Human beings have a very strange relationship with water. We can’t live without it and even demand we have water dispensers in our refrigerators or water coolers at work. We crave living near an ocean or lake but fear what might lurk under the waves. Water provides insights to both the idea of the unknown and life itself. This may be a big reason why so many venture out and seek waterfalls in their journeys.
There’s nothing like seeing a beautiful, massive waterfall. Whether you’re just there to admire the beauty of it or happen upon one during a walk, there is something inherently magical about waterfalls. The United States has an abundance of these natural beauties, ranging from big to small and spanning across the country. Whether you’re looking for travel ideas or just want the statistics, we’re here to look at the most visited waterfalls in the United States.
- Niagara Falls—This one is probably the most obvious but Niagara Falls always earns a spot on people’s lists due to its size, history and the sheer grand nature of the falls. Straddling the border between New York and Canada, Niagara Falls is absolutely massive. You can view it from railings above the falls or catch a tour boat that goes near the bottom of the falls. No matter which method you choose, it is definitely a great addition to your vacation bucket list.
- Ruby Falls—Ruby Falls is possibly one of the most stunning cave waterfalls in all of the United States. This site hosts thousands of visitors annually and boasts gorgeous views and lighting. There is an entrance fee, as the site is privately owned, but the pictures and memories you’ll get out of it is more than worth it
- Snoqualmie Falls—Located in Washington State, Snoqualmie Falls is a huge tourist attraction and is visually stunning. This waterfall features a 270-foot drop to the bottom and a very dramatic view is offered from the nearby railing. It is also a sacred site for the Snoqualmie tribe, as they believe the mist created by the falls is the intersection of Heaven and Earth. These gorgeous falls were also featured in the opening credits of the strange TV series Twin Peaks. The quaint buildings nearby and lush forest setting make it a wonderful visit for anyone who is scoping out the Evergreen State.
- Yellowstone Falls—Yellowstone Park is a natural wonder and millions of people who visit Wyoming are known to make a beeline for it to take in the immense beauty. It is a place ripe with waterfalls, but the ones you will want to see are the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone. You can view these from the iconic Lookout Point or take a short hike to get some truly astounding views from these gorgeous falls.
- Yosemite Falls—Like Yellowstone, Yosemite National Park is truly a spectacle of untouched, natural beauty. One of its most prominent features is Yosemite Falls, which plunges nearly 2,500 feet down, making it one of the highest waterfalls in the world. This massive waterfall has been the focal study of many famous American artists and photographers and has been known as something of an inspiration to the millions who come to see it annually. You can view it from the parking lot or brave the seven-mile round trip hiking trail to the top of the falls for a truly magnificent experience. On that note, there is also the Vernal/Nevada Falls, which is also located in Yosemite National Park. Of the two, the Nevada is the higher. Both are extremely picturesque and worth a visit if you are venturing to Yosemite Park.
- Havasu Falls—Havasu Falls is a challenge to get to, taking about eleven miles and a five-hour hike each way to reach, but it’s a trek you won’t regret. Sitting against the brazen red stone at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls is located on the Havasupai Reservation and features brilliant turquoise waters that seem almost surreal against the red of the rock. It is a hefty excursion to get there, and you might have to plan on camping, but those who have agree that it is rewarding. And, if you’re not too tired, you can always check out Mooney Falls while you’re in the area.
- Pretty Much Most of Western North Carolina—No, that isn’t the name of one set of waterfalls (it’d be pretty silly if it was). Actually, it is more of a suggestion to check out Transylvania County in North Carolina. This beautiful, mountainous area is home to over 250 waterfalls and has even earned the nickname “Land of Waterfalls.” All of these waterfalls are accessible to the public and host plenty of opportunities for those who want a grand experience.
- Shoshone Falls—Based in Idaho, these falls are actually about 50 feet higher than Niagara Falls and quite a spectacle to see. Located near the ironically named Twin Falls, these beautiful waterfalls are set off the Snake River and there are plenty of opportunities for tourists and explorers to get quite the view from them. Seasoned travelers recommend checking them out during the spring, where the recent rainfall is said to have them in full force.
Have any of the waterfalls on this list peaked your interest? These are only a handful of waterfalls that the United States is host to and any adventurer has the opportunity to get out there and experience these natural wonders with relative ease. Some might take some planning, hiking and maybe even a bit of risk, but they are experiences that will turn into photographs and memories you can hang on to forever. Whether you want to venture alone or grab a friend or group, the impact will be the same. Start planning your trip to that dream waterfall, grab your hiking gear and prepare for a truly phenomenal experience!
Author Bio: Phil is originally from California, where the need for water filtration equipment is vast. After college he dove into the growing problem of clean water both nationally and worldwide. After many years in the industry he found WaterFiltersFAST.com and aligned his knowledge of the industry with theirs to help educate and inform consumers. He is also an avid outdoorsman and tech enthusiast. An oxymoron for sure, but he makes it work.
