Did you know there are over 17,000 waterfalls located within the United States? With so many different waterfalls, it can be hard to narrow them down to just a few, but we are going to try to give you some of the most beautiful waterfalls to visit in the US.
After some thorough research and recommendations from those who have visited and experienced them firsthand, here are some of the most beautiful waterfalls to visit in the US. You may recognize a few of these because some are well-known, but we’ve also included some lesser-known waterfalls that we think are worth a visit.
Niagara Falls
If you’ve ever visited Niagara Falls, you can understand why it’s number one on our list. Many will agree that it’s one of the most captivating waterfalls you’ll ever find because of its scenic background and startling green water.
Located in New York, Niagara Falls is made up of 3 different falls and spreads across the border and into Canada. It’s a destination that you can visit year-round and there are lots of ways to experience the beauty around it. From helicopter tours and walking tours to tours that allow you to experience the water and falls firsthand, this is one destination you won’t want to miss if you haven’t experienced it already.
Havasupai Waterfalls
If you take a trip to Arizona and you’re on the hunt for a beautiful waterfall, one stop you will want to make will be to the Havasupai Waterfalls located in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. Its remote location makes it perfect for hikers and those who want an unforgettable adventure.
There is a 10-mile hike that you will take to get to the waterfall, but the trip is well worth it because it gives you some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. One thing to note is that it has become such a popular place to visit that starting in 2024 you’ll have to set up a reservation to experience the beauty of the waterfall and its surrounding scenery, and those go quickly.
Rainbow Falls
Out of the most stunning waterfalls in North Carolina, Rainbow Falls is one of the best ones to visit. You’ll enjoy the scenic trails and smaller cascades as you make your way through to the 150-foot-tall waterfall. This is a great waterfall to visit for experienced hikers who love trails and challenges.
To make the waterfall even more beautiful, on sunny days you’ll most likely get to see a rainbow in the mist. It’s a great destination for families who love to hike and if you and your significant other love a good hiking adventure, once you get to the falls, its picturesque beauty will be one to enjoy together.
Cumberland Falls
Kentucky is full of beautiful scenery throughout the state, but you won’t find anything that compares to what nature provides at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Known as the “Niagara of the South, its beauty is like no other and an experience that you’ll never forget.
One of the best things about Cumberland Falls is that if you are lucky, you may get to see a glimpse of a moonbow that has been known to make an appearance. A moonbow is a lunar rainbow that appears at the base of the waterfall and can be seen with a full moon and clear skies.
Union Falls
Montana is known for its stunning landscape and beautiful travel destinations. If you’re planning a visit soon, checking out the second-biggest waterfall at Yellowstone National Park is a must.
It’s a little more remote than Yellowstone’s biggest waterfall because it’s quite the hike, but the hike to the falls provides you with beautiful scenic views on your way to the location of the waterfall.
See Beautiful US Waterfalls
The United States has some of the most beautiful waterfalls, and you will often find their captivating images in pictures, on postcards, used as scenes from puzzles, and more.
We love traveling just to see the awe-inspiring scenes the beautiful waterfalls provide us with or take long hikes to experience the nature and beauty around them.