Discover the Best Waterfall Hikes Across the United States

Find Waterfalls Near You

WaterfallHikes.com was created to help hikers quickly find waterfall trails near them, whether you're looking for an easy roadside waterfall, a family-friendly half-mile hike, or a challenging backcountry trek deep into a national park.

Our directory covers waterfalls across all 50 states, from hidden Appalachian cascades to dramatic Pacific Northwest drops and high-elevation Rocky Mountain falls. Each listing includes:

• Trail length and elevation gain
• Difficulty level
• State and park location
• Interactive maps to help you navigate

Instead of digging through scattered blogs and outdated forums, you can filter by difficulty, trail length, and region to quickly find a hike that fits your time and experience level. You can also browse by state or explore by park.

Planning a Waterfall Hike? Here's What to Know

Before heading out, keep these things in mind:

• Seasonality: Some waterfalls are strongest in spring after snowmelt. Others may slow to a trickle in late summer.
• Trail conditions: Mud, loose rock, and steep grades are common near waterfalls.
• Safety: Wet rocks are slippery. Always wear proper footwear and stay on marked trails.
• Permits: Some parks require entry passes or timed reservations.

We encourage hikers to check official park websites before visiting and to practice Leave No Trace principles. For full safety information, see our terms of use.

Why We Built This Site

Waterfall hikes have always been one of the most rewarding ways to explore new terrain. Unlike summit hikes, they offer a visual payoff at the end of the trail, and often along the way. After spending years researching and visiting waterfalls across different regions of the country, we realized there wasn't a centralized, easy-to-filter resource dedicated specifically to waterfall hikes. So we built one.

Our goal is simple: make it easier for people to get outside and experience some of the most beautiful natural features in the country.

Responsible Hiking Matters

We believe outdoor recreation should protect what makes these places special. Please stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and follow local regulations. The future of waterfall access depends on responsible visitors.