{"id":15167,"date":"2026-06-17T21:47:36","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T21:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=15167"},"modified":"2026-06-17T21:47:36","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T21:47:36","slug":"the-best-waterfall-hikes-in-every-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=15167","title":{"rendered":"The Best Waterfall Hikes in Every State"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Published June 17, 2026 02:06PM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

When it comes to trails with big payoffs, it\u2019s hard to do much better than a waterfall hike. After all, on a hot summer day, there\u2019s little more rewarding than cool mist on your face, icy water on your toes, or a refreshing plunge after a long trek. And, of course, there are the photo ops.<\/p>\n

The other good news: You don\u2019t need to live in a temperate rainforest to find a stunning cascade within at least a few hours\u2019 drive. Desert canyons, stepped bayous, and rocky tumbles exist all across the U.S.\u2014which means you can find a waterfall no matter what kind of landscape you live in. So, next time you\u2019re looking for a trail with a photo-worthy finish line, check this list. Here are 50 cascades\u2014one in every state\u2014that are worth the hike.<\/p>\n

Shangri-La Falls<\/span> (Photo: Jeremy Hardin via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alabama: Shangri-La Falls<\/b><\/h2>\n

Round-trip Distance: <\/b>3 miles<\/p>\n

You might not expect to find a turquoise, tropical rainforest-style pool in northern Alabama, but this oasis exists to defy those expectations. Winter or spring bring epic flows, but forest scenery is lush year-round.<\/p>\n

Alaska: Horsetail Falls<\/b><\/h2>\n

Round-trip Distance: <\/b>4.8 miles<\/p>\n

Sometimes called the Waterfall Capital of Alaska, the town of Valdez sits at the mouth of a canyon that\u2019s absolutely littered with waterfalls. Take the Keystone Canyon Pack Trail to Horsetail Falls to see one of the area\u2019s best: a 300-foot braided wonder that tumbles down a verdant hillside. You\u2019ll be treated to views of mountains and river valleys along the way.<\/p>\n

\"Havasu
Havasu Falls<\/span> (Photo: Peter Thomas)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Arizona: Havasu Falls<\/b><\/h2>\n

Round-trip Distance: <\/b>20 miles<\/p>\n

Havasu Falls is a stunning blue-green cascade that hangs just above the Grand Canyon floor. Its remoteness and permit requirement<\/a> make a coveted visit all the more precious. Overnight permits (day hikes are not allowed) can only be acquired from the Havasupai Tribe website<\/a>. Snag yours, then plan for a 10-mile one-way trek on the Havasupai Trail to reach the falls (and nearby campground).<\/p>\n

Arkansas: Hemmed-In Hollow Falls<\/b><\/h2>\n

Round-trip Distance:<\/b> 5.7 miles<\/p>\n

There are two ways to reach this chattering falls: via a challenging hike on Hemmed-In Hollow Trail, or via a leisurely float on the Buffalo National River. The reward is worth it: the towering waterfall is tucked into a curved hollow and pours down a layered cliff face to meet the river below.<\/p>\n

\"Yosemite
Yosemite Falls<\/span> (Photo: Adam Trenkamp)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

California: Yosemite Falls<\/b><\/h2>\n

Round-trip Distance: <\/b>7.2 miles<\/p>\n

The fifth tallest waterfall in the world at 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls flows strongest in spring and early summer right after snowmelt starts in the high country. The lower falls are accessible from a one-mile loop near Yosemite Valley Lodge, and the upper falls from the 7.2-mile Yosemite Falls Trail.<\/p>\n

Connecticut: Kent Falls<\/b><\/h2>\n

Round-trip Distance:<\/b> 1.1 miles<\/p>\n

At 250 feet, Kent is Connecticut\u2019s tallest waterfall, but height isn\u2019t all it has going for it. This multi-stepped beauty falls in three distinct tiers, making it a treat to view from any angle. Make a loop from the Red and Yellow trails, and budget plenty of time: all routes to the falls feature steep terrain and can be more strenuous than you might expect for the distance alone.<\/p>\n

\"Continental
Continental Falls<\/span> (Photo: Adam Trenkamp)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Colorado: Continental Falls<\/b><\/h2>\n

Round-trip Distance:<\/b> 8.7 miles<\/p>\n

Telluride\u2019s massive Bridal Veil Falls gets a lot of hype, but we recommend this alternative for a quieter, wilder hike. Located just outside the town of Breckenridge, 225-foot Continental Falls is a roaring, multi-tier cascade flanked by spruce trees. The aptly named Spruce Creek Trail<\/a> will lead you right to the base, but the mileage-hungry among us can continue along the Mohawk Lakes Trail <\/a>to tag an additional six alpine lakes.<\/p>\n

Delaware: Alapocas Run<\/b><\/h2>\n

Round-trip Distance:<\/b> Up to 4 miles<\/p>\n

A flat, coastal landscape means waterfalls are few and far between in Delaware. But this state park offers the chance to stroll along Brandywine Creek and Alapocas Run where you\u2019ll spot low falls and unique rock faces along a mixed-surface path.<\/p>\n

\"Falling
Falling Waters<\/span> (Photo: TerryKelly \/ iStock via Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Florida: Falling Waters<\/b><\/h2>\n

Round-trip Distance:<\/b> .6 miles<\/p>\n

Take an easy, looping stroll along Wiregrass Trail to Falling Waters Sink where a creek plummets 73 feet into a 100-foot-deep sinkhole in the rock beneath it. Seasonal conditions dictate whether the falls gush or trickle, so plan to visit after a big rainstorm if you\u2019re looking for peak flow.<\/p>\n

Georgia: Panther Creek Falls<\/b><\/h2>\n

Round-trip Distance:<\/b> 14 miles<\/p>\n

Deep in the Cohutta Wilderness, surrounded by eastern hemlock, a swimming hole at the bottom of picturesque Panther Creek Falls makes for a perfect spot to rest at the end of a long hike. Don\u2019t want to tackle the whole 14 miles in a day? Backcountry campsites are available near the falls, which make it easy to split the trek over a weekend.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Waimoko Falls (<\/span>Photo: picturist via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hawaii: Waimoku Falls<\/b><\/h2>\n

Round-trip Distance: <\/b>4 miles<\/p>\n

This long, narrow cascade in Maui\u2019s Haleakala National Park falls 400 feet down a sheer wall of hardened lava. Get there via a 4-mile round-trip hike through bamboo forest on the Pipiwai Trail. Bonus: there\u2019s an appetizer cascade, Makahiku Falls, just a half-mile from the trailhead.<\/p>\n

Idaho: Shoshone Falls<\/b><\/h2>\n

Round-trip Distance: <\/b>12.6 miles<\/p>\n

Shoshone Falls is an impressively broad, 212-foot cascade that surges with fresh snowmelt come spring. To enjoy the view and get a break from the crowds (most people prefer the shorter, more direct route available above the falls), hike to the bottom via the lesser-used Canyon Rim Trail.<\/p>\n