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Waterfall trekking offers a refreshing way to explore nature, winding through forests, hills, and riverside trails. These treks lead to stunning waterfalls, where the sight and sound of rushing water create a peaceful atmosphere. Along the way, hikers encounter diverse plants, wildlife, and changing landscapes. Some trails pass through dense greenery, while others offer open, scenic views. The journey, filled with flowing streams and soothing water sounds, ends in a rewarding natural spectacle.
10 Famous Waterfall Trekking Destinations In The World
Here is a list of some of the best waterfall treks that offer a chance to explore nature and experience the beauty of flowing water up close:
1. Tugela Falls Trek
Photo: Anonymous / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Tugela Falls Trek is a 12-kilometre trail leading to the world’s second-highest waterfall, Tugela Falls, which drops 3,110 feet. The trek passes through varied landscapes, including rocky paths, river crossings, and open plateaus. The route offers wide views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. Hikers may encounter local wildlife and unique plant life adapted to the high-altitude environment. Reaching the viewpoint near the falls provides an impressive sight of water plunging down the cliffs.
Location: Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
Best Time To Visit: May – September
2. Angel Falls Trek
Photo: Luis Carillo / Wikimedia Commons
Angel Falls Trek takes hikers through dense rainforest to reach the world’s tallest waterfall, Angel Falls, which drops 979 metres from the top of Auyan Tepui. The journey begins with a boat ride along the Carrao River, followed by a hike through greenery filled with diverse wildlife like toucans and monkeys. The trail goes through the jungle, leading to a viewpoint where the waterfall drops into the forest below. This famous waterfall trekking experience allows visitors to explore one of South America’s most remarkable natural wonders.
Location: Canaima National Park, Venezuela, South America
Best Time To Visit: June – December
3. Kaieteur Falls Trek
Photo: Dan Sloan/ Wikimedia Commons
Kaieteur Falls Trek leads adventurers through the unspoiled Amazon rainforest to reach Kaieteur Falls, known for its massive single-drop cascade. The trek involves hiking through dense jungle paths, crossing small streams, and navigating rugged terrain. The area is home to unique wildlife, such as the golden frog and Guianan cock-of-the-rock. The sound of the waterfall gets louder as trekkers get closer to the edge of the gorge, where Kaieteur drops 226 metres into the river below. The untouched surroundings and the force of the falls make it one of the best waterfall trekking experiences for those who take on this hike.
Location: Kaieteur National Park, Guyana, South America
Best Time To Visit: March – November
4. Iguazu Falls Trek
Photo: MeetttPatelll / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Iguazu Falls Trek has a trail network that gives visitors amazing views of the world’s largest waterfall system. The trek covers Argentina and Brazil, with paths winding through thick rainforests and offering different angles of the flowing waterfalls. On the Argentine side, the Devil’s Throat trail takes visitors close to the most powerful section of the falls. The Brazilian side offers wide views of the entire waterfall system. Along the way, it is common to see wildlife like coatis and toucans.
Location: Iguazu National Park, spanning the border of Misiones Province, Argentina, and Paraná State, Brazil
Best Time To Visit: April – June; August – October
5. Yosemite Falls Trail
Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons
Yosemite Falls Trail is one of the best waterfall trekking experiences, leading to one of North America’s tallest waterfalls, with a total drop of 2,425 feet. The route includes a steady climb with switchbacks, offering wide views. As hikers go higher, they get closer to the Upper and Lower Falls, where the water rushes down the cliffs. The final viewpoint gives a clear view of the waterfall and the rocky surroundings. The height, flowing water, and natural scenery make this trek a great experience for those looking to explore a famous waterfall trek.
Location: Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Best Time To Visit: May – June
6. Sutherland Falls Trek
Photo: Mynd_roxycr / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Sutherland Falls Trek follows a well-defined route through remote landscapes, featuring steady inclines and sections with stone steps. The trail includes river crossings and wooden bridges, with streams flowing alongside in some areas. As hikers progress, they pass through dense forests before emerging into open terrain where the waterfall comes into view. The falls drop in three stages from Lake Quill, creating a powerful sight as the water crashes down the cliffs.
Location: Fiordland National Park on the South Island, New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: November – April
7. Plitvice Waterfalls Trek
Photo: Anonymous / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Plitvice Waterfalls Trek takes visitors through 16 terraced lakes connected by more than 90 waterfalls. The trail includes wooden walkways and gravel paths that pass through forested areas, offering views of the flowing water and diverse plant life. Along the way, hikers may spot various bird species that inhabit the area. One of the key highlights is Veliki Slap, the tallest waterfall on the route. The park’s unique landscape is shaped by natural limestone formations that continue to change over time.
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Best Time To Visit: May – September
8. Havasu Falls Trek
Photo: Traveling Man / Wikimedia Commons
Havasu Falls Trek takes hikers through a remote desert landscape, leading to Havasu Falls, one of the most recognisable waterfalls in the region. The trail passes through rugged red rock canyons with steep sections and sandy paths. As the journey progresses, the striking turquoise waters of Havasu Falls come into view, creating a dramatic contrast against the dry surroundings. The route also features smaller waterfalls and streams, adding to the experience.
Location: Havasupai Reservation, Arizona, USA
Best Time To Visit: February – November
9. Mardalsfossen Trek
Photo: ReneGossner / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Mardalsfossen Trek leads to Mardalsfossen, one of Europe’s tallest waterfalls, with a total height of 655 metres, including a free fall of 297 metres. The well-marked trail covers approximately 2 kilometres, passing through forested terrain and rocky paths before reaching the viewpoint. The waterfall is most powerful when water is released, creating a striking cascade down the cliffs. Hikers can feel the mist from the falls as they approach, adding to the experience. The surrounding valley, shaped by glaciers, enhances the scenic beauty of the trek.
Location: Eikesdalen, Møre og Romsdal, Norway
Best Time To Visit: June – September
10. Gocta Waterfall Trek
Photo: lecreusois / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Gocta Waterfall Trek follows a winding path through forested landscapes, leading to one of the world’s tallest waterfalls, with a total height of 771 metres. The route offers views of rolling hills, dense vegetation, and distant peaks. Along the way, hikers may encounter diverse wildlife, including hummingbirds and the Andean cock-of-the-rock, a vibrant bird native to the region. As the waterfall comes into view, the sight of water plunging from the cliffs against a backdrop of green surroundings is impressive.
Location: Amazonas Region, Peru
Best Time To Visit: May – September
Waterfall trekking takes hikers through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to rugged mountain trails, leading to breathtaking waterfalls. The journey blends adventure with natural beauty, enhanced by the soothing sound of flowing water. Each trek offers a unique charm, making it a memorable way to connect with nature. Book with TripXL to explore these stunning trails.
Cover Photo: Iri Soda/ Wikimedia Commons
