20 Amazing Hiking Trails in North America with Waterfalls
I’ve always enjoyed hiking. I’ve reached mountaintops and went off the beaten path to explore areas that few people set foot in. Some of my favorite destinations are hiking trails with waterfalls.
Each waterfall is unique, and reaching the waterfall makes the hike well worth the effort. If you are ready to hit the trail, check out the top 20 hiking trails with waterfalls in North America.
1. Burgess Falls
- Waterfall: 130 feet
- Location: Baxter, Tn
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
This was my first waterfall hike, and it will always be one of my favorites. Burgess Falls State Park has a total of four waterfalls.
It’s fitting that the first one is very small, and each one is bigger than the previous one. The largest waterfall sits 130 feet above the gorge. You can view the waterfall from the lookout area, after completing the 1.5 mile hike.
2. Trail of Ten Falls
- Waterfall: 178 feet
- Location: Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Trail of Ten Falls is located in Silver Falls State Park, in Oregon. As the name suggests, there are 10 waterfalls located on the trail. The hike is 7.8 miles. It’s considered a relatively easy hike, despite being nearly 8 miles long.
The largest fall is 178 feet, which makes it stunning. In addition to the waterfalls peppered along the way, you’ll hike through a beautiful forest. Keep an eye out for wildflowers.
3. Amicalola Falls
- Waterfall: 729 feet
- Location: Dawsonville, GA
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Amicalola Falls State Park is located in Dawnson, GA. The word itself is Cherokee for “tumbling waters”. It features the highest waterfall in the state of Georgia, at 729 feet. Hikes range from the easy 1 mile hike to the falls, and a 8 mile hike that leads you to Springer Mountain.
A unique feature in the area is the Hike Inn. The only way to reach the Inn is with a five-mile hike.
4. Yosemite Park Waterfalls
- Waterfall: 2,425 feet
- Location: Yosemite, California
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to Streneoush
Yosemite is well known for its gorgeous waterfalls. In fact, Yosemite Falls is the fifth largest waterfall in the world, tumbling 2,425 feet. The hike to the fall is strenuous, and is 7 miles round trip.
If you prefer an easier journey, check out the lower fall, which is accessible with an easy 1 mile hike.
5. Cumberland Falls
- Waterfall: 69 feet
- Location: Corbin, Kentucky
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Cumberland Falls is known as “Little Niagra”. It does have a resemblance to Niagra Falls, despite being much smaller. The trail to the falls is 1.8 miles, and is considered a moderate hike. However, there is a 5 mile trail available, because a few trails connect. The longer route leads ot the Cumberland River.
It’s best feature can only be seen during a full moon. The waterfall can create a “moonbow”.
6. Waimoku Falls
- Waterfall: 400 feet
- Location: Maui Hawaii
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Waimoku Falls is a can’t miss attraction if you visit Maui, Hawaii. The fall is thin but long, which creates a beautiful ribbon of water that crashes down lava rocks. You’ll take the Pipiwai Trail, and gain 650 feet of elevation during the 4 mile round trip.
The vegetation includes a bamboo forest, huge Banyan trees, and guava trees you can enjoy on your hike.
7. Sabbaday Falls
- Waterfall: 45 feet
- Location: Waterville Hwy, NH
- Hike Difficulty: Easy
Sabbaday Falls is a very easy hike, and is accessible for those with disabilities. You reach the falls via a even gravel path. There are hand rails and stairs located at the falls. It’s located within a mile of Kancamagus Highway, which makes it easily accessible.
Legend has it that the waterfall got its name from road workers. They would store their tools near the waterfall. The legend states that they would refer to “Sabbath Day” when leaving the area on Sunday mornings, so it was eventually shortened to Sabbaday.
8. Virginia Falls
- Waterfall: 50 feet
- Location: Virginia Falls, Montana
- Hike Difficulty: Easy
Virginia Falls waterfall is located in Glacier Mountain, State Park. The hike is nearly 4 miles round trip. The elevation gain throughout the hike is 525 feet. There are several waterfalls along the way, with each notable in its own way.
Saint Mary’s Falls is the first named fall you will encounter. It is a 35 foot fall that drops in 3 tiers. The trail will lead you to the bottom of Virginia Falls, which has 4 tiers. The main tier has a drop of 50 feet.
In addition to the falls, you can catch a peek of Dusty Star Mountain.
9. Bushkill Falls
- Waterfall: 100 feet
- Location: Lehman Township, Pennsylvania
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Bushkill Falls is impressive, with a total of 8 waterfalls. To see them all, choose the Red Trail. This hike is only 2 miles, but it takes about 2 hours to hike.
The green trail is the easiest. This trail is very easy, and can be hiked in about 15 minutes. It allows you to see the main fall, which has 100 feet drop. There are two other trails that take about 1 hour to hike, and include some of the falls in the park.
10. Multnomah Falls, Oregon
- Waterfall: 620 feet
- Location: Dodson, Oregon
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall. The hike is unforgettable, with several options in terms of distance and difficulty.
You’ll cross a stone bridge in front of the waterfall to get to the top of the fall. The path to the top of the fall is 2.4 miles, and is considered moderate in difficulty.
If you are brave and in good shape, follow the 5.4 mile trail to Wahkeena Falls, which features a 242-foot triple cascade fall. This hike is considered difficult.
11. Niagra Falls
- Waterfall: 512 feet
- Location: Niagra Falls, New York
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Niagra Falls is the biggest waterfall in North America. It’s a popular tourist destination, but there are some trails that are less traveled.
Niagra consists of 3 falls. The tallest of these is Horseshoe Falls, which has a height of 512 feet. This fall is on the border between Canada and America. The other falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls are beautiful as well.
Trails range from easy to moderate, and offer different views of the falls. You can visit Niagra from Canada or New York.
12. Tahquamenon Falls
- Waterfall: 50 Feet
- Location: Paradise, Michigan
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to Challenging
Tahquamenon Falls is the largest waterfall in Michigan. It’s 50 feet tall, but what makes it truly stunning is its width, spanning 200 feet across. In addition to the Upper Falls, you can check out the lower falls.
The hike to the Upper Falls is easy, and only 1/3 of a mile. Tahquamenon Falls State Park also offers special motorized chairs that can bring you to the Upper Falls.
If you are up for a challenge, take the challenging 10 mile hike that spans the Upper and Lower Falls. This trail has exposed roots, hilly terrain, and steps.
13. Deer Creek Falls
- Waterfall: 150 feet
- Location: Deer Creek Falls, Arizona
- Hike Difficulty: Difficult
The trail to Deer Creek Falls is challenging, with an elevation change is 1,700 feet. However, the view is well worth it if you have the physical fortitude. It’s a 21 mile round trip, and takes about 4 to 6 days to complete.
It’s one of the most challenging trails on the list, with sheer drops and steep climbs. However, there’s another way to access the falls.You can also get there via rafting.
The waterfall is 150 feet tall, and is most impressive after periods of rain. The falls plunge down a narrow canyon within the Grand Canyon. It’s a must see location if you visit Arizona.
14. Shoshone Falls
- Waterfall: 212 Feet
- Location: Twin Falls, Idaho
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Shoshone Falls is known as the Niagra of the West, and it certainly lives up to its name. It’s 212 feet tall, and a stunning 900 feet wide. It’s one of the biggest waterfalls in the U.S.
Before you pack up and take the trip, you should know that the flow is seasonal. It has the strongest flow in the early Spring, as the snows melt. In the summer, water is diverted for irrigation. In the fall, the water flow is at its lowest point.
For an easy hike, take the .6 mile hike that brings you to the Shoshone Falls observation deck. For a challenge, take the 12 mile hike via the Canyon Rim Trail.
15. Upper Gold Creek Falls
- Waterfall: 400 feet
- Location: Maple Ridge, British Columbia
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
To reach Upper Gold Creek Falls, you’ll hike 3.4 miles round trip on the East Canyon Trail. The trail has switchbacks, and is steep near the falls. It can be muddy as well, so you’ll need to tread carefully. There’s a small lookout area at the falls.
If you are up for the challenge, you can climb down an embankment to stand close to the falls. You shouldn’t climb down during the spring, because the run off greatly increases the water flow during this time of year.
16. Mesa Falls
- Waterfall: 114 feet
- Location: Ashton, Idaho
- Hike Difficulty: Easy
Mesa Falls is located in Grand Targhee Forest. The waterfall is 114 in height, and a stunning 200 feet wide. There’s a by way that provides easy access to both the lower and upper Mesa Falls. You’ll see beautiful forest, the Henrys Fork River, as well as the waterfall.
It’s a popular spot for tourists and photographers. You can even catch a rainbow at the Falls in the mornings, from 9 am to 1 pm. The hike to the Falls is short.
If you are adventurous, hop the guard rail and make your way down to the base of the Falls.
17. Cascada el Aguacero
- Waterfall: 280 feet
- Location: Carretera Internacional, Mexico
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
This isn’t a typical hike. In fact, you’ll tread 728 steps as you make your way down the canyon. At the bottom, you have two options. You can brave water that is typically ankle to knee deep, or stay on the land via the jungle path.
The location is absolutely magical. The Falls are surrounded by jungle. You can encounter exotic wildlife. Cascada el Aguacero is a popular tourist destination. However, you can beat the crowds by arriving in the morning.
There are areas where you can swim in the river, or even stand under the falls, which makes it unique.
18. Minnehaha Falls
- Waterfall: 53 feet
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Minnehaha Falls is located just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. The park features many trails for hiking and biking.
The trail to the bottom of the falls is an easy hike, and only .7 of a mile. You’ll also find small caves and a creek, perfect for families.
On the way back, you can take the path that leads to the cave behind the falls.
19. Turner Falls
- Waterfall: 77 feet
- Location: Davis, Oklahoma
- Hike Difficulty: Easy
Turner Falls is the biggest waterfall in Oklahoma, and it’s located in the state’s largest park. During the summer months, you can enjoy the sandy beaches and swimming.
The waterfall is beautiful all year round. In addition to the waterfall, the park features castles, caves, and plenty of hiking trails.
20. Upper Whitewater Falls
- Waterfall: 400 feet
- Location: Cashiers, North Carolina
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Upper Whitewater Falls is a gorgeous fall. The hike is only .5 a mile, a paved path, which makes it wheelchair accessible. The 400 feet Fall is the tallest water fall in North Carolina.
You can go off the beaten path and access the lower falls and other areas of the park. The hike in these areas is moderate or difficult. These areas are not often visited, which makes them a perfect destination for visitors.
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