Top 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the United States: Your Ultimate Guide to America's Natural Wonders

Discover the most beautiful waterfalls in the United States with our comprehensive guide including visiting hours, hiking difficulty, best times to visit, and Google Maps locations for each stunning destination.

The United States is home to over 17,000 documented waterfalls, creating some of the world's most breathtaking natural spectacles. From the thunderous power of Niagara Falls to the turquoise paradise of Havasu Falls, America's waterfalls offer unforgettable experiences for every type of adventurer. Whether you're seeking an easy family hike or a challenging backcountry expedition, this guide will help you discover the most beautiful waterfalls the US has to offer.

1. Niagara Falls - New York

Niagara Falls (img source: wiki)

State: New York

Google Maps Location: Niagara Falls State Park, Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Visiting Hours: Open 24/7 year-round

Best Time to Visit: May through October for best weather and attraction availability

Hike Level: Easy (wheelchair accessible viewing areas available)

Park Entry Fee: Free; attraction fees vary

Niagara Falls consists of three magnificent waterfalls - Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls - that collectively create North America's largest waterfall system. The best time to visit is during summer months when temperatures range between 70-80°F, though all seasons offer unique beauty including stunning winter ice formations.

Known as the "granddaddy" of American waterfalls, Niagara Falls offers unmatched power and accessibility. Visitors can experience the falls from multiple vantage points including the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour, Cave of the Winds walkways, and observation towers. Parking is available in four state park lots ($10-15 per day) or various city lots within walking distance.

2. Yosemite Falls - California

State: California

Google Maps Location: Yosemite Falls Trailhead, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389

Visiting Hours: Open year-round, dawn to dusk parking

Best Time to Visit: April through June for peak water flow

Hike Level: Easy (Lower Falls - 1 mile loop) / Very Strenuous (Upper Falls - 7.4 miles round trip)

Park Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle

At 2,425 feet tall, Yosemite Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in North America with three distinct drops. The waterfall is best viewed in spring and early summer when snowmelt creates maximum flow; by late summer it often dries up completely.

The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail offers an easy 1-mile loop with spectacular views and is wheelchair accessible on the eastern section. For adventurous hikers, the Upper Falls trail is an extremely challenging 7.4-mile round trip with 3,000 feet of elevation gain, taking 6-10 hours to complete. Parking is available near Yosemite Lodge or take the free shuttle system to avoid congestion.

3. Havasu Falls - Arizona

Havasu Falls(Img source: Tripadvisor)

State: Arizona

Google Maps Location: Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead, Indian Route 18, Supai, AZ 86435

Visiting Hours: Reservations required; official season February-November

Best Time to Visit: April-May and October for ideal weather

Hike Level: Very Strenuous (10 miles one-way, 3-night minimum stay required)

Permit Required: $455 per person for 3-night camping permit

Havasu Falls features stunning turquoise waters cascading over travertine cliffs in a desert oasis, accessible only by an 8-mile hike to Supai Village plus 2 additional miles to the campground. Permits are extremely difficult to obtain, released annually on February 1st at 8 AM Arizona time, with most selling out within hours.

This otherworldly destination features five waterfalls including the famous Havasu Falls with its miraculous turquoise pools contrasting against red sandstone cliffs. The hike begins with challenging switchbacks descending 1,800 feet in the first two miles, requiring excellent physical conditioning and careful planning. All visits require advance permits and minimum 3-night camping reservations; day hiking is strictly prohibited.

4. McWay Falls - California

State: California

Google Maps Location: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, 52801 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Visiting Hours: 8 AM to sunset daily

Best Time to Visit: Year-round; spring for maximum water flow

Hike Level: Easy (0.3-mile paved trail)

Park Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle

McWay Falls is an iconic 80-foot waterfall that plunges directly onto a pristine beach, creating one of only 25 documented "tidefalls" worldwide. The waterfall drops into McWay Cove, where a 1983 landslide created the sandy beach visible today.

This easily accessible waterfall requires only a short 0.3-mile walk through a tunnel under Highway 1 to reach the scenic overlook. Note: The main overlook trail is currently closed for long-term repairs through 2026, but viewing is still possible from a small area beside Highway 1. The park accommodates vehicles up to 22 feet in length, and parking fills quickly during peak season.

5. Multnomah Falls - Oregon

Multnomah Falls(img source: Wiki)

State: Oregon

Google Maps Location: Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, OR 97014

Visiting Hours: Open year-round, 24/7

Best Time to Visit: April through October for best weather

Hike Level: Easy to Moderate (0.2 miles to lower viewpoint, 1.2 miles to top)

Parking: Free; timed entry permits required during peak season

Oregon's tallest waterfall at 620 feet features two spectacular tiers connected by the iconic Benson Bridge. The falls flow year-round, fed by underground springs and seasonal rainfall, making it one of the most reliable waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest.

Multnomah Falls offers multiple viewing experiences from the easily accessible lower viewpoint to the more challenging hike to the top. The falls are particularly stunning during spring snowmelt and after winter storms. The nearby historic Multnomah Falls Lodge provides dining and visitor services. Free parking is available, but timed entry permits are required during busy summer months.

6. Old Faithful Geyser of California - California

State: California

Google Maps Location: Old Faithful Geyser, 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515

Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM to 6 PM (summer), 8:30 AM to 5 PM (winter)

Best Time to Visit: Year-round; erupts every 8-15 minutes

Hike Level: Easy (minimal walking required)

Entry Fee: $15 adults, $5 children

While technically a geyser rather than a traditional waterfall, Old Faithful of California creates spectacular water displays reaching heights of 60-100 feet. This natural wonder provides reliable viewing opportunities with eruptions occurring every 8-15 minutes.

Located in Napa Valley's wine country, this geothermal feature offers a unique combination of natural wonder and wine tasting opportunities. The site includes picnic areas, a gift shop, and educational displays about geothermal activity. Unlike its Yellowstone namesake, this geyser maintains a consistent eruption schedule, making it perfect for visitors with limited time.

7. Ruby Falls - Tennessee

State: Tennessee

Google Maps Location: Ruby Falls, 1720 S Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37409

Visiting Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM (summer), 8 AM to 6 PM (winter)

Best Time to Visit: Year-round (underground temperature remains constant)

Hike Level: Easy to Moderate (guided cave tour, 1 mile underground)

Entry Fee: $25-35 adults, $15-20 children

Ruby Falls is America's tallest underground waterfall at 145 feet, located deep within Lookout Mountain. This spectacular subterranean wonder offers a unique caving and waterfall experience combined with stunning LED light displays.

The falls are accessible via a guided elevator tour that descends 26 stories underground through fascinating cave formations. The dramatic lighting system illuminates the falls and surrounding caverns, creating an otherworldly experience. Tours last approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, including the elevator rides and cave walk. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

8. Shoshone Falls - Idaho

State: Idaho

Google Maps Location: Shoshone Falls Park, 4155 Shoshone Falls Grade, Twin Falls, ID 83301

Visiting Hours: 8 AM to sunset

Best Time to Visit: April through June for peak water flow

Hike Level: Easy (short walk from parking to viewpoints)

Park Entry Fee: $5 per vehicle

Known as the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls plunges 212 feet over a broad basalt cliff, creating one of the most impressive waterfalls in the American West. The Snake River creates this spectacular display as it cascades through southern Idaho's dramatic landscape.

Multiple viewing platforms provide excellent photography opportunities and scenic picnic spots. The falls are most impressive during spring snowmelt when water releases from upstream dams create maximum flow. During late summer and fall, irrigation demands significantly reduce water flow. The park includes picnic facilities, restrooms, and interpretive displays about the area's geological history.

9. Tahquamenon Falls - Michigan

State: Michigan

Google Maps Location: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, 41382 W M-123, Paradise, MI 49768

Visiting Hours: 8 AM to 10 PM

Best Time to Visit: May through October; spectacular fall colors in September-October

Hike Level: Easy (0.4 miles to Upper Falls, boardwalk accessible)

Park Entry Fee: $11 per vehicle (Michigan residents $6)

Tahquamenon Falls features distinctive rust-colored water caused by tannins from upstream cedar trees, creating a unique and striking appearance against the pristine wilderness setting. The falls system includes both Upper and Lower Falls, each offering distinct viewing experiences.

The Upper Falls drops 50 feet with a width of 200 feet, making it one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, while the Lower Falls consists of five smaller cascades around a picturesque island. The park offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and winter activities including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. During peak spring flow, Tahquamenon ranks among the most powerful waterfalls in the eastern United States.

10. Snoqualmie Falls - Washington

Snoqualmie Waterfalls(

State: Washington

Google Maps Location: Snoqualmie Falls, 6501 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98024

Visiting Hours: Dawn to dusk daily

Best Time to Visit: March-April for optimal flow and fewer crowds; fall for beautiful foliage

Hike Level: Easy (0.7-mile interpretive trail from upper to lower viewpoint)

Parking: Free parking available; paid parking $7 for 2 hours in main lot

At 268 feet tall, Snoqualmie Falls is more than twice the height of Niagara Falls and stands as Washington's second most visited natural landmark after Mount Rainier. The falls gained cult status in the 1990s as the filming location for David Lynch's "Twin Peaks" television series, now attracting 1.5 million visitors annually.

This spectacular waterfall offers multiple viewing experiences from easily accessible upper observation decks to a more secluded lower viewpoint reached via a family-friendly interpretive trail. The falls drop over granite cliffs and have been used for hydroelectric power generation since 1898. Visitors can enjoy educational displays about local flora, fauna, and Native American heritage along the trail. The luxurious Salish Lodge perched beside the falls provides dining and accommodation options. Click here to read the full guide on a day trip to Snoqualmie Falls from Seattle.

Planning to Visit these Beautiful Waterfalls in the United States?

Essential Tips for Waterfall Visits

Safety First: Always stay on designated trails and respect posted boundaries. Many waterfall areas have unstable rocks and dangerous currents that have resulted in serious accidents.

Weather Considerations: Spring typically offers the most dramatic water flow due to snowmelt, while late summer may see reduced flow at many locations. Check current conditions before traveling long distances.

Photography Tips: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for waterfall photography. Bring a tripod for long exposure shots that create silky water effects.

What to Pack:

• Sturdy hiking boots with good traction

• Waterproof camera protection

• Extra layers for changing weather

• Plenty of water and snacks

• First aid kit for longer hikes

Best Resources for Planning

For the most current trail conditions, permit requirements, and seasonal closures, consult these authoritative sources:

• National Park Service for federal park locations

• State Parks Official Websites for state-specific information

• AllTrails for detailed trail maps and recent visitor reviews

• Weather.gov for current conditions and forecasts

Conclusion

America's waterfalls offer some of the world's most spectacular natural experiences, from easily accessible roadside views to challenging backcountry adventures. Whether you're drawn to the thunderous power of Niagara Falls, the ethereal beauty of Havasu Falls, or the coastal magic of McWay Falls, each destination provides unique memories and photo opportunities.

Remember that the best waterfall experiences often require advance planning, especially for popular destinations like Havasu Falls or during peak seasons at places like Yosemite. Always check current conditions, obtain necessary permits, and prioritize safety to ensure your waterfall adventures create lasting positive memories.

Start planning your waterfall journey today – America's natural wonders are waiting to be explored!