Did you know that the U.S. has more than 17,000 documented waterfalls?
These 17,000+ waterfalls come in all shapes and sizes—from powerful bodies of water bursting through mountains to magical, misting falls. With so many waterfalls to see and experience it can be difficult to prioritize which ones to chase. If you are looking for the best waterfalls in the U.S. then this article is for you! Keep reading to discover some of the best waterfalls in the U.S.
Niagara Falls
Of course Niagara Falls is at the top of our list! Niagara Falls is known throughout the world for its epic beauty.
Did you know that Niagara Falls is actually made up of three waterfalls? The falls include Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. These falls are often described as mesmerizing and incredible. In addition to their beauty, the falls also have the world’s highest flow rate which contributes to their greatness.
You can access the Greater Niagara Area via train. Simply request your free New York By Rail Guide today and start planning your trip!
Columbia & Montour Counties, Pennsylvania
Where can you find 22 breathtaking waterfalls?
Ricketts Glen State Park!
Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most picturesque areas in all of Pennsylvania. It is easy to understand why with the park’s stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
If you are up for a challenge consider hiking the Falls Trail. The Falls Trail system consists of 7.2 miles of difficult hiking trails. It takes experienced hikers directly past 21 of the park’s mesmerizing waterfalls. The Falls Trail includes the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. Ganoga Falls is the largest of the waterfalls in Ricketts Glen State Park and is quite enchanting.
Looking for the perfect weekend getaway? Plan your trip to Columbia & Montour Counties today with your free print and downloadable Columbia-Montour Counties Visitors Guide.
Wyoming County, New York
Letchworth State Park is a destination to explore! While most visitors prioritize the park’s three most popular waterfalls, the area rewards those willing to travel off the most popular paths.
If you want to marvel at the park’s most popular waterfalls, then follow the signs for Lower, Middle and Upper Genesee Falls. All three of the falls can be easily found along the main road.
Beyond the three most popular waterfalls there are a number of even taller waterfalls as well as countless smaller cascades. All of these falls are accessible via the park’s various trails. We recommend checking out the Letchworth Waterfall List to plan your adventure. It lists each waterfall as well as its location and best vantage point.
Are you ready to experience this unforgettable destination? Get your free print and downloadable Explore Letchworth & Beyond Adventure Guide today!
Olympic Peninsula, Washington
Do you want to go on a magical journey where you can bask in the beauty of waterfalls? Then you should plan a trip to the Olympic Peninsula!
The Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail offers year-round adventure. While the falls are breathtaking throughout the year, the spring is the best time to experience their power and beauty. In the spring the Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail comes alive thanks to snowmelt and spring showers. During this time, the rivers roar and the waterfalls thunder.
Are you ready for a magical and misty waterfall experience? Request your free print and downloadable Olympic Peninsula Travel Planner today!
Watkins Glen & Schuyler County, New York
Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region, Watkins Glen is best known for Watkins Glen State Park.
Watkins Glen State Park is home to a gorgeous 400-foot-deep gorge and captivating waterfalls. The park has a number of scenic trails that will take you past 19 majestic waterfalls. These waterfalls can be accessed via the Gorge Trail. The Gorge Trail is open seasonally and is expected to open in mid to late May 2025. The Gorge Trail is a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail and is quite spectacular. Keep in mind that this can be a challenging hike with many steps. However, there may be easier ways to approach the hike. Research your route to find the most enjoyable hike for your ability level.
May is only a few months away! Now is the time to get your free print and downloadable Watkins Glen Travel Guide!
Montana’s Glacier Country
Western Montana’s Glacier Country is a treasure. The area is full of natural wonders, memorable experiences, and enchanting waterfalls. It is a destination unlike any other.
We recommend taking time to explore and enjoy all that Montana’s Glacier Country has to offer. From its charming communities to its millions of acres of wilderness, there is plenty to see and do. Some of the best waterfalls in the area include the following: Virginia Falls, St. Mary Falls, Running Eagle Falls, Baring Falls, Apikuni Falls, Silver Staircase Falls, Lunch Creek, Weeping Wall, Appistoki Falls, and Deadwood Falls. We suggest researching the falls before you venture out as accessibility varies depending on the trail and not all of the falls are easy hikes.
Are you ready for an unforgettable experience? Request your free print and downloadable guide to Montana’s Glacier Country today!
Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Peaceful Side of the Smokies is home to a number of beautiful waterfalls. Many of these waterfalls can be found in Cades Cove, which is one of the most captivating hiking destinations in the area.
Located at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove offers a variety of hiking trails for every kind of adventurer. If you are searching for waterfalls, follow the signs for the following: Abrams Falls, Baskins Creek Falls, Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls, and Rainbow Falls.
While it is impossible to choose a favorite waterfall trail, there are many who consider the Middle Prong Trail to be one of the best waterfall hikes in the Smokies. This trail will take you past three major waterfalls and a number of smaller falls.
The Smokies are beautiful in the spring! Request your free print and downloadable Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide today!
Anchorage, Alaska
Alaska is home to countless majestic waterfalls. These waterfalls are both large and small, with varying topography and accessibility. There are a number of breathtaking mountain cascades within easy drives from Anchorage.
Many of the waterfalls in and around Anchorage are drive-by waterfalls. These falls are found where Alaska highways traverse the mountains. Anchorage’s drive-by waterfalls include the following: McHugh Creek Falls, Virgin Creek Falls, Explorer Glacier Waterfall, and Liberty Falls.
If you are interested in a bit more adventure, the Anchorage area also has a number of hikeable waterfalls. These waterfalls are family friendly and have close parking. Anchorage’s hikeable waterfalls include the following: Gulch Creek Trail, Russian River Falls, Thunderbird Falls, South Fork Falls (Barbara Falls), and Serenity Falls.
Sometimes it’s about the journey and the destination. If you want to hike through a misty rain forest to a dramatic slot where the creek bursts through sheer rock walls then hike to Winner Creek Gorge. Bird Creek Falls also offers a hiking adventure. The high-volume waterfall conceals a difficult-to-find gorge. This hike is only for advanced hikers who can handle slippery slopes, crawling, and steep descents.
Are you ready to chase Anchorage’s waterfalls? Request your free print and downloadable guide to Anchorage, Alaska today!
Chase Waterfalls!
Spring is officially here and that means it is time to chase waterfalls! From national and state parks to scenic byways, waterfalls can be found everywhere. For even more tips on where to find the best waterfalls in the U.S., take a look at all of our free print and downloadable travel guides.