With few exceptions, waterfalls are one of the world’s wonders that remain inaccessible to the casual traveler. To fully experience the awe-inspiring beauty, you typically have to expend some degree of physical effort and exertion to reach the most spectacular waterfalls. Seldom does the end of a journey bring such amazing rewards as a hike to a refreshing waterfall and the secrets it may hold.
Hiking is a stimulating and beneficial activity for folks of any age group. It improves stamina, cardiovascular health, muscle tone and strength, circulation, and brings a sense of well-being to the soul. We plan to take a look at a few of these spectacular waterfalls throughout the United States that require hiking to fully experience their splendor.
Our list covers trails with varying levels of difficulty to appeal to all hikers along with a rough estimated hiking time. We also included recommended items and special gear needed for your hike.
We included hikes that offer something for nearly everyone with differing mobility requirements. Regardless of your expertise, the listing will provide you with the appropriate information should you want to include an elderly family member, a small child, or a friend with limited mobility. The sheer joy of finding a waterfall at the end of a trek is even better when shared with others.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget your hiking poles! These trails can often be wet, rocky, and slippery, and hiking poles can give you extra traction and stability.
Twin Falls, Idaho
Trail Name: Shoshone Falls Observation Deck Trail
Named after the Native American tribe, Shoshone Falls is probably the best-known waterfall out of several located near Twin Falls, Idaho. This southern Idaho locale is often referenced as the “Niagara Falls of the West.”
Although the falls can be viewed from several trails, one trail is easily accessible for any hiker. The one-mile out and back trail to the Shoshone Falls Observation Deck is wheelchair accessible. If you are looking for an all-purpose trail for the entire family to enjoy, this trail makes hiking to the falls a breeze.
If viewing the falls while paddle boarding or sitting on a dock with your toes in the water is your idea of the perfect hike, follow the signs to Shoshone Falls, where you have your choice of sloping surfaces to breath-catching leaps down steep cliffs dotted with caves. All end at the base of the falls to allow views of the falls at various angles.
Trail Difficulty:
- Shoshone Falls Observation Deck Trail 1 Easy
- Shoshone Falls Trail 2-3 Easy to Moderate
Time Needed: 20 minutes to 90 minutes
What to Bring: Water bottle, a camera, and a light jacket. For the longer trail, take a snack, whistle (for emergencies), flashlight, sunscreen and bug spray. The steeper trails require hiking boots with good traction.
Pets: Dogs allowed; must be leashed. No dogs allowed dogs in the grassy area of Dierkes Lake.
Yosemite National Park, California, Select Waterfalls
1. Trail Name: Bridal Veil Falls
Easily accessible from the valley floor, Bridal Veil Falls is a half-mile paved trail good for small children, seniors, and baby strollers. Due to steep grade in some spots, it may not be suitable for most wheelchair users. Enjoy birdwatching, wildflowers, wildlife, and forested surroundings. Once you reach the falls, you will noticeably see how the falls, with the swirling mist, resembles a bridal veil.
Trail Difficulty: 1 – easy
Time Needed: 10 minutes to 45 minutes
Pets: Dogs allowed; must be leashed.
2. Trail Name: Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail
The six-and-a-half-mile hike along the Mist Trail leads to the west’s stunning waterfalls and views to much of Yosemite. Enjoy a challenging trek along the Merced River. On this trail, you will encounter footbridges, steep climbs and slippery steps to view these tumbling falls from the snow melt high above in the Sierras cascading through the forest.
Sites include the Emerald Pool, rare birds, wildlife, forested areas, mountain peaks, wildflowers and waterfalls too amazing to describe. Be sure to stay alert along this rocky trail. The Mist Trail leaves you damp and sometimes dripping wet by the time you reach the falls. Bugs thrive throughout the summer so bring bug spray!
Trail Difficulty: 4 – difficult
Time Needed: Typically 3 to 6 hours
What to Bring: Water bottle, camera, and a water-resistant jacket. Wear appropriate hiking shoes or boots. Take snacks, whistle (for emergencies), flashlight, sunscreen, bug spray, and a first-aid kit. A change of clothes won’t hurt in case you get chilled. This trail is heavily traveled and well-marked so no map is needed.
Pets: Not allowed
Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee, Benton Falls
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1. Trail Name: Benton Falls Trail
Located near Reliance, Tennessee, the Benton Falls Trail offers a unique experience since you hike down to view this beautiful waterfalls. The elevation change is mere 291 feet over the three-mile hike. Good for all skill levels, this trail is great for exploring kids.
The trail starts at campgrounds in the Chilowee Recreation Area above the falls. This area is great for camping, hiking, mountain biking and trail running; and McKamy Lake is ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and most water sports. Gazebo overlooks serve as beautiful viewpoints to the falls. Enjoy birdwatching, see wildflowers and occasional wildlife along the forested trail leading down to the falls.
Trail Difficulty: 1-2 easy to slightly strenuous
Time Needed: 45 minutes to 90 minutes
What to Bring: Water bottle, camera, and a light jacket. Pack a snack, whistle, flashlight, sunscreen and bug spray for a more enjoyable trek. Although usually heavily traveled, a map and compass are recommended.
Pets: Dogs allowed; must be leashed.
2. Trail Name: Clear Creek to Rim Rock to Slick Rock Laurel Loop
For more experienced hikers, this brisk hiking trail loops the falls without ever losing sight of the falls. The six-and-a-half-mile loop leads you through forests and meadows and accesses to the campgrounds. Portions of this trail lead directly down to Benton Falls for a closer look at this unique waterfall. Begin and end your journey at McKamy Lake and enjoy the year around water activities.
Trail Difficulty: 3 moderate
Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours
What To Bring: Water bottle, camera, and a light jacket. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Bring snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, a flashlight, and a whistle. Although the trail is well-traveled and marked, a map and GPS won’t hurt.
Pets: Dogs allowed; must be leashed.
Douthat State Park, Virginia
Trail Name: Blue Suck Falls Trail
Located in west-central Virginia, these falls are spectacular even when frozen over. Over five-and-a-half miles of rocky hiking trails lead to the stunning Blue Suck Falls. Enjoy your hike through forested woodlands with regional wildflowers on display. If you an experienced trail runner, we highly recommend this trail.
Trail Difficulty: 4-5 rated difficult or higher
Time Needed: 2 to 6 hours
What to Bring: Bring plenty of water, camera and light to medium weight jacket. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and layered clothes. Bring snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, a flashlight, and a whistle. This trail is moderately-traveled during certain portions of the year. Bring a map and a GPS. Leave your itinerary with a trusted person.
Pets: Dogs allowed; must be leashed.
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Which of These Waterfalls Are You Planning to Visit? Is there one you think should have made the list? Tell us in the comments below!
So many of America’s greatest hiking trails lead to spectacular waterfalls but we couldn’t include them all. Nearly every state in the union has waterfalls with hiking opportunities for unforgettable memories. Most folks have cherished childhood memories of waterfall hikes and family camping.
Take the opportunity to explore your local area. You don’t have to drive long distances to find great waterfall hiking opportunities. Start making memories for you and your family now.
