12 United States Waterfalls You Have to See to Believe
Waterfalls are powerful natural wonders, magnificent to behold, and a show of nature’s roaring power. With all kinds of landscapes from towering drops in unspoiled wildernesses to relatively innocuous denizens in a home backyard, there are many beautiful waterfalls to explore. If you are an adventurer seeking a thrilling hike to the cascades or just someone who wants to enjoy the beauty from an easy vantage point, you’ve come to the right place.
These 12 destinations are much more than a feast for the eyes; they’re an opportunity to get to know the natural world — whether in awe of its power or in reverence of its calm.
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls isn’t just a waterfall, it is a sensory experience. It straddles the border between the U.S. and Canada with an amazing 3,160 tons of water tumbling down every second. That’s enough to fill 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools in a minute for perspective!
Multnomah Falls, Oregon
On the western fringe of Multnomah Falls, a fairy tale comes to life. This waterfall plunges over 600 feet in two graceful tiers and attracts more than two million visitors each year for good reason. With an Instagram-worthy angle of the falls and an unbeatable view, the short hike to Benson Bridge is worth the trip. They are fed by underground springs and flow year-round.
Yosemite Falls, California
If you’re visiting Yosemite National Park, you cannot miss Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. It has three tiers, totaling a jaw dropping 2,425 feet, and is especially spectacular in late spring when snowmelt supercharges its flow. Rewarding views of the surrounding granite cliffs await hikers who hike to the base, or, for the adventurous, all the way to the top. This waterfall is ‘A grand spectacle of light and life,’ exactly as John Muir described.
Havasu Falls, Arizona
Deep in the desert, within the Havasupai Indian Reservation, lies a surreal oasis: Havasu Falls. The red rocks reflect the turquoise-blue water. The journey is no small hike, but every step of the 10-mile hike is worth it. Permits are needed to access the falls and behold the wonders of nature tucked away from the humdrum of everyday life.
Shoshone Falls, Idaho
Shoshone Falls, near Twin Falls, Idaho, is taller than its eastern cousin, at 212 feet, and is known as the Niagara of the West. The falls are at their peak in the spring and would be a great spot to throw down a couple of camping chairs and a picnic blanket, while taking in the view.
Bridalveil Fall, California
If you’ve ever looked at a postcard of Yosemite National Park, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Bridalveil Fall on it. One of the park’s most accessible waterfalls is a 620-foot beauty with an easy trail to its base. The mist drifts unpredictably on windy days, creating a veil-like effect that gives the falls its name. Ahwahneechee legend says the mist brings good fortune to visitors.
Ruby Falls, Tennessee
Ruby Falls is a marvel you won’t find above ground. located inside Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga. Tucked into a cave system, this 145-foot waterfall can only be seen on a guided tour. Ruby Falls is lit by colored lights and the surrounding mountain provides beautiful views that make the trip memorable.
Amicalola Falls, Georgia
At 729 feet, Amicalola is the tallest waterfall in the Southeast and means “tumbling waters” in Cherokee. It’s a gateway to the Appalachian Trail for hikers located within Amicalola Falls State Park. Multiple viewing platforms and trails accommodate all fitness levels.
Palouse Falls, Washington
Palouse Falls was carved by Ice Age floods and is a favorite for photographers. This 200-foot waterfall is set against a rugged canyon backdrop. In 2014, the state declared it Washington’s official waterfall, an appropriate designation for such a dramatic sight.
Akaka Falls, Hawaii
Akaka Falls, a 442-foot stunner that plummets into a tropical gorge, is found on Hawaii’s Big Island. A half-mile loop trail to the falls winds through a rainforest filled with orchids and bamboo groves, and the whole thing feels like stepping into a postcard. Akaka Falls is evidence of the natural beauty found in Hawaii.
Cumberland Falls, Kentucky
Cumberland Falls is known as the “Niagara of the South,” and has a claim to fame that sets it apart: It’s one of the few places in the world where you can see a moonbow, a rainbow created by moonlight. The 68-foot waterfall is awe-inspiring even without this rare phenomenon.
Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan
Tahquamenon Falls, a pair of cascades in the remote Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is located in the forest. One of the largest east of the Mississippi, the Upper Falls is 50 feet tall and 200 feet across. The river’s tannins give it a coppery color making it visually unique and even more enchanting.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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