22 most epic waterfalls in the United States

One of the largest cascades in the state and the most impressive you’ll see this close to Seattle (about a 30-minute drive from downtown). Located just outside the small town of Snoqualmie, there is a short hike from the parking lot to see the waterfall. Salish Lodge is also nearby, which provides fantastic views from the restaurant. 

Oregon’s most famous waterfall receives millions of visitors each year and is easily one of the state’s most popular attractions. Located in the Columbia River Gorge, the falls are an easy trip from Portland; just leave early in the summer as parking fills up quickly. Additionally, you can take a 5-mile loop hike to view other smaller waterfalls in the forest. 

Deep in North Cascades National Park lies Washington’s largest waterfall, one of the biggest in the US. Colonial Creek is 4,000 feet across and has 15 drops of over 2,500 feet. However, the only way to see it is via one of the not-so-easy hikes in the park, so bring boots and be prepared!

One of the country’s most visited parks is also home to one of the most epic waterfalls. Yosemite Falls is a combination of three different cascades that ring in at just under 2,500 feet. The waterfalls can be viewed from many points in the village and lodge. There’s also a short loop hike around the lower section. Or you can opt for a more difficult day hike to the top.

Washington State’s official waterfall is also one of the last remaining from Ice Age-era floods. At just under 200 feet, Palouse Falls (also known as Aput Aput, which means “falling water”) is the Eastern Washington equivalent of Snoqualmie. In 2022, most access points to the waterfall were closed out of safety concerns.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a beautiful location for outdoor recreation that is still relatively unknown compared to, say, the PNW or the Rocky Mountains. And not only is it stunning and the perfect place to hike, swim, fish, or just enjoy nature, but it is also home to the largest waterfall in the state. At 200 feet in width and a 50-foot drop, Tahquamenon Falls is sure to impress!

The largest waterfall in America’s favorite national park is also home to one of the country’s most impressive cascades. Yellowstone may house numerous waterfalls, but the most impressive is easily Lower Falls, which stand at just over 300 feet in height. Then just head up the road to see the slightly smaller but still magnificent Upper Falls.

The Willamette Valley may be best known for wine, but you shouldn’t miss the area’s most impressive cascade. Located not far from Portland, the falls feed into the Willamette River, where salmon and sturgeon can be found.

Unique on this list as Havasu Falls aren’t impressive due to size (although at 100 feet tall, it is certainly a site to see), but rather the color. The vibrant turquoise water will trick you into thinking you’ve just flown to the Caribbean! Just remember the falls are located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, so you’ll need to buy a permit from the tribe to enter. There is also a campground (reservation and permit required) close by.

Aptly nicknamed the South’s Niagara Falls, this Kentucky cascade is sure to impress. At 125 feet wide and just under 70 feet tall, it’s the perfect stop to cool down on a southern road trip.

One of Alabama’s most popular natural sites, this little 45-foot waterfall makes for a great place to base yourself for a day of water adventures. Swim, kayak, or float around the surrounding water, all while enjoying the spray from Little River Falls!

Located along the Snake River, you’ll always find an impressive site at Shoshone, no matter the season. The more-than 200-foot waterfall is the perfect view to enjoy a picnic or relaxing afternoon in the adjacent park.

In the mountains of Georgia, you’ll find this gem of a waterfall. Ringing in at 150 feet, it’s easily accessed via a half-mile trail from the visitor center. 

The rock that this 65-foot waterfall drops off of dates back millions of years ago. Thus, it’s worn away and creates the best environment for a veil-like appearance. There is a 1.5-mile loop trail you can hike around the falls and a bed and breakfast nearby if you want to make an overnight trip out of it!

At 145 feet, Ruby Falls near Chattanooga is impressive already, but even more so is the waterfall’s unique location. Located underneath Lookout Mountain, you’ll need to enter the bizarre European castle recreation where it’s located. And then be prepared for a show as lights illuminate the water and accompanying stalagmites in the cave.

A bit smaller than others listed, coming in at just 40 feet, it’s a welcome sight if you find it. Located deep in the Northern California wilderness, you’ll need to hike 8.5 miles on often less-than-ideal terrain to reach it. However, the view of cascading water down to the beach is a fantastic reward!

This waterfall requires a bit more effort to access, as it lies at the end of a 3-mile (one-way) trail in southern Utah. The 125 feet of crashing water greats you and along with rainbow-colored cliffs, squishy sand, and a small pool all surrounded by greenery!

On the island of Maui in Haleakala National Park is this massive 400-foot waterfall. To reach it, hike just under two miles on a moderate trail through the rainforest. However, it’s not recommended to get too close for safety reasons. 

The largest waterfall east of the Rockies, Whitewater Falls is a must-stop on any East Coast road trip. The upper and lower falls all come in at over 400 feet each, making the entire cascade more than 800 feet of rushing vertical water.

Just east of Idaho, along the Kootenai River, lies this wide cascade that the Kootenai Tribe believes to be the center of the universe. There is also a swinging bridge across the top, should you not be too scared of heights and want an amazing vantage point. 

Not far from Juneau, near the Mendenhall Glacier, is the double-tiered Nugget Falls — a wondrous site cascading down the glacial mountain surrounded by the pristine Alaskan wilderness. There’s an accessible path to the waterfall, or you can visit as part of a glacier excursion. 

One of the most famous waterfalls in the world is better known as a Canadian destination, but the U.S. side is certainly worth a visit. Niagara Falls is conveniently located in upstate New York, not far from Buffalo. You can take a boat tour or get a different vantage point from one of the numerous hiking trails.