The best waterfalls in United States

The third stop of our autumn trip around Portland was the main reason for this whole journey — Multnomah Falls. I had seen photos of its stunning fall colors online, and that was what inspired me to plan this trip in the first place.

We set out early in the morning and arrived by public transport a little after 9 am, hoping to spend as much time as possible around the falls. Full of excitement, I planned to challenge myself with a roughly five-mile loop hike from Multnomah Falls to Wahkeena Falls. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. A light rain started shortly after we arrived, and the stone trail became wet and slippery. At the time, I was completely absorbed by the grandeur of the waterfalls and didn’t really think about the risks of hiking in the rain.

In late autumn, Multnomah Falls was decorated with sparse yellow leaves. Surrounded by mist and clouds, it felt like something out of a fairy tale. The falls are divided into upper and lower sections by the iconic stone bridge. Standing on the bridge, you can feel the thunderous roar of the water up close. Nearby, we also noticed another waterfall of similar height, but much more delicate and thin, resembling Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite. One waterfall felt bold and powerful, while the other was quiet and graceful, creating a beautiful contrast.

Finally checked off one of the most expensive backpacking destinations in the US! Havasu Falls feels like a giant natural water park built in the middle of the desert. You can walk behind some of the waterfalls and even swim beneath them. On the way to Beaver Falls, there are three river crossings. The first one is fairly deep, so you may need to hold your backpack above your head to keep it dry. The other crossings are shallow. There are also a few sections that require some climbing, which makes the whole experience even more fun.

Do you need a sleeping bag?

Arizona summers are incredibly hot, but Havasu Falls has so much water that even though the forecast was over 30°C during the day, it didn't feel too bad. Everyone in our group only brought a sleeping liner. Personally, I still felt cold at night and ended up covering myself with extra clothes. Some friends thought a liner alone was enough.

I was completely blown away by Yosemite! I can’t believe I actually witnessed the legendary “limited edition” rainbow at Bridalveil Fall!

About an hour and a half before sunset (19:05, March 15, 2026), around 17:30, the sunlight angle was absolutely perfect. In that golden light, the massive waterfall mist was refracted into a shifting rainbow of colors. The entire waterfall looked like it was wrapped in a flowing, glowing ribbon of light—pure natural romance.

And what made it even more incredible was that there was also a huge full rainbow appearing right beside it at the same time! Two natural wonders overlapping together—honestly, what kind of luck was that?

Minnehaha Falls in Minnesota is one of the must-visit spots in Minneapolis. Compared to the famous Lushan Waterfall described as “like the Milky Way falling from the sky,” this one is smaller, but it still has its own charm.

The waterfall has a strong and steady flow, and the water is very clear. The surrounding vegetation is well preserved, giving the whole area a fresh and natural feel.

As you walk along the path, you pass through a small cave, and you can see carvings on the rock walls. It feels like the cave may have been used by people in the past.

Since we were just passing by, we didn’t spend time doing the full trail and only stopped briefly at the waterfall viewpoints.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the only national park in Ohio. It’s relatively small, and there is no entrance fee for visiting.

The walk from the parking lot is very short, and the boardwalk is well maintained, making it an easy and accessible viewpoint.

Eternal Flame Falls — the eternal flame hidden behind a waterfall

This place is truly something special.

Inside Chestnut Ridge Park, there is a hiking trail that takes about 30 minutes to walk in before you reach a small waterfall. The most magical part is that behind the waterfall curtain, there is a small flame burning continuously, known as the “eternal flame.”

Dry Falls, Highlands, NC

If you love outdoor activities or hiking, you definitely shouldn’t miss this place.

The waterfall and its surrounding scenery blend together naturally and beautifully, creating a breathtaking, almost fairy-tale-like landscape.

This waterfall, known as a “world wonder,” is the only moonbow waterfall in the United States. With its dramatic drop and mist-filled surroundings, every frame looks unbelievably beautiful and surreal.

This is toccoa falls in Toccoa, Georgia. Not a far walk to get to and you can get very close!

Recently I’ve been going out quite frequently. Last week, I drove north along I-75 from Gainesville via Atlanta to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee. The next day, I headed south to Ruby Falls, located on the border between Tennessee and Georgia.

What was quite interesting is that there is a one-hour time difference along this route, so I got to experience the transition between standard time and daylight saving time again.

Ruby Falls is somewhat similar to the underground limestone caves in Yishui. However, the underground waterfall at the end is quite distinctive. There is no boat ride inside the cave; you simply walk for a while before reaching the waterfall. The waterfall is illuminated with many colored lights, and you have to take photos quickly because the main lighting only lasts for a short time.

Fall Creek Falls State Park | Tennessee

Hiking down to the small waterfall and then climbing back up was only about 600 meters, but it felt surprisingly exhausting. Still, the waterfall itself was very soothing and enjoyable.

Salt Creek Falls | Salt Creek Falls

Oregon’s second-highest waterfall, a breathtaking natural wonder that truly stirs the soul.

Oregon is full of incredible hidden gems, and Salt Creek Falls is definitely one of the most underrated yet stunning spots. At 286 feet (about 87 meters) tall, it is the second-highest waterfall in Oregon. The water plunges powerfully off the cliff into a deep canyon below, surrounded by lush greenery, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

Cedar Creek Falls Trail | Hiking near San Diego

This is a down-then-up trail, and it requires crossing a creek about three times before reaching the waterfall at the end.

The waterfall is quite impressive in scale and is one of the largest in the San Diego area. After doing several relatively boring “pure exercise” trails around San Diego—where there’s not much to see except endurance training—this trail stands out as one of the best in both scenery and overall experience in the region.

Snoqualmie Falls

Free parking is available. Set your navigation to “Snoqualmie Lower Falls.” From there, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk covering the upper, middle, and lower viewpoints. This is one of the most iconic waterfalls near Seattle. In spring, the water volume is especially strong, making the falls very spectacular, with mist rising everywhere. The trail is short and easy, and you can also walk down to the base of the waterfall.

I was completely struck by how beautiful Snoqualmie Falls is. This natural wonder is only about a 40-minute drive from downtown Seattle, and it’s absolutely worth multiple visits.

Finally got to see the waterfall that was in our school textbooks.

It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Toronto. There’s no entrance fee, and you can already enjoy the view from the roadside. If you want to get close on the boat tour, it costs a little over CAD 40 per person. The line looked long, but it moved surprisingly fast. There’s also a zipline experience, which looked pretty exciting, though a bit more expensive at around CAD 59.

Simple Niagara Falls itinerary

This season is perfect for hiking in Yosemite. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold, and the waterfalls are flowing at full force. There are plenty of trails in Yosemite Valley, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Yosemite Falls Trail is one of the oldest hiking routes in Yosemite National Park, dating back to around 1880.

The round-trip distance is about 7.2 miles, with roughly 2,700 feet of elevation gain, making it a strenuous hike. Definitely know your limits and hike at your own pace.

There are three main turnaround points along the trail:

After eating on the Big Island, it only took a 15-minute drive to reach Rainbow Falls. The waterfall is located within Wailuku River State Park in Hilo. The Wailuku River is about 45 km long and is the longest river in the Hawaiian Islands, with a series of cascading waterfalls along its course.

As soon as you enter the park, you can already hear the faint roar of rushing water. The waterfall itself isn’t very large, but surrounded by lush green vegetation, it feels wild and natural.

After walking up the steps to the viewpoint, you can see the Wailuku River as it crashes down the lava rock formations. On a sunny afternoon, a small rainbow forms in the mist around the falls, adding a magical touch to the scene.

On the second day of a Memorial Day long weekend trip in Upstate New York, after being completely amazed by the waterfall gorge at Watkins Glen, I still felt like I hadn’t had enough and decided to continue chasing waterfalls before sunset.

I headed back near Ithaca and visited Buttermilk Falls. I did the Gorge Trail Loop, which is about 1.8 miles and takes a little over an hour.

Compared to Watkins Glen, Buttermilk Falls had far fewer visitors, but in my opinion the waterfall and gorge scenery are just as impressive. It was a huge surprise and definitely worth recommending.

On the second day of a Memorial Day long weekend trip in Upstate New York, I finally visited Watkins Glen State Park, a place I had been wanting to see for years.

It had just finished raining on Sunday, and as expected, the post-rain gorge scenery lived up to its reputation. It was extremely crowded, but because I had slipped in the day before in the evening for a short walk when it was quieter, most of the photos ended up almost empty of people (a very smart move, honestly).

The sound of rushing water throughout the gorge was incredibly soothing and relaxing. The waterfall cave-like section in the first photo is one of the most popular viewpoints, but the entire trail is visually stunning from start to finish. It’s hard to put into words how surreal and powerful nature feels here. The hype is absolutely justified.

Bash Bish Falls State Park is located in the southwestern part of Massachusetts, near the tri-state border of New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. What makes it especially interesting is that it connects directly with Taconic State Park in New York, and both parks share the same waterfall, Bash Bish Falls.

There are trails from both the Massachusetts and New York parking areas that lead to the waterfall. The water is extremely clear, with a slightly bluish tone that makes the scenery feel very clean and refreshing. Along the trail, there are also signs marking the Massachusetts–New York state border.

I’m not sure about the parking situation on the New York side, but the Massachusetts parking lot is free. From there, you can simply follow the trail downhill to reach the falls. However, the waterfall is for viewing only. You cannot go close to it, and swimming is not allowed.

Bond Falls is a waterfall located in the southern part of Michigan, within Haight Township in Ontonagon County, east of Paulding and near the Ontario River tributary.

Bond Falls was formed as water flows over a fractured volcanic rock zone, creating a series of smaller cascades that combine into a single waterfall system. The total drop is about 50 feet.

In winter, however, the trail can be quite challenging to navigate due to snow and icy conditions.

Burney Falls is located about an hour’s drive from Redding in Northern California. It is often praised as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Personally, if you’ve already seen Huangguoshu Waterfall in China, you may not need to have very high expectations (although to be fair, the water here is indeed a very beautiful blue).

Here is a simple fast and ticket-free route for visiting (refer to the red arrow path in the map). The trail conditions are very easy, so if you want to save time, you can bookmark this route.

Important note when navigating: Do not set your GPS to “Burney Falls.” Instead, navigate directly to “Burney Falls Trailhead.”

Looking Glass Falls is located within Pisgah National Forest, and is less than a 30-minute drive from the previous two waterfalls.

I highly recommend this waterfall for two reasons. First, it is located right by the roadside, so you can reach it without any hiking. Second, it is extremely beautiful, with water cascading directly down a rock cliff in a very graceful flow. Among all the waterfalls we visited today, this one is definitely the most visually stunning.

In addition, Pisgah National Forest itself is also worth noting. Around 1900, George Vanderbilt, the builder of the Biltmore Estate, acquired this land and initiated scientific study and conservation of the forest. It is considered the birthplace of forestry in the United States.

Sliding Rocks is a spot specifically for sliding down natural rock formations. In autumn, there is no entrance fee, but because it’s free, the restroom is also closed. Still, there are a lot of people there.

I changed into my swimsuit right by the forest. The creek water was about 55°F, and it felt extremely cold and biting on the skin.

Everyone moved quickly, and before I had even mentally prepared myself, it was my turn in line. The rock surface is already very smooth, so you slide down really fast. Once you enter the water, the adrenaline kicks in immediately.

Amicalola Falls State Park is said to be the largest waterfall in the eastern United States. After visiting, I found it to be quite small. The scenery was average overall, but it was very quiet and peaceful.

It was also raining that day, which created a feeling similar to the line “after fresh rain in the empty mountains, the weather turns to autumn in the evening.” The trails along the way felt like we had stumbled into a spider’s nest, with webs hanging everywhere in the trees. The colors made them look almost toxic.

We climbed about 600 steps, which completely exhausted me, while my companion still had plenty of energy.

Turner Falls is said to be the tallest waterfall in Oklahoma. It’s a great place for a weekend getaway.

In late summer and early autumn, the weather is still quite hot, but it’s much cooler at the top of the mountain. The scenery up there is beautiful, and there are tent rentals available. At the base of the mountain, there are villas and cabins, some even with private yards. Staying for a short period is a nice way to escape the noise of city life.

The water is very clear, and from the waterfall down to the lower streams, everything is crystal clear.

Mānoa Falls is about a 20-minute taxi ride from Waikiki, so it’s not far at all. It’s a great place to escape the busy tourist atmosphere of Waikiki.

Once you arrive, the environment quickly transforms into a lush rainforest, which is absolutely beautiful. The waterfall at the end of the trail is also very impressive in person.

When I went, it was lightly raining, and the trail itself can get quite muddy, so getting your shoes dirty is almost unavoidable. Still, I think it’s a very worthwhile hike. I really enjoy hiking through wild rainforest environments like this.

Wailua Falls | Kauai, Hawaii

Beautiful waterfalls can be found all over Hawaii, but most of them require a long hike to reach.

To get to this one, you first go past a “Danger, do not enter” sign and continue downward. After that, you slowly make your way down using ropes that have been set up by other visitors. Many sections are very steep and extremely slippery, so anyone planning to go should be very careful and prioritize safety.

Yosemite | Vernal Falls beginner hiking experience

For hikers with limited exercise and little trekking experience, this is a simple sharing from a beginner’s perspective.

Note: In summer, part of the Mist Trail is under maintenance. Before 3:30pm, hikers must take a detour via the John Muir Trail. I chose to start after 3:30pm and did a round trip on the Mist Trail, covering about 4.5 km.

Hiking to the Top of Nevada Fall | Yosemite

We took the Mist Trail for both the ascent and descent. The round trip is about 5.4 miles with roughly 2,000 feet of elevation gain.

After passing Vernal Fall, there is a steep climb of around 600 stone steps. The waterfall spray is very strong, and the rocks on the steps are extremely slippery. Proper clothing and sturdy shoes make the experience much easier and more enjoyable.

McWay Falls is, in my opinion, the most beautiful spot along Highway 1. It is not a towering, dramatic waterfall, but rather something that feels like a perfectly composed miniature landscape: water flows out of McWay Creek and drops directly into the ocean. Together with the deep blue sea, soft sandy beach, and lush green vegetation, it forms a richly colored, almost painterly scene.

When the tide is high, the waterfall plunges straight into the Pacific Ocean. When the tide is low, it falls onto a hidden, untouched beach below the cliffs. As a rare “tidefall” (a waterfall that flows directly into the sea), this kind of natural feature is extremely uncommon worldwide. It’s easy to imagine how magical it must look at sunset, when golden light hits the cliffs, though I didn’t get to stay that late this time due to travel plans.

This wasn’t my first visit to McWay Falls—I came here six years ago as well. Back then, I had just started learning photography and wasn’t very experienced, and the lighting wasn’t ideal either. I only managed to take a wide, imperfect shot. Still, even now, revisiting that old photo years later, I’m reminded just how beautiful McWay Falls is, even when captured without much skill or planning.

Mooney Falls is one of several waterfalls found along Havasu Creek in Havasupai, within the Grand Canyon region. Reaching it requires a hike of more than 10 miles. Reservations are extremely limited and can be very difficult to secure.

**Beaver Falls, Arizona**

Beaver Falls is located along Havasu Creek in the Grand Canyon region of Arizona, USA. The rocks lining both sides of the creek glow with reddish hues, while the river itself flows with striking blue-green water. Scattered throughout the stream are layers of limestone travertine terraces, creating a series of natural pools and cascades.

Beaver Falls is the last of the five major waterfalls along Havasu Creek and lies closer to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The creek’s vivid blue-green color comes from dissolved calcium carbonate, which reflects beautiful turquoise tones and creates an ever-changing landscape. Minerals are constantly deposited, eroded, and redeposited, forming new layers of rock and reshaping the falls over time.

After having a quick lunch at Hardee's, we headed to Tahquamenon Falls. We only visited the Upper Falls. Last year, there was a trail that allowed you to get much closer to the waterfall, but it was closed for construction this year, so we could only admire it from a distance. It didn't feel as impressive as it did last year.

Of course, reaching this kind of scenery also requires a bit of hiking.

The Hawksbill hike is not the easiest, especially if you want to catch the sunset from the summit. In that case, you’ll need to hike back down in the dark, which comes with a real risk of getting lost.

Linville Falls offers several different trail options, each with varying difficulty levels. The trail down to the base of the waterfall is the most challenging.

We couldn’t waste the 25°C weather at the end of December. The kids and their dad ended up hiking straight through the river again—the mountain water was absolutely freezing!

Hooker Falls is located in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, United States. Wide veil falls popular for swimming. Visit guide and safety information will be added soon.

High Falls Trail, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

This seems like a relatively lesser-known trail in DuPont State Forest, but the waterfall itself is quite spectacular. Even at the end of November, the water flow was still strong.

Doing the loop and viewing the waterfall from the overlook is quite easy and relaxed. However, if you go down to the base, you’ll need proper non-slip hiking shoes. The area at the bottom of the falls had a noticeable smell, a bit like manure, but the scenery was still worth it overall—definitely recommended.

Spring has finally arrived! The cool weather makes it perfect for hiking.

Crabtree Falls

We drove for about three hours to a small town called Little Switzerland. The town has a charming European feel, but unfortunately, many of the shops and restaurants were closed for renovations.

There are no gas stations along the parkway, so if needed, you can detour to small towns near the route to refuel and take a break before continuing your journey.

Every part of the Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful. Of course, the iconic Mabry Mill and Crabtree Falls are also places you definitely shouldn't miss.

Spring break is over, but spring isn’t. We kicked things off with a hike to Cane Creek Falls. It’s about a 2-hour drive from school, and there are plenty of things to do nearby, including camping, kayaking, fishing, and gatherings. Nashville has many natural trails like this, so if you love the outdoors, don’t miss it 🤗!

You can search these trails on AllTrails:

* Base of Falls Trail * Cane Creek Falls * Gorge Overlook Trail

Burgess Falls is a tiered waterfall located within Burgess Falls State Park, spanning Putnam and White counties in Tennessee, USA. It sits along the Falling Water River.

The waterfall plunges from a height of about 136 feet (41 meters) into a large limestone gorge, which is surrounded by steep cliffs rising approximately 100 to 200 feet (30 to 61 meters) on both sides. Downstream from Burgess Falls, the Falling Water River flows into Center Hill Lake.

Cummins Falls State Park is a 282-acre (about 1.14 square kilometers) state park located in Jackson County, northwest of Cookeville, Tennessee, USA. The park is named after Cummins Falls, a 75-foot (about 23 meters) waterfall situated on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River. The park was established in 2011 after being purchased by the TennGreen Land Conservancy (formerly the Tennessee Parks & Greenways Foundation).

This is really what Foster Falls is known for — the waterfall itself, and the natural swimming hole at the bottom of it. In Tennessee's summer heat, that swimming hole is a genuinely great place to cool off.

The trail from the parking lot down to the falls is about 0.3 miles, but keep in mind it's downhill on the way there and uphill on the way back — nothing extreme, but you'll feel it a bit, especially in the summer humidity.

Other Trails

Helton Creek Falls is made up of two side-by-side waterfalls and is surrounded by dense forest.

Attractions near Atlanta — Anna Ruby Falls

About an hour north of Atlanta. From the national park sign to the parking lot inside, there’s still quite a long drive, and it’s all winding, hilly mountain roads — not easy to drive! There’s also an entrance fee. It’s a 0.4-mile hike; the scenery is similar to the Smoky Mountains, but it’s not tiring, making it perfect for a short trip.

Tallulah Falls, Georgia | Don’t make a wasted trip!

Route breakdown (Starting from Overlook 2) My route: Overlook 2 → Overlook 3–7, skipped Overlook 8–10 entirely Real experience: 8–10 are far from the main waterfall views and mostly just forest trails—nothing too special. If you want to save energy, feel free to skip them Key reminder: Near Overlook 2 is the trail entrance down to the canyon floor! If you want to get close to the water, you MUST stop here

Critical rule! Canyon floor permit Pay attention!!! Not all areas are open access! If you want to go down to the base near the waterfall, you MUST get a permit Only 100 permits per day! Free! First come, first served—on busy weekends they’re gone by around 8am No permit + going anyway = minimum $400 fine + possible charges! It’s literally written on the red sign in the photo—don’t risk it

If you happen to be nearby, it’s worth a visit.

A short walk will take you to the dam and the curtain-like water wall. The scenery is beautiful, and the water flow is abundant in April. Entry to the waterfall costs $5 per vehicle.

An easy walk leads you to a beautiful waterfall basin.

This 90-foot waterfall and park is my go-to spot to rest.

It’s perfect for a walk, run, or bike ride along the trails, and you can also swim, fish, or just slow down and enjoy the outdoors. You can easily access the top of the falls from a roadside parking area, or take a short half-mile hike down to experience it from underneath.

The park also features a statue of the Noccalula Princess, adding a touch of history and legend to its natural beauty.

A waterfall near Hilo—parking is $10, entry is $5. There’s a small loop trail with a tropical rainforest vibe, featuring a tall waterfall and lots of lush plants. There isn’t a ton to do around Hilo, so we still decided to come—since we were already here anyway.

One of our Big Island Airbnb stays was near Akaka Falls, and we happened to find a zipline company right next to it. Since we’d never tried it before, we booked it right away.

Experience: 10/10. I’m the kind of person whose legs shake even at the top of a top-rope climb, but the whole course was designed really well and super fun. Before the main zipline over the waterfall, there are six warm-up lines that gradually increase in height and length, starting from about 3 meters above the ground. The scenery changes along the way too—apple banana fields, ocean views, and valleys. My fear of heights slowly got desensitized without even realizing it.

Oahu, Hawaii — Waimea Falls

It had been raining on and off for the four days before we went to the falls. On the day we visited, there were also two brief showers.

We bought tickets on-site after arriving. Even though it was rainy, the plants and scenery along the path to the falls were still beautiful.

Latourell is even more stunning than the famous Multnomah Falls. What makes it especially striking is the fan-shaped basalt columns behind the waterfall, creating a powerful visual impact. By coincidence, I had just visited “The Columns” at Skinner Butte Park in Eugene the day before (photo 8), and they look almost identical—in fact, they both originated from the same volcanic lava flows about 15 million years ago.

In Eugene, The Columns have become a popular rock climbing spot, while at Latourell, the columns perfectly frame the waterfall, making it one of the most unique photography backdrops in the gorge.

I have to admit, Oregon’s waterfalls are not only abundant but incredibly beautiful Around the famous Multnomah Falls, there are more than 10 waterfalls of all sizes, many with their own unique features—Latourell Falls being a standout.

Portland Multnomah Falls – Wahkeena Falls loop

The waterfall area around Portland is super famous, and the biggest and most iconic one is Multnomah Falls. If you want to hit most of the major waterfalls in one go, this outer loop is a good choice — around 3.5 hours in total, with less than 500 m elevation gain (depending on route).

This loop starts from Multnomah Falls, and passes Dutchman Falls, Wiesendanger Falls, Fairy Falls, and finally Wahkeena Falls at the base. The trail numbers are Trail 441, Wahkeena Trail 420, and Return Trail 442.

Located about 13 miles west of Bend, Tumalo Falls is especially impressive in summer when water flow is strong. Besides the main waterfall, there are also several smaller cascades that make the whole منظر feel more layered and picturesque, which is why it attracts plenty of waterfall lovers.

In winter, the scenery along the way becomes even more dynamic, showcasing the unique character of Central Oregon. By the time you reach the viewpoint, you’ll see Tumalo Falls surging out of the canyon, framed by ponderosa pine forests draped in snow — making the whole scene feel even more vivid.

From November 1 to April 30, parking is available at Skyliners parking area for $4 (or $25 for an annual pass). In summer, you can drive up and park at the Tumalo Falls Day Use Area, where parking costs $5 (or covered by the $30 Northwest Forest Pass).

From Seattle down to Oregon

Toketee Falls — about 1 mile in total, 167 ft elevation gain. The entire trail is well-built with boardwalks, taking around 30 minutes round trip, very beginner-friendly.

On the way to the falls, you’ll also pass a blue heart-shaped pool with a small waterfall — super beautiful.

This waterfall is accessed directly from the roadside. It is divided into an upper and a lower waterfall. The upper falls are more obscured by trees and flow into a pool with no visible outlet, said to extend underground. The lower falls are reached via a rough path that people have formed through messy trees. It is unclear what the original trail looked like. You have to hold onto fallen logs to make your way down. Getting close to the waterfall almost feels like walking along tree trunks.

Driving from Portland takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, heading straight into the primitive forests of central Oregon to reach this unreal wild waterfall, Proxy Falls. Proxy is about 45 minutes from Sisters and 1.5 hours from Bend. But it is worth it. For the detailed route, there are two waterfalls. After parking by the roadside, we went clockwise and looped back. Although we saw a sign saying one way trail, it is actually not strictly one way. Just follow AllTrails. There is no signal, so download everything in advance. Photos 3 and 4 show Upper Falls, which is easier to reach. Along the way there were red and yellow leaves, full of autumn vibes. The first stop is Proxy Falls, which requires some climbing to reach, a bit messy, and it was raining so the path was slippery. You can also view it from a distance as in photo 6. Or cross over many fallen trees and follow the sound to reach the base of the waterfall. The orange return route from Proxy Falls is not easy to walk, full of rocks. On the drive in, you will pass Dee Wright Observatory. The only downside is that it is a bit far and cold, around eight to nine degrees. I came from California wearing light clothes, while others were in down jackets. For lunch we went to Sno Cap Drive In in Sisters, recommended by a local we met while hiking, said to have the best burgers.

Route navigation and basic info Search keyword Proxy Falls Trailhead Coordinates 44.1617856, -121.9278256 No formal parking lot but you can park along the roadside No signal at all, make sure to download offline maps in advance

Palouse Falls in Washington State is best known alongside the iconic colorful Palouse wheat fields, but few expect to find such a massive waterfall hidden in this remote landscape. Located in southeastern Washington, Palouse Falls is a dramatic waterfall and canyon formed over millions of years by the Palouse River. The falls drop about 60 meters (198 feet), plunging over basalt cliffs into a deep canyon below, showcasing raw and powerful natural force.

Unlike the lush green forests of western Washington, this area reveals a classic dry grassland environment. Rolling golden hills, vast open skies, and the deep canyon create a stark yet beautiful contrast. At sunrise and sunset, sunlight hits the canyon walls and waterfall mist, producing rich layers of color—making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers.

As the official state waterfall of Washington, Palouse Falls is a must-visit if you love dramatic natural scenery but want to avoid crowded tourist hotspots. It may not be as world-famous as the Grand Canyon, but it offers equally breathtaking canyon views. Formed by ancient flood erosion, the basalt canyon paired with a nearly 60-meter waterfall creates a raw, rugged beauty. Standing at the viewpoint, the expansive canyon and roaring waterfall feel truly awe-inspiring.

**Seattle’s Stunning Rainbow Waterfall — Wallace Falls Trail** *Wallace Falls via Woody Trail* 5 miles, 1400 ft elevation gain, about a 1-hour drive from Seattle

The entire trail follows a flowing creek. The path is well maintained and easy to walk. On a sunny day, you can often see rainbows in the waterfall mist. Lush green forest paired with a clear stream— it feels like a little fairy’s home. Starting from the Woody Trail leads you straight to the falls.

**Location:** Wallace Falls Parking Lot (just search on Google Maps) The Woody Trail is perfect for beginners and is a must-do classic route at Wallace Falls. The round trip is about 4.9 miles with ~1410 ft elevation gain. Overall difficulty is moderate— not too physically demanding, but still gives you that satisfying “hiking” feel.

We hiked the Christine Falls and Comet Falls Trail in Mount Rainier. Along the way, there were constant sounds of rushing water and scenic viewpoints. The whole hike took about 3 hours.

Narada Falls, on sunny days, you can often see a rainbow forming in front of the waterfall, creating a truly magical and dreamy scene.

On the way back to Seattle, we made a stop at Post & Pour (arriving around 3:30 p.m.) and stayed for about an hour. It was a really chill break before heading back into the city.

Chimney Rock State Park is located in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Covering 32.43 square kilometres, the park is about 40km southeast of Asheville. It is a paradise for nature lovers, with spectacular scenery and peaceful hiking trails.

The park is also home to Hickory Nut Falls, which appeared in the epic movie The Last of the Mohicans.

Standing 123 metres tall, it is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. We hiked a 2.4km return trail to see the waterfall from the viewing area.

Ramona Falls, Oregon — What to Know Before You Go

Ramona Falls has ended up on the cover of Moon and Lonely Planet Oregon guides more than once — it's a genuinely unique, beautiful waterfall. Which makes it a little strange that there aren't that many trip reports out there for it. So here's mine.

The trail itself is easy — it's the getting there that has a couple of quirks. You have to cross the Sandy River at some point, and the road leading in near the trailhead gets rough enough that it's tough for a small car to handle comfortably.

Weekend hike to Alamere Falls

I finally hiked to Alamere Falls this weekend. Overall, it wasn't difficult at all, and we finished the entire hike without needing long breaks.

Time: About 5 hours

Ramsey Cascades sits on the quieter, eastern side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about a 30-minute drive from Gatlinburg through the Greenbrier entrance. Fair warning before you even park the car: the parking lot at the trailhead is small, and the last stretch of road getting there is rough — potholes, narrow spots, the works. Take it slow. People park along the roadside once the lot fills up, which seems to be the norm here.

📍 Ramsey Prong Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

You'll need a parking tag to leave your car anywhere in the park for more than 15 minutes — $5 for the day. I'd just buy it online before you go or grab one at a kiosk when you arrive; it's cheap, and it's what pays for the trail upkeep you'll be walking on. Also — worth checking the park's website before your trip, since roads and trails in the Smokies do close now and then for storm damage or repaving. Don't assume everything's open just because it was last time someone posted about it.

Abrams Falls stands as one of the most powerful and voluminous waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, despite its modest 20-foot height. What this Tennessee gem lacks in vertical drop, it more than compensates for with its impressive width and thunderous flow. The waterfall spreads across a broad rock face before plunging into a remarkably deep, jade-green pool surrounded by moss-covered boulders and lush Appalachian forest. The sheer volume of water cascading over the precipice creates a perpetual mist and a roar that can be heard well before the falls come into view, making the destination all the more rewarding.

Reaching Abrams Falls requires a moderate 5-mile round-trip hike from the Abrams Falls Trailhead in Cades Cove, one of the park's most popular historic valleys. The trail begins at the western end of the Cades Cove Loop Road and follows Abrams Creek through beautiful second-growth forest. Hikers will cross several wooden footbridges, navigate some rocky sections, and experience moderate elevation changes totaling about 340 feet. The path can be challenging in spots with roots and rocks, but it's well-maintained and suitable for families with older children. Allow 2.5 to 4 hours for the complete journey, depending on how long you spend at the falls.

The optimal time to visit Abrams Falls is during spring (April through May) when snowmelt and seasonal rains swell Abrams Creek to its most dramatic flow levels, and wildflowers line the trail. Fall (October through early November) offers spectacular foliage and comfortable temperatures, though water levels may be lower. Summer brings heavy visitation but also warm weather perfect for admiring the cool mist. Winter visits are possible but can involve icy trail conditions. Regardless of season, arrive early in the morning to experience the falls with fewer crowds and capture the best photography lighting as sun filters through the forest canopy onto the cascading water.

Great Falls National Park in Virginia is about 30 minutes from Washington DC, and honestly it's become my go-to hike whenever I want to be near water without driving far. The trail runs right along the Potomac River, past the falls, and it's both beautiful and genuinely fun to walk — not just a "nice view, then done" kind of place.

On my most recent visit the falls were running really full (there'd been rain the week before), and there were volunteers and staff out on the trail helping people figure out routes — happy to point us toward other hikes and parks in the DC area too. Little things like that make the park feel well looked after.

It had rained a few days earlier, so I actually spotted a bunch of chicken of the woods mushrooms growing on the trees, and the mountain laurel was blooming too. If you time it right after rain, you get a completely different park than on a dry week.

Most years, in the last two weeks of February, thousands of people drive into Yosemite National Park to watch a waterfall that isn't actually on fire.

It's called Horsetail Fall, a seasonal cascade on the east side of El Capitan — and for a few minutes at sunset, under the right conditions, it turns the color of molten lava. Photographers and park visitors call the phenomenon the Yosemite Firefall. I went to see it myself, and the experience taught me something the photos never do: this is one of the most weather-dependent "sure things" in American travel.

Quick Facts About Horsetail Fall Location: East side of El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California Height: About 2,130 feet (650 m) Water source: Snowmelt only — it runs dry by summer "Firefall" viewing window: Roughly February 10–26 each year (exact dates shift with weather and snowpack) Best viewing time: The 15–20 minutes before sunset Nearest parking: Yosemite Falls parking area Walk to viewpoint: About 1.5 miles (one way) to the area near El Capitan Picnic Area It's Not Fire — It's Light

Check in at Seattle’s famous Franklin Falls

Navigation tip: Search for “Franklin Falls Trailhead” (this is where the trail officially starts), but don’t park there—parking isn’t allowed. Instead, drive about 300 meters further up the road and you’ll find a parking area on the right.

Winter conditions (around late January): There isn’t a lot of snow, but it’s still cold—especially on your face. Dress warmly.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is huge, and it's free to visit. It has colorful cliffs, beaches, and waterfalls, so there's something for everyone.

Miners Beach is my favorite beach. It faces Lake Superior, with forest behind it and colorful cliffs on both sides. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is quite fine. It was cloudy when we visited, so the photos didn't turn out as vibrant. On a sunny day, the colors would look amazing.

Upper Overlook and Lower Overlook are viewing platforms where you can see the colorful cliffs and the lake.

Grotto Falls Trail is relatively easy and makes a great warm-up hike. One of the highlights is that you can actually walk behind the waterfall, and in summer the mist feels incredibly cool and refreshing.

With photo stops and short breaks, the whole hike took us about 1.5 hours.

When we returned to the parking area, we unexpectedly encountered a baby bear. It was only about 3 meters away from us. Everyone froze and held their breath. Luckily, the cub quickly noticed us and ran back into the forest.

Everyone calls Bushkill Falls "Pennsylvania's Niagara" and I want to get this out of the way first: it isn't, not even close, and if you go in expecting Niagara you'll leave a little let down. What it actually is, is a walk through the woods that happens to have eight waterfalls in it. That's honestly a better thing to be.

I first went years ago and did the long version, the loop that hits basically everything. Went back this spring, on a Monday, right after it had rained, and only bothered with the short Yellow trail. Both trips were good for completely different reasons.

The first time

I picked a rainy day to hike up toward Fairy Falls, half-expecting the mist and clouds to give everything a moody, dreamy look instead of the usual postcard shot. My actual plan was simple: get up to the overlook above Grand Prismatic Spring and see the whole rainbow of color spread out below me.

Once I got up there, I understood why people warn you about this. Everything below was just white. Rain mixing with the steam rising off the hot springs turned the whole basin into something that looked shot through a frosted filter. The color bands Grand Prismatic is famous for were basically gone.

Worth clarifying, since it trips people up: the overlook and Fairy Falls itself aren't the same stop. The overlook is a short climb off the main Fairy Falls Trail and gives you the bird's-eye view of Grand Prismatic. Fairy Falls, the actual waterfall, is about 200 feet tall and sits another mile or so further down the same trail, so if you only walk up to the overlook and turn back, you haven't actually seen the falls yet.

Cataract Falls, Marin County — What to Know Before You Go

Finally made it out to Cataract Falls! Just search "Cataract Falls" in your GPS and go — it's a little over an hour's drive from the Bay Area.

One thing to watch out for: parking. It's free, but there are only around 20 spots, and I ended up too close to the road — got my first parking ticket of 2026 for it. Learn from my mistake and park properly clear of the roadway.