10 Breathtaking Waterfall Hikes in the U.S. You Can’t Miss

There’s something special about waterfalls. They capture our attention whether looking at photos or witnessing them in person. A scenic waterfall is the perfect payoff for a hike, and thankfully, the United States is filled with trails that lead to these incredible views.

Here, we’ll list 10 of the best waterfall trails and hikes in the U.S. Of course, the list is subjective and there are any number of falls that are worthy of a hike, but you’re sure to love the 10 featured here.

👉 Related reading: Essential Tips for Beautiful Waterfall Photos

1. Trail of Ten Falls (Oregon)

Located in Silver Falls State Park, this trail is a must-visit for waterfall lovers. The Trail of Ten Falls offers the unique opportunity to see ten distinct waterfalls, each more beautiful than the last. The trail winds through lush forests and even allows you to walk behind some of the waterfalls for a truly immersive experience.

• Location: Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
• Distance: 7+ miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

2. Ricketts Glen Falls Loop Trail (Pennsylvania)

This trail takes you through the heart of Ricketts Glen State Park, where you’ll see 21 stunning waterfalls. Although the trail involves a lot of elevation change, it’s not as difficult as you might expect because you’ll stop frequently to view and photograph waterfalls.

Although this is a loop trail, an optional out-and-back extension is needed to see 3 of the waterfalls. Depending on where you park and start the trail, the out-and-back section may be at the beginning and end of the hike or somewhere in the middle. Read our guide to Ricketts Glen State Park for more details.

• Location: Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania
• Distance: 5-7 miles, depending on your starting point
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

3. Glen Creek Gorge Trail (New York)

The Glen Creek Gorge Trail is the main attraction at Watkins Glen State Park, and it’s know for its dramatic rock formations and cascading waterfalls. This trail will take you past 19 waterfalls and through narrow gorges, providing plenty of photo opportunities.

It’s an out-and-back trail, or you can return to the parking lot via the Rim Trail to save a little time. Many of the falls on this trail are smaller cascades, but Rainbow Falls and Cascade Falls alone are worth the trip. Read our guide to Watkins Glen State Park for more details.

• Location: Watkins Glen State Park, New York
• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

4. Havasupai Trail (Arizona)

The Havasupai Trail leads you to the breathtaking Havasu Falls, famous for its striking blue-green waters. This hike requires a permit and planning, but the sight of the falls is well worth the effort.

If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon and up for a long and incredibly scenic hike, this is an excellent choice.

• Location: Havasupai Indian Reservation, Arizona
• Distance: 20+ miles round trip
• Difficulty: Difficult

5. Mist Trail (California)

One of Yosemite National Park’s most popular trails, the Mist Trail, will take you up close to Vernal and Nevada Falls. The trail can be quite steep, but the mist from the falls creates a magical atmosphere that makes the hike worthwhile.

• Location: Yosemite National Park, California
• Distance: 7 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult

6. Yosemite Falls Trail (California)

Yosemite Falls is a three-tiered waterfall that plunges a total of 2,425 feet, making it a must-see for any nature lover visiting Yosemite National Park. The Yosemite Falls Trail starts with a series of switchbacks that ascend the valley rim, offering glimpses of Half Dome and other iconic landmarks.

As you climb higher, the trail provides awe-inspiring vistas of the Yosemite Valley and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. The journey to the top is strenuous, particularly the section beyond Columbia Rock, but those who persevere are rewarded with close-up views of both the Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.

• Location: Yosemite National Park, California
• Distance: 7+ miles
• Difficulty: Difficult

7. DeSoto Falls Trail (Georgia)

The DeSoto Falls Trail in the Chattahoochee National Forest is a relatively short and easy hike that leads to two beautiful waterfalls. It’s a great option for families and those looking for a less strenuous hike.

The Lower Falls, visible early in the hike, cascade down a rugged rock face. A little further along the trail lies the Upper Falls, which is longer and offers a scenic viewpoint ideal for capturing the area’s natural beauty.

• Location: Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia
• Distance: 2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

8. St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail (Montana)

Located in Glacier National Park, this trail offers the chance to see two stunning waterfalls in one hike. The trail is a relatively easy way to explore part of this incredible national park.

The trail begins near the St. Mary Falls shuttle stop, and it leads hikers through a lush forest, with the sounds of rushing water along the way. St. Mary Falls is a powerful three-tiered waterfall that cascades into a milky-blue pool below. Virginia Falls (pictured above) is a beautiful single drop.

• Location: Glacier National Park, Montana
• Distance: 3 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

9. Bridal Veil Falls Trail (Colorado)

Bridal Veil Falls is Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, and the hike to reach it is equally impressive. The trail is steep and rocky but offers incredible views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.

• Location: Telluride, Colorado
• Distance: 4 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

10. Canyon Rim Trail (Idaho)

The Canyon Rim Trail is a scenic path along the edge of the majestic Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls, Idaho. This mostly paved trail offers a leisurely walk or bike ride with stunning views of the canyon walls and the river below.

An absolute must-see on this trail is the Perrine Bridge. Nearby is the mesmerizing Shoshone Falls, often called the “Niagara of the West,” which features a spectacular drop of 200+ feet, making it higher than Niagara Falls. Accessible viewing platforms provide excellent vantage points for photography.

• Location: Twin Falls, Idaho
• Distance: Varies, with multiple access points
• Difficulty: Easy