Top 10 Best Waterfalls of the USA & When To Visit Them

As spring blooms approach and snow packs begin to melt, we enter waterfall season, which many nature lovers consider to be their favorite time of year. Every waterfall has its own personality from thunderous cascades to fairytale trickles. When the falls are frozen solid in the winter, you can walk behind them and climb on them. Here are 10 of the most beautiful waterfalls in the United States that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Palouse falls, Washington state.

The unexpected beauty of Palouse falls Grace’s Eastern Washington, enticing 1000s of visitors each year to see the 186 foot drop from a scare and rocky outcrop into a churning azure pool below. The waterfall is part of the 105 acre Palouse Falls State Park, which also includes campgrounds, trails, picnic tables, and wheelchair accessible paths. View the falls from a variety of viewpoints throughout Palouse Falls State Park pier down from a trail hugging the canyon rim or get up close and personal with the water from behind protective railings. Visit the falls at sunset to see the spectacular display of light and shadow reflected on the canyon walls.

Yellowstone Falls, Wyoming.

Yellowstone is best known as a geothermal wonderland, but it also has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls plunged with tremendous force deep into Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, creating incredible vistas along the way. There are several places to view the falls including artists point but one of the most unique vantage points is taking the trail down to the lower falls. It’s mesmerizing to watch 1000s of gallons per second pour over the edge. It is the largest volume waterfall in the Rocky Mountains and twice the height of Niagara Falls.

Shoshone Falls, Idaho

The Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls Idaho, also known as the Niagara Falls of the West is a truly majestic gem surrounded by deep basalt canyons and rustic waterways. This Snake River gusher is taller – 212 feet and wider than the real Niagara Falls – 900 feet. That makes it one of the country’s largest natural falls and it’s been a popular tourist destination since the days of the Oregon Trail. The average flow rate is 10,000 to 12,000 cubic feet per second. But after a harsh winter with heavy snowfall meltwater can reach 20,000 cubic feet per second. The best time to visit is usually in the spring.

Ruby Falls, Tennessee.

Ruby Falls, discovered in 1928 within Lookout Mountain, is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Rather than walking along trail, a glass elevator transports you to the depths of the underground cavern so you can see the 260 foot waterfall for yourself. Ruby Falls named after the discoverers wife has been I inspiring visitors for over a century. The waterfalls beauty is now enhanced by colorful rays that not only illuminate the falls, but also guide visitors on cave tours.

Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan.

The bar is set high for a place called Paradise and Michigan’s Tahquamenon Falls do not disappoint. These famous waterfalls are divided into two equally beautiful halves. Before heading to the Lower Falls, a group of five cascades tumbling around a freshwater Island stop at the upper falls to see the rust colored cascades caused by tannins leached from cedar trees upstream. Both waterfalls are located in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, which also has hiking trails, camping and winter sports.

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Multnomah Falls one of Oregon’s most famous waterfalls is best viewed from a 20th century stone bridge strung between two cliffs. Stand on the bridge to see views of the upper tiers 542 foot height and the lower tiers 69 foot height from a single vantage point, providing a contrast that puts the false sheer size into perspective. For a truly unique experience visit the falls in the spring. When the trails wildflowers are in full bloom. Just make sure to get there early as over 2 million people visit the waterfall each year to marvel at this natural wonder.

Akaka falls, Hawaii

Akaka Falls is a spectacular 420 foot waterfall that is undoubtedly one of the most appealing of the big islands accessible waterfalls. It appears to be completely secluded in a thick rainforest flowing all year. Hiked down a paved trail for a half mile to see Akaka falls and Kahuna falls emerge from Hawaii’s lush tropical landscape. Along the way to the falls, walk past wild orchids and drooping banana trees, pausing to admire the sights from various viewing platforms.

Havasu Falls, Arizona

Havasu Falls hidden between the red cliffs and caverns of the Havasupai tribe reservation in a remote part of the Grand Canyon, is difficult to reach but too beautiful to miss. The false plunge from 90 feet into the blue green water of Havasu Creek awestruck visitors who make the long journey to see the incredible site for themselves. Hualapai hilltop as a 10 mile hike or horseback ride away from the falls. There is a campground in the canyon as well as rooms for rent at Havasupai Lodge, which is located near Supai village.

Yosemite Falls, California

There are waterfalls trickling through creeks and echoing through the valley throughout Yosemite National Park, but none is more impressive than Yosemite Falls, which stands at 2425 feet. This waterfall one of the tallest in the world, is made up of the upper falls, lower falls and middle cascades. The falls can be seen from several trails throughout the park, but the best time to see them as in the spring, when snow melt from the mountains increases the flow of the falls, resulting in a thunderous display of pounding water.

Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America, and it is located on the border of the United States and Canada. In fact, it consists of three cascades, Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls and Horseshoe Falls. Niagara Falls is the king of America’s most beautiful waterfalls and seeing it as a must do on anyone’s bucket list. Board the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour if you’re willing to get wet for it closer look. According to visitors the scenic attraction is heaven on earth. At least once in a lifetime everyone should go to the fall. The feeling and euphoria of being there are indescribable.

It’s difficult to compile a list of the top 10 Best us waterfalls because it’s completely subjective and limited to each person’s experience with the falls being named. There are numerous beautiful waterfalls to explore throughout the United States.