Best Hikes for Waterfalls Around the US

Spring is one of the best times of year to see waterfalls. They spring to life after the winter snow begins to melt, sending cascading rivers of water soaring over rocks and down steep descents. There is something so magical and powerful about watching the force of a rushing waterfall hit the rocks below. As a lifelong hiker and traveler, waterfalls are one of those things I always seem to search out on my adventurers. America is full of wonderful places to spot them! To help you find some of the best I have gathered a list of some of the best hikes to find waterfalls in the US.

What State has the best Waterfalls?

If waterfalls are your thing, there are plenty of great hikes to check out around the country. However it’s hard to pick any state over the others as both the Pacific Northwest, California, Alaska, and the East coast all have some pretty epic waterfalls. One of our favorites is Multnomah Falls in Oregon – it’s one of the most popular trails in the Pacific Northwest, and for a good reason! The hike is only a few miles long, but the incredible waterfall views along the way will blow you away.

If you’re looking for something a little bit more challenging, check out Eagle Creek Trail in Oregon or Upper Falls in Yosemite National Park in California. Both of these trails offer amazing views of waterfalls and other natural wonders along the way. Keep reading for all our recommendations.

Beautiful Waterfall Hikes in the US

The United States is a vast country with millions of miles of recreation land throughout its 50 states. Each of the states has wonderful places to hike and explore, but if you want to see some of the country’s best waterfalls, these are some of the destinations to add to your list.

Trail of Ten Falls, Marion County, Oregon

Trail of Ten Falls is one of the crown jewels of Oregon State parks. With no less than ten falls on this loop trail it is truly something to behold especially after winter snow starts to melt. The Ten Falls Trail is an 7.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Mehama, Oregon, in Silver Falls State Park. The trail  is rated as moderate and can be shortened by two trail cutoffs along the way, taking most visitors about 3-5 hours to complete.  Accessible year-round, our favorite time for a visit is early spring and fall.  Being so close to Salem and Portland, this is a very popular hike but a beautiful one. It’s $5 for entry and fills up fast.

Note: No dogs are allowed on this hike

Trail Map: Trail of Ten Falls 

Tennessee’s Foster Falls and Fall Creek Falls Trails

If you happen to be in south-central Tennessee or Chattanooga, these two waterfalls are a great spot to visit. Foster Falls which is closer to Chattanooga, is perfect in spring because it rains a lot in winter. My last visit to Foster Falls turned the waterfall into a rainbow. The walk down to the falls is about one mile down and can be slippery,  traversing some hanging bridges before meeting the forest floor. Make sure to wear slip-resistant boots and be careful where you step.

A few hours away in southern Tennessee is another great waterfall called Fall Creek Falls. This is the tallest waterfall on the eastern seaboard,  you can walk to a viewpoint at the top just steps from the parking area or hike down to the bottom and stand in the spray of the falls. This state park is also fantastic for camping, biking or being in nature. Check out my Video on these waterfalls & visiting Chattanooga.

Cherokee Falls & Hemlock Falls Trail: Cloudland Canyon State Park Georgia 

The state of Georgia is certainly a sleeper cell when it comes to waterfalls, hiding many monstrous waterfalls throughout the North Georgia Mountains and into Appalachia. One of my favorites has to be within the state park of Cloudland Canyon, which has many waterfalls, great camping, mountain biking, caves and plenty of hikes. The walk down to Hemlock and Cherokee Falls starts on the park’s rim, and winds down to the valley floor along a series of stairs. Both waterfalls are close to each other so make sure you visit both and get ready for a glute burn on your way back up the hill. Swimming is allowed at the waterfalls in the summer months, but avoid getting any river water in your mouth as it is often contaminated with bacteria.

Watch the video on Cloudland Canyon 

Smoky Mountains National Park Deep Creek Loop Trail

The Great Smoky Mountains is one of the busiest National parks in the US and for good reason. With two different climatic zones, the park has a ton to offer including several great places to see waterfalls. In the summer months, many of the rivers especially around Deep Creek offer tubing. But hikers will want to walk the trails to see waterfalls and flowers. The Deep Creek Loop Trail meanders along the river passing not one 1 but several waterfalls before heading farther into the forest and back around to the parking lot. If you walk to all the waterfalls the trail is about 4.5 miles roundtrip. You certainly can’t go wrong with a spring visit to the Smoky or Blue Ridge Mountains. Watch my video on Smoky Mountains National Park here.

Yosemite National Park Mist Trail

One of the most popular trails in Yosemite Valley is the Mist Trail. It’s a short but steep hike to Vernal Falls, but the views and rushing water make it all worth it. You can also continue to Nevada Falls for an even more challenging hike that tops out at 6 miles. Yosemite National park is one of the crown jewels of California National Parks and has waterfalls aplenty. If you find yourself in this park you will also want to visit Upper Falls, and the famous Bridal Veil Falls too.

Trail Map: Mist Trail to Nevada Falls 

Skyline Trail Loop, Mount Rainier National Park

The Skyline Trail Loop is the perfect hike for anyone looking for a breathtaking view of Washington’s grandest mountain, Mount Rainier. Touted as one of the best day hikes in Rainier National Park, the Skyline Trail offers a longer season than its north side counterpart, Sunrise. At 6.2 miles this hike features wildflowers, waterfalls and stunning views.  With its southern exposure, in peak season (July and August), hikers will be treated to views of cascading waterfalls and panoramic views of the Paradise Valley. If you are in Washington’s Rainier National Park this is a definite addition to your travel list.

Trail Map: Skyline Loop Trail 

Watkins Glen State Park, Finger Lakes, NY

Calling all nature-lovers! Watkins Glen State Park is the perfect place to explore some of the most breathtaking scenery in upstate New York. This park features a series of waterfalls and gorges and is a must-see for anyone looking to take in some awe-inspiring natural beauty. An almost two-mile hike will take you past 19 waterfalls and up over 800 stone steps – but it’s well worth the journey! If you’re looking for a little more adventure, be sure to check out the smaller trails that lead off of the Gorge Trail – they offer prime opportunities for birdwatching, picnicking, and more.

Trail Map: Indian, Finger Lakes & Gorge Trail Loop 

Wailua Falls Kauai Hawaii

One of our favorite Hawaiian waterfalls, Wailua Falls can be viewed from the road or up close by a steep and slippery descent. This is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Kauai, with a parking lot at the top where a nice viewpoint has been built to see this double-tiered waterfall. For nimble hikers you can sneak down the embankment on a small trail that descends to the edge of the falls, there are some rudimentary ropes along the way, but make sure to wear good footwear. Don’t forget a towel, your bathing suit and a camera for these great views.

Learn more about exploring Kauai
Polarized Sunglasses at Knockaround!

Nugget Falls Juneau Alaska

One of the most famous attractions in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier but that isn’t the only thing you can see in this area. Next to the glacier is the massive waterfall of Nugget Falls. This icy cold deluge of moving water moves with the retreating glacier and is almost never in the same spot from year to year. To access it, take the Glacier Blue bus from Juneau or drive to the Mendenhall glacier and walk down the paved path to the falls. The last few hundred feet will take you onto the beach where the waterfall is rushing to life. Depending on ocean level and rainfall this waterfall is also accessible by kayak.

Check out more from Juneau in the Juneau Alaska Video Guide 

Trail Map: Nugget Falls – Tongass National Forest 

Hiking to Waterfalls and Wildflowers

Spring is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. And what better way to do that than by hitting the trails? Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, there are plenty of options to choose from. And when you add in the factor of waterfalls and wildflowers, you’ve got yourself a recipe for a perfect spring or summer day.

So get out there and explore some of the best spring hikes for waterfalls and wildflowers around the US! You won’t be disappointed.

Do you have a favorite waterfall hike? Share it with us in the comments below!

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