Among nature’s most spellbinding sights, waterfalls never fail to impress hikers with their beauty, power, and zen-like tranquility. Seeking out hiking areas with waterfalls rewards you with iconic cascades thundering over high cliffs or pouring through rocky crevices in lush surroundings. Let’s explore some of the best hiking areas with waterfalls around the United States and the trails leading to these must-see aquatic wonders.
Table of Contents
You may also want to know： How to start hiking
Havasupai Falls – Supai, Arizona
Nestled deep in a side canyon of the Grand Canyon, the waterfalls of Havasupai feel like an oasis in the midst of the Arizona desert. This historic village and its thundering falls can only be reached by hiking, helicopter, or mule ride as no roads access it. Two of the top highlights of its hiking areas with waterfalls include:
- Havasu Falls – The iconic centerpiece, these 120-foot falls pour over a limestone cliff into vivid blue-green pools prime for swimming beneath the red canyon walls. The 10-mile hike begins from Hualapai Hilltop.
- Mooney Falls – At a towering 200 feet, this powerful waterfall Named after gold miner D.W. Mooney requires climbing down a narrow tunnel in the rock to reach the plunge pool below. Definitely pack a swimsuit to enjoy a swim in the falls’ mists.
Yosemite National Park – California
Famed for its soaring granite domes and cliffs, Yosemite also shines when it comes to hiking areas with waterfalls. The steep valleys carved by glaciers and the Merced River give rise to countless cascades plummeting from hanging valleys surrounding the park. Don’t miss these thundering highlights:
- Yosemite Falls – One of the world’s tallest waterfalls, its total drop of 2,425 feet is divided into three sections. Upper Yosemite Fall drops 1,430 feet alone. Expect a steep uphill hike.
- Vernal and Nevada Falls – The Mist Trail follows the Merced River upstream past these two breathtaking waterfalls. 317-foot Vernal Falls shows up first, followed by the impressive 594-foot cascading Nevada Falls around the bend.
- Chilnualna Falls – This oft-overlooked waterfall in the southern end of Yosemite offers a steep 5-mile uphill hike through peaceful wilderness to the gorgeous 814-foot cascading falls.
Columbia River Gorge – Oregon and Washington
Carved through the Cascades by the Columbia River, this scenic gorge is ripe with hiking areas with waterfalls thanks to plentiful rainfall on the range’s western slopes. Notable among the dozens of falls reachable via gorge trails are:
- Multnomah Falls – The tallest in Oregon at 620 feet, this two-tiered horsetail-style fall pours off a volcanic cliff with a footbridge at the base. Easily accessible and insanely gorgeous.
- Latourell Falls – A captivating 249-foot columnar waterfall visible right from the parking lot. Hike 2 miles along the creek to see it from the top.
- Eagle Creek Trail – This 13-mile trek passes a dozen waterfalls culminating at the Punch Bowl Falls. Permit required due to its popularity.
Watkins Glen State Park – New York
In New York’s Finger Lakes region, Watkins Glen State Park offers a truly unique hiking experience. Instead of climbing to waterfalls, you hike up the stream bed underneath waterfalls cascading over, around, and even towards you through the gorge trail. It leads under and behind 19 waterfalls over just 1.5 miles. The water-sculpted rock provides you with intimate access to these falls. Definitely bring water shoes and expect to get soaked!
Great Smoky Mountains – Tennessee and North Carolina
Thanks to ample annual rainfall, the lush Smoky Mountains contain countless hiking areas with waterfalls to explore. Some highlights are:
- Ramsey Cascades – 100-foot falls at the end of an arduous 8-mile hike gaining over 2000 feet in elevation through old-growth forest.
- Laurel Falls – Easily reached from the main highway, these 80-foot falls have a viewing platform allowing you to feel the mist on your face.
- Mingo Falls – One of the tallest in the Smokies at 120 feet, the steep 0.4-mile access trail leads to dramatic views from cliff edges above the cascade.
Whether thundering down mountainsides, pouring through canyons, or cascading gently into pools, waterfalls perfectly captivate the essence of nature’s beauty and power. Exploring hiking areas with waterfalls provides adventure, stunning scenery, and the chance to find serenity listening to their songs. Just take care of slippery terrain and always respect restricted areas. Then enjoy immersing yourself in their majesty. The refreshing spray will rejuvenate your spirit.
Related Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiking
