The BEST Waterfalls in the USA (With a Waterfall Map and Printable Bucket List!)

If you’ve spent the slightest amount of time with me in real life, you’re well aware that I am obsessed with waterfalls. And lucky for us, the United States is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for a challenge or a casual nature lover, there’s a waterfall in the US that will leave you breathless. I’ve reached out to other travel experts to put together this ultimate list of the very best waterfalls in the USA! DO go chasing all. the. waterfalls.

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Waterfalls in USA Map

Look at all those waterfalls (maaaajor heart eyes). Feel free to download this map to use as your own personal waterfall bucket list.

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The Best Waterfalls in the US

OKAAAY, IT’S TIME! For easy reading and navigation, I’ve divided this list of US Waterfalls by region. You’ll find the best waterfalls in the West, Southwest, Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast!

And for you dreamers, here’s a free printable USA Waterfall Bucket List. Happy adventuring!

Waterfalls in the West

Trail of Ten Falls – Oregon

• Location: Silver Falls State Park, one hour from Portland, Oregon
• Distance of hike: 7.2-mile loop
• Fee: $5, exact cash and card accepted
• Dog-friendly? No pets allowed on Canyon Trail (map); pets are allowed in the park and at Upper North Falls
• Where to stay: The Grand Hotel in Salem

The Trail of Ten Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in the US, and definitely worth adding to your bucket list. Recommended as a great day from trip Bend or Portland, Oregon, Silver Falls State Park is the quintessential lush, wet forest teeming with waterfalls that one imagines when Oregon comes to mind. 

On this 7.2-mile loop, hike down into the canyon to walk behind the 177-foot drop of South Falls, then continue on a relatively moderate hike among 8 other waterfalls, ending with North Falls at 166 feet. Many of the falls can be hiked behind along the trail, making this a unique and stunning waterfall hike.

It’s a great stop to make on an epic Oregon road trip!

As experienced by Michele of Adventures Abroad

Nugget Falls – Alaska

• Location: Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Juneau.
• Distance of hike: 0.8 miles.
• Fee: $5 from May 1 to September 30. Otherwise, free.
• Dog-friendly? Yes, but must be on a leash due to bear activity.
• Where to stay: The Four Points by Sheraton Juneau

Most travelers visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on a cruise to Alaska. Located in Alaska’s capital, a shuttle to Mendenhall lets you see a retreating glacier close to downtown.

The park has many hiking trails, but guests choose Nugget Falls because of its easy access and a great reward for little effort. The trail is unpaved, relatively flat, and suitable for all ages regardless of the hiking ability. 

Once you reach the sandbar, you’ll enjoy views of the thunderous 377-foot-high Nugget Falls. The meltwater from Nugget Glacier creates the cascade which flows into Mendenhall Lake.

During the summer, it’s not unusual to see house-sized icebergs in the lake, the result of calving from the nearby icefield.

As experienced by Karen of Forever Karen

Akaka Falls – Hilo, Hawaii

• Location: Akaka Falls State Park near Hilo, HI
• Distance of hike: 0.4-mile loop
• Fee: $5 per person and $10 per car for Hawaii nonresidents
• Dog-friendly: no pets allowed
• Where to stay: Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast in Hilo, HI

Akaka Falls is the highest easy-to-reach waterfall on the Big Island. This 442-ft waterfall is part of the same named state park.

You can reach Akaka Falls State Park by car in under 30 minutes from Hilo. Arrive early to minimize waiting for a parking spot to open up. And bring a credit card (not cash) to pay the park fees.

The hike to Akaka Falls is an easy paved loop. Proceed clockwise to get to the falls viewpoint even sooner. In addition to the main falls, enjoy the views of Kahūnā Falls and the tropical plants that surround the trail.

As experienced by Anastasia from Travel Realist

Snoqualmie Falls – Washington

• Location: Snoqualmie, Washington
• Distance of hike: 1.4 round trip
• Fee: Free parking across the street from the upper deck and at the lower lot
• Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash
• Where to stay: Salish Lodge & Spa

Snoqualmie Falls, an unforgettable 270-foot waterfall just east of Seattle, is the most visited waterfall in Washington State. The falls are gushing in the spring months when the snow is melting creating rainbows and soaking visitors who stay too long.

There are two main observation platforms and parking lots, one above the falls and one at ground level. There’s a somewhat steep, but very well-maintained and delightful interpretative trail in between the two.

You can park at the lot across from the Salish Lodge & Spa and take the footbridge over the road to the viewing area.

Keep reading: How to Spend One Weekend in Seattle

Manoa Falls – Oahu, Hawaii

• Location: Oahu, Hawaii
• Distance of hike: 1.6-mile loop
• Fee: free to enter, $7 for parking
• Dog-friendly? Yes
• Where to stay: The Laylow Autograph Collection Hotel

Manoa Falls is a gorgeous cascade located in the lush Manoa Valley, quite close to Honolulu. You might recognize this spectacular waterfall from productions like Jurassic Park or Lost. The stunning 150-foot waterfall can be found at the end of a short trail through the verdant rainforest.

The trail can get muddy, so be prepared by wearing sturdy shoes, as well as bringing bug spray, sunscreen, and water as on any hike.

Swimming is not allowed in the pool below the falls, so help maintain the natural environment and just enjoy the view from the trail above!

There are other trails connecting to the Manoa Falls Trail, so if you want a longer hike, you can continue to explore some of the nearby paths. Or, check out some of the other amazing hikes on Oahu!

As experienced by Megan of Next is Hawaii

Palouse Falls – Washington

• Location: Southeast Washington
• Distance of hike: .5 miles or less
• Fee: Display your Discover Pass or pay $10 for a day pass.
• Dog-friendly? Yes
• Where to stay: You can attempt to get a first-come-first-serve campsite at Palouse Falls or head to the KOA just a few miles south

Palouse Falls is a dramatic and scenic waterfall in Washington state, USA. The waterfall drops 198 feet into a panoramic canyon, surrounded by stunning basalt cliffs and rolling hills.

The area was carved by the great Missoula Floods, a series of catastrophic floods that occurred during the last ice age. Today, we’re left with a beautiful place where you can walk along the canyon rim and admire the falls.

Nina and Garrett from Washington is for Adventure

McWay Falls – California

• Location: Big Sur, California
• Distance of hike: 1-mile round trip
• Fee: free to enter, $7 for parking
• Dog-friendly? Not on the trail, just in the picnic areas
• Where to stay: Big Sur Lodge

McWay Falls is a magnificent, 80-foot waterfall that cascades down onto a pristine, untouched beach in the Julia Pfeiffer State Park section of Big Sur, California.

The falls are very easy to find, as they’re located right off of Highway One at “McWay Beach”, about 30 miles south of Carmel. To see the McWay Falls, visitors must simply stop at the McWay Falls Trailhead, and walk an easy .5 miles to the lookout point. Keep in mind, this spectacular US waterfall is one that must be admired from afar, as there is no access to the beach below.

There are two options for parking to see the McWay Falls. The first parking option is free, and it is to park right along the side of Highway One. Depending on traffic and the time of year, this can either be an easy option or a slightly dangerous one.

Alternatively, visitors can choose to pay a $10 fee to park inside Julia Pfeiffer State Park in a designated parking lot on the other side of Highway One, where you pass through a tunnel to get to the trailhead.

Unfortuneatly, dogs are not allowed on the trail, but they are allowed in the picnic areas of the park. 

One of the best places to stay to see the McWay Falls is the lovely Big Sur Lodge, located only a short drive from McWay Falls. 

As experienced by Haley of Gathering Waves

Lower Falls of Yellowstone – Wyoming

• Location: Yellowstone National Park
• Distance of hike: Viewable with a short walk from the parking lot or a short, but strenuous descent for Uncle Tom’s Trail
• Fee: No additional once you have paid the entrance fee to Yellowstone National Park
• Dog-friendly? No
• Where to stay: Canyon Lodge & Cabins

Take a road trip tour to Yellowstone National Park, where the 308 feet thunderous Lower Falls gushes into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. What makes this waterfall unique is its vibrant yellow and rust-colored rock formations that provide an otherworldly color palette backdrop.

Double the height of Niagara Falls, the waterfall is also known for having one of the most powerful sounds of any waterfall in the USA.

To see the waterfall, visitors can use different observation points like Uncle Tom’s Trail, Artist Point, or the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail. Even though the heavy flow in the spring runoff would be more impressive, the weather is better during the summer and early fall.

After viewing this amazing waterfall, be sure to check out all the other natural wonders in Yellowstone with this West Entrance Loop Itinerary.

As experienced by Catherine of Nomadicated

Waimoku Falls, Hawaii

• Location: Haleakala National Park, Maui, HI (At the end of the Road To Hana)
• Distance of Hike: 3.6-miles
• Fee: $30 National Park Fee
• Dog-friendly?: No
• Where to Stay: Hana Kai Maui

After experiencing the magic of the Road To Hana, you’ll find yourself at the start of the Pipiwai Trail. Then, you’ll partake in a magical 3.6-mile trek (round trip) and find yourself marveling at the base of Waimoku Falls. It’s a massive 400-ft waterfall down a sheer lava rock. Truly a sight you need to see with your own two eyes.

Shoshone Falls, Idaho

• Location: Twin Falls, Idaho
• Distance of Hike: 11.3 miles, but you can view the falls just feet from the parking lot.
• Fee: $5 March through September 
• Dog-friendly?: Yes
• Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express, Twin Falls

Shoshone Falls plummets from a breathtaking height of 212 feet on the Snake River. This “Niagara of the West” is only a 15-minute drive outside of Twin Falls, Idaho. 

A viewing platform of the falls is located just mere feet from the parking lot, making it accessible for all ability levels. However, it’s well worth hiking the Canyon Rim Trail to view the falls from multiple angles. This out-and-back trail takes about 4 hours to hike. 

As experienced by Clarice of The Clever West Wind

Rainbow Falls, Hawaii

• Location: Hilo, HI (Big Island)
• Distance of Hike: No hike is required (<.1 mile)
• Fee: Free!
• Dog-friendly?: No
• Where to Stay: Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast

Yes, Hawaii is jam-packed with epic waterfalls! Rainbow Falls is located less than a half hour from Akaka Falls – so be sure to visit both during your time on the Big Island! The falls are located just a short walk from the parking lot, but be sure to take the stairs up for another look. From the top of the stairs, you can then walk down the hill to view the massive Banyan Tree!

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Waterfalls in the Midwest

• Location:  Gooseberry Falls – Two Harbors, Minnesota.
• Distance of hike:  One-mile paved trail to the main falls area.
• Fee:  The Minnesota State Parks require either a $7 one-day vehicle pass or a $35 annual vehicle pass.
• Dog-friendly?  Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash and personally attended.
• Where to stay: Grand Superior Lodge (less than five minutes from Gooseberry Falls State Park). 

Open year-round, Gooseberry Falls is one of many waterfalls along the scenic North Shore of Minnesota, and the perfect choice for visitors of all ages.  From the Visitor’s Center (which includes a fun gift shop) you can make your way to the upper, middle and lower falls and then you can continue to hike on a variety of connected trails. 

This is an easy day trip from Duluth or you can stay nearby at one of the many popular resorts for a longer weekend getaway on the North Shore.  In any case, you are sure to have an amazing time!

As experienced by Jenny of Global Game Plan

Grand Falls, Missouri

• Location: Joplin, Missouri
• Distance of hike: There is no hike required to view the waterfall. It is easily accessible from a roadside parking area (however, there is a network of well-maintained trails at the nearby Wildcat Glades Conservation Center.)
• Fee: Free!
• Dog-friendly: Yes
• Where to stay: The Westport Inn – This original Route 66 motor lodge has been lovingly rehabbed while maintaining the vintage charm. 

Grand Falls is the largest continually flowing waterfall in Missouri. Located just minutes from I-44, Route 66, and an impressive trail system, it’s well worth a visit.

Many visitors to Grand Falls begin scaling the stepped chert-rock cliffs to reach the water’s edge- but this isn’t necessary! Look for a footpath immediately to the left of the parking area, and you’ll be able to approach the riverbank via a gentle incline.

As experienced by Lynli of Wander Big

Big Manitou Falls, Wisconsin

• Location: Superior, Wisconsin
• Distance of hike: 1.1-mile loop trail
• Fee: $8 for Wisconsin Vehicles and $11 for No-local Vehicles
• Dog-friendly?: Yes
• Where to stay: Mont du Lac Resort

The hike to Big Manitou Falls in Pattison State Park is an easy paved trail that leads directly to one of the best waterfalls in Northern Wisconsin. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding forest and cliffs. The final viewpoint provides a breathtaking sight of the 165-foot waterfall, which is the highest waterfall in Wisconsin.

Insider tip: For the best views, visit in the morning or late afternoon.

As experienced by Paulina of Paulina on the Road

High Falls & Two Step Falls, Minnesota

• Location: Tettegouche State Park – Silver Bay, MN
• Distance of Hike: 2.8 miles
• Fee: $7 per vehicle
• Dog-friendly?: Yes!
• Where to Stay: AmericInn by Wyndham, Silver Bay

Also located on the North Shore of Minnesota, you’ll find both High Falls & Two Step Falls along the same trail in Tettegouche State Park. Although you will have to tackle 200 stairs to get to the base of Two Step Falls, it’s 100 percent worth it because it’s a great swimming hole on hot days! From there, you can then continue on to High Falls where you can view it from above.

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Waterfalls in the Southwest

Havasu Falls – Arizona

• Location: Havasu Creek, Arizona (Seligman and Peach Springs are the closest towns)
• Distance of hike: 10 miles one way (permit is mandatory)
• Fee: $375
• Dog-friendly: No. Pets are not allowed
• Where to stay: Havasupai Campground or Havasupai Lodge (permit is mandatory)

This not-so-hidden gem of Arizona’s Grand Canyon is five spectacular waterfalls within the Havasupai Tribe land.

It’s one of the most desirable backpacking destinations in the US. But you must have a permit to get to Havasu Falls, and winning the lottery is very challenging.

Once you’re among the lucky ones, you’ll need to prepare well for a 10-mile backpacking trek across the desert terrain. Pack plenty of water and snacks. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers (I LOVE WoolX Merino Wool base layers!)

Hit the trail early in the morning to avoid the heat. There is no phone coverage, internet, electricity, or running water in Havasu, but there is spectacular nature with falls. The entrance fee includes three nights at a campsite (it is impossible to buy a ticket for fewer nights) where you can pitch your tent and explore all five waterfalls.

There is a trail from the campground to Beaver Falls and Mooney Falls. They are pretty tricky and technically demanding, but the hike is worth your effort, as the reward is fantastic.  

As experienced by Agnes of The Van Escape

Hanging Lake – Colorado

Easily one of the most famous waterfalls in Colorado, Hanging Lake is technically a travertine lake that is tucked away in Glenwood Canyon. 

However, it can easily be reached via a moderately difficult, out-and-back trail that takes you along Dead Horse Creek, through the canyon, and finally to Hanging Lake itself. 

In general, the hike will take around 2 hours to complete and will take you across steps and over large rocks. Also, be sure to look out for signage at the top that will lead you to Spouting Rock. 

As experienced by Meg of Fox in the Forest

Kanarra Falls – Utah

• Location: Kanaraville, Utah
• Distance of hike: 4 miles
• Fee: $12 per person (permit required)
• Dog-friendly? No
• Where to stay: Wingate Cedar City

This unique waterfall is nestled within a massive slot canyon! I’m actually a firm believer that the Kanarra Falls hike outshines the nearby National Parks.

The first part of the trail you will be hiking alongside the river, but once you reach the slot canyon, you will be completely in the water (don’t worry it’s SO worth it). If you continue to hike through the canyon, you will be rewarded with a BEAUTIFUL waterfall (about 1.6 miles in). If traveling in the cooler months, be sure to have waterproof boots and neoprene socks.

Kanarra Falls only sells 150 tickets per day, so you do have to buy a ticket in advance. You can do so very easily on their website for only 12 dollars.

Important! Be sure to check the website before hiking for any closures as flash floods need to be taken very seriously…especailly in a slot canyon. They can occur in any month but are most common from July-September in the afternoons. Sometimes, the trail does close.

Alberta Falls – Colorado

• Location: Alberta Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
• Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
• Fee: Entrance fees to the national park are required. If you visit during the summer months, you also need a $2 timed entry reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park that INCLUDES Bear Lake Road
• Dog-friendly: No
• Where to stay: Unless you plan to camp within RMNP (with a reservation), you can find lodging in Estes Park just outside RMNP. The Inn on Fall River would be ideal.

Alberta Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Colorado within Rocky Mountain National Park. It should be a national treasure among the waterfalls in the USA.

The trail is busy with families and hikers all summer long. With less than 250 feet of elevation gain, it is an easy hike for children, teens and adults. Alberta Falls features an impressive 30-foot waterfall drop that thunders to the river below and makes the perfect spot for a family selfie.

Be sure to bring a picnic lunch, enjoy the scenic Rocky Mountains, and let your kids scramble up and over the large boulders along the river for an afternoon of fun.

Recommended by Jolayne of simplyjolayne

Romero Canyon Falls, Arizona

• Location: Catalina State Park – Tucson, AZ
• Distance of hike: 5.5 miles
• Fee: $7 per vehicle
• Dog-friendly? Not on this trail, but others in the state park
• Where to stay: Hacienda Del Sol Ranch

I love a good desert waterfall! Romero Canyon Falls can be found along a strenuous 5.5-mile hike with very little shade (I was dying), but you are paid off with freezing cold pools/falls to cool off in at the end. The Falls are located about 1/4 of a mile past the pools (where most people stop).

Although a tough climb, it’s a great adventurous thing to do while you are visiting Tucson!

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Waterfalls in the Southeast

Linville Falls – North Carolina

• Location: Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost at 316.4 
• Distance of hike: 0.87 miles
• Fee: Free
• Dog-friendly? Yes
• Where to stay: The Getaway Blowing Rock in nearby Boone

Linville Falls is one of the best waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway and is a top contender for one of the best waterfalls in the USA. 

After all, this stunning, 90-foot-tall waterfall receives nearly 350,000 visitors annually and can be accessed via an easy out-and-back hike to the base of the waterfall. 

Therefore, enjoy a stunning walk through a wilderness gorge that is known as the Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians. In total, you can visit four unique overlooks if you plan to hike the entire length of the trail.

As experienced by Victoria of Southern Trippers

Catawba Falls – North Carolina

• Location: 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC
• Distance of hike: 4 miles round trip
• Fee: None
• Dog-friendly? Yes
• Where to stay: Red Rocker Inn

This picturesque waterfall cascades down a series of rocks and stands 100ft tall. The shallow pools of water below the falls are perfect for getting your feet wet after the 2-mile hike in.

Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by greenery of rhododendrons and mountain laurel which blooms in early to mid-summer. You’ll also follow the Catawba River for the majority of the hike and there is a river crossing so wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

This is one of the best things to do near Black Mountain so don’t miss it if you’re in the area! Just note that it is closed for the 2023 season for trail maintenance and to extend access to the upper falls. Put this one on your bucket list of USA waterfalls for 2024.

As experienced by Anna of Stuck On The Go

Whitewater Falls- North Carolina

• Location: On the NC/SC border near Cashiers, NC
• Distance of hike: Options ranging from 0.2 miles to 3.5+ miles
• Fee: $3 (cash only)
• Dog-friendly? Yes
• Where to stay: Skyline Lodge in Highlands, NC. Backcountry camping is available along the Foothills Trail.

Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. It drops a total of 811 feet, split across two distinct cascades.

The hike begins from the parking area off NC 281. You can see the Upper Falls — the most impressive drop — by walking along a paved trail to a viewpoint less than a quarter mile away.

But the best way to experience Whitewater Falls is to hike all the way into the gorge. Start by taking the 154 wooden steps to the lower viewpoint. Then, continue east on the white-blazed Foothills Trail. You’ll enter a jungle-like environment with ferns, wildflowers, and a thick tree canopy.

Keep a close eye to your right and you can glimpse Whitewater’s sister waterfall as you descend. After dropping 600 feet to the bottom of the gorge, you can also view Lower Whitewater Falls through the trees.

Return the way you came, or continue along the Whitewater River as long as you like for more incredible gorge scenery.

There is no safe way to view Whitewater Falls from the base or the brink. Do not attempt off-trail travel anywhere in the gorge. It’s not only extremely dangerous — Whitewater Falls has one of the highest body counts of all waterfalls in NC — but you’ll also damage the rare endemic plants that live on the slopes.

As experienced by Carrie of Trains, Planes, and Tuk Tuks

Station Cove Falls, South Carolina

• Location: Walhalla, South Carolina
• Distance of hike: 1.6 miles
• Fee: Free!
• Dog-friendly? Yes
• Where to stay: Campground at Oconee State Park

One of the best waterfalls in the U.S. is hidden away in Upstate South Carolina! 

Station Cove Falls in Walhalla, South Carolina, is the perfect waterfall trail for families or less experienced hikers as the 1.6-mile out-and-back trail is flat and well-marked. The trailhead near the Oconee Station Historic Site entrance has several parking spots. 

Along the way, you’ll be treated to trickling streams, wildflowers, and blankets of ferns, but the real reward is the idyllic waterfall at the end of the trail. 

Here, you can stand right next to the waterfall, which gently mists down to the stream below. Kick off your shoes and wade in one of the small pools at the base of the falls. 

The trail is free to access and is dog-friendly. Parking is also free. 

After the hike, head to nearby Oconee State Park, one of the best South Carolina state parks for camping. The park offers more than 100 campsites for tent, car, and RV camping, as well as more than 2 dozen historic cabins. 

As experienced by Natalie of Camping Kiddos

Dismals Canyon, Alabama

• Location: Phil Campbell, AL (about 1.5 hours from Huntsville)
• Distance of hike: 1.5 miles
• Fee: $12 per person for daytime entry (night-time tour is extra)
• Dog-friendly? Yes (Daytime only)
• Where to stay: Campground or Cabins at Dismals Canyon

Mossy canyons, swinging bridges, beautiful waterfalls, AND GLOW WORMS!? No, I’m not talking about New Zealand…. all this beauty can be found in the heart of Alabama. Dismals Canyons in a unique 85-acre National Landmark that draws in thousands of tourists each year.

In addition to exploring the 1.5-mile trail during the day, you can also book a nighttime tour where you can see the glowing blue dismalites. It’s one of the only places in the world where you can find these creatures!

Make sure you make a reservation for the night tour ahead of time because it oftentimes sells out! Check out the full guide to Dismals Canyon here!

Fall Creek Falls – Tennessee

• Location: Spencer, TN
• Distance of hike: The overlook is a short walk from the Parking lot
• Fee: Free!
• Dog-friendly? Yes!
• Where to stay: The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls

Fall Creek Falls State Park is a great day trip from Chattanooga! Directly from the main falls parking lot, you are met with the overlook of the 256-foot waterfall. So if hiking is not your thing, you still can see this magnificent waterfall.

If you are feeling adventurous, be sure to hike down to the base of the waterfall. It is a short, but extremely rocky trip down. There are 56 miles of other trails to explore in the park with many leading to other waterfalls as well!

Keep Reading: Magical Waterfalls in Tennessee!

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Waterfalls in the Northeast

Kaaterskill Falls – New York

• Location: New York
• Distance of hike: 2.6 miles
• Fee: Free
• Dog-friendly?: Yes
• Where to Stay: The Twilight Lodge (Haines Falls, NY)

Kaaterskill Falls is a famous two-tiered waterfall located in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. It has been a popular hiking destination for centuries and was even a popular subject for Hudson River School painters.

The hike to the falls is a moderate out-and-back trail of 2.6 miles. There is a designated lot for the trail on State Route 23A, however, it fills up quickly so it’s best to arrive early.

The hike begins with a steep uphill climb but soon levels out and becomes more moderate. To get to the famed falls you’ll walk through the forest alongside Spruce Creek. Once you reach the falls you’ll be rewarded with an incredible waterfall and stunning views of the Catskill Valley. This hike is especially beautiful in the fall when the forest is ablaze with color.

As experienced by Tamar of World By Weekend

Crabtree Falls – Virginia

• Location: Tyro, Virginia
• Distance of hike: 3.3 miles
• Fee: $3/vehicle
• Dog-friendly: Yes
• Where to stay: Sugar Tree Inn (Vesuvius, Virginia)

Virginia’s Crabtree Falls wins rave reviews for its dramatic cascades and stellar panoramas across the Blue Ridge Mountains and Tye River Valley from high atop the 1,214-foot tall falls. Crabtree Falls is said to be the “highest vertical drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River.” It’s taller than the Eiffel Tower (984 feet) and the Statue of Liberty (305 feet).

This stunning waterfall awes with five tumbling cascades that are within view nearly every step of the way on the Crabtree Falls Trail. Crabtree Falls is accessible to those of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. From the parking area, the Lower Falls is an easy walk on paved path to an observation deck.

As experienced by Erin of Go Hike Virginia

Niagara Falls, New York

• Location: Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls, NY
• Distance of hike: None
• Fee: Free
• Dog-friendly? Yes
• Where to stay: Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

If you’re looking for the best waterfalls in America, you’ve got to start with a trip to Niagara Falls. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls is big, beautiful, easily accessible, and filled with fun things to do – from the Maid of the Mist boat ride to the Cave of the Winds walk into the mist zone of the falls. 

With plenty of tourist attractions on both the American and Canadian sides of the falls, a trip to Niagara Falls is a fantastic family getaway in any season. If you have time to spare, consider booking a weekend getaway to the beautiful wine region of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.

As experienced by Erie of Everywhere Ontario

Warren Falls – Vermont

• Location: Warren Falls, Vermont
• Distance of hike: .25 mile to falls, but the entire hike is 1 mile loop
• Fee: Free, part of the Green Mountain Forest
• Dog friendly: Yes!
• Where to stay?: Pitcher Inn

Vermont is known for its gorgeous fall foliage, world-class skiing, and its many mountain activities like hiking. Right off of Vermont’s Scenic Byway Route 100, you can find a ton of swimming holes including a regional favorite Warren Falls in Warren, Vermont. The falls and pools are not only breathtaking but relatively safe for a summer swim (or cliff jump). 

The small hike to the falls is quite manageable. It is only a .25 walk from the parking lot to the falls themselves, but the trail continues in a one-mile loop. The falls are made up of a bunch of small plunge pools with striking gorge walls and gorgeous turquoise water. 

Be aware that you will have to climb down some slippery rocks to get to the falls. This gem is dog friendly and free to park, although parking will fill up quickly in the summer months. Top off your Vermont adventure by staying in nearby famous Pitcher Inn located in Warren Center adjacent to many country stores and local restaurants.

As experienced by Sierra of Your Guide To Wandering

Eternal Flame Falls, New York

• Location: Eternal Flame Falls Hiking Trail, Orchard Park, Western New York, 14127 
• Distance of hike: 1.4-mile out-and-back trail 
• Fee: Free
• Dog-friendly? Yes
• Where to stay: The Delavan Hotel at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. Book a package to include dining for two!

It’s no secret that New York is full of unique things to do, but the Eternal Flame Falls in western New York is one of the most fascinating waterfalls in the USA. That’s because it’s quite literally on fire. In fact, it’s only one of ten natural eternal flames in the entire world!

This easy hike takes roughly an hour (including some time at the waterfall itself) and is family-friendly and dog-friendly! 

The Eternal Flame Falls hike is completely free to do and includes a trail through forest before descending to the creek. You must walk up the creek bed to reach the falls, so it is best to do it during a dryer period, or with ice spikes during the winter. Be cautious as the creek can be quite slippery!

As experienced by Sarah of In Search of Sarah

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US Waterfalls Printable Bucket List

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