenuous for the steep elevation change. The trail follows the creek and includes bridges and several hundred stairs with beautiful vantage points and a few benches to rest.
If you’re up for more of a hike, from the top of the waterfall take the 7.5-mile AT Approach Trail to reach the southernmost part of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain.
– Jan | The Travel 100
Maryland's Kilgore Falls
Maryland’s second-highest waterfall, Kilgore Falls features a 17-foot high drop and is a great family-friendly day trip from Baltimore or other nearby areas. It is officially a part of the Rocks State Park but is located on a separate 67-acre-plot of land about five miles north of the main park. The hike to the waterfall from the parking lot is easy, taking only about 10-15 minutes, but is not wheelchair or stroller accessible due to tree roots. Accessing the waterfall is free all year-round. However, during peak season (May to November), you are required to register for a parking permit before visiting the park to limit the number of visitors and protect the environment. This was the first waterfall I visited in Maryland, and I definitely recommend the outing.
– me | Juleen Meets World
North Carolina's Three Waterfalls Hike
Just under an hour south of Asheville, North Carolina, you’ll find a trail that will allow you to visit not one, not two, but three waterfalls on a single hike. To reach all three, you’ll start at the High Falls trailhead near the visitor’s center of DuPont State Forest, a recreational area of over 10,000 acres. Across the 4.5 miles of the trail, rated as easy-moderate by hiking guides, you’ll come across High Falls, Triple Falls, and Hooker Falls.
Fun fact: Triple Falls was a filming location for The Hunger Games.
Aside from the fact that one hike is leading you to three waterfalls, the falls you’ll be viewing are spectacular. Hooker Falls in particular is well worth the upward climb you’ll have on the return. It’s a cascading sheet of water you may even have to yourself if you start your hike early enough.
– Agnes | Travel on the Reg
South Carolina's Issaqueena Falls
Just north of Walhalla, SC, off Hwy 28, lies Issaqueena Falls. The falls are named for a Native American woman who, legend has it, rode 96 miles through upstate South Carolina to warn her lover of an impending Cherokee attack. Seeking revenge for her betrayal, the Cherokee pursued her until she leapt over the falls. The legend claims she actually hid behind the falls and survived to live out the rest of her life on Stumphouse Mountain.
The 100-foot cascade is accessible from Stumphouse Tunnel parking lot. Stumphouse Tunnel is an unfinished railway tunnel that was supposed to connect Charleston to the Ohio River Valley, but work was interrupted by the Civil War. You can walk the tunnel and to the base of Issaqueena Falls on the same day. The trail to the falls is only about 0.5 miles round trip, though the climb out is steep.
– Carrie | Overworked & Undertraveled
Tennessee's Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls is home to the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. It is located on Lookout Mountain, minutes from downtown Chattanooga, TN.
You might be happy to hear that there is no need to hike! You visit with a guide, go down in an elevator and then walk for one mile round trip. Admission for the Classic Waterfall Tour is $21.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages 3-12 at the time of writing. The location underground makes it unique. It is accessible and an easy day trip from Nashville, Knoxville or Atlanta. Lookout Mountain offers great hiking opportunities with views over seven US states from Rock City.
– Christin | Christin has Fernweh
Virginia's Great Falls
Just north of the busy nation’s capital lies beautiful Great Falls on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. You can view the falls from either side of the river but the Great Falls Park Visitor Center is on the Virginia side and I recommend you start there.
From the Visitor Center, it is a short and easy walk to the Great Falls. It is absolutely gorgeous. The paths are easy to navigate, but you can also climb down the rocks to get to the river bank. It’s a bit more challenging but worth it! From there you can enjoy a picnic on the rocks, explore several hiking paths, bring your dog, appreciate the big waterfall, and even kayaking/rafting if you’re more adventurous.
The amenities of the place are very good with a visitor center, clean bathrooms, charcoal grills for barbecue, and maps for all the trails.
– Mayara | May The Journey Begin
West Virginia's Elakala Falls
Wild and wonderful West Virginia is the perfect place to go waterfalling! While West Virginia is full of beautiful waterfalls, Elakala Falls gets our vote for the best waterfall in West Virginia. Elakala Falls features long cascading layers and lush greenery, which make it perfect for photographing. Elakala Falls is located along the Elakala Trail at Blackwater Falls State Park in Tucker County, West Virginia. After an easy and short walk on the trail, you’ll pass over a bridge that allows you to look down at the falls. To get the best angle of the falls, you’ll have to carefully climb down the hillside to the bottom. The falls are actually a series of four waterfalls with the first being the easiest to access, so exercise caution! If you’re visiting West Virginia, don’t miss out on this beautiful waterfall!
– Pam and Kathrine | Everywhere Forward
Southwest
Arizona's Havasu Falls
Arizona has some amazing landscapes but I think one of the highlights are the hikes in Arizona with waterfalls. Havasu Falls is a site near the Grand Canyon that can only be reached by hiking in 10 miles to the Havasu area. This hike is not that strenuous on the way in as you are heading down but it is much more difficult on the way out where the entire hike is uphill. You can only access the area by getting a permit which gives you three days and allows you to explore all 5 waterfalls in the area. Once you see Havasu Falls, you will definitely agree it was worth the hike.
– Nicole | American SW Obsessed
New Mexico's Upper Frijoles Falls Trail
The Falls Trail is one of the best hikes in Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. It’s a three-mile round-trip hike of moderate difficulty thanks to 400 feet of elevation gain. You do most of the climbing on the hike back out, but even then it doesn’t seem as bad as you’d think since it’s not all at once. This is a great hike because it’s not that busy and it lets you see a part of Bandelier National Monument that most people don’t even know exists since they’re usually there to see the ruins. It’s great for seeing the geology of the area, like a section of tent rocks, and you’re actually walking through a former main channel of the Rio Grande, which is pretty cool, too. The falls at the end is the cherry on top.
– Megan | Red Around the World
Oklahoma's Turner Falls
Turner Falls is a stunning waterfall in southern Oklahoma. Its shape reminds me of a gigantic elephant foot stampeding across the country.
Located outside of Davis, Turner Falls is a popular swimming spot, with another great water feature, the Blue Hole, in the same park. The falls themselves are 77 feet tall and are the highest in the state.
The park allows overnight camping if you want to enjoy the water all day long (and even day after day). You can choose from tent camping to RVs to renting a cabin in the park.
There is no hiking required to get to the falls, just a long walk depending on how far away you need to park. This is one of the most popular places to visit in the area, so expect there to be crowded parking lots.
– Stephanie | Oklahoma Wonders
Texas's Hamilton Pool Preserve
Photo credit: Kalilah | The Awkward Traveller
Thousands of years ago, the roof of an underground river collapsed, creating what we now call Hamilton Pool Preserve. A naturally occurring swimming pool surrounded by limestone and overlooked by a stunning 50-foot waterfall, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a fantastic place to escape the heat of central Texas.
Located near Dripping Springs and less than an hour outside of Austin, Hamilton Pool Preserve is an excellent place to visit during a central Texas weekend getaway.
Reservations are required for visiting the pool during peak season (May – September), and it is about a 30-minute hike from the parking lot to the pool itself – all the better to leave you incredibly excited to swim by the time you reach the cool water!
– Kate | Our Escape Clause
West
California's Vernal Fall
If we are talking about waterfalls in California, Yosemite National Park is the place to observe some of the mightier ones. Within the park boundaries, you will find the Mist Trail, a hike following the Merced River. After a moderate walk, you will find yourself face to face with the powerful Vernal Fall. Nevada Fall, another impressive natural feature, is located about a mile and a half upstream.
To accomplish this hike, arrive at the trailhead (located in the Happy Isles area) early. In that way, you can avoid crowds and find a parking spot with ease. Ensure to have a well-balanced breakfast and bring snacks and water. Or, bring a reusable water bottle. There are several places along the trail to refill. Also, you may consider bringing a water repellent jacket and something to cover your electronics. In spring, the mist of the waterfalls (hence the name) will soak you. Non-slippery footwear is essential.
In terms of distances, it is 1.6 miles round trip to the Vernal Fall Footbridge (a viewpoint, moderate), 2.4 miles round trip to the top of Vernal Fall (strenuous), and 5.4 miles round trip to the top of Nevada Fall (strenuous). The beauty of this hike is that you can go at your own pace. You can stop as many times as you want to rest.
I highly encourage everybody to embark on this adventure (at least to the base of Vernal Fall). The power of these falls will take your breath away.
– Ruth | Tanama Tales
Colorado's Rifle Falls
Rifle Falls in Colorado is one of the most incredible waterfalls in the state. Located just west of Glenwood Springs in Rifle Falls State Park, the 70-foot waterfall is split into 3 distinct falls which cascade over the limestone cliff. To reach the falls it is a short 30-minute round trip walk from the car park. The trail to Rifle State Falls is paved and there are some great picnic facilities and interpretive signage nearby.
For us, Rifle Falls was a day stop on our Colorado road trip, but for anyone who wants to spend a little more time at this gorgeous waterfall, there are a number of drive and walk in campsites within the park.
– Oksana & Max | Drink Tea & Travel
Hawaii's Akaka Falls
Driving up to visit Akaka Falls on the Hamakua coastline of the Big Island of Hawaii is like entering a natural botanical garden with wild and giant plants popping up all over the scenic trails. It really is stunning with all these huge plants and overgrowth practically in your face along all the trails leading up to two spectacular waterfalls. The circular route going up to the waterfalls leads you through a bamboo forest passing across a river and allows you to see so many smaller waterfalls and rushing streams that are soothing to the eye and ears. Once you get to the main vista point of Akaka Falls, it is impressive just to stand in silence for a bit before you start taking all those fun selfies with the views. On the way down from Akaka Falls, make sure to stop in the small village of Honomu and check out the yummy bakeries, galleries and other fun local shops to enjoy.
– Noel | This Hawaii Life
Hawaii's Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Hawaii. The trail to the 150-foot tall waterfall is picturesque. You walk through the beautiful rainforest, eucalyptus trees and a bamboo forest. It is an easy hike, suitable even when you are travelling with baby and toddler. It is a 1.6 miles return to and from the waterfall on a dirt track. However, it can be muddy in parts of the trail, in particular when it has rained. There is a staircase when you get close to the waterfall too. As a result of the dense vegetation, the walk is mostly shady. This is ideal for little ones, especially if you are baby wearing. Manoa Falls is a beautiful family hike for when you are in Hawaii.
– Clara | Petite Capsule
Idaho's Shoshone Falls
Photo credit: Kalilah | The Awkward Traveller
If you are driving through Southern Idaho, I would strongly advise you to get off the highway and drive a few miles to Shoshone Falls. Popularly known as the Niagra of the West, it is a picturesque waterfall on the snake river. There are a number of cascades, with many viewpoints. Tourists can access several recreational facilities including playgrounds, picnic areas, a boat ramp, and a swimming area.
Going to this fall doesn’t require a hike. The main viewing platform for the fall takes only two minutes from the closest parking spot. It has five pull-through RV spots. For a $5 entry fee per vehicle, you can access the Shoshone Falls Park and Dierkes Lake. Spring is the best time to see Shoshone Falls when the snowpack begins to melt. During other seasons, the flow over the falls is reduced.
– Deb | The Visa Project
Utah's Lower Calf Creek Falls
Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, and for good reason. The falls are 126 feet high and in the middle of the desert. The hike is easy, but on the more moderate side of easy. It’s three miles each way, so about six round trip. There isn’t tons of elevation gain, but a lot of the hike is in deep sand which makes it more difficult.
The best time to do the hike is going to be spring or fall because summer gets so hot, but summer would be the best time to go if you want to swim in the pool at the bottom. If you do go then, just make sure you bring plenty of water.
– Megan | Red Around the World
Washington's Palouse Falls
Palouse Falls, popularly known as Washington’s State Waterfall, is a lasting remnant of the Ice Age Floods Path. It is located in a remote area near LaCrosse, Washington, one of the best places to travel alone in the US. The fall is just 2 hours driving distance from Spokane near the town of Washtucna.
Palouse River is the main source of Palouse Falls that falls 200 feet over a cliff into a beautiful circular pool. It is a moderate hike. However, you have to hike down into the canyon on an unmarked trail which is quite risky. From following an unmarked trail to traversing a steep rock wall on the edge of the frozen river, the Palouse Falls hike is more adventurous. Hikers can stay here overnight and camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You are advised to be careful while you climb down into the canyon over the rocks as these rocks can be loose. Also note that no cell phone network is available on the entire hike.
– Trijit | Budget Travel Buff
Washington's Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is a spectacular 276-foot waterfall located in the historic rail town of Snoqualmie, just thirty minutes west of Seattle. Framed by the peaks of the Cascades Mountain Range and plummeting into a deep cavern, the scenery surrounding Snoqualmie Falls is jaw-dropping. Then add into it the magnificent power of the waterfall cascading over the cliff’s edge and you’ll quickly realize why this is one of the top tourist attractions in Washington. Snoqualmie Falls has a large parking area, an onsite gift shop and coffee bar, and numerous information signs to teach you more about the history of the falls and how they are used for energy. In addition to the main viewing platform, you can do a hike down a dirt trail and alongside a walking path by the river to see Snoqualmie Falls from the bottom.
– Gina | Evergreen and Salt
Wyoming's Upper and Lower Falls
Yellowstone National Park is home to an abundance of natural wonders. From wildlife to thermal activity, it’s no surprise that it is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Two of our favorite views during our visit were the Lower and Upper Falls. These two waterfalls are both within the Yellowstone River and are relatively close to one another. This makes it very easy to see both in a single afternoon. There are several viewpoints for both waterfalls, but our favorites are Artists Point and Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Artists Point is an easy 0.2-mile in-and-out trail that takes you to a breath-taking site of Lower Falls. This 109-foot waterfall is surrounded by the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone” and is best seen during sunset. The warm colors of the canyon light up and contrast beautifully against the water. Found only a few steps from the parking lot of Uncle Tom’s Cabin you can get an incredible view of Upper Falls. Both of these waterfalls are great for those with young children or mobility issues, for they are easy to access and are relatively flat. For more information on Yellowstone National Park, make sure to check out this complete Yellowstone Guide!
– Ann | While We Were Wandering
There you have it: over 30 waterfalls recommended by people who love to travel and explore. Hopefully, this list gives you some great waterfall inspiration. If you see a waterfall in your state or nearby states, take a fun day trip. Be sure to add the others to your to-visit list when next you find yourself in the area.
Let me know if you’ve visited any of the waterfalls mentioned or if there’s a waterfall that you think should be on the list.
Happy waterfall chasing!
This turned out so well…and made me realize that I have A LOT of work to do in the U.S. as far as seeing the best waterfalls. Thanks for letting me contribute! 🙂
Haha! I realised the same while putting it together
Great post, Juleen! I’ll definitely be adding these to my waterfalls bucket list.
Happy to hear that, Deanne!
Never realised the US had that many waterfalls!
Yea there’s a lot
So many waterfalls, so little time! Adding all of these to my list for the future and definitely saving this post ☺️
Glad to hear!
Squeee! I LOVE waterfalls, so Spring and early summer is my favourite time of year for these kinds of hikes as the snow melts and creates the epic gushing waterfalls. You know, I think you would love it here in BC too. 🙂
I haven’t been to Canada yet but when I do, I’ll be sure to check out the waterfalls. xD
These waterfalls are stunning, I’d like to take a road trip to all of them!
That’s how I feel as well
I am from Florida & was scared of how you were going to pull off my state… but you came through!! Seriously though, LOVE this post & absolutely love waterfalls.
Awww thanks Shelley! I aim to please ?
We love waterfalls! Such great trip ideas. Bookmarking this page for future trips. Really appreciated your photos and details and thanks for posting!
Thanks Arielle! Glad you enjoyed it
Juleen This post is so complete, there are so many I still need to visit. Thanks for sharing my Great Falls piece, it was truly a wonderful hike and beautiful waterfall ? We still need to plan our coffee together, we are so close! Hope you are doing good. hugs, Mayara
Thanks for contributing! Yes, we’ll definitely have to meet up soon.