Waterfalls are absolute stunners. Each one is an incredible force of nature, mesmerizing us through its massive elevations, enclosing rock formations, comforting sound of the streams, and clouds of mist that inundate the pool underneath. The United States is home to some of the world's most magnificent waterfalls. These US destinations should be on your travel bucket list! Keep reading for the best waterfalls in the US.
Wailua Falls, the iconic location from the opening credits of the popular TV show Fantasy Island, is a destination that sees thousands of tourists each year. Wailua Falls is around 85 feet high and drops at a pool that is approximately 33 feet deep. A third tier sometimes appears, depending on the flow of water in the Wailua River.
One of the best things about Wailua Falls is that it's easily accessible by car and best viewed from the roadside overlook. It's an ideal attraction for visitors who don't want to go on hours-long hikes to see breathtaking, twin-tiered falls surrounded by a dense, enchanting forest. There's no need to go through muddy, steep trails. For many people, admiring it from the viewing deck by the side of the road is more than enough.
The beauty of Niagara Falls stretches far and wide, from New York, United States, to Ontario, Canada. For centuries, the falls on both sides have been fascinating sightseers from all over, but the American side has its own unique charm that never ceases to amaze.
Niagara Falls is composed of three waterfalls straddling the American and Canadian borders. All three waterfalls, the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, can be viewed from the American side within Niagara Falls State Park.
Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the U.S, features fantastic attractions, from protected wildlife and exciting hiking trails to delicious dining options for the entire family. Each visit is an adventure-packed experience, especially if you go on a sightseeing boat tour aboard the Maid of the Mist!
Shoshone Falls, popularly known as Niagara of the West, is a scenic waterfall attraction in Twin Falls, Idaho. Standing 212 feet high, it’s 36 feet taller than Niagara Falls. It’s also around 900 feet wide, making it a vast, spectacular attraction that enjoys its own picture-perfect reputation.
Since the water levels decrease around summer and fall, the Shoshone Falls are best seen from the observation deck in spring. You may even see twin waterfalls! However, this doesn’t mean that spring is the only time to visit this natural wonder. You can enjoy dazzling views all year round, as the area is surrounded by amazing picnic locations, hiking trails, and swimming areas.
Burney Falls is a natural beauty in the heart of McArthur-Burney Memorial Falls State Park, surrounded by a lush forest, hiking trails, and other larger-than-life geological features. Since it feeds from an underground volcanic spring, there's a steady water flow of around 100 million gallons each day.
People can admire the waterfalls from the upper viewing platform near the parking space, but it's also possible to take a short walk to the base. Those who crave a longer route may take the one-mile Burney Falls Loop Trail.
Whatever season or trail you choose, Burney Falls is a sight to behold. No wonder it was nicknamed "The Eighth Wonder of the World" by none other than President Theodore Roosevelt himself!
A nature adventure in Virginia is never complete without a trip to The Cascades. The Cascade Falls, or simply The Cascades, descends over an extraordinary rock formation composed of several ridges. It's not just the waterfall itself that looks straight out of a fairy tale. The surrounding area is lined with trees, picnic spots, and unique rock formations. The wooden bridges also contribute to the attraction's dramatic vibe.
To see falls up close and personal, visitors need to take a two-mile hike from the parking lot. There's a wooden staircase and platform near the pool, allowing visitors to take photos and videos from different angles. Cascade Falls offers a different outdoor experience every season. However, it's particularly pretty during winter, as ice formation hangs in the surrounding cliff walls.
Maybe mere sightseeing is for you. Maybe not. Celebrating the beauty of these waterfalls and the landscapes that surround them calls for a grand outdoor experience. Get ready to hike and camp with your loved ones. It’s time to plan for your next waterfall visit. Start packing all the must-have hiking gear and be prepared for a real treat. Shop with PARKIT today.
