Home Camping Adventures 10 Beautiful U.S. Waterfalls You Need to Visit At Least Once
10 Beautiful U.S. Waterfalls You Need to Visit At Least Once

5 min

September 7, 2023

Love waterfalls? So do we! America is brimming with stunning waterfalls, so choosing ten was quite the challenge.

Regardless of whether it’s a small stream trickling down a cliff face or a roaring cascade tumbling hundreds of feet into an emerald pool below, there is something peaceful yet thrilling about witnessing a beautiful waterfall.

1. Havasu Falls: Arizona

havasu-falls
You will find this colorful 100-foot beauty hidden within the remote reaches of the Grand Canyon in the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The stunning contrast between the blue-green water and the red rock is breathtaking, and those who make the 10-mile trek to marvel at these falls and take a dip in the pool won’t be disappointed.

2. Shoshone Falls: Idaho

Shoshone-falls
This beautiful waterfall, situated near Twin Falls, Idaho, spans 900 feet and plunges 212 feet into the water below. No wonder it’s often referred to as the “Niagra Falls of the West.” If you’re planning a trip, the water levels are often highest in spring and summer.

3. Vernal Fall, California

Vernal Fall
This lovely waterfall is located in Yosemite National Park just downstream of Nevada Fall. At 317 glorious feet, it’s worth the challenging 2.4 mile hike (Mist Trail) to the top, just be careful climbing the more than 600 slippery granite steps!

4. Multnomah Falls: Oregon

multnomah-falls
This iconic waterfall can be found in the famous Columbia River Gorge. If you’re looking for a jaw-dropping view, it doesn’t get much better than this 620-foot beauty. The arched bridge over the lower drop only adds to this magical picturesque scene. There are dozens of other beautiful waterfalls in the Gorge so it’s definitely worth spending at least a day in this area.

5. Lower Calf Creek Falls: Utah

2073887 - calf creek falls late afternoon

At 130 feet, this waterfall may not be the tallest on this list but it could be the most enchanting. Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante area, it’s impossible to hold yourself back from jumping into the crystal clear pool at this beautiful oasis.

6. Palouse Falls: Washington

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Plunging nearly 200 feet over the side of a canyon into the Palouse River, this waterfall is as powerful as it is dramatic. In 2014, this stunning waterfall was officially named the state waterfall of Washington. Not into hiking? No worries here, you only have to walk about 50 feet to get a fantastic view from an overlook.

7. Lower Falls: Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming

 lower yellowstone falls
This impressive waterfall sits at the head of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River and tumbles nearly 308 feet to the river below. Based on height, it’s more than twice the size of Niagra Falls. The entire area here is breathtaking. From the yellow stones of the canyon to the trees hanging precariously close to the water’s edge, this beautiful waterfall is stunning from every angle.

8. Cumberland Falls: Kentucky

Cumberland Falls
Often referred to as the “Niagara of the South,” this classic 60-foot waterfall is famous for producing lunar rainbows (aka moonbows). You can find this jaw dropping, 125-foot wide cascade in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. During the fall, the vibrant colors of the surrounding trees create the perfect picturesque backdrop for this stunning waterfall.

9. Taughannock Falls: New York

taughannock-falls
Taughannock Falls is one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the Northeast at 215 feet. Nestled within Taughannock State Park, the falls are surrounded by massive rocky cliffs that tower more than 400 feet above the gorge below.

10. McWay Falls: California

mcway-falls
This iconic Big Sur waterfall isn’t extremely tall or fast-flowing, but the gorgeous coastal setting makes it a must-see. Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, this 80-foot waterfall is easily accessible, and there’s a good chance you will want to come back year after year to marvel at this dreamlike setting.


Plan Your Waterfall Adventure
No waterfall adventure would be complete without camping in a beautiful setting. Explore thousands of campgrounds nationwide on Camp Native and discover your perfect campsite!

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