These 14 U.S. Waterfalls Are So Beautiful, You’ll Wonder Why They’re Not World-Famous

We’ve all seen those pics: a boat packed with tourists inching toward the thundering mist of Niagara, and the iconic black-and-white images of Yosemite’s giants.

They are magnificent, no doubt. But I, personally, have always been drawn to the waterfalls that don’t make the front of every postcard.

I’m taking you on a journey to those very places: 14 must-see waterfalls in the US that offer more than just a pretty picture.

Waterfalls that will completely redefine your travel list.

I’ve done quite a lot of research seeking out these spots, and I am so excited to share them with you.

Pacific Northwest’s Hidden Cascades

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its rain and pines. But it also hides a stunning variety of waterfalls.

You can find everything from a simple scenic stop to a rugged expedition.

These are some of my favorite hidden gem waterfalls in the area.

1. Palouse Falls, Washington

Palouse Falls is a raw, powerful force of nature. The Palouse River plunges 198 feet into a dramatic basalt gorge, a canyon carved by Ice Age floods over 13,000 years ago.

Its epic scale is why it was named Washington’s official state waterfall in 2014.

Getting there is surprisingly easy. The state park offers three distinct viewpoints. You can reach them with no real hiking required. The paved, interpretive Fryxell Overlook gives a fantastic panoramic view. 

However, please note that all trails into the canyon and to the base of the falls are permanently closed. Respect the barriers. The views from the designated areas are incredible and safe.

Tip: You will need a Washington State Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year). Visit at sunset for the most dramatic photos as the light hits the canyon walls.

2. Panther Creek Falls, Washington

This 130-foot tiered horsetail waterfall is tucked away in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

It is often overlooked for the more famous falls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. That makes it a perfect escape.

The journey is short and sweet. A brief, 0.3-mile trail leads you from a small gravel turnout to the falls. The path even forks. One way leads to a safe, family-friendly viewing platform.

The other takes a slightly steeper route to the base if you are into that. Best of all, no permits or fees are required to visit this gem.

Tip: The gravel parking area can be tricky to spot. From the town of Carson, follow Forest Road 65 for about 8 miles to find the turnout.

3. Abiqua Falls, Oregon

This is a view you have to earn. Reaching Abiqua Falls feels like a true expedition.

Your reward is a stunning 92-foot waterfall. It plunges into a perfect amphitheater of hexagonal basalt columns. The geology here is simply breathtaking.

The falls are on private land, but the owners generously allow public access. This means practicing Leave No Trace principles is essential.

The hike from the trailhead is short, about 1.6 miles round trip. 

However, you will need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to reach the closest parking area. Without one, you face a much longer hike on a very rough road.

The final descent to the falls is steep and often muddy. You will need to use ropes that are in place for stability.

Tip: Wear sturdy hiking boots, not sneakers. This trail is best photographed on an overcast day. The clouds diffuse the light, preventing harsh shadows in the canyon.

Southwest Oases and Mountain Giants

The American Southwest is a land of sun and stone.

To see water here is kinda magical. The region’s waterfalls are dramatic oases in extreme environments.

Found in this arid landscape are some of the most stunning must-see waterfalls in the US.

4. Tanque Verde Falls, Arizona

Prepare for an Indiana Jones-style adventure.

The hike to Tanque Verde Falls involves scrambling up a desert wash. You will climb over giant boulders, wondering if the effort is worth it.

Then, suddenly, you are rewarded. An 80-foot waterfall appears, pouring into a refreshing swimming hole.

Located just outside Tucson, this is an accessible but challenging day trip. The trail is about two miles round-trip. It starts as a normal path before becoming a strenuous scramble up the riverbed.

You will need good arm strength and careful footing. The slippery granite and strong currents near the main falls require extreme caution.

Tip: Start your hike very early to avoid the intense desert heat. Bring more water than you think you will need. Water shoes are also a great idea for the rocky pools.

5. Kanarra Falls, Utah

Imagine a smaller version of Zion’s famous Narrows hike, but without the massive crowds. That is the experience at Kanarra Falls.

This is a true water hike. You will wade through a stunning red rock slot canyon to find your waterfall prize.

The adventure includes climbing a sturdy 20-foot ladder next to the first major cascade to continue upstream. The hike is about four miles round-trip, much of it directly in the cool creek.

Because of the fragile environment and the dangers of flash floods, access is strictly controlled.

You must have a permit, and only 200 are issued each day. They often sell out weeks or months in advance.

Tip: Book your $15 permit online the moment you know your travel dates. The water is fed by snowmelt and can be very cold, so consider neoprene socks. Never hike if there is any chance of rain in the forecast.

6. Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado

As you gaze up at the 365-foot cascade, you see the historic hydroelectric power plant perched at the top.

This is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, and it is a truly impressive sight.

You have options for reaching the falls. A 4.8-mile trail from Telluride offers a beautiful but strenuous hike with a 1,368-foot elevation gain.

Alternatively, you can drive a treacherous 4×4 road to the base. Do not attempt this road in a standard vehicle.

The power plant at the top, built in 1907, still provides about 25 percent of Telluride’s electricity.

Tip: The best time to visit is from May to October when the road is clear. In winter, the falls freeze over, creating a world-class ice climbing challenge that is legally prohibited on the private property.

Read More: 14 Most Beautiful Mountains & Trails in the U.S. That Feel Like Heaven on Earth

The Midwest’s Surprising Plunges

The Midwest is not the first place people think of for waterfalls.

And that is exactly what makes its cascades so special.

Finding these hidden gem waterfalls felt to me like uncovering a wonderful secret.

7. Big Manitou Falls, Wisconsin

You are in Wisconsin, and suddenly you are staring at a 165-foot behemoth. This is Big Manitou Falls, the state’s tallest waterfall.

Its roar is so impressive that Native Americans believed it was the voice of the Great Spirit.

Located in Pattison State Park, this giant is surprisingly accessible. A short, 0.5-mile trail leads from the main picnic area to multiple spectacular overlooks.

At 165 feet, it is the fourth highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains and nearly as tall as Niagara Falls.

Tip: You will need a Wisconsin State Park vehicle pass to enter. While you are there, do not miss the smaller but lovely Little Manitou Falls just a short distance away in the same park.

8. Miners Falls, Michigan

This is a classic North Woods scene. Miners Falls is a powerful, tea-colored waterfall. It plunges 50 feet over a sandstone cliff deep in the forest of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

It is the park’s most powerful waterfall by volume.

The water gets its distinct color from tannins. These compounds are released from plants in upstream wetlands.

The easy, 1.2-mile round-trip trail takes you through a beautiful hardwood forest to two viewing platforms. The lower platform is just 64 steps down and offers a fantastic view.

Tip: Visit in the spring. The water flow is at its peak, and the forest floor is often carpeted with wildflowers. You will need a National Lakeshore entrance pass.

9. Burden Falls, Illinois

In a state known for its flat prairies, Burden Falls is a 100-foot series of cascades in a rugged canyon.

This area in the Shawnee National Forest escaped the glaciers that flattened much of Illinois.

The falls are located within the Burden Falls Wilderness. The upper falls are visible from the road. A user-made trail of about 1.5 miles leads to the base of the main falls.

The path is not developed, which adds to the wild and remote feeling of the place. One cool thing is that no permits or fees are required.

Tip: Burden Falls is seasonal. The best time to visit is in the spring or after a heavy rain. During dry spells, it can be reduced to a trickle.

Appalachian Wonders of the Southeast

The ancient mountains of the Southeast hold their own secrets, with streams so powerful that they have carved deep gorges into the landscape.

Visiting these must-see waterfalls in the US is an exercise in respecting that power.

10. Cummins Falls, Tennessee

This spot was a legendary local swimming hole for over 100 years before becoming a state park.

The journey is part of the destination. A rugged trek into a gorge opens up to a magnificent 75-foot waterfall. It cascades into a perfect swimming pool below.

The hike is strenuous and not for everyone. Two steep routes descend into the gorge, involving water crossings and rock scrambling.

The park has a strict permit system. You must have a Gorge Access Permit to go to the base of the falls, and they are limited each day.

Tip: Buy your permit online in advance. Wear sturdy shoes, not flip-flops, and keep your hands free for climbing. Life jackets are required for children 12 and under in the gorge.

11. Toccoa Falls, Georgia: The Campus Cascade

The accessibility of Toccoa Falls is shocking.

You drive onto the Toccoa Falls College campus. You walk a few hundred feet. And out of nowhere, you are standing before a 186-foot free-falling waterfall.

It is taller than many of its more famous peers and one of the tallest east of the Mississippi River.

The path from the gift shop is just 100 yards long. It is a gravel path that is also wheelchair accessible. 

The college charges a small $2 admission fee, which you pay inside the gift shop. It is a massive reward for very little effort.

Tip: The falls are on a private college campus. Check the college’s website before you visit. The falls may be closed for holidays, campus events, or school breaks.

Also Read: Locals Want to Keep These 12 U.S. Tropical Paradises a Secret

12. Elk River Falls, North Carolina

Elk River Falls is powerful and picturesque.

Also known as Big Falls, this 50-foot waterfall is a popular spot with a large plunge pool. However, it hides dangerous, powerful currents that have been fatal.

The area was heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene in 2024 but has since reopened to the public after extensive cleanup efforts.

The hike to the falls is an easy 0.6-mile round trip, though the trail has many rocks and roots.

Tip: Please heed the warning signs. Do not swim in the main pool directly under the falls. The undertow is extremely dangerous. A safer, calmer swimming area exists downstream from the main pool.

Historic Falls of the Northeast

In the Northeast, waterfalls inspired the artists and writers who shaped our nation’s vision of the wilderness.

13. Arethusa Falls, New Hampshire

Ah, would you look at that, a classic New England hike.

The trail winds through a beautiful forest before revealing a massive waterfall. It tumbles in a single plunge down a granite cliff.

At 140 to 160 feet, Arethusa Falls is considered the tallest single-drop waterfall in New Hampshire.

The falls were discovered in 1875 and named for a nymph from Greek mythology.

The main trail is a moderately difficult 1.5-mile hike (3 miles round-trip) located in Crawford Notch State Park.

Tip: For a more scenic route, take the Bemis Brook Trail on your way to the falls. It adds a little distance but lets you see the charming Coliseum Falls and Bemis Falls along the way.

14. Kaaterskill Falls, New York

This 260-foot, two-tiered giant, Kaaterskill Falls, was one of the country’s oldest tourist attractions. It inspired artists like Thomas Cole and writers like Washington Irving.

Multiple trails lead to the falls. The easiest is a 0.3-mile gravel path from the Laurel-House Road parking area. It leads to a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform with a stunning view of both tiers.

A steeper trail continues down to the base.

Tip: This spot is extremely popular. Stick strictly to the marked trails for safety. The viewing platform offers the best and safest view. Parking is heavily enforced, so only use the designated lots.

Closing Thoughts

My Nana was right; sometimes the greatest views are found off the beaten path.

From desert oases to historic landmarks, I have journeyed across the country.

And in doing so, I’ve pinpointed many incredible cascades. Now it is your turn to explore.

Remember to check local conditions before you go. Respect all closures and warning signs. And always practice Leave No Trace principles to protect these beautiful places for generations to come.

This list of must-see American waterfalls is just a starting point.

What are your favorite waterfalls in the US that didn’t make my list? Share your secrets in the comments below!

At-a-Glance Guide to Hidden Waterfalls