The splendor of waterfalls is a reason to travel. Whether tall and dramatic, short and broad, or a collection of falls in one panorama, waterfalls are like watching rivers flow vertically. They’re also perfect reminders that our planet creates its own beauty at which we mere spectators can only marvel.

Across the US, there are countless waterfalls to gush over, all of them changing natural flow rate by season. Some are tucked away in state parks or mountain ranges; others are readily spotted from paths, bridges and roadways. But count on waterfalls, large or small, to inspire moments of awe and even flashes of euphoria thanks to the extra oxygen they produce. Check out these 10 especially gorgeous US waterfalls worth the trip for 2022. 

Niagara Falls as seen from New York State
The iconic Niagara Falls as seen from the US side in New York State © Tony Shi Photography / Getty Images

1. Niagara Falls, New York 

Falls height: 167ft 
The fastest way to get to the falls: 30 minutes from Buffalo

Not just one but three waterfalls create the magnificence that is North America’s largest falls, Niagara: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. They straddle the US and Canadian border formed by the Niagara River, and no matter your vantage point, they are wondrous. From the Canadian side, it’s easy to view all three sections of Niagara Falls from the street-level promenade and ride an elevator down to the Journey Behind the Falls. On the American side, join a Maid of the Mist boat tour to the foot of Horseshoe Falls, head up the Observation Tower or get up close (and wet) along the Cave of the Winds descending walkway.

Expert tip: Tour tickets come with a plastic poncho and sandals, but it’s wise to bring a waterproof bag. 

Detours worth making between NYC and Niagara Falls

Snoqualmie Falls, Washington
Snoqualmie Falls is well worth the quick trip from Seattle © Richard A McMillin / Shutterstock

2. Snoqualmie Falls, Washington 

Falls height: 482ft 
The fastest way to get to the falls: 40 minutes from Seattle

It’s a rare delight to have such easy access from a big city to a fantastic waterfall, and Snoqualmie Falls is well worth the half-day trip. (You may also recognize it from its famous turn in the series Twin Peaks). Pass through forests and charming towns on your drive up, and stroll the accessible path to the upper observation deck overlooking the nearly fifty-stories-high falls. There’s a gift shop on-site with local crafts and treats, outdoor picnic tables and the nearby Salish Lodge & Spa for scenic dining. (Some may argue that mighty Palouse Falls is Washington State’s best waterfall, but it can’t beat Snoqualmie’s Cascade-Mountain location.)

Expert tip: Bring good shoes to hike a steep nature trail to the falls’ lower observation area (less than a mile one way). 

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Multnomah Falls along Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
The two tiers of cascades of Multnomah Falls along Columbia River Gorge © Theerapat Chawannakul / Shutterstock

3. Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Falls height: 620ft 
The fastest way to get to the falls: 30 minutes east of Portland

Oregon’s tallest waterfall is also one of the state’s top attractions, and rightfully so. Multnomah Falls is a slim, two-tiered cascade with an accessible viewing bridge right in the middle (you can even see the falls passing by from the road below). Better still, it’s just a short drive from downtown Portland and is open all year, fed by snowmelt and Larch Mountain rain. Located on the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls also is home to a nationally registered historic lodge with public facilities, making it a prime break spot for hiking 700 feet up to the top of the falls. 

Expert tip: Aim to visit on a weekday morning before the weekend and afternoon crowds descend. 

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Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho
Shoshone Falls is 1000 feet wide and drops 212 feet, 45 feet more than Niagara Falls © Terryfic3D / Getty Images

4. Shoshone Falls, Idaho

Falls height: 212ft 
The fastest way to get to the falls: 25 minutes from Magic Valley Regional Airport (in Twin Falls); 2 hours from Boise

Proudly stout at 900 feet wide, Shoshone Falls is sometimes called the “Niagara Falls of the West.” But in some ways, Shoshone is even more mesmerizing with its tiers and jagged cliff face, particularly during spring’s peak flow. Take in the best views from the overlook to see the falls plunge into the Snake River, and make time to explore nearby Centennial Waterfront Park, where you can rent a kayak to paddle back for a lower view of Shoshone Falls.

Expert tip: Avoid early fall visits when Shoshone’s flow appears nearly dry. 

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Yosemite Falls at Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite Falls at Yosemite National Park, California © chaolik / Getty Images / iStockphoto

5. Yosemite Falls, California

Falls height: 2425ft 
The fastest way to get to the falls: 2.5 hours from Fresno; 3.5 hours from Sacramento

One of the tallest waterfalls on the planet is part of what draws millions of visitors annually to Yosemite National Park. The towering Yosemite Falls is comprised of the Upper Falls, middle cascades and Lower Falls, and are among the 25 total waterfalls inside the park. It’s an easy one-mile paved walk to the lower viewpoint, while the bigger challenge is hiking 7.2 miles up 2700 feet for a lofty view from the Upper Falls.

Expert tip: Pack layers of clothing since temperatures can fluctuate through the day here. 

How to spend your first visit to Yosemite National Park

Grand Falls, Coconino County, Arizona
Grand Falls, also known as Chocolate Falls, is located on the Little Colorado River © LaserLens / Getty Images / iStockphoto

6. Grand Falls, Arizona

Falls height: 185ft 
The fastest way to get to the falls: less than 1 hour from Flagstaff

It’s taller than Niagara Falls and located in a desert, making Grand Falls a uniquely intriguing natural attraction. Head there from Flagstaff, east of the Grand Canyon on Navajo Nation land (though no permit is needed to drive in on the gravel road). Also dubbed Chocolate Falls for its muddy cascade, Grand Falls has many tiers with heavy flows during the early spring months; any other month of the year may risk viewing only its dramatic cliffs rather than rushing waterfalls. 

Expert tip: Map your route in advance since smartphone map apps can lead you astray. 

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Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado
Bridal Veil Falls, 365-foot waterfall © Chip Kalback / Lonely Planet

7. Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado

Falls height: 365ft 
The fastest way to get to the falls: 15 minutes east of Telluride

Free-falling Bridal Veil Falls is one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in Colorado. It’s a quick drive from Telluride, inviting hundreds of daily visitors to trek the nearly four-mile round-trip trail up about 1000 feet in elevation. The stunning, two-pronged waterfall is on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks partly to the 1907 hydroelectric power plant whose structure sits sturdily at the precipice.

Expert tip: Hike during weekday mornings, and be sure to clean up after your dog. 

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Wailua Falls, Hawaii
Wailua Falls © Matt Munro / Lonely Planet

8. Wailua Falls, Hawaii 

Falls height: 173ft 
The fastest way to get to the falls: 15 minutes from Lihue Airport

Tucked into a small, verdant canyon is Wailua Falls, one of Hawaii’s most luscious sights. After big rainstorms, its two flowing falls can merge into one wide waterfall, seen easily from the main parking lot. For a bottom-up view, there is a steep, muddy trail down from the lot, with the bonus of swimming at the falls’ pool. Zip easily to Wailua from Kauaʻi's Lihue Airport, and double your Kauai waterfall viewing with a 20-minute cruise up to ʻOpaekaʻa Falls inside Wailua River State Park.

Expert tip: Come in the morning for the best shot at spotting rainbows against the mist.

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Tahquamenon Falls State Park, near Paradise, Michigan
Upper Tahquamenon Falls in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, near Paradise, Michigan © SteveLagreca / Getty Images

9. Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan

Falls height: 48ft 
The fastest way to get to the falls: 1.5 hours northwest of Chippewa County International Airport

The state park anchored by Tahquamenon (“tuh-KWAHM’-in-uhn” ) Falls is Michigan’s largest, with more than 46,000 acres. Naturally, the falls are the star of the show, stretching 200 feet across and rivaling only Niagara Falls for spring waterfall runoff volume in the Eastern US (50,000 gallons per second). Tannins from upriver cedar and hemlock swamps color Tahquamenon Falls a rusty brown shade, earning it the nickname Root Beer Falls. 

Expert tip: Head here in autumn for picture-perfect fall-foliage scenery around the cascade.

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Dry Falls in the Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina
Visitors enjoy scenic Dry Falls in the Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina © Alamy Stock Photo

10. Dry Falls, North Carolina

Falls height: 65ft 
The fastest way to get to the falls: 2 hours from Greenville, South Carolina

Located in southwestern North Carolina, Dry Falls also is called Upper Cullasaja Falls since it’s part of a larger waterfall flow along the Cullasaja River. It’s a marvelous sight that flows over an overhanging bluff, inviting visitors to walk behind the falls (on a protected path) while keeping mostly dry – hence the name. Dry Falls has prime viewpoints from many accessible angles, plus it’s along the lovely Mountain Waters Scenic Byway through Nantahala National Forest.

Expert tip: Winter turns Dry Falls icy and brings closures of its behind-the-falls path, though other observation areas stay open.

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