Majestic Mists: Twelve Amazing Waterfalls in the U.S.

American Falls is a part of the waterfalls trio that makes up Niagara Falls, one of the most famous landmarks in North America. It’s somewhat dwarfed by the bigger of the three, Horseshoe Falls, which lies mostly on the Canadian side of the border. But the U.S. side is no less magnificent—especially at night, when rainbow lights illuminate everything.

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This is Oregon’s tallest waterfall, at more than six hundred feet in height. It’s located in the Columbia River Gorge, a popular destination for avid hikers, fishers, and adventure-sports enthusiasts. To get the best view, hike to Benson Bridge, located at the falls’ first tier.

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There are many waterfalls at this park, but the Upper and Lower Falls are the biggest and most sought-out. The Lower is significantly bigger—it’s 309 feet, compared with Upper’s 109 feet—but both offer spectacular views against tree-lined and rocky backdrops.

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This is one of the main waterfalls that run into Havasu Creek, which is located in the Havasupai Indian Reservation at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. As you can see in the picture, people often jump into the creek and swim when the weather’s nice.

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Who says all waterfalls have to be aboveground? Ruby Falls is 1,120 feet inside Lookout Mountain, which makes it the deepest waterfall in America that anyone can access. The electric lights inside put on a fun, colorful display for visitors, though the cave looks just as impressive without them.

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Yosemite Falls is said to be the tallest in the country, though some say that Washington’s Colonial Creek Falls might reach a little higher. But with a drop of 2,425 feet, it’s still one of the tallest in the world and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Yosemite.

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Like Multnomah Falls in neighboring Oregon, Sol Duc Falls runs year-round into Sol Duc River, which loops through the lush forests of Olympic National Park. The hike to and from the falls is reportedly easy, though it gets muddy and snowy in the winter.

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Niagara Falls gets much of the glory in the United States, but Shoshone Falls, 212 feet tall, actually eclipses it. That might be why some call it the Niagara of the West. Unfortunately, low flow problems sometimes affect Shoshone’s thunderous beauty, but a good rainy season should help with that.

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This is a relatively small waterfall compared with the others on this list, but it ranks supreme in terms of being the prettiest in its part of the country. The short walk to the falls among the park’s naturally colorful and bright surroundings is also a treat.

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Found in the White Mountain National Forest, this is actually one of two waterfalls in Vermont with the name Moss Glen. Granville’s Moss Glen Falls is small and graceful, and its easy access from the road makes it convenient for everyone to check out.

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A highlight of Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest is this waterfall, located within (not surprisingly) Cumberland Falls State Park. Supposedly, you can see a moonbow, otherwise called a lunar rainbow, from here when the moon is full and the sky is clear.

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Walk on the Pipiwai Trail, and you’ll reach the base of Waimoku Falls, a four-hundred-foot waterfall that trumps all others on Maui in terms of height and prominence. But don’t get too close—the cascading water often sends lava rocks shooting down as well.

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