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The waterfalls in North America promise breathtaking views, roaring cascades and nature’s raw power at its finest. From the iconic Niagara Falls to the stunning Havasu Falls, each waterfall offers a unique experience. Explore the towering Yosemite Falls in California or witness the thunderous drop of the Multnomah Falls in Oregon. Whether hidden in lush forests or plunging off dramatic cliffs, these waterfalls captivate adventurers and photographers, radiating unmatchable beauty.
Top 10 Waterfalls In North America
Ready to chase the most mesmerising cascades amidst pure tranquility? Here’s a list of the must-visit waterfalls in North America:
1. Niagara Falls
Photo: Saffron Blaze / Wikimedia Commons
Niagara Falls is a collection of three waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. These straddle the international border between the United States and Canada. The combined falls have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America, with more than six million cubic feet of water cascading over the crest line. Approximately 12,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age, the falls formed, and they have since served as a source of hydroelectric power. The Niagara Falls are also among the biggest waterfalls in North America by water volume.
Location: Border of Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA
2. Havasu Falls
Photo: Stephen Leonardi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Havasu Falls is renowned for its vibrant blue-green waters, a result of high calcium carbonate concentration, creating natural travertine pools. Located within the Havasupai Indian Reservation, access to the falls requires a permit and a challenging hike, preserving its pristine beauty. The area holds cultural significance to the Havasupai Tribe, known as the “People of the Blue-Green Waters,” who have inhabited the region for centuries. This cascade is among the North America waterfalls worth visiting for all nature enthusiasts.
Location: Havasupai Indian Reservation, Arizon
3. Yosemite Falls
Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons
Yosemite Falls, located in California’s Yosemite National Park, is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. It has a total drop of 739 meters (2,425 feet). The Middle Cascades, Lower Yosemite Fall, and Upper Yosemite Fall are the three parts of the cascade. The peak flow typically occurs in late spring, fed by snowmelt, with the falls often drying up by late summer. The surrounding park offers various hiking trails, including the challenging Yosemite Falls Trail. Many consider Yosemite Falls one of the best waterfalls in North America.
Location: Yosemite National Park, California
4. Multnomah Falls
Photo: Rodrigo.Argenton / Wikimedia Commons
Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall, plunging 189 meters (620 feet) over two tiers on basalt cliffs. The falls are easily accessible, and located just a short walk from the parking area, making it one of the most visited natural attractions in the Pacific Northwest. It is also high on the list of waterfalls in North America worth visiting for all tourists. A picturesque footbridge, Benson Bridge, spans the lower tier, offering visitors a close-up view of the cascading water.
Location: Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
5. Shoshone Falls
Photo: Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons
Known as the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls is 274 meters (900 feet) broad and 65 meters (212 feet) high. This makes it one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States. Located on the Snake River, the falls are best viewed during the spring when water flows are highest due to snowmelt. The surrounding Shoshone Falls Park offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. Its height, exceeding that of Niagara Falls, earns Shoshone Falls a place among North America’s largest waterfalls.
Location: Twin Falls, Idaho
6. Tahquamenon Falls
Photo: Wpwatchdog / Wikimedia Commons
Tahquamenon Falls comprises two main waterfalls, the Upper Falls, one of the largest east of the Mississippi River, and the Lower Falls, a series of five smaller cascades. Their distinctive amber colour characterises the falls, resulting from tannins leached from the surrounding cedar swamps. The encompassing Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers extensive hiking trails, camping facilities, and opportunities for wildlife observation. This makes it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and one of the most famous waterfalls in North America.
Location: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Michigan
7. Ruby Falls
Photo: Jsfouche / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ruby Falls is a 44-meter (145-foot) underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee. Discovered in 1928, it is the nation’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public. The guided cave tours showcase stunning geological formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, culminating in the dramatic unveiling of the illuminated falls. The attraction also features a zip line and a lookout tower.
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
8. Akaka Falls
Photo: Florian Eckerle / Pexels
Akaka Falls is a breathtaking 135-meter (442-foot) waterfall nestled within a lush tropical rainforest on Hawaii’s Big Island. The surrounding Akaka Falls State Park features a short, paved loop trail that leads visitors through verdant vegetation, bamboo groves, and past smaller cascades before revealing the towering Akaka Falls. The area is rich in biodiversity, with numerous native plant species and birdlife.
Location: Akaka Falls State Park, near Hilo, Hawaii
9. Cumberland Falls
Photo: Aaron Vowels / Wikimedia Commons
Cumberland Falls, often called the “Niagara of the South,” is a 21-meter (68-foot) wide curtain of water that plunges into a boulder-strewn gorge. The falls are renowned for the phenomenon of a “moonbow,” a rainbow produced by the light of the moon. It is visible on clear nights during a full moon, a rare occurrence in the Western Hemisphere. The surrounding Cumberland Falls State Resort Park offers hiking trails, horseback riding, and gem mining, providing a variety of activities for visitors.
Location: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky
10. Snoqualmie Falls
Photo: Michael Brunk seattlevlad / Wikimedia Commons
Snoqualmie Falls is a breathtaking 82-meter (268-foot) waterfall located near the town of Snoqualmie in Washington State. The falls are a significant cultural site for the Snoqualmie Tribe, who consider them sacred, believing the mist carries prayers to their ancestors. The falls have been a spiritual and gathering place for centuries, deeply rooted in the tribe’s history. The waterfall is also famous for being featured in the TV series Twin Peaks, attracting fans and nature lovers.
Location: Snoqualmie, Washington
The waterfalls in North America offer a mesmerising blend of power, beauty, and serenity. From the roaring Niagara Falls to the hidden paradise of Havasu Falls, each cascade has a unique charm. Whether you seek adventure, scenic hikes, or peaceful retreats, these waterfalls promise unforgettable experiences. Their breathtaking views, rich history, and natural wonders make them must-visit destinations for travellers. Plan your journey with TripXL to witness nature’s raw power and let the cascading waters leave you spellbound.
Cover Photo: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons
