These 15 Waterfalls Deliver Epic Views, Zero Hiking Required

I love to chase waterfalls, but I’m not always in the mood for a long hike. Sometimes, I simply want to park my car and walk right up to a breathtaking view.

With thousands of waterfalls dotting the U.S., we are blessed with some pretty incredible sights, and many require zero hiking. I’ve rounded up 15 of my favorite accessible waterfalls across the U.S., where epic views don't require any hiking boots. All you need is a sense of wonder and a few moments to pause and admire the beauty of the following cascades.

1. Shequaga Falls, New York

• Location: Montour Falls, New York
• Popularity: The nearby park can be quite busy.
• Need to Know: There is a paved pathway through a grassy park, making this waterfall stroller and wheelchair accessible.

You can walk right up to the beautiful Shequaga Falls, a 156-foot waterfall located in the heart of Montour Falls. The water cascades down a tiered cliff, under the Mill Street Bridge, and a paved, flat sidewalk leads you to the base of the falls. I recommend you stay a few extra minutes and relax on the grass or the nearby benches and listen to the water tumble down the cliff—it's a sight you don't typically get to enjoy in the hustle of the city.

2. Falling Spring Falls, Virginia

• Location: Covington, Virginia
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need to Know: You can admire this waterfall from a designated viewing area along Route 220.

Falling Spring Falls is the type of natural wonder that makes your jaw instantly drop. This waterfall tumbles an impressive 80 feet and has been a favorite scenic waterfall for decades—even Thomas Jefferson noted this may be the finest cascade in the U.S. You can practically view the falls right from your vehicle, as the parking lot is just steps from the viewing area off Route 220. Come during the summer when this waterfall is surrounded by lush green vegetation—Mother Nature outdid herself here.

3. Bald River Falls, Tennessee

• Location: Tellico Plains, Tennessee
• Popularity: Can become crowded on weekends or holidays
• Need to Know: It is best to view this waterfall on a weekday as parking is limited.

Located along the Cherohala Skyway, Bald River Falls may be one of our favorite roadside attractions. This natural wonder is located next to the road, and you can capture views of the falls right from your car or take a short hike to the base of the waterfall. This Tennessee waterfall tumbles approximately 90 feet into the Tellico River and offers gorgeous views no matter where you are standing—every angle is breathtaking.

4. Ocqueoc Falls, Michigan

• Location: Presque Isle County
• Popularity: Popular during the summer months
• Need to Know: Ocqueoc Falls is the only handicapped-accessible waterfall in Michigan.

Ocqueoc Falls has many claims to fame. For starters, it is the largest waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. It is also the only handicapped accessible waterfall in the state and is the first fully accessible waterfall in the U.S. Ocqueoc Falls consists of four small rapid areas, along with a natural pool that becomes quite popular in the summer months. Along with a paved trail from the parking lot right to the waterfalls, you can also enjoy accessible picnic areas and several accessible benches near the water.

5. Thistlethwaite Falls, Indiana

• Location: Richmond, Indiana
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need to Know: This is one of the most visited waterfalls in Indiana.

Thistlethwaite Falls is a bit unique when compared to the other waterfalls on our list. This is actually a man-made cascade created in the early 1800s by a man whose last name was Thistlethwaite. When blasting rock to create a channel that would power his sawmill, he also created this gorgeous sight. Today, this is an extremely popular destination and a place where you likely won’t ever find yourself alone. If you have a little extra time during your visit, search the limestone rock surrounding the falls for ancient marine fossils.

6. Cascade Falls, Wisconsin

• Location: Osceola, Wisconsin
• Popularity: Can be quite busy on weekends and summer days
• Need to know: If visiting during peak times, arrive early to secure a parking spot.

Cascade Falls is a beautiful waterfall in downtown Osceola that is just steps from Cascade Street. This 25-foot waterfall is created by Osceola Creek, which eventually flows into the St. Croix River. Cascade Falls is easy to admire from its overlooks, or go on an adventure and follow the pathways that lead to the base of the falls or right behind it. In the middle of the hustle and bustle of a city, Cascade Falls is a little outdoor paradise.

7. Gooseberry River Middle Falls, Minnesota

• Location: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, Minnesota
• Popularity: Extremely busy, especially on the weekends and during the summer
• Need to Know: There is an admission fee to enter Gooseberry Falls State Park.

After you see the Middle Falls of the Gooseberry River in person, you’ll quickly understand why this Minnesota destination is so popular. This natural feature is the star of Gooseberry Falls State Park, and you don't even need to tackle a long hike to see them—they are visible from the North Shore Scenic Byway (MN-61). However, for an even better view of these falls, take the short, paved trail right from the parking lot to the falls. And if you are in the mood for an even longer adventure, there are a few trails that take you to the Upper Falls, Lower Falls, and Fifth Falls.

8. Pillsbury Crossing, Kansas

• Location: Manhattan, Kansas
• Popularity: Busy in the summer
• Need to Know: This waterfall is also known as Deep Creek Falls.

Pillsbury Crossing is approximately seven miles outside of Manhattan, Kansas, and has quite a unique history. This was once a safe place for pioneers, wagons, and other travelers to easily and safely cross the river. Now, in the warmer months, this waterfall is a haven for individuals who want to spend an afternoon outdoors. Just don't expect to jump into the water to cool off—swimming and wading are banned here due to dangerous undercurrents and debris in the water. But it's certainly a beautiful spot for a picnic or to spend some time on the shore.

9. Rifle Falls, Colorado

• Location: Rifle Falls State Park, Rifle, Colorado
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need to Know: This was once a wide, single waterfall, but the creation of a nearby hydroelectric plant changed the flow of the creek, resulting in the three falls we see today.

Don’t be surprised if Rifle Falls quickly becomes one of your favorite waterfalls in Colorado. Tucked within Rifle Falls State Park, the smallest state park in Colorado, an accessible trail will lead you to a limestone cliff wall with three cascades, each one tumbling between 70 and 80 feet. The lush vegetation surrounding the falls, the nearby caves, and even wildlife sightings are just a few additional things that make these falls worth a visit.

10. Shoshone Falls, Idaho

• Location: Twin Falls, Idaho
• Popularity: Popular
• Need to Know: There is typically a small fee to park when visiting between March and September.

Shoshone Falls is not only one of the most well-known waterfalls in the Gem State, but it is also one of the tallest waterfalls in Idaho. This impressive waterfall is 925 feet wide in some areas and tumbles 212 feet into the Snake River, making it taller than even Niagara Falls, and earning it the nickname “Niagara of the West.” Shoshone Falls Park is the best place to capture this remarkable scene, and is where you’ll find multiple viewpoints, picnic areas, a playground, and more.

11. Bridal Veil Falls, Utah

• Location: Provo Canyon, Utah
• Popularity: Summer evenings can be busy along the paved trail at the base of the falls. However, many people view the falls while driving on the highway.
• Need to Know: There are multiple parks nearby that are connected to the flat, paved trail. There are also two parking areas available.

When I was a young girl, at least once a week, I'd drive by Bridal Veil Falls, and I fell in love with this impressive cascade. This two-tiered waterfall is just over 600 feet tall and can be seen directly from the highway in Provo Canyon. However, if you wish to view the cascades a little closer, there is a paved trail near the base, or you can get even closer by tackling a short yet steep trail. In the winter, this is a popular place for ice climbing, and it isn't uncommon to see experts climbing up the frozen falls. However, leave this sport to the professionals as many ice climbing incidents, some fatal, have occurred on these falls.

12. Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

• Location: Snoqualmie, Washington
• Popularity: Very popular. More than 1.5 million visitors come to view the falls each year.
• Need to Know: While the free parking lot tends to fill up quickly, a lower parking area is typically less crowded, though it does require a small fee.

There are some gorgeous waterfalls in Washington, but one of the most popular is Snoqualmie Falls. Not only are these falls approximately 40 minutes from Seattle, but they tumble an impressive 268 feet into a large natural pool. You can enjoy the falls while exploring the two-acre park, stepping onto both the upper and lower observation decks, and visiting the Salish Lodge.

13. Multnomah Falls, Oregon

• Location: Columbia River Gorge, approximately 30 miles from Portland
• Popularity: Extremely popular. More than 2 million people visit this waterfall each year.
• Need to Know: If visiting between Memorial Day and Labor Day, timed entry permits are required.

One of the most iconic and well-known waterfalls in Oregon is the beautiful Multnomah Falls. This two-tiered waterfall is fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain and truly roars in the spring due to snowmelt and after heavy rain. You can view Multnomah Falls right from the parking area or take the short trail to Benson Bridge, which spans the two cascades and offers gorgeous views of not only the falls but also the Columbia River Gorge.

14. Burney Falls, California

• Location: McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Burney, California
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need to Know: There is a day-use fee to enter the state park and several trail options if you want to enjoy these falls from different angles.

Northern California’s Burney Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the state. Located within the state’s volcanic region, it’s fed by underground springs that create both the main cascades and several smaller ones. Plus, these waterfalls flow year-round due to the area's unique geology, and have an impressive daily flow rate of 100 million gallons. A beautiful view of these falls is just a few hundred feet from the parking lot, or you can take a short hike to the base of the falls. Don't be afraid to take the Burney Falls Loop Trail, a short, family-friendly hike that gives you gorgeous views of the falls and the surrounding area.  

15. Rainbow Falls, Hawaii

• Location: Wailuku River State Park, Hilo, Hawaii
• Popularity: Depending on the time of day, Rainbow Falls can be quite busy.
• Need to Know: The parking lot is not large and fills up very quickly, especially in the morning hours to see the rainbows. There is also a small fee to park in the designated Rainbow Falls parking lot.

Each time I visit the Big Island, a visit to Rainbow Falls is on my itinerary. This is one of my favorite waterfalls in Hawaii, and it requires no hiking. Rainbow Falls is located inside the city of Hilo and within Wailuku River State Park. Just a few steps from the parking lot, you can enjoy several views of the falls. However, there are also some stairs you can climb to see the falls from above, but this isn’t necessary. Not only is this waterfall known for its easy access, but also for the rainbows that appear in its mist in the morning hours, hence where this waterfall received its name.  

While this list highlights only a handful of the most beautiful waterfalls in the U.S., each one offers spectacular views without the need for any hiking boots. However you choose to experience them, get ready for quite a show.