Havasu Falls
The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world, which will make your trip more memorable. From the roaring cascades of Niagra Falls to the serenity of Havasu Falls, there are some of the best waterfalls in the United States. The waterfalls in the USA are known as one of the most refreshing getaways worldwide known for their cascading appearance. You will surely experience heavenly pleasure while viewing the sparkling white and foamy water falling from mountain slopes into a pool. Travelers will see many beautiful USA waterfalls, from the smallest to the tallest waterfalls.
The first on the list that attracts many travelers from around the world is Niagara Falls, one of the most mighty waterfalls in America. It is located on the border between New York State and the province of Ontario, Canada. It comprises three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. All three cascading waterfalls make a stunning sight. Here, you can indulge in various activities, such as boat tours, or stand at the observation deck to witness the power of the fall. Another popular waterfall in the USA is the Yosemite Waterfall in California. It is the tallest waterfall in North America and provides various hiking trails for adventure lovers. So, don’t forget to include this amazing waterfall in your list for the awe-inspiring landscape views.
These are just a few examples of the best waterfalls in the USA. Whether you are drawn to Niagara Falls, the serene beauty of Yosemite Waterfall, or the majestic height of the Havasu Waterfall, there is no shortage of natural wonders to explore in the United States. So, pack your bags, lace your hiking boots, and explore the beauty of these waterfalls. Here is a list of the 20 best waterfalls in the US, known for their magnetic appeal, that you can visit on your trip to America. Keep this list in your mind and get lost in the breathtaking sounds of the falls.
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Located in Haleakala National Park Kipahulu, Waimoku Falls is one of the best waterfalls in the USA. The 400-foot-tall Waimoku will make you feel overjoyed and amazed, and it is a must-visit destination for nature and adventure lovers. The 1.8-mile Pipiwai Trail passes through diverse scenery and treasured bamboo forests. To reach Waimoku Falls, you will embark on a scenic hike along the Pipiwai Trail, which winds through bamboo forests, streams, and past notable attractions like the Makahiku Falls. The journey to the waterfall offers stunning views of the Maui coastline and the surrounding tropical landscape, making it an unforgettable experience for hikers of all skill levels. Don’t forget to click some of the best pictures from the base of the falls as a memory.
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year, but early spring is the best time.
Crowned king of all the best waterfalls in the USA, Niagara Falls is a must-visit place for travelers. You get an amazing panoramic view of the three falls here: the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls – Niagara Falls offers various vantage points for visitors to admire its beauty. The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are on the American side of the border, while the Horseshoe Falls straddles the border between the United States and Canada. You can experience the falls up close to observation decks, take boat tours to feel the mist on your faces, or even explore behind the falls through tunnels. Many travel lovers find this waterfall as the ‘Heaven on Earth.’
Location: Between the province of Ontario in Canada and New York in the US
Best Time to Visit: June to August
Located in the Sierra Nevada of California, Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the US. Dropping 2,425 feet from the upper fall to the bottom of the valley, it has also been seen as the fifth-highest waterfall in the world. It consists of three different falls: Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). The melting snow forms Yosemite’s waterfalls from the high spring and early summer peaks. As the water rushes down the mountainsides, it creates spectacular displays of cascading water that can be seen from miles away. You can marvel at these natural wonders from designated viewpoints or take to the hiking trails for a closer look.
Location: California
Best Time to Visit: Between late fall and midsummer (May and September)
Make your way to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in California for spectacular views of McWay Falls. This 80-foot waterfall flows continuously throughout the year, and travelers can see it right from the highway, making it one of the best waterfalls in the United States. Travelers will get a remarkable view of McWay Falls as it topples into the Pacific Ocean. Accessible via a short trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls offers a breathtaking view that captivates nature enthusiasts and photographers alike—although brief, it winds through a lush coastal forest, adding to the enchanting experience. The waterfall cascades gracefully onto a pristine sandy beach below, creating a postcard-perfect moment against the backdrop of turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.
Location: California
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Havasu Falls is located on the Havasupai Reservation and is named after Havasupai. In which, Pai means people, whereas Havasu Pai means – “people of the blue-green water.” Havasu Falls is an oasis of white, milky, and foaming waters in the center of the orange sandstone of the Grand Canyon. Havasu Falls is counted among the most miraculous and best waterfalls in America. Accessible only by a challenging hike or by helicopter, reaching Havasu Falls is an adventure in itself. Once you arrive, you’re greeted by the majestic sight of Havasu Falls, where the crystal-clear waters invite you to swim, relax, and soak in the beauty of nature. Waking up to the sound of rushing water and the sight of sunlight dancing on the canyon walls is a memory that will last a lifetime.
Location: Supai, Arizona
Best Time to Visit: Early spring or late autumn
Bridalveil Fall is one of the best waterfalls in the USA for those who fall in love with nature. You just need only a 10-minute walk to reach this amazing place. The thing that makes this place on the list of best waterfalls in the USA is that it stands tall at 620 feet. The waterfall looks like nature is having its own grand wedding, and the veil gracefully cascades down the rugged cliffs. This waterfall is the true attraction of Yosemite, attracting millions of travelers around the year. As soon as you approach the Bridalveil Fall, you will start feeling the mist kiss on your cheek, along with the enchanting atmosphere. So, don’t forget to add this amazing place to your itinerary.
Location: Yosemite, California
Best Time to Visit: Early spring
Wailua Falls is the best place to visit if you want to witness one of the most amazing waterfalls in the Western United States. This amazing waterfall appeared in the opening credits of the popular TV show Fantasy Island. Though you won’t find any hiking trails, it is a perfect place to take memories back home. The falls are surrounded by verdant cliffs and tropical vegetation, adding to the enchanting ambiance of the area. Accessible via a short hike or a scenic drive along the Wailua River, the falls offer a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventurers. Visitors can admire the cascading water, take in the breathtaking views, and even swim in the cool waters of the pool beneath the falls.
Location: Lihue, Hawaii
Best Time to Visit: Beautiful year-round, but try to visit early morning
Located at a place called ‘Paradise’ in Michigan, Tahquamenon Falls is known for its milky fresh water and beautiful surroundings. Split into two equally astonishing halves, this fall provides a mesmerizing view of rust-colored cascades from its upper falls. The upper fall passes through cedar trees and tumbles over the rocks before heading to the lower falls. Besides appreciating the beauty of this amazing waterfall, you can also enjoy hiking trails, camping, and winter sports in Tahquamenon Fall State Park. For those seeking a more tranquil setting, the Lower Falls provides the perfect escape. Here, the Tahquamenon River widens and splits into multiple channels, forming a series of smaller cascades and pools. You can relax along the riverbanks and take a refreshing swim in the calm waters.
Location: Paradise, Michigan
Best Time to Visit: Perfect for every season
If you count the top 10 waterfalls in the United States, Silver Falls State Park will make its presence on this list. A 7.2-mile-long Trail of Ten Falls adds more enchanting colors to an already tranquil landscape. You can manage to experience this beauty from directly behind the waterfall. It is a perfect place to visit for those who love to explore the hidden treasures of nature. You can embark on the Trail of Ten Falls, a scenic hiking route that winds through the park, offering glimpses of several other magnificent waterfalls along the way. Beyond the waterfalls, the park boasts an extensive network of trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Moreover, you can enjoy the flora and fauna, from towering Douglas firs to elusive black-tailed deer.
Location: Sublimity, Oregon
Best Time to Visit: Anytime between April and October
Known as the Little Niagara or the Niagara of the South, Cumberland Falls is a phenomenon that won’t be found in any other Western Hemisphere location. A 125-foot wide curtain of blue-green water falling into a boulder-strewn gorge offers a magnificent view of the Cumberland River Valley. This fall also offers a magical moonbow, a rare lunar rainbow phenomenon visible on the full moon, which makes it one of the best waterfalls in the USA. It is an ideal retreat after a day of water activities and horse riding. The park’s pristine trails lead adventurers through lush forests and along the Cumberland River, providing ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation. So, add these amazing places to your itinerary.
Location: Corbin, Kentucky
Best Time to Visit: Summertime is the best time to see the Cumberland Falls and the whole moonbow phenomenon.
Known as ‘Mendenhall Glacier Falls’, Nugget Falls offers an awe-inspiring experience to visitors. This stunning waterfall tumbles over the rocks and falls about 377 feet into Mendenhall Lake throughout a 2-tiered drop. Tourists from around the world often explore this magnificent wonder of nature. The Nugget Glacier feeds the falls, adding to their majestic allure and providing a constant source of fresh, cold water. Visitors can easily access Nugget Falls via a scenic hiking trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and glimpses of the nearby glacier. The trail is suitable for hikers of all skill levels, making it one of the best waterfalls in America for families and solo travelers. So, just add these amazing waterfalls to your list.
Location: Juneau, Alaska
Best Time to Visit: Perfect round-year
Virginia Falls is known for its clear blue and foamy waterfalls, being one of the most popular USA waterfalls. A moderate trail passes by massive hemlock beams and knotty pine trees, offering a spectacular view to the tourists. The surroundings of this fall seem to be a scene out of a fairy tale. You will surely fall in love with this place due to its scenic and magnetic appeal. As you approach the falls, you’ll feel the misty spray kissing your skin and hear the thunderous roar of the rushing water echoing through the forest. The sight of the falls is truly awe-inspiring, with its pristine waters tumbling down in a spectacular display of nature’s grandeur. You can embark on scenic hikes along well-maintained trails to reach various viewpoints, offering stunning vistas of the falls.
Location: Glacier National Park, Montana
Best Time to Visit: July and August
Known as the biggest waterfall in the US, Whitewater Falls is a series of remarkably beautiful and multi-drop cascading waterfalls that offer visitors a phenomenal view. The falls plunge an incredible 411 feet, tumbling over a series of jutting rocks and passing by a wildflower-filled forest. Travelers can enjoy a picnic time near the trailhead with their loved ones. The sound of waterfalls and the rocky & shady forest ambiance make it a remarkable place to explore. The Upper Falls, accessible by a short walk from the parking area, cascades dramatically for over 400 feet, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of mist and sound. The Lower Falls, although not as tall, offer equally stunning views and can be reached via a moderate hike along a well-maintained trail.
Location: Sapphire, North Carolina
Best Time to Visit: Beautiful round-year
Located on Multnomah Creek in the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is known for its magnificent and memorable view. Visitors can get the best view of one of these beautiful waterfalls in the USA from a 20th-century stone bridge strung between two cliffs. It consists of a combination of two tiers – a 542-foot tall upper tier and a 69-foot tall lower tier that plunged into a pool from a single vantage point. It is considered one of the top natural attractions of Oregon. Travelers can visit this fall around the year to experience its different moods and flows. Access to Multnomah Falls is convenient, with a short walk from the parking area leading to the viewing platform, providing a perfect vantage point for admiring its splendor.
Location: Bridal Veil, Oregon
Best Time to Visit: From November to February
When travelers explore some of the hidden treasures of the United States, they will surely find Union Falls, which is also known as a gem of Yellowstone National Park. To get the heavenly pleasure of this waterfall, travelers need to make the 8-mile hike each way via rocky terrain. For those who love camping and hiking, Union Falls simply means it for them. You can spend the night camping near this waterfall. Upon arrival, the sight of Union Falls is truly awe-inspiring, making it one of the most popular USA waterfalls. Towering at an impressive height, the waterfall creates a mesmerizing spectacle as it crashes into the pool below. The misty spray and thunderous sound of the cascading water evoke a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world.
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Best Time to Visit: From May until September
Tourists from all around the world come to see Palouse Falls in Eastern Washington. Viewing the 186-foot drop from a rugged terrain into a churning sapphire pool is something exceptional. Travelers can view this beautiful waterfall in the USA from different locations for different views. If you want to catch the best glimpse of this fall, then visit the place at sunset. Travel freaks can also enjoy a picnic near a campsite to mesmerize the beauty of this place. The surrounding landscape, with its rugged cliffs and rolling hills, adds to the allure of this scenic destination. Aside from its natural beauty, Palouse Falls also holds cultural significance for the Native American tribes of the region. They consider it a sacred site, imbued with spiritual significance and surrounded by ancient legends.
Location: Washtucna, Washington
Best Time to Visit: From April to June or mid-July
Located just off the busy I-90 throughway, Snoqualmie Falls is a hidden gem in Washington. Travelers can explore this waterfall at just 200 feet from the parking area. The popularity of Snoqualmie Falls has increased after being featured in the TV show Twin Peaks. Easily accessible from the city of Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls offers a serene escape into the heart of nature. You can enjoy various viewpoints and walking trails that provide stunning vistas of the falls and the surrounding landscape. The mist rising from the cascading water adds to the enchanting atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Aside from its scenic appeal, Snoqualmie Falls holds cultural significance for the Snoqualmie Tribe, who have inhabited the area for centuries.
Location: Snoqualmie, Washington
Best Time to Visit: Spring runoff
Mesa Falls is a set of two waterfalls – upper fall and lower fall. Upper Mesa Falls stands at an impressive 114 feet tall, while Lower Mesa Falls plunges dramatically from a height of 65 feet. The sheer power and beauty of the rushing water make it a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Keeping in mind its magnetic appeal and scenic beauty, Mesa Falls brings a smile to your face, giving you some memorable moments to bring them back home. You can come here with your family to look at one of the best waterfalls in America. The water passes through a quiet forest before it topples into the Snake River in Ashton, Idaho.
Location: Ashton, Idaho
Best Time to Visit: Between May and October
Taller cascades and scenic views make Calf Creek Falls a perfect waterfall in the south-central part of the United States. Though the fall is divided into two portions – upper and lower, you will fall in love with its lower portion, from where you can get the best views of this splendid natural treasure. The journey to the falls is an adventure in itself, with a scenic hiking trail that winds through towering sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation alongside the meandering Calf Creek. The hike to Calf Creek Falls is approximately 3 miles each way, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels, including families with children. Along the trail, you can marvel at ancient petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls, spot diverse wildlife, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Location: Escalante, Utah
Best Time to Visit: Spring Season
Known as the ‘Niagara of Pennsylvania,’ Bushkill Falls is located in the Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. It consists of a series of 8 equally remarkable cascades in the Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania. The lush green surroundings, milky water, and phenomenal view make it a must-visit waterfall in the United States. As you wander along the wooden walkways and bridges, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature at its finest. Keep an eye on wild animals such as deer, birds, and maybe even a curious squirrel or two. For those craving adventure, Bushkill Falls offers additional activities such as paddle boating, fishing, and miniature golf. Visitors of all ages can embark on scenic hiking trails that wind through the forest, offering breathtaking views of the falls. Just come here and experience the tranquility of nature.
Location: Bushkill, Pennsylvania
Best Time to Visit: Season of spring and fall
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