There are some truly stunning hikes around the United States, but my personal favorites always end in a waterfall. I’ve always loved that healing experience that always comes by watching gallons of water cascade into a pool. But as Shakespeare wrote in The Tempest, “Too light the winning makes the prize light.” To me, the challenge to get to a destination makes the destination even more beautiful. So, with that in mind, here are the best hiking trails with waterfalls in the U.S.
Havasu Falls, Arizona
Havasu Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the United States, and it’s located right at the heart of the Havasupai Indian Reservation in the Grand Canyon. This waterfall is known for its deep turquoise waters surrounded by red canyons. This location is very popular, so it’s important to secure your reservation in advance. Visitors can book at the Havasupai Reservations Website.
To get to Havasu Falls, go to the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead. From there, visitors will need to hike about ten miles one-way. These ten miles range from moderate to strenuous, so expect to take about four to seven hours on this leg of the journey. The trail begins with a steep, eight-mile descent into Havasu Canyon down to Supai Village, where visitors will check in at the Havasupai Tourist Office. After that, visitors can continue to the Havasu Falls Campground, which will pass Fifty Foot Falls and Little Navajo Falls. Finally, you’ll reach Havasu Falls with its striking 100-foot drop into a blue pool.
Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado
Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride, Colorado, is a gorgeous 365-foot waterfall that you won’t want to miss. This waterfall powers a historic hydroelectric power plant, but it is still one of the best waterfall hikes in the San Juan Mountains area. Owned by the Idarado Mining Company and surrounded by the Uncompahgre National Forest, this area is excellent for hiking, biking, and even ice climbing in the winter.
To get to Bridal Veil Falls, go to the trailhead at the end of Bridal Veil Falls Road. Parking is limited, but once you find a spot, the trail itself is just under two miles long one-way. This trail is moderately strenuous, with multiple switchbacks on a dirt road to a rocky incline, so expect to spend about two or three hours round-trip.
Union Falls, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park has some of the greatest water sights in the country, from geothermal pools to geysers, but Union Falls might just be my personal favorite. Cascading 250 feet in a fan-like shape, this remote waterfall is only accessible by hiking trail and is one of the best ways to experience Yellowstone’s backcountry.
To get there, head near Yellowstone’s South Entrance to Grassy Lake Road Trailhead. Round-trip, the distance is a good 15.4 miles of hiking that start with a slight incline through pine forests. About four miles in, you’ll reach the Falls River, which you will need to cross through waist-deep water. This is one of the most challenging parts of the hike, so wear water shoes and be prepared for strong currents. After the river, the trail steepens through meadows. The best viewpoint is from a small side trail that leads to a clear overlook.
Bond Falls, Michigan
Over in Michigan, Bond Falls rests in the Upper Peninsula near the town of Paulding. This waterfall is well-known for its wide cascades over multiple rock ledges and accessible boardwalk. I love this waterfall due to the tiered effect of the waterfall, which can be much more engaging than a single drop. At fifty feet high, this waterfall spreads out to a hundred feet in width and is fed by the Middle Branch Ontonagon River.
Unlike many hikes on this list, the boardwalk and dirt paths that make up this trip are suitable for all ages, and it are only a mile-long round-trip. Simply park at the parking lot and pay the $5 recreation fee for non-residents.
Niagara Falls, New York
Since Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, I can’t not add it to my list of favorites. Most visitors experience this waterfall from the observation decks or through a boat tour, but there are several hiking trails around Niagara Falls State Park that take you to some stunning viewpoints along the gorge.
The Niagara Gorge Rim Trail is a little over six miles round trip, but it’s easy enough for the entire family. Along the way, you’ll pass Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and conclude at Devil’s Hole State Park. For a shorter trip, try the Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Hike, which is only about a mile long.
Arethusa Falls, New Hampshire
Deep in the White Mountains, New Hampshire’s Arethusa Falls has made a name for itself with its 140-foot cascade surrounded by granite cliffs. Located at Crawford Notch State Park, this scenic waterfall is one of the beloved hikes in the White Mountains and is actually the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire.
To get there, go to the Arethusa Falls Parking Lot off of Route 302 near the AMC Highland Center, and park at the Arethusa Falls Trailhead parking lot. From there, hike the almost three-mile round-trip to the falls. It’s a steady, uphill climb through hardwood forests, so be prepared for a rocky and root-filled path.
From sea to shining sea, America has some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls. Hopefully, you will be able to try one this year!
