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While the United States is well known for some incredible lakes and beaches, it also has some of the tallest waterfalls in the entire world! Waterfalls are some of the most mesmerizing sights that you can come across in nature, and make a perfect travel destination. These cascades of water are not only stunning, but can be be downright breathtaking.
Planning a getaway to check out some iconic American waterfalls? Embarking on a road trip and want to know what waterfalls you may pass on your journey? Or are you simply a nature fanatic who’s curious as to what the tallest falls in the country are?
Whatever the case, there’s no shortage of towering waterfalls across America to admire!
In this article, we’ll be giving you the lowdown on these captivating natural attractions. Make this your next checklist as we explore the 20 tallest waterfalls in the country. Let’s dive right in!
Colonial Creek Falls, Washington
Colonial Creek Falls is often said to be a hidden gem of Washington state, as many people drive right past this stunning waterfall without even realizing what they’re missing out on.
This waterfall is located just a few miles away from Highway 20 and claims the title of the tallest waterfall in the continental United States, as well as the 15th tallest waterfall in the world.
It certainly has footing for that claim. Colonial Creek Falls is a tiered waterfall composed of 13 unique steps, drops up to 2,600 feet, and spans approximately 4,000 feet across!
A potential reason why this waterfall is so overlooked, aside from its secluded location, is the inaccessibility of its trails.
In fact, there’s only one trail that provides access to the waterfall, starting at Highway 20 and inclining to the falls. This trail is well-maintained, but it’s no easy feat — it’s home to some difficult terrain, so make sure you’re prepared before you attempt this hike.
Johannesburg Falls, Washington
Johannesburg Falls, located in the stunning Cascade Pass area, is another underrated beauty in Washington.
Of all the waterfalls that flow down Johannesburg Mountain, the largest by far is Johannesburg Falls with a total drop of around 2,400 feet. This drop makes the Johannesburg Falls one of the tallest waterfalls in North America!
The falls are made up of five steps and can be seen when driving on Cascade River Road. This roadside vantage makes viewing the waterfall a lot more accessible than some others in the area.
However, because of the falls’ less intense cascading water, you can get a closer look if you wish by following the hiking trail just off Cascade River Road.
This trail is another strenuous one, but it’s commonly hiked so you’ll likely see a few friendly faces if you choose to give it a shot!
Yosemite Falls, California
One of the most well-known and frequently visited waterfalls in America (and for good reason), Yosemite Falls is a gorgeous waterfall located in Yosemite National Park.
Although easily mistaken for just a single, continuous flow, Yosemite Falls is technically a series of waterfalls. This roaring beauty is made up of three distinct sections: Upper Yosemite Falls, the middle cascades, and Lower Yosemite Falls.
The collective drop of this waterfall is around 2,400 feet, and can be easily admired from several locations around Yosemite Valley. For this reason, Yosemite Falls is a top pick for tourists, photographers, and nature lovers alike!
If a long day of hiking sounds appealing to you, you can trek to the summit of the falls via one of Yosemite’s oldest, most historic trails.
Something to keep in mind is that Yosemite Falls is a seasonal waterfall, so expect to see its water flow fluctuate significantly with lower volume expected for months at a time.
Spring is the best season to see this waterfall at its peak, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly. Olo’upena Falls, Hawaii
Olo’upena Falls, Hawaii
If you find yourself in Hawaii, make sure to explore as many of the tropical state’s scenic waterfalls as you can! One of these majestic sights is Olo’upena Falls, a gorgeous waterfall that’s located on the island of Molokai.
This waterfall is considered to be the fourth tallest in the world as it drops a whopping total of 2,953 feet – towering far above many other iconic American waterfalls.
Olo’upena Falls runs off the edge of a breathtaking seaside cliff that stretches between the valleys of Wailau and Pelekunu.
The powerful water flow that these falls produce has carved out a deep groove in the cliffside, and the sight of this natural phenomenon is absolutely breathtaking.
Unfortunately, Olo’upena Falls is difficult to see for yourself firsthand. The falls are only generally visible by helicopter (rides of which typically depart from Maui) or boat. If you’re able to make the trip, however, the views are well worth it!
Waihilau Falls, Hawaii
Waihilau Falls is a waterfall located in Waimanu Valley that cascades down a steep canyon wall covered in lush vegetation.
There are several other waterfalls in the surrounding area of this valley, but this waterfall in particular is very impressive, dropping around 2,600 feet.
The falls have eight distinct drops along with smaller pools and streams, though these increase and decrease in size and number depending on the season.
Unfortunately, this may be a waterfall that you’ll have to admire through photographs and videos. Waimanu Valley is very remote, with little to no outside visitors and no official roads.
The nearby Waimanu Valley campsite itself has been temporarily closed to visitors, so while this area contains absolutely stunning and steep waterfalls, it isn’t one for the bucket list. At least, not at this moment in time — but the future might paint a different story!
Pu’uka’oku Falls, Hawaii
The breathtaking Pu’uka’oku Falls takes the spot of the eighth tallest waterfall in the world. Just like Olo’upena Falls, this waterfall is also located on the beautiful island of Molokai.
It’s no wonder that this island is home to so many stunning waterfalls, as it also has some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world. Pu’uka’oku Falls drops around 2,700 feet from the imposing sea cliffs down into the lush valley below.
Similar to many other falls, this waterfall produces little water during the drier seasons. However, the rainy season causes Pu’uka’oku Falls to flood the valley with cascades of water.
This is unfortunately another waterfall that’s not easily accessible, with even photographs of the falls being extremely rare. However, it can be viewed from either helicopter, plane, or even a boat trip on occasion.
Ribbon Falls, California
There’s another absolutely spectacular waterfall located in Yosemite National Park — Ribbon Falls.
Unfortunately, this waterfall doesn’t get as much attention as others due to the fact that it’s slightly less visible. It’s also located in such close proximity to so many other stunning waterfalls that draw attention away from it.
However, don’t underestimate Ribbon Falls — it holds the title of longest single-drop waterfall in North America, falling 1,612 feet during peak season!
That being said, Spring is the only time that this waterfall is able to drop these staggering heights. Melting winter snow feeds Ribbon Falls, so it’s quite dry for a good portion of the year.
There’s no formal trail or hiking path that will take you to the base of Ribbon Falls, but you can get a great view of it at a lookout on Southside Drive.
Silver Strand Falls, California
Silver Strand Falls, another overlooked waterfall in Yosemite Valley, is an unassuming cascade of waters fed by a small basin located north of Badger Pass.
The waterfall drops 574 feet (often incorrectly reported to be 1,170 feet), and is the westernmost waterfall in Yosemite Valley.
Silver Strand Falls is a seasonal attraction due to the fact that the basin that feeds it runs dry during periods of heavy snow. However, during the peak season, this waterfall is absolutely beautiful – boasting an impressive water flow for a smaller waterfall.
These falls aren’t as easy to see from the floor of Yosemite Valley as many of the other waterfalls, but you can get an incredible view of them from Tunnel View along Wawona Road.
Horsetail Falls, California
Horsetail Falls is a gorgeous waterfall located along Highway 50, to the west of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This waterfall is a popular tourist attraction for those visiting the Lake Tahoe area.
The waterfall flows in several different stages, with six distinct steps contributing to the fall’s total drop of around 800 feet.
Horsetail Falls is especially picturesque during the spring when the melting snow and ice increase the water flow of the lakes that feed this waterfall.
However, it’s not just the waterfall itself that’s rewarding; it’s equally popular with visitors to the area are the hiking trails!
If you want to hike any one of them yourself, you can either brave the Wilderness Boundary Trail to the base of the waterfall or follow the Pyramid Creek Trail, a less intense route.
Whatever you choose, these trails will provide you with a clear, breathtaking view of Horsetail Falls.
Kahiwa Falls, Hawaii
Kahiwa Falls is another secluded waterfall nestled in the seaside cliffs of Molokai Island. Similar to all other waterfalls that flow from these cliffs, this waterfall is fed by streams at the top and cascades down into the Pacific Ocean.
It’s also a seasonal waterfall, with little water during the drier seasons but an impressive flow of water during the rainier ones.
Kahiwa Falls is estimated to have a total drop of around 2,100 feet. The waterfall is composed of six different steps, with the highest steps being obscured by the tall and inaccessible sea cliff.
That’s not to say that you can’t catch a great view of this waterfall! Tourist companies provide guided boat and helicopter rides that showcase the beauty of Kahiwa Falls from up close.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Claiming the title of Oregon’s tallest waterfall, Multnomah Falls is an impressive sight that drops a total of about 610 feet.
This waterfall is made up of two drops and is fed by rainwater and melting snow, meaning that although parts of the falls may freeze up during colder seasons, the water flow persists all year.
Located along the Historic Columbia River Highway near downtown Portland, this waterfall is both stunning and accessible. Both viewing platforms and hiking trails surround this waterfall, making it an extremely popular tourist attraction.
If you’re interested in hiking the trail, be sure to wear warm clothes and a comfortable pair of shoes. This is a pretty steep hike, and the spray of the waterfall might get you a little damp.
Don’t let that deter you, though! Multnomah Falls are popular in Oregon for a very good reason — they’re quite the sight to behold.
Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado
Bridal Veil Falls, located at the end of the box canyon in Colorado, is a popular spot for tourists, nature lovers, and outdoorsy folk from all over the country. This is the tallest free-falling waterfall in all of Colorado, with a total drop of around 365 feet.
Bridal Veil Falls can be accessed by a hiking trail just off Colorado Avenue. It’s possible to drive to the bottom of the falls rather than hike —- but a four-wheel drive is required to make the journey, so keep this in mind when planning your trip!
The hike itself is considered to be quite intense because the trail crosses through particularly difficult terrain. If this doesn’t sound like the right fit for you, the falls can also be viewed when driving Colorado Avenue, just off Highway 145.
Upper Yosemite Falls, California
We’ve taken a look at Yosemite Falls as a whole, but let’s focus now on what is arguably the star of the show — Upper Yosemite Falls.
While the middle cascades have a 675-foot drop and Lower Yosemite Falls drop 320 feet, Upper Yosemite Falls overshadows them effortlessly with a whopping drop of 1,430 feet!
The hike to Upper Yosemite Falls is a tough journey, but one that’s absolutely worth the effort.
Once you’ve reached the top of this waterfall, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding area.
Upper Yosemite Falls is far from something that you have to admire from a distance. In fact, if you choose to hike that trail to the top of the falls, you’ll likely find yourself walking right through the spray. Be sure to pack a change of clothes!
Comet Falls, Washington
Comet Falls, located on Van Trump Creek in Washington, is considered to be one of the most popular waterfalls in the area.
This waterfall has a large drop of 460 feet, with two other smaller drops below it giving it the appearance of a comet with a tail — hence the name.
This waterfall is a highly frequented location due to the stunning views and accessible area. You can hike the Comet Falls trail, which sees a lot of foot traffic during peak season. This is a moderate hike, and it’s well worth the journey.
There are parking spaces available at the trailhead, and the waterfall itself is about 1.8 miles away. This trail is one you should definitely check out for an up-close view of Comet Falls!
Feather Falls, California
Feather Falls, located in Northern California, is a waterfall that boasts an impressive 410-foot height. This waterfall is absolutely gorgeous, but sadly, it doesn’t garner as much interest compared to other tall waterfalls in the country.
Feather Falls is accessible through various hiking trails that’ll lead you through the beautiful nature of the surrounding mountains until you reach the waterfall lookouts.
If you continue on the hiking trails, you’ll make it all the way to the Fall River – the water source that feeds the falls.
What makes this waterfall and the surrounding area particularly unique is the amount of ladybugs you’ll find here. It may sound strange, but during the winter months, this location is a famous resting spot for migrating ladybugs.
It’s truly a sight to behold, so if you’re planning a trip to Feather Falls, consider planning it during the winter to witness this frankly adorable occurrence!
Tokopah Falls, California
Located in Sequoia National Park, Tokopah Falls is made up of a series of steps that have a total drop of around 1,200 feet. This makes it the tallest waterfall in the whole park, standing well above all others in the surrounding area.
This is another seasonal waterfall, with water drying up significantly during autumn. However, it experiences heavy flows during spring, summer, and especially after heavy snowfall in the winter.
A stunning view of this waterfall can be accessed via the Tokopah Falls hiking trail. This is a very straightforward hike with just a single track and no junctions, and it can be completed by those with little to no hiking experience.
This is great news for those who want a closer view of this beautiful waterfall and the surrounding landscape and wildlife!
Taughannock Falls, New York
Taughannock Falls is a gorgeous waterfall located in Taughannock Falls State Park, New York. This waterfall is made up of three distinct falls and has a total drop of 215 feet against a stunning backdrop of limestone.
The water flow of this waterfall is generally strong all year round, but it can dry up significantly in the summertime.
Viewing Taughannock Falls is easy and can be done either from the overlook located just a few minutes from the road or via the hiking trails.
There are multiple trails that you can take to get a closer look at this waterfall, all of which are considered to be mild to moderate hikes.
Shoes with a strong grip are recommended as the rocks in the area can become very slippery.
Rainbow Falls, Hawaii
The Rainbow Falls, located in the Wailuku River, are just as beautiful as their name suggests.
Unlike many other tall waterfalls located in Hawaii, the Rainbow Falls are remarkably easy to view. The falls can be observed either from the parking lot or from the top of the falls which are accessible via the hiking trail.
The hike is only a few minutes from the parking lot, and the rewarding views are very stunning.
This waterfall has an 80-foot drop over a lava cave and casts off stunning rainbow reflections. If you arrive early enough in the day, you’re almost guaranteed to see these rainbows bounce off the water of Rainbow Falls!
It can’t be overstated how stunning Rainbow Falls is, and the location it’s in is also rich with culture and history.
According to legends, the cave that the falls cascade over is home to the ancient Hawaiian goddess of the moon, Hina. You’ll just have to come check out this mystical site for yourself!
Vernal Fall, California
Vernal Fall is one of the many waterfalls located within Yosemite National Park, a powerful waterfall with a 317-foot drop.
While it isn’t visible from the main area of Yosemite Valley, it’s easy to view either at a distance from Glacier Point or up close by hiking the Mist Trail.
This hike is a fairly easy trip, but some form of rain jacket is highly recommended. You’re almost guaranteed to get covered in the misty spray of the waterfall which gives the trail its name.
This spray is at its peak during spring, but it often dries up and reduces significantly by late summer.
Due to the spray that emanates from this waterfall, the surrounding area is home to moss, water plants, and even rainbows that form when the spray of water reflects the sun.
Niagara Falls, New York/Ontario
Any list of the waterfalls located in America isn’t complete without what could possibly be the most popular and well-known waterfall in the world — Niagara Falls!
The title of Niagara Falls actually refers to three distinct waterfalls that are located on the border between the United States and Canada. These are Horseshoe Falls (170 feet), American Falls (180 feet), and Bridal Veil Falls (78 feet).
What makes Niagara Falls so unique is the immense volume of water that passes through it, estimated to be about 3,160 tons every second. As a result, the falls produce over 4 million kilowatts of electricity!
Niagara Falls can be viewed from the many paths and outlooks dotting Niagara Falls State Park.
A boat service called Maid of the Mist even provides up-close tours of the waterfalls. This boat takes its passengers right under the cascading mist, and it’s hands down the best way to experience this attraction!
Key Takeaways
All in all, America is home to not only some of the tallest waterfalls in the world but also some of the most stunning.
These towering natural beauties provide some of the most breathtaking sights that nature has to offer and are well worth a visit if you are able to make the journey.
From colossal Hawaiian seaside cliffs to misty mountain hiking trails, the beauty of these waterfalls and their surroundings are best experienced with your own two eyes!