There’s something unforgettable about standing near a waterfall—the roar of water, the mist in the air, the sheer force of nature on display. Across the United States, there are waterfalls that do more than just impress; they leave a mark. These 13 American waterfalls that’ll make your jaw drop are known for their size, power, setting, or sometimes all three. Some are tucked into remote forests, while others are surprisingly close to major cities, making them perfect for both quick getaways and longer road trips.
These falls range from thunderous cascades plunging hundreds of feet to quiet multi-tiered drops hidden in the woods. Whether you’re into photography, hiking, or simply pausing to take it all in, there’s a spot on this list for you. A visit to any one of them is a chance to reconnect with nature in a way that’s hard to forget.
Ready to get soaked in beauty and power? Grab your hiking shoes, map out your route, and see what makes these waterfalls truly unforgettable.
Yosemite Falls – Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite Falls crashes down from a total height of 2,425 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Split into Upper, Middle, and Lower sections, it commands attention as it plunges from granite cliffs into the valley below. Best viewed in spring when snowmelt fuels its flow, the falls send a cool mist through nearby trails. Hikers can climb to the top of the Upper Falls for sweeping views or stay at valley level for a gentler route. The surrounding landscape features towering sequoias, sharp ridges, and shifting light that changes the scene throughout the day.
Multnomah Falls – Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Multnomah Falls is a two-tiered cascade that drops a total of 620 feet through moss-covered basalt cliffs. Fed by underground springs and snowmelt, it's Oregon’s most visited natural site, framed by thick forest and dramatic rock formations. A short walk leads to the iconic Benson Bridge, which spans the lower tier and gives a direct, close-up view. Beyond the crowds near the parking lot, the surrounding trails wind deeper into the gorge, with quiet spots and smaller falls tucked into fern-covered slopes. Whether seen from the base or the upper viewing platform, Multnomah’s vertical lines cut a sharp figure in the landscape.
Niagara Falls – New York
Niagara Falls channels the force of the Great Lakes as millions of gallons rush over the brink each minute. The American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls span the border between New York and Canada, with the American side offering walkways, observation decks, and the Cave of the Winds experience. The roar is constant and carries far beyond the river’s edge. Boats like the Maid of the Mist bring visitors right to the base where water crashes into rock below. Though much of the area is developed, the scale and volume of the falls still overpower everything around it.
Havasu Falls – Havasupai Reservation, Arizona
Havasu Falls drops around 100 feet into blue-green pools framed by red canyon walls. Tucked deep within the Grand Canyon, it requires a 10-mile hike and a permit to access, but the view is worth the effort. Calcium carbonate in the water gives the pools their distinct color, which contrasts sharply with the desert backdrop. Surrounded by travertine rock formations, cottonwood trees, and sandy paths, the falls create a lush oasis in a harsh environment. Camping near the base is allowed with advance booking, and the sound of the cascade echoes softly through the canyon’s early morning stillness.
Shoshone Falls – Twin Falls, Idaho
Shoshone Falls is taller than Niagara, plunging 212 feet into a rugged canyon carved by the Snake River. Known as the “Niagara of the West,” it surges strongest during spring runoff, when melting snow from the Rockies feeds its flow. The surrounding cliffs and basalt shelves create layers of rock ledges that break the water into chaotic streams. Nearby viewpoints and walking paths give access to several vantage points. While summer flow can vary due to irrigation needs, spring reveals the waterfall’s full force. Picnic areas and overlooks sit right near the rim, adding access without requiring a strenuous hike.
Bridalveil Fall – Yosemite National Park, California
Bridalveil Fall is one of the first waterfalls visitors see when entering Yosemite Valley. Dropping 620 feet from a granite cliff, it often catches the wind, sending its mist into sweeping arcs that resemble a veil. The short trail to the base is paved and accessible, making it one of the park’s most visited stops. In spring, its flow is powerful and constant, while in summer and fall, it becomes lighter but still striking. The waterfall is framed by dark rock and pine trees, and it catches early morning light in ways that make each visit slightly different from the last.
Lower Falls of the Yellowstone – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Lower Falls plunges 308 feet into the Yellowstone River, cutting through the colorful canyon walls that inspired the park’s name. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone surrounds it with shades of ochre, rust, and gold. Viewpoints such as Artist Point and Lookout Point give visitors close and panoramic views of the waterfall’s drop and the river’s winding path below. The force of the water is visible from a distance, creating mist that rises above the canyon rim. Trails along the edge of the canyon offer a range of difficulty, letting people experience the falls from multiple heights and perspectives.
Ramona Falls – Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon
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Ramona Falls is a delicate, fan-shaped cascade that spills 120 feet down a wall of volcanic rock. Unlike a single-drop waterfall, it breaks into dozens of rivulets, spreading across mossy columns and fern-lined ledges. Reached via a 7-mile loop hike through forest, creek crossings, and woodland meadows, it rewards the journey with its tranquil beauty. The area is shaded and often quiet, with birds and the sound of water forming a soft background. Though not especially tall or loud, Ramona Falls is known for its structure—more lace than plunge—and its placement deep in a forested, glacier-fed landscape.
Fall Creek Falls – Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee
At 256 feet tall, Fall Creek Falls is one of the highest free-falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi. It plunges from a forested bluff into a rock basin below, surrounded by hardwoods and steep cliffs. A short hike leads to a viewing platform at the top, while a longer, more rugged trail takes visitors to the pool at its base. The waterfall flows year-round, fed by consistent rainfall and upstream streams. Fall Creek Falls State Park also includes several smaller waterfalls, suspension bridges, and scenic overlooks, making it a favorite for weekend hikes, nature trips, and camping within reach of the falls.
Akaka Falls – Big Island, Hawaii
Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet through a lush gorge in the heart of Hawaii’s tropical rainforest. Located within Akaka Falls State Park, it’s reached by a paved loop trail surrounded by bamboo, wild orchids, and towering ferns. The waterfall is uninterrupted—one long drop into a deep pool below—and its steady flow makes it impressive year-round. The air in the area is heavy with moisture, and birdsong echoes through the dense greenery. Despite the trail’s short length, the thick vegetation and sudden reveal of the falls feel far from city life, making it one of Hawaii’s most photographed natural features.
McWay Falls – Big Sur, California
McWay Falls flows year-round from an 80-foot drop directly onto the sand and rocks of a small Pacific cove. Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, it’s one of the few waterfalls in the U.S. that empties into the ocean. The viewpoint is easy to reach via a short trail off Highway 1, though the beach itself is off-limits to protect the landscape. The surrounding cliffs, coastal brush, and turquoise water form a sharp contrast that draws photographers and travelers alike. Best viewed at sunset or during high tide, McWay Falls is a striking sight tucked into California’s rugged coastline.
Taughannock Falls – Near Ithaca, New York
Taughannock Falls drops 215 feet, cutting through shale and limestone cliffs that tower nearly 400 feet high. Taller than Niagara but far less known, the waterfall is located in a gorge within Taughannock Falls State Park near Cayuga Lake. A flat trail leads along the creek bed to the base, making it accessible for most visitors. In spring, the falls thunder down; by late summer, the flow softens into a thinner stream. The sheer walls on either side create an amphitheater effect, amplifying the sound of the water and making it feel both remote and monumental, even in calm weather.
Amicalola Falls – Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia
Amicalola Falls descends 729 feet in multiple tiers, making it the tallest waterfall in Georgia and one of the highest east of the Rockies. The waterfall is located in the southern Appalachians and is accessible via a staircase trail that climbs alongside it, offering several platforms for views. It’s also the gateway to the Appalachian Trail’s southern approach, drawing both day hikers and long-distance trekkers. The surrounding forest shifts with the seasons—fiery leaves in fall, misty greens in spring—and wildlife sightings are common. From top to bottom, the climb is steep, but the view at each level makes the effort worthwhile.
Nature’s Grand Finale
From towering drops that thunder into canyons to quiet falls nestled deep in the woods, these 13 American waterfalls capture something elemental—movement, power, and stillness all at once. They're more than just scenic stops; they’re reminders of how much beauty is packed into every corner of the country.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone just looking for a fresh view, there's a waterfall here that belongs on your itinerary. Each one holds a moment worth chasing—cool mist on your face, the rumble under your feet, the rush of standing somewhere truly alive. So if you’re searching for a reason to hit the road or lace up your boots, let these waterfalls lead the way. There’s no better time to see them than now.
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