Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a parent looking for a family-friendly walk, or chasing a cool mountain stream on a hot day, there is a waterfall near you.
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Waterfalls Near You
Popular waterfalls across the country. Allow location to see the falls closest to you.
From the glacier-carved valleys of the Pacific Northwest to the Blue Ridge escarpment and the ledges of the Great Lakes, every named waterfall in the federal gazetteer has its own page with coordinates, the USGS topo map, nearby towns and directions.
Most waterfall lists repeat the same famous falls. We started from the official federal record instead: the U.S. Geological Survey's Geographic Names Information System, which catalogs every officially named waterfall in the country, including hundreds that rarely appear in guidebooks.
Each waterfall is matched to its nearest town, so you can open the page for a place you know and see every named fall around it, ranked by distance. Listings include GPS coordinates, the USGS topographic map name, nearby landmarks and one-tap directions.
The 10 tallest waterfalls in the US and the states they are in, plus the largest by water volume, how height is measured, and why the sources disagree.
Which states have the most waterfalls? We ranked all 50 states by officially named falls in the USGS GNIS and explain the geology and climate behind the data.
Learn how to find waterfalls near you using state and city directories, USGS topo maps, GNIS data, contour lines, land agencies, and current trail reports.
How to apply the seven Leave No Trace principles at waterfalls: stay on trail, prevent erosion, skip rock stacking, pack out trash and respect wildlife.
Is it safe to swim at waterfalls? Learn the real risks, from cold water shock and hydraulics to hidden rocks and flash floods, plus how to choose safer spots.
Allow location access on this page and we will list the closest named waterfalls to you, or type your town into the search bar. You can also browse waterfalls by state and open your nearest town to see every waterfall ranked by distance.
How many waterfalls are listed on WaterfallsNearYou?
We list 2,644 waterfalls: 2,515 officially named falls from the USGS Geographic Names Information System plus 129 added from Google Maps listings, grouped around 1,018 towns in 49 states and the District of Columbia.
Most waterfalls flow strongest in spring during snowmelt and after a few days of steady rain. Late summer and drought periods can reduce some falls to a trickle. See the best time to visit waterfalls.
Is it safe to swim at waterfalls?
Often it is not. Cold water, hidden rocks, strong recirculating currents and slick ledges cause injuries every year. Read is it safe to swim at waterfalls before getting in the water.
Are the waterfalls on this site free to visit?
Many are on public land, but some sit inside parks with entrance fees and some are on private property with no public access. Each listing links to maps and directions; always confirm access with the land manager.
