Top 10 Waterfalls in the United States

I am proud to present what I believe to be the very best 10 waterfalls in the United States! This list is based upon a mix of personal experience, a thorough review of dozens of websites, and through reading most of the waterfall guidebooks that have been published in the US over the last 25 years. Each of these top ten waterfalls is undeniably spectacular.

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HAVASU FALLS

STATE	PARK	ACCESS	NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS
AZ	Havasupai-tribe owned private land	Backpacking, Horseback Riding or Helicopter (no road access)	one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world; requires advance permits and either a (a) 10-mile hike each way, (b) a horseback ride or (c) a helicopter ride; many campsites can be found just downstream of Havasu Falls (permits & reservations required); combined with Mooney Falls, these waterfalls offer one of the world's premier swimming hole destinations, if not the absolute best!

NEVADA FALLS

STATE	PARK	ACCESS	NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS
CA	Yosemite National Park	Hiking Trail	one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the country; close to Vernal Falls; can be seen on a challenging hike trip to Half Dome by taking the Mist Trail from the Happy Isles trailhead; can also be done as part of moderate day hiking loop by combing with the John Muir Trail; avoid on weekends as this trail can be insanely busy; also, do NOT enter the water as dozens of people have died over the years

YOSEMITE FALLS

STATE	PARK	ACCESS	NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS
CA	Yosemite National Park	Roadside/Hiking Trail	probably the most famous waterfall in the USA; believed to be the tallest waterfall in North America; a staggering 2,425 feet tall; best water flow is from May to June, but often keeps flowing through summer; a nice national park lodge exists near the base of the falls; a hiking trail leads to the top (be careful not to slip over the edge!)

WAIMOKU FALLS

STATE	PARK	ACCESS	NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS
HI	Haleakala National Park	Hiking Trail	Maui Island; 400-foot tall thin horsetail; fantastic photographs can be obtained from the base of the falls

Photo Credit: Jason Underwood

SHOSHONE FALLS

STATE	PARK	ACCESS	NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS
ID	Shoshone Falls Park	Roadside	212-foot tall, 1000-foot wide massive waterfall; one of the most powerful waterfalls in the country; other good waterfalls are nearby

Photo Credit: Arnold Hansen

NIAGARA FALLS

STATE	PARK	ACCESS	NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS
NY	Niagara Falls State Park	Roadside / Short Walk	one of the world's most famous waterfalls; includes all the falls there (i.e. American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, etc.); Canadian side of falls is actually more interesting and has better views, however it is much, much more touristy; American side offers the Maid of the Mist boat tour and also a great trail that goes behind the falls

MULTNOMAH FALLS

STATE	PARK	ACCESS	NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS
OR	Columbia Gorge Natural Scenic Area	Roadside / Hiking Trail (optional)	one of the best and most famous falls in North America; 620ft two-drop scenic falls separated by attractive bridge; one of dozens of outstanding waterfalls in the area

CALF CREEK FALLS

STATE	PARK	ACCESS	NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS
UT	Grand Staircase-Escalante NM	Hiking Trail	the best waterfall in Utah and perhaps the best desert-waterfall in the southwest after Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls in Arizona; incredible desert-oasis setting; lower falls is the highlight and it's a 126ft horsetail/plunge with a beautiful swimming hole at its base

SNOQUALMIE FALLS

STATE	PARK	ACCESS	NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS
WA	unknown (privately owned?)	Roadside	one of WA's most popular tourist attractions and easily its most popular waterfall; 270ft plunge with a lot of development near and above falls

Photo Credit: Megan Bentley

LOWER FALLS

STATE	PARK	ACCESS	NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS
WY	Yellowstone National Park	Roadside / Short Walk	one of the finest waterfalls in the world; gorgeous waterfalls surrounded by yellow rocks; 308 feet tall; several overlook trails; near "Canyon Village" in the eastern region of Yellowstone National Park; one of two major falls on the Yellowstone River

TOP 25 WATERFALLS OF THE US

Want to learn about more of the best waterfalls in the United States?

Click here to see a comprehensive list of the top 25 waterfalls in the United States!

TOP 100 WATERFALLS OF THE US

We've also put together what I believe is the ultimate list of the most scenic waterfalls in America.

Click here to see a comprehensive list of the top 100 waterfalls in the United States!

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