The Tallest Waterfalls in the U.S. and Where to Find Them

There’s something inherently magical about waterfalls. Whether you’re reveling in the grandeur of the tallest waterfalls in the U.S., or simply taking in a babbling little cascade while on a hike, waterfalls are extraordinary natural wonders that really must be experienced in person. Happily, there are numerous bucket-list-worthy waterfalls across the country, so no matter which state you call home, you’re guaranteed to be close to one of these wondrous falls. Today, we're taking a tour of the tallest waterfalls in the U.S. These are immense and commanding cascades sure to leave you breathless, fully immersed in a beautiful moment of complete awe and wonder.

1. Raymondskill Falls - Milford, Pennsylvania

At a grand 150 feet tall, Raymondskill Falls is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, and its three-tiered cascades are pretty much the Platonic ideal of waterfalls. The waterfall, which is only slightly shorter than Niagara Falls when each tier is added together, provides the picture-perfect setting for photographs and quiet contemplation. This is an immensely beautiful area, and quite popular too. As such, plan to visit during the winter and early spring, so you can have this captivating nature scene all to yourself.

2. Niagara Falls - Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is not only one of the best-known state parks in New York, but also in the world. The first state park designated in the U.S., this natural attraction attracts approximately 21,000 visitors each day and is a true American icon. Draining Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, the falls, technically a set of three cascades, are one of the most powerful on the continent, with six million cubic feet of water flowing every minute. It's a magnificent spectacle to see in person and a humbling reminder of Mother Nature's prowess.

Our Manager of Content Operations, Marisa Roman, fondly remembers visiting Niagara Falls: "I went to Niagara Falls when I was younger, and it easily became a core memory. I was so fascinated by all the stories of people attempting to go over the falls in barrels to set world records! But taking the Maid of the Mist over to feel the spray of the falls and see each waterfall from a different vantage point was truly unique."

3. Kent Falls - Kent, Connecticut

Kent Falls State Park was established in 1919 when the White Memorial Foundation bequeathed 200 acres of land to the state of Connecticut. The park has repeatedly been named as one of the most beautiful places in the state—and Northeast—and Kent Falls certainly has something to do with that. In this series of incredible cascades, water rushes 250 feet down a path of smooth, glistening rocks. The tallest individual waterfall stands at an impressive 70 feet, but don't worry too much about superlatives; Kent Falls really is the sum of its parts.

4. Moxie Falls - West Forks, Maine

With a spectacular 90-foot drop, Moxie Falls is Maine's highest waterfall. It's also one of the most beautiful places in all of New England. The trek to the falls is nearly as breathtaking as the cascades themselves, traversing through verdant forests that are straight out of a fairy tale. As the greenery thins and the falls comes into view, you're bound to have your breath taken away by this enthralling scene in the Pine Tree State. Just make sure you come prepared for the hike to Moxie Falls. The trail is approximately 2 miles round-trip, with a few stairs you'll need to climb for the best views. One of the best times to view Moxie Falls is during the fall when your hike is through vibrant fall foliage, and autumn's palette surrounds the tall cascade.

5. Rainbow Falls - Watkins Glen, New York

There is an abundance of natural beauty in Upstate New York, but Rainbow Falls is on a whole other level. Located in Watkins Glen State Park, Rainbow Falls is the tallest fall in the park, and if you visit at just the right time of day, you might catch an enchanting rainbow, too. The park as a whole is pure fantasy; with four trails, 19 waterfalls, a lily pond, an ecology path, and a 151-year-old suspension bridge, it's like something out of a fantasy novel. The icing on the cake is these falls, the most magical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Rainbow Falls is one of the most photographed areas in Watkins Glen State Park and can be quite busy. Visit early in the morning or in the evening hours to avoid the crowds. If you want to see the falls truly roar, visit in the late spring months, and the afternoons are best if you wish to catch a rainbow over this already enchanting sight.

6. Fall Creek Falls - Spencer, Tennessee

Tennessee is a state that's rife with waterfalls, from the cascades that stud the Mississippi to the cavernous expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains. The entire state is known for its natural beauty, of course, but it’s those incredible natural water features that really make their mark. Fall Creek Falls State Park is the most-visited state park in the state, and for good reason: it’s the home of the tallest waterfall in Tennessee, the eponymous Fall Creek Falls. At a commanding 256 feet tall, Fall Creek Falls is not only the highest waterfall in the park, but also the eastern United States. It's a dazzling vision sure to delight even the hardest-to-please adventurer seekers.

7. Raven Cliff Falls - near Cleveland, South Carolina

This 420-foot waterfall in South Carolina cascades gracefully down Raven Cliff Mountain and into the rolling highland hills below. The largest waterfall in the Palmetto State, Raven Cliff Falls is absolutely spectacular and wholly, wondrously unique. However, the trek to this commanding cascade is admittedly a bit advanced. You will hike approximately 4 miles and gain more than 700 feet in elevation. Fortunately, the views are stunning throughout your entire trek, and your efforts will be well-rewarded upon beholding the beauty that is Raven Cliff Falls.

8. Yahoo Falls - McCreary County, Kentucky

Cumberland Falls gets all the attention in the Bluegrass State, but Yahoo Falls is equally resplendent. At 113 feet, this is the tallest waterfall in Kentucky, and it's nestled in the wondrous Daniel Boone National Forest. The Yahoo Falls Trail is located in the beautiful Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area near Whitley City in McCreary County, an area avid hikers know and love. Kentucky is a humble place of untold beauty and wonder, and Yahoo Falls is one of the state's true stars.

9. High Falls - near Grand Portage, Minnesota

Located on the Minnesota/Canada border, High Falls is 120 feet of pure power that will leave you completely spellbound. The hike to access this waterfall is almost as swoon-worthy as the falls themselves, too. A well-marked trail that's perfect for all skill levels, the hike is approximately one mile and paved. Plus, it ends at a scenic overlook. Just prepare to be dazzled: there is no sight quite like the rushing waters of the High Falls as they tumble over the cliff on their way to Lake Superior.

Our Minnesota writer and Midwest editor Trent Jonas loves High Falls: "The High Falls of the Pigeon River is the tallest waterfall in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. After the long drive, I enjoy stretching my legs on the half-mile paved walkway from the Grand Portage State Park visitor center. It’s a beautiful Northwoods hike, and the payoff is spectacular: the triple cascades of High Falls. I think spring is the best time to visit, as this is when the river’s flow makes the falls explode. But I also love them in winter, when the falls are partially frozen, and the icy mantle creates a dramatic scene."

10. St. Louis Canyon Falls - Oglesby, Illinois

Starved Rock State Park is home to myriad canyons and waterfalls, thanks to melting glaciers that carved sandstone canyons a long, long time ago. Every spring, these falls come to life, rushing gloriously through the gorges and delighting all who come across them. There are nearly 20 canyons in total at this state park, though not all produce waterfalls throughout the year. Some of the most popular are the French Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, and St. Louis Canyon. It's in St. Louis Canyon where you'll find the eponymous falls: an 80-foot spectacle that's quite commanding in person.

11. Tahquamenon Falls - near Paradise, Michigan

One of Michigan’s true treasures, Tahquamenon Falls is peak #PureMichigan. Tahquamenon Falls is actually two enchanting cascades, both located inside the eponymous Tahquamenon Falls State Park. One of the most visually stunning cascades in the country, the signature brown running through these falls comes from tannins absorbed from cedar and hemlock swamps. While this chemical reaction can cloud the falls in the summer, during the winter months, the tannins infuse the frozen falls with a delightful—and unexpected—pop of color.

Midwest editor Trent Jonas visited this Michigan gem and had this to say: "Located within the 50,000-plus acres of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, the eponymous upper waterfall is not Michigan’s tallest cascade, but it is the state’s largest. In fact, at 200 feet wide, Upper Tahquamenon Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.

"The quarter-mile walk to the viewing area for the Upper Falls is an easy one, and I enjoy the wooded stroll along the paved, forested trail. I almost always hear the falls before I see them, which adds a little urgency to my stride as I approach the river. I like to start with the viewing area that’s farthest downstream to get a wider perspective of the river valley and the falls. From there, you can walk up the trail to two more overlooks, getting progressively closer to the Upper Falls. I love ending on the last overlook when I’m closest to the waterfall, can hear its roar, and feel the mist on my face. I recommend visiting in the spring when the Upper Falls are really rushing. Although they can be lost in the drama of the Upper Falls, don’t forget the Lower Falls, a series of five smaller cascades around an island in the Tahquamenon River, are also located within the park, four miles downstream."

12. Palouse Falls - LaCrosse, Washington

Quite possibly one of the best waterfalls to visit in the U.S., Palouse Falls looks like something out of a fantasy. This waterfall is really a package deal. Located in Palouse Falls State Park in southeastern Washington, the eponymous falls thunders over a chiseled, 200-foot basalt gorge, sending a spectacular stream of spray to all in its wake. It's an immensely grand scene that's worthy of the falls' title as the official state waterfall of Washington.

13. Multnomah Falls - Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Mighty Multnomah Falls is a vision; a sublime sensory experience. This 611-foot-tall, roaring waterfall is in a league all its own; and while the Columbia River Gorge is home to over 90 waterfalls on the Oregon side alone, Multnomah truly is its crown jewel.

Keep in mind, however, that if visiting Multnomah Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the U.S., between the end of May and early September, you will need to acquire a timed-use permit. This permit provides access to one private vehicle and all of its passengers. Permits are required for visits to Multnomah Falls between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and can be purchased 14 days prior to your visit.

14. Shoshone Falls - Twin Falls, Idaho

Shoshone Falls is Idaho's most iconic waterfall, boasting falls that are higher than Niagara's. This impressive waterfall is 212-feet tall and 900-feet-wide along the Snake River, and is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the U.S. The sight of this cascade is downright awe-inspiring, and a favorite among ardent waterfall chasers. The best place to view the falls is from the overlook in the eponymous Shoshone Falls Park during the spring; however, Shoshone Falls truly is a sublime sight any time of the year, and it's known for leaving spectators speechless.

15. Lower Falls - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is a national treasure and a waterfall chaser's playground. The national park is home to upwards of 45 glorious cascades, the tallest and most visited of which is Lower Falls. This waterfall is a vision; it cascades down from a height of 308 feet and is nearly twice as high as Niagara Falls. And Lower Falls also has something Niagara doesn't have: a scenic location at the head of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. This prime location sets the stage for a bold and breathtaking view that's truly bucket-list-worthy.

16. Akaka Falls - near Hilo, Hawaii

The Hawaiian islands are home to some of the country’s tallest waterfalls, but many are only viewable on a helicopter tour. The tallest easily accessible waterfall is Akaka Falls, which towers 442 feet over the Big Island. To view the falls, visitors will enjoy a short stroll leading through a jungle of banana plants, towering bamboo groves, and lush orchids. This is one of our favorite waterfalls to visit in the U.S., and it's worthy of a spot on any traveler's bucket list.

17. Yosemite Falls - Yosemite National Park, California

California is full of spectacular waterfalls (and even firefalls!), and while each is extraordinary, there’s one world-famous waterfall that’s truly on another level. Yosemite Falls isn’t just the largest waterfall in California; it's the tallest waterfall in all of North America. Yosemite is the fifth largest waterfall in the entire world, in fact, dropping a total of 2,425 jaw-dropping feet from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall. Seeing it with your own eyes is definitely an experience worth seeking out.

18. Lower Calf Creek Falls - near Escalante, Utah

Located at Utah's Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, you'll find a hidden oasis with a duo of dazzling waterfalls: Upper Calf Creek Falls and Lower Calf Creek Falls. The latter is the larger of the two; a 126-foot waterfall that rushes into a resplendent cerulean pool. The hike to these falls is as wow-worthy as the falls themselves, so take your time and allow yourself to feel the immense beauty of Utah's treasured Grand Staircase-Escalante natural area.

19. Havasu Falls - Supai, Arizona

Located in the arid Arizona desert, within the red, rocky walls of the Grand Canyon, you'll find a pristine little oasis with clear, azure waters and an abundant, rushing waterfall. While the Grand Canyon gets all the credit in terms of Arizona's most spectacular natural wonders, Havasu Falls is a total showstopper. Right next to Grand Canyon National Park, the falls are located at the base of Havasu Canyon on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Havasu Falls is just under 100 feet tall and its powerful cascade spills into its iconic aquamarine waters, which is caused by a series of chemical reactions below. It's one of the most startlingly sublime natural spectacles in the country; an experience to which pictures simply cannot do justice.

To visit Havasu Falls, you’ll need to acquire an official permit on the Havasupai Tribe website. These permits are limited and expensive. Additionally, you will need to make the strenuous 10-mile, one-way hike to Havasu Falls. This trail is steep and rocky, and depending on when you visit, it can be extremely hot.

Time to Chase the Tallest in the U.S.

Before visiting any of the best waterfalls in the U.S., make sure to do your research to determine if the falls are accessible or a hike is required, if you must acquire a permit before visiting, the best times to visit waterfalls, any fees are required, etc. Waterfall chasing is a particular variety of wanderlust with which we're well familiar, and after seeing some of these showstoppers in person, we guarantee you'll want to chase them all.