25 Incredible Waterfall Hikes Across America

There's just something about waterfall hikes that's undeniably captivating. All the trails, parks, and observation decks out there that have been designed and built to showcase our nation's striking cascades tell me that I'm not alone in my passion for them. If you ask me, the only thing that can improve upon a waterfall visit is a lovely little hike to go along with it, and if you agree, I think you'll appreciate this selection of waterfall trails in the U.S. that represent some of the prettiest cascades in the country.

Most of these scenic waterfall hikes are pretty easy to access. However, many also offer opportunities to explore further if you feel the urge. Either way, I don't think you'll be disappointed with any of these magnificent waterfalls in the U.S.

1. Hike to the Copper-Colored Beauty of Upper Tahquamenon Falls

At nearly 200 feet wide and 50 feet tall, Upper Tahqumenon Falls is the largest waterfall in Michigan, and one of the biggest east of the Mississippi River. It's located within Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the Upper Peninsula and is easily accessible from a large parking lot with several seasonal concessions.

A 1.5-mile, paved loop trail offers several different views of the falls. My last visit to the falls was in the spring, and the waterfall was absolutely roaring. It's also beautiful when surrounded by fiery fall foliage. On the other hand, there's something to be said about visiting in the summer, when all the amenities are available, as well. The park is relatively remote – no freeway or major airport access, so keep that in mind as you make plans to visit.

2. Follow the Gorge Trail to Rainbow Falls

I can't think of a more otherworldly waterfall than Rainbow Falls at Watkins Glen State Park in New York. This pair of perpendicular waterfalls flows into a deep, mossy gorge and forms a stunning pool at the bottom of the canyon. Watkins Glen State Park is famous for its gorge trail, which winds past 19 waterfalls along stone staircases and bridges carved into the canyon walls. You'll find parking at the Glen Creek Gorge trailhead in the park and the falls at the end of the trail. Visit in spring for the maximum waterfall effect, or in fall for intense foliage.

3. The Scenic Trail to Towering Arethusa Falls

At 140 feet, New Hampshire's Arethusa Falls is a stunner–especially when it's surrounded by bursting autumn colors. The trailhead is located off U.S. Route 302 in Crawford Notch State Park, and parking is available at the Arethusa Falls trailhead lot. From the parking lot you'll hike a moderately challenging 2.8 miles, out and back, to visit the falls.

4. A Hidden Mountain Escape at Brush Creek Falls

Located in Brush Creek Preserve, the eponymous waterfall is one of West Virginia's prettiest cascades, which is saying a lot for a state that has many wonderful waterfalls. Brush Creek Falls is easily accessible from a nearby parking area, and you can get to a viewpoint after a quick and easy walk. Or take a longer trail down to the base of the falls if you're feeling like a hike. This 30-foot waterfall is especially powerful in the spring, but it's awfully pretty in the fall, as well, when all the leaves are in full color. The preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy and protects more than 600 acres of forest and wildlife habitat.

5. Walk Behind the Cascade at Dry Falls

If you visit North Carolina's Dry Falls–and you should–you will most likely get wet. This is because the short, paved trail to the falls will take you behind the cascade on an easy walk from the parking area. Visit in the spring to see the waterfall at its most powerful. If you're looking for more of an actual hike than a leg stretch, you'll find the trailhead for scenic Skitty Creek Trail just a few minutes down the road from the Dry Falls parking area. Dry Falls sits along the scenic Mountain Waters Scenic Byway and is one of several waterfalls you can visit along this popular North Carolina waterfall loop.

6. Epic Views Await at Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls in Washington is another striking waterfall that is extremely accessible if all you're hoping to do is have a look and snap a few photos. Fantastic views of the 268-foot cascade are just steps from your car at the viewing platform adjacent to the parking lot. However, those wishing to explore a little more can take a 1.4-mile, out-and-back trail for some additional perspectives of the falls. I personally like early summer for visiting Snoqualmie Falls. The site also features the Snoqualmie Falls Observation Deck and a visitor center with exhibits about the area’s cultural and natural history.

7. The Iconic Trail to South Falls

Oregon's Silver Falls State Park (often called “the crown jewel of the Oregon State Parks system.”) is home to no less than 10 amazing waterfalls, but none is more impressive than South Falls. This incredible cascade tumbles more than 100 feet from a volcanic rock overhang into a picturesque pool below. Even cooler, the trail to view these falls actually follows the cliff wall beneath the ledge, so you walk behind South Falls for a portion of the hike.

You can quickly access South Falls from the large, designated parking area via a 0.8-mile loop trail. Or lean into all this park has to offer and spend the day marveling along the 7.4-mile Trail of Ten Falls. Late spring and early summer are my favorite times to visit.

8. Twin Tropical Wonders: Wailua Falls and Opaeka‘a Falls

Seeing these falls no longer requires much hiking, as a section of the trail has been closed due to unsafe conditions. Nevertheless, if you're on Kauai, this pair of waterfalls in Wailua River State Park is not to be missed. Wailua Falls can be seen from a viewing area adjacent to the parking lot. However, the Opaeka‘a Falls is best viewed from a roadside overlook along Kuamoʻo Road, where a viewing platform provides sweeping views of the 151-foot waterfall.

9. Jungle Adventure to Secret Falls

If you're up for a little more adventure from Wailua River State Park, rent a kayak (and/or hire a guide) and paddle upriver to the short trail that leads to Uluwehi Falls, also known as "Secret Falls"–though any secret about this cascade has long been compromised.

To reach this waterfall, you'll travel 6.1 miles round trip, mostly via kayaking on the Wailua River to avoid trespassing on private property to reach the falls, then a short hike to the cascade. Plan on spending half a day (5 or 6 hours) on the trip, which will allow time for splash around and explore along the way.

10. The Short Hike to Spectacular Turner Falls

Turner Falls in Oklahoma is a 77-foot waterfall–the Sooner State's tallest–with a pool at the bottom that's popular for swimming and splashing. Located within Turner Falls State Park, the waterfall is adjacent to a parking area and thus incredibly accessible. Hikers will appreciate the 3.3-mile loop trail that starts near the falls and explores the Honey Creek area. Summer is the busiest time and hottest for hiking–but best for splashing. I recommend going for a hike early in the morning, then enjoying a swim afterward.

11. The Turquoise Pools of Little Navajo Falls

The rainbow of colors that comprises the scenery at Little Navajo Falls in Arizona is almost too much to take in at once. The same goes for the hoops you'll need to jump through to embark on what, on paper, looks like an easy, one-mile out-and-back hike from Supai Village.

The trail leading to Little Navajo Falls–and on to its better-known neighbors in Havasu Canyon, Mooney Falls, and Havasu Falls–is located on the Havasupai Reservation in the Grand Canyon. The combination of the Havasu Canyon's fragile ecosystem and popularity means that access to the trail–whether you're hiking a mile out and back to Little Navajo Falls or making the 20-mile round trip to Havasu Falls–is restricted. Complicating this, the remote location means all planning and permitting must be completed before you arrive.

Any visit to Havasu Canyon requires both a permit and an overnight stay, whether camping or in the Havasupai Lodge. You're required to create an online account and make your reservations before you arrive to check in. Visit the Havasupai Reservations system online for more information.

12. A Quick Stop at Scenic Eagle River Falls

Although there's not much of a hike to be had at this roadside waterfall on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, it's definitely worth pulling over for. You'll find a small park and a pedestrian bridge offering good views and photo ops of the cascade. Afterward, head to nearby Jacob's Falls to stretch your legs on a 2.5-mile loop trail. Go in the spring when the waterfalls are rushing, and the mosquitoes aren't yet biting.

13. Forest Trails Lead to Sol Duc Falls

The hike to Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park is one of the most beautiful short hikes I've ever done. You'll walk through old-growth temperate forest, massive Douglas firs and hemlocks towering overhead, crossing smaller streams and cascades on your way to the falls. Although this 1.8-mile, out-and-back hike is relatively easy, it can be rough with roots and rocks and slick from the mists and humidity. But the payoff of a triple waterfall rushing into an otherworldly gorge is definitely worth it.

Good to know: Bring a rain jacket and water, and download AllTrails Plus for offline navigation, as there is no cell service here. An entry fee or America the Beautiful Pass is also required to enter the Sol Duc area.

14. Borderland Beauty at High Falls

The High Falls of the Pigeon River is the tallest waterfall in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and you can reach this waterfall via an easy but beautiful 1.1-mile paved trail through the Northwoods of Minnesota. The waterfall sits on a river separating the state from Ontario, and when it's rushing with spring snowmelt, it is absolutely stunning. It's also remarkably beautiful when it freezes over in the winter. The trailhead is located at the Grand Portage State Park visitor center, adjacent to the parking area.

15. Hawaii’s Towering Akaka Falls

'Akaka Falls, in the state park of the same name, is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, and it's another gorgeous waterfall that offers a massive payoff for little effort. Cascading more than 440 feet through lush tropical vegetation to a pool below, 'Akaka Falls is incredible to behold, and you can get there via a paved, half-mile loop that descends from the parking lot to the falls and back–there are even a couple of other, smaller falls to see along the way.

The small parking lot does fill up, so you may need to park along the road leading to it. On the other hand, nonresidents must pay a small fee to park in the lot and to enter the park, so if you park on the road, you do avoid one fee.

16. The Mighty Drop of Lower Yellowstone Falls

Lower Yellowstone Falls in Yellowstone National Park is that rarest of natural wonders: Seeing it in person, it looks just like it does in pictures. Simply put, it's gorgeous–and easily accessible. There are several parking lots in the Canyon area of the park from which you can get a view of the falls, the trick is finding a spot if you're there anytime between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Once you do park, though, walk along the North Rim Trail for several good views of the falls. Try to go on a weekday in the late spring for a less-crowded experience. An entry fee or America the Beautiful Pass is required to enter the park.

17. Wisconsin’s Tallest Cascade: Big Manitou Falls

The tallest waterfall in Wisconsin is Big Manitou Falls, and you can reach this 165-foot cascade via a short, easy hike from the parking area at Pattison State Park. If you're only interested in seeing this waterfall, take the 0.8-mile Big Manitou Falls Loop, and you'll be there in minutes.

If you'd like more of a hike and an additional waterfall, grab your daypack and some water, then head out on the 4-mile Big Manitou Falls and Manitou Falls Loop. The falls are best in the late spring, but they're awfully dramatic when frozen in the winter, as well.

18. Rocky Mountain Charm at Alberta Falls

One of the most beautiful waterfall hikes I can think of is the trail to Alberta Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. This quick 1.6-mile, out-and-back hike offers a couple of hundred feet of elevation gain and all the beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery you could hope for.

My advice? Go in the late spring, when the snowmelt has the cascade roaring and the wildflowers are popping in the park. You'll find the trailhead at the Glacier Gorge Junction parking area. Make a timed entry reservation before you go, and you'll need to pay an entry fee or show your America the Beautiful Pass to enter the park.

19. The Legendary Yosemite Falls Hike

Yosemite Falls, at 2,425 feet and surrounded by some of the most sublime natural beauty on the planet, is not only one of the tallest waterfalls in the world but also a true American icon. If you're content with seeing the falls' three cascades from their base, you can reach the bottom of the falls via an easy 1.2-mile loop from the nearby parking area.

On the other hand, if your legs and lungs are up for a challenge, hit the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail–which offers 3,254 feet of elevation gain over a 6.6-mile out-and-back hike–for a workout and life-changing views from the top of the falls. Pack accordingly for the latter trail, with plenty of water, a jacket, and sturdy footwear with good traction. Early summer is the best time for hiking. Ticketed reservations and an entry fee (or an America the Beautiful Pass) are required to visit Yosemite National Park.

20. Wild Glacier Country at Virginia Falls

The 3.1-mile, out-and-back hike to Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park (famous Going-to-the-Sun Road) is considered moderately challenging, but the rewards along the way are many. Not only will you be treated to gorgeous views of Upper and Lower Virginia Falls, but you'll get a bonus vista of St. Mary Falls to boot. You'll find the trailhead and parking area off Going-to-the-Sun Road near Piegan Pass.

Early June is my favorite time to visit these falls. Although this isn't technically a backcountry hike, it's definitely a walk through the woods in Glacier with more than 450 feet of elevation gain. So bring bear spray and water. Depending on your route into the park and the date of your visit, you may need a timed-entry reservation to get to the trailhead, so check Recreation.gov before you go. You'll also need to pay an entry fee or show your America the Beautiful Pass to enter the park.

21. The Dramatic Gorge of Burgess Falls

Burgess Falls in Tennessee is one of the most striking waterfalls I've ever seen–it looks almost like a 136-foot-tall skirt on an old-fashioned wedding dress–and if you were to visit only one Volunteer State waterfall, it should be this one. The waterfall is located within the aptly named Burgess Falls State Park, and the hike to reach it leaves from the main parking area. The trail is an easy 1.2-mile jaunt and includes views of other waterfalls along the way. Go in April or May when the waterfall is rushing but before the Tennessee summer heat has kicked in.

22. The “Niagara of the West”: Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls (often called the “Niagara of the West") is the massive waterfall on the Snake River that gave Twin Falls, Idaho, its name. This is the spot where the powerful river drops off its meandering course and into its namesake canyon, and the drama of this waterfall cannot be understated.

Fortunately, there's an easy parking area near the brink of the falls and an observation deck that you can reach via a short walk along the rim of the canyon, less than half a mile each way. Go in May to see the falls at their fullest.

23. Georgia’s Tallest Waterfall: Amicalola Falls

If you're familiar with the Appalachian Trail, you've likely heard of Amicalola Falls and its namesake park: Amicalola Falls State Park is now considered the "Gateway to the Appalachian Trail," and the A.T.'s 8-mile approach trail to Springer Mountain starts right here. Even if you're not a follower of A.T. lore, you may be aware that Amicalola Falls, at 729 feet, is the tallest cascading waterfall in the southeastern U.S., so it's worthy of a visit in its own right.

The walk to the falls is an easy one–just a third of a mile, round trip, from the parking area. Of course, you could always stretch your hike out for another eight miles to Springer Mountain – then continue another 2,190 miles to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Go in April to see the waterfall in full force, then head back in the fall for some stunning autumn foliage.

24. A Southern California Trek to Cedar Creek Falls

The scenic trail to Cedar Creek Falls in the Cleveland National Forest is the only true backcountry hike on this list. At 5.4 miles out and back, the moderately challenging trail traverses rugged desert terrain with long stretches of little to no shade. But the waterfall payoff at the end is totally worth it. You'll need to get a permit before making the trek to the falls. Start your hike at the San Diego River Gorge trailhead in Ramona and bring plenty of water.

Tip: You'll want a swimsuit, quick-dry towel, and some water shoes, too. I recommend hiking out on a morning in May or June.

25. A Peaceful Walk to Winnewissa Falls

Winnewissa Falls is striking for several reasons. It appears seemingly out of nowhere on the tallgrass prairie of Pipestone National Monument in western Minnesota. Pipestone Creek just meanders across the plains until it drops nearly 20 feet into a small gorge of beautiful, pink Sioux quartzite, passes through, and continues on its lazy way as if nothing magical had happened.

Hit the 1.2-mile, mostly paved loop trail to get to the falls, but save some time to explore the park and learn about the fascinating cultural and geological history of this site. Go in the late spring for the best fall viewing, but definitely come back in the winter to see the wonderland this place becomes.

Which of these waterfalls are you most excited to visit? With only 25 slots to fill, I know there are plenty of waterfalls that I failed to include. I certainly hope you'll tell us about your favorites.

Planning a waterfall road trip? Be sure to use the Only In Your State itinerary planner to map out scenic stops, hiking trails, and nearby attractions across America the beautifull.