The 10 Most Dazzling US Waterfalls

T​he U.S. has a number of gorgeous waterfalls that call out to travelers to bask in their glory. Waterfalls hold a power over humans, and sometimes, a great waterfall alone is enough to urge an adventurer to book a trip. This summer, consider checking out one of these great falls throughout the country.

(​MORE: Photos Of Yosemite's 2023 Firefall At Horsetail Fall)

1​. Palouse Falls, Washington

P​alouse Falls in Washtucna, Washington, provides an epic landscape with its 186-foot drop from a red, rocky canyon in the state park that bares its name, Palouse Falls State Park. Hikers can traverse along the canyon's rim, or you can view the falls from up close behind protective railings. Campsites are available in the park, and campers will be able to view the falls at sunset for some of the best views.

2​. Multnomah Falls, Oregon

P​erhaps one of the most iconic landscapes in the state, Multnomah Falls is recognizable by its double tiers and the Multnomah Creek Bridge that stretches across it. The waterfall is the most visited natural recreation center in the Pacific Northwest, according to the U.S. Forest Service, and the tallest waterfall in Oregon. Visitors interested in hiking can choose between a moderate 2.2 mile trail or a more difficult 5.4 mile trail, then grab a meal at the nearby Multnomah Falls Lodge, which offers breathtaking views of the falls.

3​. Havasu Falls, Arizona

O​pen again for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Havasu Falls is an otherworldly waterfall at the Havasupai Indian Reservation within the Grand Canyon. The National Park Service explains on their website that Havasupai means "people of the blue-green waters," a modest description of the beautiful waters that contrast with the red canyon cliffs. According to GoLakeHavasu.com, the water gets its vibrant blue-green color from calcium carbonate and magnesium that occur naturally in the Havasu Creek. It's not uncommon to see people swimming in the pool at the base of Havasu Falls, and while there, visitors can venture several other waterfalls along the Havasu Creek.

4​. Waimoku Falls, Hawaii

I​f you're up for a hike, the 400-foot-tall Waimoku Falls lies at the end of the Pipiwai Trail on the island of Maui. Considered one of the best hikes on the island, Pipiwai trail is 4 miles round-trip, and hikers will gain 800-feet in elevation along the trail. The lush, green rainforest is what completes the landscape.

5​. McWay Falls, California

6​. Bridalveil Fall, California

O​ne of Yosemite National Park's most famous waterfalls, this 620-foot waterfall flows all year around, which isn't true for all of the park's falls. The waterfall gets its name because of its light, swaying flow that is characteristic of the fall for most of the year, making Bridalveil Fall look like a bride's veil. Visitors can park nearby and view the fall from a paved path, or opt for a slightly longer trail from Yosemite Valley that offers different views of the fall.

7​. Cumberland Falls, Kentucky

O​ften called "the Niagara of the South" or "Little Niagara," this 68-foot-tall, 125-foot wide waterfall produces a thunderous roar and is located within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in south-central Kentucky. For something truly special, visit the falls at night during a full moon to try to spot the moonbow, which is formed by the waterfall's mist in the air. It is one of only two naturally occurring moonbows on Earth, according to KentuckyTourism.com.

8​. Whitewater Falls, North Carolina

At 411 feet, this is t​he highest waterfall east of the Rockies. The waterfall then drops another 400 feet at Lower Whitewater Falls. The area is somewhat difficult to access because of its rugged terrain, therefore it receives few visitors and much of the landscape has remained relatively untouched. The falls can be seen from a walkway near the parking lot, or venture to the lower overlook at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. Hikers can walk the half-mile trail that quickly drops 600 feet in elevation. There are also two overlooks near the top of the falls. However, the U.S. Forest Service warns visitors not to venture off the trails, as the area is very steep and dangerous.

9​. American Falls, New York

You won't have to pack your passport to visit the American side of Niagara. Aptly called American Falls, this is the second largest of the three waterfalls that together are known as Niagara Falls. But visitors can actually get up close to all three waterfalls without having to cross into Canada. It's known to be more quiet and less developed than the Canadian side of the falls.

1​0. Nugget Falls, Alaska

T​he water from Nugget Falls comes directly from a glacier — Nugget Glacier, to be exact. The falls spill into Mendenhall Lake, in Tongass National Forest, about three-quarters of a mile away from Mendenhall Glacier's active face, which can also be seen from the falls.

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