Every State’s Must-See Waterfall

Pretty Waterfalls Worth Traveling For
The sight of water tumbling over a cliff and cascading downwards. The thundering sound of rushing water hitting rocks. The cool feeling of the mist. Nope, there’s nothing quite like experiencing a waterfall in person and luckily, each and every state has a waterfall worth seeking out. The best waterfalls in the USA run the gamut from world-famous drops in iconic national parks and falls that inspired big cities to grow up around them to little-known cascades that reside in beautiful rural corners of state parks. Chances are no matter where you live, you aren’t far from one of America’s best waterfalls, so click on the slideshow to get some ideas for your next road trip or romantic getaway.

Alabama: DeSoto Falls
Said to be one of the state’s most photographed natural wonders, DeSoto Falls is the star attraction of DeSoto State Park near Fort Payne. Coming in at over 100 feet tall, the waterfall is surrounded by a series of smaller falls and a network of hiking trails, which come in handy for getting photos of the waterfall from a wide range of angles.

Alaska: South Fork Falls
Hidden away in Chugach State Park near Anchorage, this cascade is located inside a gorge where the Eagle River’s South Fork plunges down over 25 feet. Split into two idyllic streams as it hurdles over a set of boulders, South Fork Falls rewards all who go the extra mile to find it.

Arizona: Havasu Falls
First things first: you don’t just stroll up to Havasu Falls. This beautiful waterfall inside the Grand Canyon is located on the land of the Havasupai Tribe and you’ll need to make a reservation, camp a night and then do some seriously tough hiking to reach it. When you do though? Well, you’re for a sight you won’t forget for the rest of your life.

Arkansas: Hemmed-In Hollow Falls
This beauty only flows after recent rainfall, but at over 200 feet, it becomes the tallest waterfall between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians when it does. Hemmed-In Hollow Falls is located within Buffalo River National Park and can be reached via a vigorous hike.

California: Yosemite Falls
The tallest waterfall in a national park full of superlatives, Yosemite Falls seasonally cascades over 2,000 feet to the valley below, leaving all who view its dramatic descent breathless. Visit in late spring or early summer to see the waterfall at its most wonderful.

Colorado: Hanging Lake Falls
It’s not the tallest and it’s not the widest, but it might just be the most bewitching of all the waterfalls on the list. This beauty in Glenwood Canyon is comprised of fetching skinny fingers of water that flow into an aquamarine pool, offering a handsome reward for completing the short but steep hike on Hanging Lake Trail.

Connecticut: Kent Falls
The main attraction of Kent Falls State Park, this waterfall drops over 250 feet, bouncing off multiple levels of rocky outcrops on its way to its rendezvous with the Housatonic River. Take a scenic stroll around the falls to view it from different angles or just have a picnic at its base.

Delaware: Brandywine Creek Falls
There’s no need to beat around the bush: you won’t find a bevy of waterfalls in the Blue Hen State. You will find the peaceful and serene Brandywine Creek though, which boasts a wide curtain of water gently dropping a few feet on more than one spot on its course.

Florida: Falling Waters State Park Falls
Coming in at over 70 feet tall, Falling Waters State Park Falls is the tallest cascade in the Sunshine State. It’s located in the northernmost reaches of the Florida Panhandle, making it the best natural wonder of the region and a perfect day trip from the spectacular beaches of South Walton County.

Georgia: Amicalola Falls
This waterfall’s name means “tumbling waters” in Cherokee, and it won’t take you long to see why they picked that moniker. Dropping over 700 feet, this wonder in northern Georgia’s Amicalola Falls State Park is the state’s tallest and boasts an impressive series of walkways to get visitors up close and personal with the mist.

Hawai’i: Waimoku Falls
The Road to Hana is arguably the Aloha State’s most scenic drive and the Pipiwai Trail is one of this famous Maui road trip’s best diversions. Pull over to walk the pathway deep into the breathtaking backcountry, tracing the path of a dreamy stream, past multiple waterfalls until you reach the ultimate prize: the 400-foot splendor of Waimoku Falls.

Idaho: Shoshone Falls
Famously taller than Niagara Falls, Shoshone Falls—located near the town of Twin Falls—is the spot where the Snake River tumbles over 200 feet down in a wide series of cascades. Visit in spring and summer for maximum water flow and why not rent a kayak so you can get out on the river and get an even more impressive perspective on the falls?

Illinois: Starved Rock State Park Falls
This gorgeous state park in the north-central part of the state is filled with dramatic canyons and the majority of them have a waterfall toppling over their rim. Starved Rock is crisscrossed with walking trails that make crossing numerous waterfalls off your list a fairly straightforward affair.

Indiana: Cataract Falls
The highlight of Cataract Falls State Recreation Area, this waterfall is made up of two sections: Upper Cataract Falls and Lower Cataract Falls. Modest in height but impressively wide, these attributes make the falls the largest in the state by volume.

Iowa: Dunning Springs
Located right in the center of the cute small town of Decorah, Dunning Springs cascades down a series of rocks and is the perfect spot for a picnic or a hike. After you’ve soaked up the natural beauty of the falls and the rest of the small Dunning Springs Park, check out the nearby Ice Cave Park, which features caves that remain filled with ice in the warmer months of the year.

Kansas: Cowley Falls
These falls are located near Cowley County Fishing Lake in Dexter, Kansas and when there’s been a recent stretch of rain, they gush over the rim to create a truly special Kansas travel experience. Keep an eye on the weather for the best experience, but even if you miss them, the recreation area’s hunting, camping and fishing will still make sure you have a great time.

Kentucky: Cumberland Falls
The Bluegrass State’s most beautiful falls might just be the only one on the list that’s even prettier at night. That’s because when there’s a full moon above, a unique “moonbow” occurs which is caused by droplets of mist being hit by moonlight. Rest assured, seeing the 125-foot wide and 60-foot tall Cumberland Falls is a dream-come-true experience by daytime, too.

Louisiana: Kisatchie Falls
More peaceful burbling stream than drop-filled fall, Kisatchie Falls is one of the prettiest sights inside Louisiana’s Kisatchie National Forest. The water gently flows over a series of rocks here, creating the perfect accompaniment for the nearby sandy banks and swimming holes.

Maine: Billings Falls
Gulf Hagas—affectionately known as the “Grand Canyon of Maine”—is a gorgeous gorge that stretches for miles and is home to a range of ruggedly beautiful natural features. Paramount among them is a series of waterfalls, with Billings Falls being the one with arguably the most impressive backdrop.

Maryland: Kilgore Falls
Tucked away in the Falling Branch section of Rocks State Park, this 17-foot drop is accessed by a peaceful half-mile stroll from the parking lot. Kilgore Falls also features a swimming hole, which is refreshing as can be on a sticky summer day.

Massachusetts: Bash Bish Falls
The highest waterfall in the state, Bash Bish is one of the best attractions in all of the Berkshires. After a dramatic run from Mount Washington, Bash Bish Brook drops approximately 80 feet here, creating a scene that has long been cherished by writers and naturalists alike.

Michigan: Tahquamenon Falls
The headline attraction of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, these falls are famed for being over 200 feet wide while still owning a nearly 50-foot tall drop. The falls are also known for their interesting brown color, which comes from the tree bark being soaked in river water upstream.

Minnesota: Gooseberry Falls
At the heart of an eponymous state park on the shore of Lake Superior that features a range of great outdoor activities, Gooseberry Falls is as good as its gets in the Minnesota waterfall game. Take in lower, upper and middle falls and decide which one is your favorite.

Mississippi: Clark Creek Falls
Located in southwestern Mississippi, Clark Creek Natural Area is simply awash in waterfalls. The sprawling space is over 700 acres large and is home to more than four dozen waterfalls that range in size from 10 feet tall to well over 30 feet.

Missouri: Mina Sauk Falls
Trundling down 100 feet over rocks on Tom Sauk Mountain—the state’s tallest point—Mina Sauk Falls is the highest waterfall in the Show-Me-State and features sweeping views of the surrounding St. Francois Mountains. Tie in a trip here to nearby Johnson Shut-Ins for a one-two punch of pretty waterfalls.

Montana: Grinnell Falls
And you thought the hike to Grinnell Glacier could get any more picturesque? The twin streams of this waterfall cascade down towards turquoise Grinnell Lake, setting the scene for one of Glacier National Park’s most breathtaking vistas.

Nebraska: Smith Falls
Sat beside the Niobrara River near the town of Valentine, Smith Falls is the tallest fall in the state and the headliner of Smith Falls State Park, a park home to a fascinating range of biodiversity. The waterfall drops over 60 feet and can be accessed by a convenient wooden walkway.

Nevada: Mary Jane Falls
A short yet demanding 1.6-mile hike in southern Nevada’s Spring Mountains National Recreation Area leads you to this beautiful 200-300 foot drop. It’s worth noting that Mary Jane Falls is a seasonal waterfall, so you’ll want to time your trip with spring and early summer snow melt.

New Hampshire: Arethusa Falls
This fall is just one of the wonders of Crawford Notch State Park, which is located in the heart of the state’s sensational White Mountains. Estimated to be around 140 feet tall, Arethusa Falls descends over a dramatic stack of granite to awe all who stand at its feet.

New Jersey: Paterson Great Falls
Dropping nearly 80 feet, Paterson Great Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the East Coast. It’s much more than a pretty face though, as this waterfall played a vital role in the birth of the Industrial Revolution in America.

New Mexico: Nambe Falls
Located a short drive north of Santa Fe, this waterfall near the Nambe Pueblo is one of the most dramatic in all of the Southwest. The arid desert backdrop makes the sight of this double waterfall rushing down the rocks all the more stirring.

New York: Niagara Falls
Yes, there are gorgeous waterfalls located throughout the Empire State, including scores scattered around the Finger Lakes region, but they just aren’t Niagara. Seeing this trio of falls on the US-Canada border is true bucket list material, and the falls never, ever fail to inspire awe. Horseshoe Falls (also known as Canadian Falls due to the fact that it straddles the international border) owns the most powerful flow of any waterfall in North America.

North Carolina: Looking Glass Falls
Located near the entrance of the enchanting Pisgah National Forest, Looking Glass Falls tumbles over 60 feet to provide one of the Asheville area’s most beloved summer swimming holes. As an added bonus, it’s one of the state’s most accessible waterfalls, as it’s located directly off Highway 276.

North Dakota: Mineral Springs Waterfall
One. Uno. Un. There’s a single waterfall in the great state of North Dakota and you’ll find it trickling up from underground in Sheyenne State Forest. You’ll need to hike to find it, but once you’re there, you’ll have the bragging rights of saying you’ve seen every waterfall in the state.

Ohio: Brandywine Falls
One of the stars of Ohio’s all too often overlooked Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brandywine Falls plunges 65 feet to the rocks below. Observe from the scenic observation deck before taking to the Brandywine Gorge Loop to fully explore the fantastic natural scenery of the area.

Oklahoma: Turner Falls
Not only does Turner Falls look like an Instagram post from a tropical paradise, but the falls also sit at the center of a park dedicated to fully enjoying the natural wonder of the Arbuckle Mountains. The falls come in at nearly 80 feet tall and at their base, you’ll find one of the best swimming holes in the entire country.

Oregon: Multnomah Falls
One of the tallest waterfalls in the country, Multnomah Falls plummets over 600 feet to wow the crowds that line up on Benson Bridge to feel the mist. If you fall for these falls as many do, why not stay a night in the nearby lodge to get the full experience?

Pennsylvania: Bushkill Falls
The ever-popular “Niagara of Pennsylvania” still pulls in the crowds. Hidden away deep in the Poconos, Bushkill Falls is actually a set of eight waterfalls, which can be viewed from an excellent collection of bridges and trails, which also bring you face-to-face with the natural beauty of the forest.

Rhode Island: Stepstone Falls
The Wood River meanders its way through Rhody, eventually slipping down the stones of Stepstone Falls. Over the course of approximately 100 feet, the river drops 10 feet, but you can’t judge a waterfall by the numbers as the serenity that Stepstone offers is unparalleled in this neck of the woods.

South Carolina: Issaqueena Falls
Dropping more than 200 feet—splitting into a series of delightful tendrils along the way—Issaqueena Falls is the Palmetto State’s most picturesque fall. Tie a visit to this waterfall into a walk on the nearby Blue Ridge Railroad Trail for a fine day out in underrated Oconee County.

South Dakota: Sioux Falls
Over 7000 gallons of water drop over 100 feet every second at these cascades that gave Sioux Falls its name. Here, the Big Sioux River barrels down over a set of boulders, with the waterfalls sitting at the center of Falls Park, a beautiful space full of platforms to watch the rushing water and several historical buildings related to the city’s founding.

Tennessee: Fall Creek Falls
Said to be the highest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi River, Fall Creek Falls drops over 250 feet into a scenic pool below. It is located inside Falls Creek Falls State Park, which is also home to a handful of other waterfalls worth seeking out on your next visit.

Texas: Hamilton Pool
Reminiscent of a Mexican cenote, this stunning natural pool in Austin is the perfect place to do some swimming on a steamy Texas Day. The falls here are 50 feet tall and pour idyllically straight into the inviting water of the pool.

Utah: Emerald Pools
With a name like Emerald Pools, how can you not want to head out West to chase some waterfalls? Located inside Zion National Park, this waterfall is made up of three separate sections, each seemingly more jaw-dropping than the last.

Vermont: Moss Glen Falls
Located near Granville, these impressive falls caress the rocks for over 80 feet as they cascade toward the water below. The water takes on a wispy, misty look, which helps Moss Glenn Falls stand out in a state home to several pretty falls.

Virginia: Great Falls of the Potomac
Straddling the border with Maryland, the Great Falls of the Potomac are the spot where the entirety of the Potomac River runs up against a series of rugged rocks and stones in Mather Gorge. The resulting whitewater is a truly remarkable sight, one that was most certainly also appreciated by George Washington, who directed the construction of locks and dams near the falls.

Washington: Palouse Falls
Dropping over 200 feet, Palouse Falls sits surrounded by a set of striking cliffs, which makes its descent all the more dramatic. After the Palouse River takes its trip over the rim of the falls, it carries on its journey down a twisty canyon, only adding to the natural beauty of the scene.

West Virginia: Blackwater Falls
Blackwater Falls owes its unique dark color to red spruce and hemlock needles that run into the water, a characteristic that has helped make this 60 feet tall fall one of the state’s most beloved natural attractions. Hike around the falls or just stroll down to one of the handy observation decks for prime views water flowing over the rocks.

Wisconsin: Little Manitou Falls
It may sound counter-intuitive, but of the two amazing waterfalls inside Pattison State Park, it’s the smaller one that is slightly more scenic. Little Manitou Falls only drops 30 feet, but it’s the way the stream splits dramatically that manages to capture the imagination. Make sure to check out Big Manitou Falls while you’re here though, after all, it is the tallest in the state.

Wyoming: Lower Yellowstone River Falls
One of the nation’s most well-known waterfalls and the second most photographed natural feature in Yellowstone National Park, Lower Yellowstone River Falls is simply stunning. The falls drop over 300 feet into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and have been appreciated by artists, explorers and outdoor lovers since the inception of the nation’s first national park.