Here Are The Best Waterfalls You Need To Visit In Every State
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Sarah McCosham
Author
There’s something inherently magical about waterfalls. Whether you’re reveling in the grandeur of the largest waterfall 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. But, don’t just take our word for it: here are the best waterfalls you need to visit in each state — and we recommend visiting them all!
Caney Creek Falls Trail, Alabama 35553, USA
One of the few waterfalls in the state that flows year-round, Caney Falls is absolutely breathtaking.
Nugget Falls Trail, Nugget Fls Trl, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
In a place as big and beautiful as Alaska, it can be hard to stand out. But this 377-foot Alaska waterfall located on the eastern edge of Mendenhall Lake, beside the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, does just that. It's one of the most popular sights in Juneau, and its grandeur is unparalleled.
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Havasu Falls, Arizona, USA
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.
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Cedar Falls, Arkansas 72110, USA
Revered as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Arkansas, the 95-foot Cedar Falls is situated at the top of Petit Jean Mountain, in the heart of Petit Jean State Park.
Yosemite Falls, California, USA
Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in the country (the fifth-largest in the world), dropping a total of 2,425 feet from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall. In addition to its own natural splendor, Yosemite Falls experiences two incredible phenomena at certain times of the year: a moonbow, and firefall.
Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado 81426, USA
At a staggering 365 feet high, Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free-falling cascade in Colorado. (And in case you're wondering, that building at the top is the Smuggler-Union Hydroelectric Power Plant, but its unique architecture definitely adds to Bridal Veil's charm.)
Great Falls, Canaan, CT 06031, USA
Located along the Housatonic River at Falls Village in Canaan, Great Falls is about as charming and delightful as they come. Add in some fall foliage and New England elegance? Perfection.
Brandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA
You'll find several cascades within this Delaware gem, one of the most popular parks in the state. While Brandywine's falls aren't the superlative showstoppers of some of the others on this list, these tranquil little waterfalls are pretty perfect just as is.
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Falling Creek Falls, Florida 32055, USA
You've never seen a waterfall quite like this before. Florida's Falling Creek Falls gets its coppery hue from tannic acid released from decomposing vegetation along the waterway. This colorful waterfall is unexpected, but absolutely extraordinary.
Anna Ruby Falls, Georgia 30571, USA
Anna Ruby Falls is a duo of divine waterfalls located in a picture-perfect piece of North Georgia forest. This is Mother Nature's version of synchronized swimming, with the falls cascading in tandem - and it's spectacular.
Wailua Falls, Hawaii 96746, USA
While Hawaii is known for its spectacular waterfalls, Wailua Falls takes things to a whole other level entirely. Running at the southernmost point of the Wailua River, this double waterfall spills from an 80-foot cliff into a 30-foot-deep pool, sometimes merging into one thunderous cascade after heavy rains. Go early in the morning, and you may even spot a rainbow.
Shoshone Falls, Idaho 83341, USA
Idaho might not be the first place to come to mind when you're conjuring up waterfalls, but The Gem State is full of surprises. Shoshone Falls is one of the most sublime waterfalls in the country; it's 212 feet high (45 feet higher than Niagara Falls) and flows over a rim nearly 1,000 feet wide. Often called "The Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is an absolute must-see.
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Starved Rock State Park is home to myriad 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, delighting all who come across them.
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Cataract Falls State Recreation Area, 2605 N Cataract Rd, Spencer, IN 47460, USA
Contrary to popular belief, The Hoosier State is not all cows and cornfields. There are some truly wondrous waterfalls in Indiana, with Cataract Falls ranking high on the list. This collection of cascades is a truly spectacular sight to behold -- and if you go in the autumn when fall foliage is at its peak, you'll be rendered totally speechless.
Dunning's Spring Park, Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Dunnings Spring Falls in Iowa is an absolute vision. You'll find this 200-foot waterfall within Dunnings Springs Park, a lush forest that feels like something out of Lord of the Rings.
Cowley County State Lake Waterfall, Unnamed Road, Parkerfield, KS 67005, USA
Cowley Lake Waterfall is a little piece of Oz right here in Kansas. Cowley Lake itself is a pristine little oasis, with the eponymous waterfall taking things to a whole other level.
Cumberland Falls, Kentucky 42634, USA
The largest waterfall in the state, Cumberland Falls is also known as "Niagara of the South." This wondrous waterfall is perfect all on its own, but if you visit during a rare "moonbow" phenomenon, you'll be completely blown away.
J.C. "Sonny" Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, Sicily Island, LA 71368, USA
While not a state that's particularly known for its waterfalls, there are some diminutive falls here that are downright delightful. At 17 feet high, Rock Falls holds the distinction of being the tallest waterfall in the state. To view it in its full glory, visit after a heavy rain!
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Moxie Falls, Unnamed Road, West Forks, ME 04985, USA
With a spectacular, 90-foot drop, Moxie Falls is Maine's highest and most easily accessible waterfall. It's also one of the most beautiful places in all of New England.
Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland 21550, USA
While not technically the tallest cascade in Maryland (that superlative belongs to the falls at Cunningham State Park), at 53 feet high, Muddy Creek Falls is the state's tallest free-falling waterfall -- and it's a vision.
Bash Bish Falls, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
Two roaring cascades merge into one, rushing resplendently into an emerald-green pool; this is Bash Bish Falls, and it's extraordinary.
Tahquamenon Falls, McMillan Township, MI 49768, USA
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.
High Falls, Tettegouche State Park, 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
Located on the Minnesota/Canada border, High Falls is 120 feet of pure power that will leave you completely spellbound.
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Clark Creek Natural Area, 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669, USA
Clark Creek Natural Area has been dubbed one of the Magnolia State's most beautiful outdoor treasures, and with literally dozens of waterfalls within its 700 scenic acres, it's not difficult to see why. The Clark Creek Falls is the only named waterfall in the park, and it's accessible via a relatively easy hike.
Mina Sauk Falls, Arcadia Township, MO 63650, USA
The tallest waterfall in Missouri, Mina Sauk Falls, features several 30-foot drops and rushes over rocks and gorges in a way that looks almost choreographed.
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Bird Woman Falls, Montana 59936, USA
Montana's Bird Woman Falls is a vision: it drops 560 feet from just West of the Continental Divide, into the St. Mary Valley in Glacier National Park. This waterfall's absolute grandeur is riveting.
Smith Falls, Valentine, NE 69221, USA
This uniquely shaped waterfall is one of Nebraska's most splendid treasures; and, at 70 feet high, it's also the state's tallest fall.
Kings Canyon Waterfalls, Kings Canyon Rd, Carson City, NV 89703, USA
Nevada is one of those states that will surprise you. Kings Canyon Waterfall is a 30-foot wonder that you'll swear is a desert mirage. It's not. Kings Canyon Waterfall is real and absolutely resplendent.
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Arethusa Falls, Livermore, NH 03812, USA
The 140-foot Arethusa Falls is considered by many to be the most impressive waterfall in New Hampshire, and we're inclined to agree.
Buttermilk Falls, Mountain Rd, Layton, NJ 07851, USA
The tallest waterfall in New Jersey, Buttermilk Falls is a picture-perfect series of cascades that seem to dance their way into an emerald pool.
Sitting Bull Falls, New Mexico 88220, USA
Sitting Bull Falls is a series of cascades located within Lincoln National Forest. The park is an unexpected desert oasis; its waterfalls are truly glorious.
Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
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'll catch an enchanting rainbow.
Linville Falls, NC 28752, USA
The most popular waterfall in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Linville Falls is a spectacular, three-tiered cascade plunging into Linville Gorge, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians."
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Mineral Springs, ND, USA
North Dakota has one waterfall, and this is it. Mineral Springs Waterfall might not be your typical, rushing cascade, but it's beautiful in its own right, and an absolute must for any waterfall chaser.
Ash Cave, 26400 OH-56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152, USA
Located in Ohio's lovely Hocking Hills State Park, the 90-foot Ash Cave Falls is extraordinary not simply because of its unique location (within a recessed cave), but also for its accessibility: the waterfall has a wide, half-mile wheelchair and stroller path to the lower section.
Turner Falls, Davis, OK 73030, USA
Oklahoma's Turner Falls State Park is widely considered to be the most beautiful in the state, and the eponymous Turner Falls is its crown jewel. One of Oklahoma's tallest waterfalls, Turner Falls drops an impressive 77 feet into a pristine blue pool below.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Multnomah Falls is a vision; a sublime sensory experience. This 611-foot-tall, roaring waterfall is a true testament to the power of Mother Nature.
Raymondskill Falls, Dingman Township, PA 18337, USA
Raymondskill Falls is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, and its three-tiered cascades are pretty much the Platonic ideal of waterfalls.
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Pawtucket Falls, Pawtucket, RI 02860, USA
The Ocean State may not be known for its waterfalls, but Pawtucket Falls stands out not only for its beauty, but also its history. Pawtucket Falls once provided power for Samuel Slater’s cotton spinning mill, which was built back in 1793 and widely considered to be a precursor to the American industrial revolution. The location of Pawtucket Falls is also iconic, serving as a notable feature in this historic, charming New England city.
Raven Cliff Falls, South Carolina 29635, USA
This 420-foot beauty 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.
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Yes, South Dakota does have waterfalls and Sioux Falls is absolutely picture-perfect. At over 100 feet tall, thousands of gallons of water rush out of this powerhouse each second, making this wonder the centerpiece of Sioux Falls Park.
Cane Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
While not the tallest Tennessee waterfall (that honor goes to Fall Creek Falls), Cane Creek Falls is the largest by volume. This 45-foot cascade is mighty, majestic, and absolutely magnificent.
Gorman Falls, Texas 76853, USA
A true Texas treasure, Gorman Falls is a 70-foot cascade tucked away in the state's scenic Colorado Bend State Park.
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Lower Calf Creek Falls, Boulder, UT 84716, USA
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.
Moss Glen Falls, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
You'll find Moss Glen Falls located in Vermont's picturesque Putnam State Forest. This stunning, 125-foot fall is easily accessible via a 10-minute hike, and absolutely magical when the leaves start to change in the fall.
Doyles River Falls, Skyline Dr, Elkton, VA 22827, USA
The three-tiered, 30-foot Doyle River Falls is picture-perfect on its own, but its location within the utterly ravishing Shenandoah National Park takes the whole experience to another level entirely.
Palouse Falls, Washington 99143, USA
Quite possibly the most jaw-dropping waterfall in the country, Palouse Falls looks like something out of a fantasy. 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.
Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Blackwater Falls is one of the most photographed places in West Virginia, and for good reason. This spectacular fall plummets 57 feet into a deep, opaque pool that, indeed, appears to be black. (The river's dark color comes from tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles.)
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Big Manitou Falls, Superior, WI 54880, USA
At 165 feet tall, Big Manitou Falls is the highest waterfall in Wisconsin, and its grandeur will take your breath away.
Yellowstone National Park, United States
The biggest waterfall in Yellowstone National Park, Lower Falls is an immense, 308-foot fall that's easily the most recognizable icon of this pristine national park.
Who’s up for a little waterfall chasing? (Have you caught the wanderlust bug now, too?) Across the country, there are some truly wondrous waterfalls that make for some magical, memorable experiences.
And if you’re looking for more superlatives in the U.S., be sure to check out the 50 smallest towns in each state! If you wish to visit many of these waterfalls on a road trip, check out our ultimate road trip packing list before you go.
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More to Explore
Waterfalls Near Me
What are the best hiking trails with waterfalls in the USA?
- Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Fall State Park in Oregon
- Havasu Falls, Arizona
- Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado
There are quite literally tens of thousands of hikes and hiking trails across the United States. Many of those have unique or extraordinary features, like photogenic mountains, canyons, lakes, geological formations, and even waterfalls. Waterfall hikes are truly something special, and there are hundreds of amazing ones all over the country. Some of our favorites – the ones we think are the best, your mileage may vary – include the amazing Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. This 7.8-mile loop trail takes hikers on a journey past multiple amazing waterfalls, including the amazing, 178-foot-tall South Falls. Havasu Falls in Arizona is to die for; it’s a tough one, though, as you need to secure a permit years in advance, and to get to it requires a 10-mile one-way hike. Think you can do it? The reward is Havasu Falls, one of the most amazing waterfalls in the world! Bridal Veil Falls in Colorado is another must-see, with an incredible 365-foot plunge after a four-mile round-trip hike.
What are some of the most amazing waterfalls in the USA?
- Yosemite Falls, California
- Lower Yellowstone Falls, Wyoming
- Waimoku Falls, Hawaii
As we mentioned above, some of the most amazing hikes lead to some of the most amazing waterfalls, and the United States has no shortage of any of those things. Some of the most amazing falls are the ones mentioned above – Trail of Ten Falls, Havasu Falls, Bridal Veil Falls – but there are seriously so many more that it’s impossible to list just some, but we can try. There are also incredible gems like Yosemite Falls in California, which is 2,425 feet tall and the fifth-tallest waterfall in the world! Lower Yellowstone Falls is stunning and located in Wyoming; with a drop of 308 feet down, it’s the largest fall by volume in the Rocky Mountains. Then, way off on an island is Waimoku Falls, in Hawaii; it features a 400-foot drop down a stunning lava wall.