Waterfalls are one of nature’s greatest attractions and are a top draw for visitors to national parks around the country. These range from roadside waterfalls to remote backcountry attractions that require a day’s hike to reach.
While there are plenty of famous waterfalls to choose from, like Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park or Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone at Yellowstone National Park, there are plenty more gems scattered throughout the country that are definitely worth a visit and may even steal the show the next time you’re there.
Here are 14 national parks where waterfalls may just be the premier attraction.
Yosemite National Park – California
- Yosemite Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in North America, Yosemite Falls drops over 2,400 feet from the cliffs above. You can view the falls from an easy, smooth trail below or climb the switchbacks to get an up-close look at the falls from above.
- Bridalveil Fall: Bridalveil Fall is one of the first waterfalls you’ll encounter when entering Yosemite Valley and serves as a picture perfect accompaniment to the famous Tunnel View scene.
2. Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming
- Lower Falls: The Lower Falls of the Yellowstone are perfectly framed within the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone as they tumble over 100 feet into the river canyon below.
- Tower Falls: Tower Falls is known for the tall rock towers above the waterfall.
3. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
- Havasu Falls: Located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, Havasu Falls is one of the most exclusive waterfalls in the country. Reservations to access this area are limited, but those who do make it in are treated to stunning turquoise waters and cooling waterfalls perfect on a hot day in the desert.
- Ribbon Falls: This 120-foot tall waterfall has long served as a cooling stop for hikers making their way along the infamous Rim-to-Rim hike.
4. Glacier National Park – Montana
- Virginia Falls: It can be hard to look down while visiting Glacier National Park as the peaks tend to dominate the views. Those who do, though, will be treated to picturesque falls like Virginia Falls.
- St. Mary Falls: This waterfall is located along the same trail as Virginia Falls and stands out for its multi-tiered drop through a rugged gorge.
5. Shenandoah National Park – Virginia
- Overall Run Falls: During the spring months, or after a heavy rain, Shenandoah’s tallest waterfall bursts with energy as it cascades down the mossy rocks into a beautiful river below.
- Dark Hollow Falls: A short but steep hike leads visitors to Dark Hollow Falls, which are a photographer’s dream as the water fans out as it flows over the rocks and through the trees perched along the hillside
6. Olympic National Park – Washington
- Sol Duc Falls: Sol Duc Falls offers up more than just a waterfall; hikers returning from the short trail to the falls can choose to soak in the natural hot springs to recharge before continuing on their journey around the park.
- Marymere Falls: Marymere Falls is a popular roadside attraction (with a short hike included) near Lake Crescent for its 90-foot drop and beautiful forest setting.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – North Carolina, Tennessee
- Laurel Falls: An extremely popular waterfall named after the laurel shrubs that flower along the trail and near the falls each spring.
- Grotto Falls: The three-mile hike to and from the falls includes a section that passes behind the falls and provides a cooling mist on hot summer days.
8. Acadia National Park – Maine
- Hadlock Falls: Hadlock Falls only flow after heavy rains but are easily viewable from the road so if you time your trip right you should be able to see them.
9. Zion National Park – Utah
- Emerald Pools: A 2.5-mile loop trail takes visitors to a set of three pools and accompanying waterfalls.
- Kolob Arch Falls: A rarely visited area that is home to a natural arch and waterfalls located along narrow canyons.
10. Mount Rainier National Park – Washington
- Narada Falls: Mt. Rainiers glaciated peak provides a steady stream of water to keep these stunning falls flowing year-round. You can view the falls from the top near the parking lot or follow a short trail for a better, head-on view.
- Comet Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls within Mt. Rainier National Park, getting to this waterfall requires a somewhat strenuous hike along a 4-mile trail.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Ohio
- Brandywine Falls: This 65-foot waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in Cuyahoga Valley, offering stunning views along an easy-to-navigate boardwalk trail.
13. Kings Canyon National Park – California
- Roaring River Falls: This powerful waterfall shows off in the spring as the water is funneled through a narrow gorge before erupting into the pool below.
- Mist Falls: Mist Falls only stands at 100 feet tall, but the sheer amount of water flowing over this rocky ledge sends out an impressive amount of mist onto the trail and onlookers.
14. North Cascades National Park – Washington
- Ladder Creek Falls: This waterfall, which runs through a narrow gorge, is unique in that it is lit up at night by a 15-minute repeating light show!
- Colonial Creek Falls: Some consider this waterfall to be the tallest in the United States as it drops more than 2,000 feet over 13 distinct drops.
15. Lassen Volcanic National Park – California
- Kings Creek Falls: This 40-foot waterfall is accessible along a moderately difficult trail that winds through beautiful meadows and forested areas.
- Mill Creek Falls: The tallest waterfall in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mill Creek Falls plunges 75 feet, but be prepared to navigate some stream crossings as bridges across the creek have not been rebuilt.
