There’s something undeniably magical about waterfalls. Whether discovered on a hike or observed from the side of the road, these natural attractions have a way of stopping us right in our tracks. Whether you are searching for “waterfalls near me” or cascades on the other side of the country, here are a few photos of the most incredible waterfalls around the U.S. and they may just inspire your next trip:

1. Yosemite Falls, California
Yosemite Falls, California, USA
Isolino Ferreira/flickr
Sathish J/flickr
Located in Yosemite National Park, the aptly-named Yosemite Falls is the tallest in the United States -- and North America! The vertical drop of 2,425 feet is nothing short of mesmerizing to visitors, and it's no mystery why this attraction is so frequently photographed.
2. Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA
Mariano Mantel/flickr
Anthony Dolce/flickr
Ranked as the tallest year-round waterfall in Oregon, Multnomah Falls truly is a sight to behold. This attraction sees nearly 2 million visitors per year and its proximity to Portland makes it easily accessible.

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3. Havasu Falls, Arizona
Havasu Falls, Arizona, USA
The Bei Posti/flickr
Havasu Falls in Arizona is one of the most striking attractions in the U.S. Located inside the Grand Canyon, this waterfall is part of the Havasupai tribal lands.
4. McWay Falls, California
McWay Falls, California 93920, USA
Cocoabiscuit/flickr
Alik Griffin/flickr
McWay Falls in California is certainly not the largest nor tallest waterfall in the U.S., yet its location in Big Sur gives it an ethereal beauty that's hard to deny. This waterfall is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
5. Kaaterskill Falls, New York
Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436, USA
Andy Arthur/flickr
Jean & Oliver/flickr
Kaaterskill Falls is located along Spruce Creek in the gorgeous Catskill Mountains. This two-tier waterfall is a beloved attraction along the East Coast and can be accessed by means of a beautiful hiking trail.

Did any of your favorite waterfalls around the U.S. miss the list? If so, we’d love to hear from you! And if you’re curious about the tallest waterfalls in the U.S., be sure to check out this list!

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More to Explore

waterfalls near me

Sarah M. | March 12, 2022

What are some beautiful waterfalls in the U.S.?

If the above list has you itching to explore more superlative U.S. falls, you'll flip for these 19 wow-worthy waterfalls. Featuring places like Palouse Falls in Washington, Shoshone Falls in Idaho, Lower Calf Creek Falls in Utah, and Dry Falls in North Carolina, you're sure to find the next waterfall for your bucket list!

What are some unique waterfalls to visit in the U.S.?

To answer this question, we're going to take a trip to little old Kentucky. Waterfall chasers likely know Kentucky for Cumberland Falls, home to one of the only regularly appearing moonbows in the world. But this 125-foot-wide waterfall gets all the attention in the Bluegrass State, and Yahoo Falls, another Bluegrass gem, is equally resplendent. At 113 feet, this waterfall is the tallest in Kentucky, and it's nestled in the wondrous Daniel Boone National Forest. The Yahoo Falls Trail is located in the beautiful Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area near Whitley City in McCreary County, an area avid hikers know and love. Kentucky is a humble place of untold beauty and wonder, and Yahoo Falls is one of the state's true stars.

What are some lovely waterfall hikes in the U.S.?

Have you been hiking in Oregon before? Oregon is home to some of the most lush and lovely forests in the country, and within this PNW wonderland, Silver Falls State Park stands out. This place is a vision; a portrait of pure, pristine, perfect Oregon beauty. Widely considered to be the ‘crown jewel’ of Oregon’s state park system, this 9,000-acre park is also the largest and most popular -- and it's not hard to see why. For starters, Silver Falls State Park is home to a lush temperate rain forest flush with Douglas-fir, western hemlock, Oregon grape, and other native trees and plants. The park's Trail of 10 Falls traverses past -- you guessed it -- all 10 of the park's incredible cascades. Stand behind a waterfall curtain, traipse through an old-growth forest, pitch a tent for the night ... this Oregon forest has the best waterfall hike in the U.S.!

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