6 Best Waterfalls to Visit in the US

The United States is home to some of the most beautiful man-made and natural waterfalls. From the east to the west, families can experience majestic waterfalls that range from a couple of hundred feet tall to thousands of feet tall. Many waterfalls offer the opportunity for hiking nearby in addition to other attractions like gift shops, cafes, museums, and more. Below we’ve put together a list of the 6 best waterfalls to visit in the US.

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1. Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls, NY)

Bordering New York and Canada, Niagara Falls is a set of three waterfalls: American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Set in the oldest state park in America, Niagara Falls is one of the best waterfalls that is open 365 days a year. Visitors can stand at the Observation Tower or the Crow’s Nest for wonderful waterfall views. There are also various days throughout the year when visitors can view the Falls illuminated at night.

Regarding height, the Falls are around 167 feet tall, with some areas as tall as 188 feet. Although the height of Niagara Falls doesn’t come close to the height of many outstanding waterfalls, Niagara Falls is still one of the most popular natural waterfall sites in the US. 

• Height: 167-188 feet
• Kid-Friendly Rating: 10/10*
• Nearby attractions: 
  • Airplanes Over Niagara – The only airplane tour that flies over the majestic falls. 
  • Falls Adventure Tours – Tour packages for the hardcore thrill-seekers to the family-oriented folks and everyone in between! Choose from boat rides, cave tours, trolley rides, and more.
  • Niagara Power Vista – Interactive electrical fun with virtual rides and hands-on experiments.
  • Aquarium of Niagara – Become a trainer for the day or have a close-up encounter with penguins or seals. 

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2. Yosemite Falls (Yosemite National Park, CA)

Yosemite Falls is located within Yosemite National Park and includes a group of three falls: Upper Yosemite Fall, Middle Yosemite Fall, and Lower Yosemite Fall. Each section of the Falls is considered a drop in one massive waterfall. Although there are many waterfalls to see in Yosemite, Upper Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in the park at 2,425 feet. 

The best time to visit is from November through July, with May being the best time to see the Falls at their peak water flow. Visitors can even embark on a full-day hike to the top of Yosemite Falls. For those interested in seeing one of the best waterfalls from home, you can catch a glimpse of the Falls via this webcam!  

• Height: 2,425 feet
• Kid-friendly Rating: 9/10*
• Nearby attractions: 
  • Yosemite Hospitality Tours – Offering 4 different tours year-round, from 2-hour tours to 8-hour tours.
  • Water Activities – Boating, fishing, and even swimming are permitted in the park as long as regulations are followed.
  • Naturalist Walks – Guided programs about astronomy, history, and more. Kids 5 and under are free!
  • Kids’ Art Classes – Drop-in art classes that are nature and Yosemite-inspired.

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3. Yellowstone Falls (Yellowstone National Park, WY)

Yellowstone Falls is another one of the best waterfalls in the US and actually includes the Upper Falls, Crystal Falls, and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. The Upper Falls is the highest in the park at 308 feet tall, which is almost double the size of Niagara Falls. Crystal Falls is the less popular Falls and sits between the Upper and Lower Falls. 

The best time to visit Yellowstone Falls is during the spring, when visitors can witness the largest amount of water flow. Brink of the Lower Falls is a great viewpoint, although there are other various points to watch, including the South Rim Trail of the Grand Canyon.

• Height: 308 feet
• Kid-friendly Rating: 9/10*
• Nearby attractions: 
  • Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center – Learn how all members of the ecosystem work together while viewing otters, fish, grey wolves, and grizzly bears.
  • Albright Visitor Center – Grab park information, permits for fishing, souvenirs, and view various exhibits.
  • Wyoming Dinosaur Center – Learn all about dinosaurs, visit a real dig site, and check out the Kids Dig Program.

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Related articles:

• Family-Friendly Resorts in the US
• 9 Weekend Travel Tips for Families
• 8 National Parks Perfect for Little Kids
• 14 Tips For Stress-Free Flying with Babies and Toddlers

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4. Multnomah Falls (Columbia River Gorge, OR)

Located in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon, the Multnomah Falls are considered to be one of the best waterfalls and the “most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest.” The Falls are also Oregon’s tallest waterfall, and it can be visited all days of the year. Unlike some falls that have a diminished flow in the fall and winter, Multnomah Falls has a peak water flow in the winter and spring. 

Visitors can check out the base of the Falls, where there is a U.A. Forest Service Visitor Center, gift shop, and more. For those interested in geology, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a great place to study rocks that have been exposed by floods. 

• Height: 620 feet
• Kid-friendly Rating: 7/10*
• Nearby attractions: 
  • Multnomah Falls Lodge – Grab a bite at The Restaurant, stop by the Gift Shop, or grab a cold treat on the weekend. There’s also the Sasquatch Shuttle that will give you a great view of the gorge.
  • Sightseeing Boat Cruises – Choose from a sightseeing, brunch, or dinner cruise.
  • Skamania Lodge Adventures – For those who like to be up in the trees, choose from a ziplining or aerial park tour.

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5. Shoshone Falls (Twin Falls, ID)

Shoshone Falls is often referred to as “The Niagara of the West,” standing at 212 feet, a bit taller than Niagara Falls. Located on the Snake River in Twin Falls, the best time to visit Shoshone Falls can vary depending on the amount of snow that is received each winter. More snow typically means more water! Generally, spring is the best time to see good water flow from the Falls, whereas fall and winter may not produce the lively falls that many travel to see.

Around the Falls, families can enjoy picnicking, playground areas, swimming, and more. For a view of one of the best waterfalls in the US, Shoshone Falls can be seen from home via a live video feed here.

• Height: 212 feet
• Kid-friendly Rating: 6/10*
• Nearby attractions: 
  • Shoshone Ice Caves – Go on a tour through Idaho’s largest ice caves that is safe for all ages.
  • Miracle Hot Springs – Experience swimming in natural hot springs. Glamping domes, cabins, and more accommodations are also available. 
  • Bruneau Sand Dunes – Visit the tallest sand dune peak in North America. Horseback riding, sandboarding, and viewing stars through the Observatory’s telescopes are also available.

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6. Snoqualmie Falls (Snoqualmie, WA)

Snoqualmie Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Washington, bringing in more than 1.5 million visitors every year. At 270 feet tall, you can view the Falls from an upper and lower observation deck which are both open all days of the year. In the evening, you can see a beautiful view of the Falls as they are illuminated. A gift shop, 2-acre park, and Salish Lodge are also located at the Falls, providing fun opportunities for families during their visit. 

For those who love pancakes, the Snoqualmie Falls Lodge “Old Fashioned” Pancake & Waffle Mix is quite a popular product. 

• Height: 270 feet
• Kid-friendly Rating: 8/10*
• Nearby attractions: 
  • Salish Lodge & Spa – Enjoy a massage at the spa or dine at either of the lodge’s restaurants: The Dining Room or The Attic.
  • Northwest Railroad Museum – Take a steam train ride or spend a day with your kids on Thomas the Train!
  • Snoqualmie Bowling – Arcade games, bowling, food, and more!

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As you can see, the United States features some of the most beautiful and best waterfalls, offering tourists a chance to visit them most days of the year—if not all days. Before planning a trip to see one of these majestic waterfalls, make sure to check when the water flow will be at its best. Nearby attractions and hiking make these family trips even more fun!

What waterfall do you think is the best waterfall in the US? Let us know below!

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*Our kid-friendly rating is based on the difficulty of hiking to and from the waterfalls (with 10 being the most kid-friendly and 0 being the least). We also based it on the amount of kid-friendly attractions and opportunities that are nearby!