Looking for the Best Hiking Trails With Waterfalls In The USA ? Look nowhere else!
The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking hiking trails, many of which feature stunning waterfalls. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a weekend adventure, these trails offer spectacular views and the peaceful sounds of cascading water. Here are 10 of the best hiking trails in the US that lead to beautiful waterfalls.
10 Hiking Trails With Waterfalls In The USA
1. Havasu Falls, Arizona
- Location: Havasupai Reservation, Grand Canyon
- Distance: 10 miles one way
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Havasu Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the US, located deep within the Grand Canyon. The vibrant turquoise waters are a stark contrast to the red rock surrounding the falls. The hike to Havasu Falls is long and challenging, but the view at the end makes it worth the effort. The waterfall plunges into a natural pool that’s perfect for swimming, making this an unforgettable hiking experience.
2. Yosemite Falls, California
- Location: Yosemite National Park
- Distance: 7.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, standing at 2,425 feet. The hike to the top of the falls is challenging, but hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley below. The trail is divided into two sections, with the lower falls being easier to access for those who want a shorter trek. Spring is the best time to visit, as the falls are at their peak flow.
3. Multnomah Falls, Oregon
- Location: Columbia River Gorge
- Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Multnomah Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. This two-tiered waterfall drops 620 feet, creating a picturesque scene. The hike to the Benson Bridge, which crosses in front of the falls, is relatively short and easy, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the trail continues to the top of the falls, offering sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge.
4. Bridal Veil Falls, Utah
- Location: Provo Canyon
- Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
Bridal Veil Falls is a majestic, 607-foot waterfall that cascades down the side of a mountain in Provo Canyon. The easy, family-friendly trail follows a paved path along the Provo River and offers excellent views of the waterfall. In the winter, the falls freeze, attracting ice climbers. During the summer, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic and a refreshing break.
5. Ramona Falls, Oregon
- Location: Mount Hood National Forest
- Distance: 7 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
Ramona Falls is a stunning waterfall located on the slopes of Mount Hood. The water flows over a rock face, creating a mesmerizing, cascading effect. The trail to Ramona Falls is moderate in difficulty, crossing the Sandy River before heading through a lush forest. The best time to visit is in late spring or early summer when the waterfall is most powerful.
6. Lanikai Pillbox Hike, Hawaii
- Location: Oahu
- Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
While Lanikai Pillbox is known for its panoramic views of Oahu’s east shore, nearby Maunawili Falls offers a hidden waterfall experience. The Maunawili Falls trail is a tropical paradise, winding through bamboo forests and offering a refreshing waterfall plunge at the end. This is one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets, providing an intimate encounter with nature.
7. Fallingwater Cascades, Virginia
- Location: Blue Ridge Parkway
- Distance: 1.6 miles loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
Fallingwater Cascades Trail is part of the Jefferson National Forest in Virginia and offers a loop hike with picturesque views of the cascading waterfall. The trail is short but moderately challenging, with several switchbacks and rocky sections. The waterfall tumbles over rocks in a series of cascades, creating a peaceful ambiance in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
8. Clifty Falls, Indiana
- Location: Clifty Falls State Park
- Distance: 4.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
Clifty Falls offers a network of trails that lead to four major waterfalls within the park. The trails range from easy to challenging, offering something for everyone. The waterfalls are most impressive in the spring after rainfall or in the winter when they freeze into stunning ice formations. The park is also home to beautiful rock formations and lush vegetation, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
9. Cumberland Falls, Kentucky
- Location: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
- Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
Known as the “Niagara of the South,” Cumberland Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the US by volume. The waterfall is particularly famous for its “moonbow,” a rare natural phenomenon where a rainbow appears at night under a full moon. The trail to the falls is easy and suitable for families, and the falls are an incredible sight to behold, especially after heavy rains.
10. Amicalola Falls, Georgia
- Location: Amicalola Falls State Park
- Distance: 8.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia, dropping 729 feet. The trail to the falls is part of the Appalachian Trail and offers several viewing points along the way. There are multiple routes to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging, but all provide excellent views of the cascading waterfall. This hike is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hiking to remote desert falls in Arizona or walking through lush forests in Oregon, these trails offer some of the best waterfall experiences in the US. They combine natural beauty with the invigorating challenge of hiking, making them perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike. So, lace up your boots and hit the trail—each of these hikes promises awe-inspiring views and unforgettable memories.
