Top 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the USA That Take You Closer To Nature

Last Updated on July 12, 2023 by Nikki Jain

When most people think of a waterfall, they picture the tropics of South America. Many don't realize that the United States boasts numerous amazing waterfalls making it simple to plan a trip around these natural wonders.

From the world-famous Niagara Falls in New York to some of the lesser-known but just as spectacular Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan, there are plenty of places across the US where you can get close to nature and see some spectacular waterfalls.

Read further to find out some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the US.

The Best Waterfalls in the US

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1: Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is not only one of the famous waterfalls in the world but also the largest waterfall in the US in terms of volume. It is comprised of three different waterfalls - Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Voyage to the Horseshoe Falls in the Maid of the Mist boat from May through October for a grand sight of the falls.

Ride a glass elevator to the Prospect Observation Tower to view Bridal Falls on the Cave of the Winds Tour. The massive 400-acre park offers wildlife, dazzling scenery, and more.

Don't forget your rain gear. Be sure to visit at night when everything is ablaze with a variety of lights.

Address: 24 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, 14303

Also Read: 10 Best Things To Do In And Around Niagara Falls, New York

2: Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park, California
Flickr/John Tregoning

This fabulous fall is actually a combination of three falls. The tallest at 1430 feet high is the Upper Yosemite Fall. Flowing into the middle cascade and finally, the Lower Yosemite Fall completes the torrent at 320 feet.

One of the tallest waterfalls in the US, the falls can be observed from many places in the Yosemite Valley. Two of the most popular prospects are the Yosemite Village and the Yosemite Lodge. For those preferring a closer look, an escorted all-day hike is available.

Address: Yosemite Village, CA 95389

Visit Website

Also Read: Top 10 Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

3: Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho

Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho
Flickr/Todd Kulesza

The Snake River has much to offer in the way of bountiful beauty. The most unbelievable is the Shoshone Falls. The best time to visit the falls is in spring and early summer, when the snow affects the flow of water.

But there cannot be a time when it is not an incredible view. The Shoshone Falls is blended with Dierkes Park, where visitors can relax while having a picnic and savor the sight of the beautiful natural falls from many points in the park.

Address: Shoshone Falls Park, Twin Falls, ID 83301

Also Read: Idaho Top 20 Attractions

4: Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Flickr/John Fowler

Multnomah Falls needs no introduction as one of the best waterfalls in the US. The flow of water from underground springs feeds the tiered Multnomah Falls.

Beginning with 542 feet of upper falls and continuing with the second section of the falls at 69 feet and 9 feet at the bottom, it totals 620 feet. A lush green forest frames a massive, fantastic flourish of falls.

A trail leading to Benson Footbridge grants guests a traverse to the lower cascade. If visitors wish to pursue the hike, the trail extends to the upper falls. Once there, feast on a fantastic view of the Columbian Gorge and the Little Multnomah falls that are not discernable from the ground.

Address: Mt Hood National Forest, Oregon

Also Read: 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Oregon

5: Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Flickr/abhisawa

The Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls, combined with Crystal Falls, is known as the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The Upper Falls is a surge of water splashing over rock, framed by lavish trees and vegetation.

Hikers who are comfortable with a difficult trail may obtain a better look if they are up to a 500 feet drop down with a 500 feet rise as they rebound.

The Lower Falls, actually larger than the Upper Falls, is no less spectacular. A plethora of viewing spaces include the platform at the Brink of the Lower Falls, Red Rock Point and Artist Point, and the South Rim Trail.

Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

Also Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park

6: Palouse Falls, Washington

Palouse Falls, Washington
Flickr/Ramanathan Kathiresan

The Palouse Falls, lying on the Palouse River, is surrounded by a canyon. Named after the Palouse Indians, current inhabitants of the area, it is the official state waterfall for the state of Washington.

Palouse State Park is the ideal entry to enjoy the panoramic view of the falls as it downrushes a wall of rock. Picnic shelters and bird watchers dot the landscape. Camping and hiking are available in the park.

Address: Palouse Falls Rd, LaCrosse, WA 99143

Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Washington State

7: Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Flickr/shilo2006

Travertine comes from limestone. This limestone is the reason for the unique blue-green color of the Havasu Falls, located on the Havasupai Tribe Reservation. Close to the Grand Canyon National Park, it is an oddity in the desert. A beautiful fall within its own canyon; it is an exceptional sight.

Hiking with backpacked mules to the campground is one mode of observation. If you're not into hiking and camping, within two miles of the falls is the Havasupai Lodge. Among alternatives to a hike, you may join a planned tour. Hiring a helicopter to offer a true bird's eye view is another choice.

It really is one of the most beautiful US waterfalls – especially if you love awe-inspiring nature.

Address: Havasu Canyon, Supai, AZ 86435

Also Read: Arizona Top 20 Attractions

8: Cumberland Falls, Kentucky

Cumberland Falls, Kentucky
Flickr/Brent Moore

In the heart of Kentucky, Cumberland Falls flows 60 feet over boulders. The popular things to do consist of kayaking, white water rafting and canoeing. Fishing is another popular sport on the Columbia River.

At the falls, just past the gift shop, the new Cumberland Mining Company offers gem mining. Discover fossils and all colors and shapes of gemstones while you sift through your collection from the falls. Cumberland Falls also has 17 miles of backpacking and hiking trails to discover.

Address: 7351 Hwy 90, Corbin, KY 40701

Also Read: Top 25 Tourist Attractions in Kentucky

9: Alamere Falls, California

Alamere Falls, California
Flickr/Marc Tarlock

Alamere Falls is a unique 40 feet waterfall located in Point Reyes National Seashore. Because it flows directly into the ocean, it is known as a tidefall. The falls cascade over a slanted cliff, down on the stone rubble near the beach, where the ocean crashes to meet the falls.

It is only available to those hikers able to journey on foot eight and a half miles. The trail leading to the falls is both wide and narrow, sometimes scary but worth the reward. The sight of the fantastic coastal scenery of Alamere Falls is extraordinary.

Address: Pt Reyes National Seashore, Mesa Rd, Bolinas, CA 94924

Visit Website

Also Read: Best Tourist Attractions in California

10: Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan

Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan
Flickr/Arvind Govindaraj

Paradise is a matter of opinion unless one describes the Tahquamenon Falls in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan. The Tahquamenon River courses down to a 50 feet drop, creating the Upper Tahquamenon Falls.

Just a few miles downstream the Lower Tahquamenon Falls, a combination of five lesser declines of water continues downstream to Lake Superior.

Located in a scenic forest with a paved path for visitors from the parking area the falls may be seen from several parts of the park. Three sections of stairs between the top, center and lower parts of the waterfalls are ideal for snapping photos.

Tahquamenon Falls is likely one of the most stunning waterfalls in the US that you have to see to believe.

Address: 41382 West M 123, Paradise, MI 49768

Also Read: Michigan Top 20 Attractions

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