5 Waterfalls In Nebraska That Will Absolutely Take Your Breath Away

Being a flat, landlocked state, you probably wouldn’t expect Nebraska to have any waterfalls at all. You’d be almost right – most of the state’s rivers and waterways flow peacefully with hardly a change in altitude. But head out to the western part of Nebraska along the Niobrara river and you’ll catch some breathtaking views of these unexpectedly lovely natural waterfalls and cascades. Here are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Nebraska.

Smith Falls, Valentine, NE 69221, USA

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At nearly 70 feet tall, Smith Falls is the largest of the Nebraska waterfalls. It's located in Smith Falls State Park near Sparks. Visit the Nebraska Game and Parks website to learn more.

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, 39983 Refuge Rd, Valentine, NE 69201, USA

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This gorgeous sight can be found in the breathtaking Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Valentine. It's one of the most stunning waterfalls in Nebraska. Learn more about one of the best waterfall hiking trails on the National Park Service website.

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Snake River Falls, Valentine, NE 69201, USA

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Looking like a fun place to spend a hot summer afternoon, Snake River Falls is a popular fishing and recreation spot about 20 miles south of Valentine. It's the largest waterfall by volume in the entire state of Nebraska. Learn more about one of the most beautiful Nebraska waterfalls on the Visit Nebraska website.

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Niobrara Valley Preserve, 42269 Morel Road, Johnstown, NE 69214, USA

NE Game and Parks Commission

Stair Step Falls is probably Nebraska's most picturesque waterfall. Located on private property in the Niobrara Valley Preserve, you can catch a glimpse of it shortly after Sharp's Landing while tubing or kayaking down the Niobrara. To learn more, visit the Nature Conservancy website.

Berry Falls, Valentine, NE 69201, USA

NE Game and Parks Commission

Berry Falls is one of the smaller but lovely Nebraska waterfalls that's located on the Niobrara east of Valentine. Learn more by visiting the National Park Service website.

Most of Nebraska’s waterfalls are fed from small ground springs and the Ogallala aquifer, and they are largely concentrated in the ecologically unique Nebraska Sandhills region along the Niobrara River. There are some 200 more tiny, unnamed waterfalls in the area which are more like small dropoffs in the middle of the river than a cascade. What they lack in size they make up for in unspoiled natural beauty. There’s nothing quite like venturing out on a hiking, fishing, or camping trip and stumbling upon one of the many smaller, unexpected falls that adorn the scenic Niobrara River in Nebraska.