There are many breathtaking waterfalls around the world, but you don’t have to leave the country to see some of these amazing natural wonders. In fact, a majestic waterfall might be closer to home than you think!
Creating a list of the best waterfalls in the US is no easy task. Of course, it’s all completely subjective, and I haven’t seen every single waterfall in the US. However, the 10 astonishing natural wonders that made this list are definitely unmissable.
It’s time to head out on a road trip, strap on some hiking boots, and pack all the snacks! These are the 10 best US waterfalls everyone should see at least once.
10. Whitewater Falls – Sapphire, North Carolina
The Whitewater River features waterfalls and cascades in both North Carolina and South Carolina. The upper falls are situated in North Carolina and plunge 411 feet. If you cross the state line, the lower falls in South Carolina plunge another 400 feet. There have been claims that Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, but that has been disputed. Highest or not, these tumbling cascades in the NC mountains are well worth a visit.
To access Waterwater Falls in NC, there is a paved trail walkway that leads to the upper overlook. It’s part of the larger Foothills Trail that winds along the Blue Ridge Escarpment for 85 miles.
9. Rainbow Falls – Hilo, Hawai’i
Hawai’i certainly has no shortage of breathtaking waterfalls, and it wouldn’t be hard to make this list with nothing but waterfalls from the Aloha State. For the sake of variety, though, I wanted to pick the best of the best from all over the US.
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Rainbow Falls was my pick! This waterfall isn’t the largest, but it is absolutely gorgeous. It’s like looking at a true work of art, and it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the Big Island. It looks like a tropical paradise with all the lush tropical flora, but it’s extremely easy to get to. In fact, it’s located within Hilo town. Visit early in the day for a higher chance of seeing rainbows.
8. Tahquamenon Falls – Paradise, Michigan
Situated in nearly 50,000 acres of the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, the Tahquamenon Falls are the largest waterfalls in the state of Michigan. The Upper Falls span 200 feet wide, making it one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.
The water has a distinct amber color, thanks to the tannins from cedar, spruce, and hemlock trees. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some of the surrounding wildlife, like moose, otters, deer, bald eagles, and songbirds.
7. Cumberland Falls – Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky
Cumberland Falls has often been called the Niagara of the South. One visit, and it will be easy to see why. Situated in the heart of Kentucky, this waterfall flows 60 feet over boulders.
Aside from being beautiful, Cumberland Falls gained fame for producing moonbows. Also known as lunar rainbows, these are formed by the refracted moonlight! Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world that regularly produces a moonbow.
6. Havasu Falls – Havasupai Indian Reservation, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Unlike some of the other waterfalls on this list, Havasu Falls sits in the middle of a reservation. That means you need to plan ahead and purchase a permit from the Havasupai Tribe to access the area. All visits require at least a one-night reservation at the campground or at the Havasupai Lodge. Trust me when I say it is worth it!
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This waterfall (and all the other waterfalls in the Havasupai Reservation) look like something out of a dream. There is a contrast between the red-rock scenery from the Grand Canyon and the blue-green waters of Havasu Creek. The color comes from the magnesium that occurs naturally in the waters.
5. Shoshone Falls – Twin Falls, Idaho
We’ve already talked about the Niagara of the South, so now let’s take a look at the Niagara of the West! Located at the edge of Twin Falls, Idaho, Shoshone Falls is a massive natural beauty on the Snake River. This showstopper is 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide!
The flow is dependent on the amount of snowfall during the winter. That means that spring, when all the snow is melting, is the best time to visit Shoshone Falls.
4. Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park has multiple waterfalls, and they’re all awe-inspiring and worth a visit. It’s not surprising, considering America’s first national park is 3,500 square miles of dramatic canyons, lush valleys, hot springs, and gushing geysers.
Both the upper and lower falls are popular tourist attractions. It’s the lower falls in particular that are especially famous, with an impressive 308-foot fall with plenty of vantage points. You can even take in the view without a hike at Artist’s Point.
3. Multnomah Falls – Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
This natural beauty is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the US and very may well be the most visited natural site in the Pacific Northwest. The flow comes from underground springs from Larch Mountain and is highest during winter and spring.
The upper falls are massive at 542 feet, the second falls are just 69 feet and then drop another 9 feet at the bottom. Altogether, Multnomah Falls drops 620 feet. Walk the trail leading to Benson Footbridge to get an amazing view, or continue the hike all the way to the upper falls for a fantastic view of the Columbian Gorge.
2. Yosemite Falls – Yosemite National Park, California
California has plenty of gorgeous waterfalls, so it was hard to pick one. As one of the US’s tallest waterfalls, this crowning jewel of Yosemite National Park makes my top 10. There are several different vantage points to enjoy the falls from, though the best time of year to see the waterfall is during spring.
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Although listed together under one name, Yosemite Falls is a collection of three waterfalls. Upper Yosemite Falls is the tallest, at 1,430 feet. This flows into the middle cascades (675 feet), and then down to the Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). That’s nearly 2,500 feet from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall.
1. Niagara Falls – New York
If you only see one waterfall in the US, make it Niagara Falls! And bring your passport so you can see this world-famous attraction from all angles.
Niagara Falls is so spectacular, thanks to the combination of height and volume. It’s the largest waterfall by volume in North America. During peak hours, 6 million cubic feet of water flow over the crest of the falls every minute. Niagara is a group of three different waterfalls – Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls – and they straddle the international border between the US and Canada.
While Niagara Falls isn’t the biggest waterfall in the world, it is probably the most famous! It has appeared in movies and TV shows, it’s been the subject of countless works of art, and it attracts about 12 million visitors a year.
