Do you ever find yourself curious to discover “waterfalls near me” in the U.S.? It’s a fair question, as the country is home to some truly amazing and wondrous waterfalls. While some, like Yosemite or Multnomah, are well-known stars, often, we’ll be wandering in the woods and happen to stumble across a babbling brook or little forest cascade — an unnamed wonder to enjoy. The thrill of discovery is half the fun of outdoor adventures. We’ve assembled a collection of amazing hidden waterfalls in America, that are “hidden” for various reasons – some are a challenge to reach, some aren’t well-known, and a few just don’t get the recognition they deserve. However, all of these hidden waterfalls in the US all have one thing in common: they’re absolutely breathtaking.
Weaving between rocks covered in soft green moss and delicate ferns, this secluded woodland waterfall is a true hidden gem. Keeney's Creek is located in Winona, about two miles down Keeney's Creek Road.
Glacier National Park is one of Montana's most popular parks, but Triple Falls doesn't get nearly as much recognition as it deserves. Located in Logan's Pass, the Triple Falls area is one of the most ecologically delicate areas in the park, so access to the falls is limited. If you ever get the chance to explore these falls, however, absolutely go for it.
This walk-behind waterfall in Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County is particularly spectacular due to its location: Alamere Falls is a unique "tidafall" cascade that flows straight into the sea. There's only one other waterfall like it in the area – McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
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4. Massachusetts: Bear’s Den Falls
Bear's Den, 18 Neilson Rd, New Salem, MA 01355, USA
Located in a six-acre nature reserve in New Salem, this hidden waterfall gets its name from a large black bear that was once hunted in the area. The Swift River passes over the granite cliffs of the Bear's Den and tumbles from stone to stone in a beautiful cascade.
Cummins Falls is a majestic waterfall at Blackburn Fork State Scenic River and it is a hot spot for locals and visitors in the know. The wide, flat stones and gentle falls are perfect for splashing and relaxing in the sun.
6. Maryland: Swallow Falls
Swallow Falls Road, Swallow Falls Rd, Maryland 21550, USA
Located in Garret County, Swallow Falls is at its best during the springtime. The season's rains swell the river and create a thunderous show of white water and glittering spray.
7. Oregon: Munson Falls
Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site, Oregon 97141, USA
At 315 feet tall, Munson Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Oregon Coast Range and it’s a portrait of sublime and beguiling beauty. The trail to discover this hidden waterfall is as magical as the falls themselves, winding through a verdant-green, old-growth forest.
Head over to Beacon Rock State Park for the waterfall hike of a lifetime. Just follow a side path off of the Hamilton Mountain Trail and you'll be led across a charming footbridge overlooking these stunning cascades.
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9. Iowa: Union Grove Lake Waterfall
Union Grove State Park, 1215 220th St, Gladbrook, IA 50635, USA
This beautiful spot is hiding in Tama County, right between Marshalltown and Waterloo. Union Grove Lake offers plenty of great recreational opportunities, but the waterfall is definitely one of its best features.
10. Arkansas: Fern Gully Falls
Fern Gully, Forrest Service 1544 Rd, Mulberry, AR 72947, USA
This scenic waterfall in Vermont can be found in the gorge of the New Haven River. 14 feet in height, the falls drop into a deep pool below, which is also a popular spot for swimmers.
12. Pennsylvania: Rattlesnake Falls
Pinchot State Forest -Thornhurst Tract, Bear Lake Rd, Thornhurst Township, PA 18424, USA
Head to Pinchot State Forest in Barret Township to discover Rattlesnake Falls, an epic waterfall. Nested in the famed Poconos mountains, Rattlesnake Falls sends water from the Delaware River tumbling over a series of graduated stone ledges. Though this waterfall is quite secluded, the hike there isn't too difficult.
13. Buttermilk Falls, New Jersey
Buttermilk Falls, Mountain Rd, Layton, NJ 07851, USA
Buttermilk Falls in New Jersey is a charming waterfall is located in Walpack Township, right on the New Jersey and Pennsylvania border. Water slides almost 90 feet down and there is a wooden viewing area above the falls that offers a spectacular view of the cascades and surrounding woodlands. The trail leading to the falls can get a bit steep, so make sure you wear some sturdy shoes.
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14. Arizona: Seven Falls, Catalina Mountains
North 7 Falls Drive, N 7 Falls Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85737, USA
Seven Falls is only one of several waterfalls in the Tucson area, but it's one of the most spectacular. Unlike many famed Arizona falls, this cascade is easily reached by even the most inexperienced of hikers. Visitors should take the Bear Canyon Trail from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, which will lead them to the foot of these cascades.
15. North Carolina: Roaring Fork Falls
Roaring Fork Falls Trailhead, 208 Busick Work Center Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
Tucked away in the Pisgah National Forest, this waterfall winds its way through verdant flora and sparkling stones before ending up in a clear, mossy pool. This is a great place to go for some quiet reflection or maybe a cool summer dip.
Which hidden waterfall is your favorite? Do you know of any other lesser-known or hidden waterfalls in America?
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More to Explore
Waterfalls in the US
Sarah M.|July 03, 2022
What are the best waterfalls near me?
The United States of America is full of fabulous falls, with each of the 50 states harboring some true superlative showstoppers. We put together this list of the best waterfalls in each state, which we invite you to peruse. No matter what state or region of the country you're in, you're sure to find a waterfall near you! For instance, those in Alabama need to visit Caney Falls, one of the few waterfalls in the state that flows year-round. If you're living in Connecticut, Great Falls is about as charming and delightful as they come. And even in the middle of the country, Nebraska's Smith Falls is one sure to take your breath away. This uniquely shaped waterfall is one of Nebraska's most splendid treasures; and, at 70 feet high, it's also the state's tallest fall.
