Best Trails for Waterfall Hikes

Hiking offers a unique opportunity to see some of the most breathtaking natural wonders. Among these are waterfalls, which captivate hikers with their beauty and power. Below is a list of some of the best trails for waterfall hikes, offering varied levels of difficulty and scenery.

Yosemite Falls Trail, California

Located in Yosemite National Park, this trail offers an up-close view of one of North America’s tallest waterfalls. The trail stretches over seven miles round trip and is considered moderate to strenuous. Hikers can enjoy cascading waters from both the Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.

• Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet
• Features: Rocky terrains, lush forests, panoramic views
• Best Time to Visit: Spring, when the snowmelt amplifies the waterfall

Multnomah Falls Trail, Oregon

This trail is perhaps one of the most iconic in the Pacific Northwest. The trail leads to Multnomah Falls, which boasts a drop of 620 feet. This is a relatively easy hike, suitable for all experience levels. The paved trail ensures accessibility for most visitors.

• Elevation Gain: 700 feet
• Features: Historic Benson Bridge, scenic viewpoints
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though spring offers vibrant foliage

Havasu Falls, Arizona

Located in the Havasupai Indian Reservation, this remote waterfall hike requires advanced planning. The trail to Havasu Falls spans ten miles one way and is moderately difficult. The striking blue waters make the trek worth every step.

• Elevation Loss: 2,400 feet
• Features: Remote desert landscapes, camping sites
• Best Time to Visit: Late fall to early spring, avoiding the summer heat

Amicalola Falls Trail, Georgia

Amicalola Falls is Georgia’s highest waterfall, and the trail offers a straightforward route to it. The trail is approximately two miles round trip, making it accessible for families and beginners. Wooden bridges and staircases add a unique touch to the journey.

• Elevation Gain: 600 feet
• Features: Wooden staircases, mountain views
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall, for pleasant weather

Bridal Veil Falls, Utah

This trail offers a relatively easy hike to one of Utah’s most beautiful waterfalls. Located in Provo Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls cascades down 607 feet. The paved trail is about 1.4 miles round trip and is accessible to most hikers.

• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Features: Paved pathways, picnic areas
• Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall for cooler temperatures

Laurel Falls Trail, Tennessee

Situated in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this trail offers an easy to moderate hike. It is about 2.6 miles round trip and leads to the picturesque Laurel Falls. The paved path makes it suitable for children and casual hikers.

• Elevation Gain: 314 feet
• Features: Paved trails, abundant wildlife
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for blooming flora

Akaka Falls, Hawaii

This short and easy hike leads to Akaka Falls, a stunning 442-foot waterfall. The trail is a looping pathway of about 0.4 miles. Lush tropical greenery surrounds the waterfall, creating a picturesque setting.

• Elevation Gain: 200 feet
• Features: Tropical scenery, paved path
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, although spring and fall bring fewer crowds

Bozenkill Falls Trail, New York

Located in the Christman Sanctuary near Albany, this trail offers a relaxing hike through dense woods to Bozenkill Falls. The trail is about 1.1 miles round trip and is considered easy, making it perfect for families.

• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Features: Woodlands, small creeks
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for moderate weather

Taughannock Falls Trail, New York

Taughannock Falls is one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, located in Taughannock Falls State Park. The main trail is 1.5 miles round trip and provides an easy hike with a rewarding view at the end.

• Elevation Gain: 122 feet
• Features: Gorge trail, rock formations
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for optimal water flow

Waihee Ridge Trail, Hawaii

This moderately difficult hike in Maui offers views of Makamakaole Falls. The trail spans approximately five miles round trip. Hiking through cloud forests and ridge lines makes the experience uniquely Hawaiian.

• Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
• Features: Ridge views, lush foliage
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid clouds obscuring views

Silver Falls Loop, Oregon

In Silver Falls State Park, the Trail of Ten Falls is a must-explore for waterfall enthusiasts. The loop trail is about eight miles long and features ten stunning waterfalls. The moderate difficulty allows for satisfactory exploration without strenuous effort.

• Elevation Gain: 800 feet
• Features: Multiple waterfalls, canyon paths
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall, providing excellent waterfall flows

Hermit Falls Trail, California

This trail in the San Gabriel Mountains is known for its proximity to many waterfalls, including Hermit Falls. The round trip is about 2.5 miles and ranges from easy to moderate in difficulty. The trail ends at a lagoon below the falls, perfect for a swim.

• Elevation Loss: 700 feet
• Features: Swimming holes, forested areas
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall

Shoshone Falls Trail, Idaho

Dubbed the Niagara of the West, Shoshone Falls is an awe-inspiring sight. The trail leading to the falls is relatively short and easy, providing multiple viewing platforms. At 212 feet in height, the waterfall is even higher than Niagara Falls.

• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Features: Viewing platforms, picnic areas
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer, coinciding with snowmelt

Kaaterskill Falls Trail, New York

In the Catskill Mountains, Kaaterskill Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in New York. The moderately challenging trail is about 2.6 miles round trip. It offers scenic views of the twin cascades that make up the waterfall.

• Elevation Gain: 400 feet
• Features: Twin falls, rock ledges
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall

Hickory Nut Falls Trail, North Carolina

Chimney Rock State Park offers this moderately easy trail leading to Hickory Nut Falls. The round trip distance is about 1.5 miles. The 404-foot waterfall is a highlight of the park, nestled in lush greenery.

• Elevation Gain: 200 feet
• Features: Rocky pathways, viewpoint platforms
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer

Cedar Falls Trail, Arkansas

Pinnacle Mountains State Park features this moderately challenging trail to Cedar Falls. The trail, roughly two miles round trip, leads to a 95-foot waterfall plunging into Cedar Creek. The trek offers a blend of rocky terrains and forested paths.

• Elevation Gain: 200 feet
• Features: Rocky trails, vantage points
• Best Time to Visit: Spring for the best water flow

Burney Falls Loop, California

Located in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, this loop trail offers an easy hike with incredible rewards. Burney Falls drops 129 feet into a deep blue pool. The round trip is approximately one mile, making it accessible for everyone.

• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Features: Observation deck, surrounding forest
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for full water flow

Dry Creek Falls, Oregon

The trailhead begins at the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks. This moderate hike spans about four miles round trip. Dry Creek Falls cascades down basalt columns, creating a visually stunning effect. The journey through the forest is as pleasurable as the destination.

• Elevation Gain: 700 feet
• Features: Forested pathways, basalt formations
• Best Time to Visit: Mid to late spring

Rainbow Falls Trail, North Carolina

Gorges State Park hosts this moderately difficult trail leading to Rainbow Falls. The round trip distance is around three miles. The trail offers not only views of Rainbow Falls but also the chance to see Turtleback Falls, adding more value to the hike.

• Elevation Gain: 800 feet
• Features: Secondary waterfalls, rocky ledges
• Best Time to Visit: Early summer to fall

Falls Branch Falls Trail, Arkansas

Located in the Ouachita National Forest, this easy hike is about two miles round trip. Falls Branch Falls drops about 10 feet but offers a serene, scenic backdrop. The forested trail adds to the experience, making it perfect for a short, leisurely hike.

• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Features: Forest trails, small waterfalls
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall

These trails provide memorable hiking experiences, each leading to uniquely beautiful waterfalls. Always check local conditions and regulations before heading out on any hike. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and the refreshing mist of these natural wonders.