The 12 Most Stunning Waterfalls in the U.S.

Something is mesmerizing about waterfalls. Whether they’re distributing cascading turquoise waters or acting as an energy source, waterfalls genuinely demonstrate just how beautiful nature can be.

In addition to creating picturesque scenery, waterfalls have been proven to help us connect with nature, which makes us happier humans. Luckily, there are many waterfalls in the U.S. to explore!

While our list is far from complete, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most breathtaking waterfalls you’ll find right here in the United States. Wait until you see which comes in at number one!

12. Burney Falls, California

Situated within the Modoc Plateau and Cascade Region, Burney Falls has five miles of lake shoreline and streamside. Although not the largest, it’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. This gorgeous waterfall gets additional water from its natural spring to create a mist-filled oasis.

Standing 129 feet tall, the waterfall cascades head-on, revealing rainbows left and right. To witness the majestic presence of Burney Falls, it’s best to visit from April through October. Once you’re done taking in the breathtaking sight of the falls, there are five miles of hiking trails to explore in the park.

11. Cumberland Falls, Kentucky

Located in the center of the Daniel Boone National Forest lies Cumberland Falls, a 68-foot tall cascading waterfall. Splashing above a boulder-rich gorge, it has a rare lunar rainbow made from a full moon’s light. The overlook heading to Cumberland Falls is only a short walking distance and is also wheelchair accessible.

As the largest waterfall in Kentucky, you’ll instantly feel refreshed by the water mist. As one of the most spectacular waterfalls, you’ll be impressed by the volume of water gushing out every second. The spray, or the Niagara of the South, is alluring, but its “moonbow” is one for the books and a can’t-miss opportunity!

10. Lower Falls in Yellowstone, Wyoming

As the largest waterfall in Yellowstone, Lower Falls stands at a whopping 308 feet tall. From the east and west sides of the Grand Canyon, you’ll have numerous views of the falls to observe in all its glory. With a ¾ mile round trip, you can hike the trail to the top to enjoy its breathtaking scenery.

At double the size of Niagara Falls, it has 63,500 gallons of runoff during the spring. To get up close and personal to Lower Falls, you should take the Uncle Tom’s Trail. It’s recommended to get to this trail early as tourists say it can quickly become crowded.

To get a photograph with Lower Falls as your backdrop and Yellowstone River cutting through the Grand Canyon, head to Artist Point. For a more tranquil experience, the falls are best viewed at sunrise from this location.

9. Ruby Falls, Tennessee

Located within Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Ruby Falls is a stunning underground waterfall. It is actually one of the tallest underground waterfalls in the United States, cascading 145 feet into a large cavern. The falls are part of a larger cave system that is accessible to visitors through guided tours.

With breathtaking scenic views of the Cumberland Plateau, you’ll take an elevator to descend 26 stories to an underground cavern. This hidden cavern is where you’ll get to explore with a guided tour to take a scenic path of Ruby Falls. While visiting, you’ll get to learn about its unique rock formations and see the waterfall light show.

8. McWay Falls in Big Sur, California

As the heart of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls drops down into an untouched cove. Wondering what makes McWay Falls different from other waterfalls? The imagery of the falls dropping down onto the beach has been decided by visitors as paradise!

This picturesque waterfall drops approximately 80 feet before churning into the Pacific Ocean. This is a scene that your friends won’t believe is real unless you show them the photos. Whether you’re stopping by for pictures or taking a hike, McWay Falls is worth the stop if you’re visiting the park.

To find the falls, enter the park and search for the marked entry that says the McWay Falls Trail. The trail is located directly across from the restrooms.

7. Multnomah Falls, Oregon

As one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the United States, Multnomah Falls attracts more than 2 million visitors each year. Plummeting a whopping 620 feet, it’s one of the best locations to study the geology of flooding.

A waterfall as memorable and magnificent as this one is only a 30-minute drive from Portland. Visiting the falls will allow you to experience its icy waters and natural beauty up close and personal. According to a local legend, the falls were created for a princess who wanted a hidden place to bathe.

As you tilt your head up to the rocky cliffs, you’ll see how immense Multnomah Falls is. Unlike other locations, Multnomah Falls doesn’t dry up and will give you spectacular views any time of year.

6. Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

Standing at 268 feet, Snoqualmie Falls has a hydroelectric energy plant that gives residents their energy for homes. As a captivating site for hundreds of years, it’s one of the most famous waterfalls in the state and taller than Niagara Falls.

Once you make your way to the falls, you’ll find an observation deck, a gift shop, and the Salish Lodge. According to the visitors, the best time to visit the falls is in the evening when lights illuminate this cascading paradise.

The top of the waterfall is a short walking distance to the parking lot, with the main views coming from the side for visitors to stand safely. The viewing area has benches, picnic tables, and a Centennial Green grassy meadow.

5. Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite, California

Standing at a jaw-dropping 617 feet tall, Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite flows year-round and is one of the most prominent in the state. As one of the most beautiful and iconic waterfalls, it’s an excellent hiking spot due to its natural beauty that attracts visitors daily.

Going to Bridalveil Falls, you’ll want to walk across rocks to get a closer view. However, if you take a closer look, use caution, as employees say the rocks can get a bit slippery.

The Bridalveil Trailhead will take a short walk to the falls and is the best path for stunning views. There’s also a paved trail from the parking lot towards the base of the falls, which allows for year-round viewing.

4. Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

Known as the “crown jewel”, Silver Falls State Park is a scenic gem that puts Oregon front and center both internationally and nationally. Located in the Cascade Mountains, it’s one of the rare spots where you can walk behind the waterfall! Seems similar to what you see in the movies, right?

Its infamous South Falls is connected to the Trail of Ten Falls, a popular hiking trail that takes you through its forest landscape. During the day at South Falls, you can relax by the charming creek, use the horseshoe pits, or have your kids play at the playground.

This 177-foot curtain of water is one of the most remarkable when viewed from behind. Trust us when we say you won’t ever experience anything like it!

3. Akaka Falls, Big Island, Hawaii

As the heart of Akaka Falls State Park, Akaka Falls stands 422 feet tall. The only way to catch a glimpse of this waterfall is from a short hike from the park’s parking lot. The walk along the Akaka Falls Loop Trail is a brief and easy hike that people of all ages can do.

Walking to Akaka Falls, you’ll pass through a rainforest filled with draping ferns, bamboo groves, and wild orchids. The Akaka waterfall plunged into the deep forge and can be viewed from various points while walking through the trail.

When visiting, be ready for crowds, as the falls are one of the most popular attractions in the area. Before visiting, you can also take a virtual tour online of the Akaka Loop Trail, taking you directly to the waterfall.

2. Havasu Falls, Arizona

As an adventure you’d want to add to your bucket list, Havasu Falls is an iconic natural wonder that you’ve most likely seen on a screensaver. As a well-known oasis in Arizona, the waters are a turquoise blue that spills over a red cliff deep into an Arizona canyon.

Havasu Falls is one of the most photographed spots in Arizona but also one of the most difficult to access. The best time to visit the falls to avoid large crowds is in February or November. If you plan to visit during the summer, be prepared for extreme temperatures reaching up to 115 degrees on the trail.

1. Niagara Falls, New York

You guessed it! Taking our number one spot as one of the best waterfalls in the U.S. is Niagara Falls. With a whopping 3,160 tons of water flowing every second, it produces over 4 million kilowatts of electricity that both Canada and the U.S. use.

Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls, the most significant waterfall being Horseshoe Falls. Despite many myths, Niagara Falls does not freeze during the winter.

Have you ever wondered where all that water comes from? That water flows from rivers and streams that enter the Great Lakes through Niagara. Below Niagara Falls, you may notice brown foam resulting in tons of plummeting water. It gets its brown color from the clay, mainly from the basin of Lake Erie.