Data
10 Largest Waterfalls in the US by State: Height and Volume
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.
Guides and tips
The Waterfall Blog
Field-tested advice for planning safer, better waterfall hikes, from reading a topo map to timing the season.
Data
States With the Most Waterfalls: Named Falls Ranked by State
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.
Guides
How to Find Waterfalls Near Me: Maps, Data, and Access Tips
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.
Families
Waterfall Hikes With Kids: Trails, Safety Rules and Gear
Plan waterfall hikes with kids: how to pick trails, realistic distances by age, simple safety rules, what gear to bring and ways to keep the hike fun.
Planning
Leave No Trace at Waterfalls: 7 Principles for Visitors
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.
Safety
Is It Safe to Swim at Waterfalls? Risks and Safer Options
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.
Gear
What to Pack for a Waterfall Hike: A Complete Checklist
A practical checklist for waterfall hikes: footwear for wet rock, layers, offline maps and coordinates, water, first aid, and gear for spray and creeks.
Guides
Types of Waterfalls: Plunge, Horsetail, Cascade and More
Learn the main types of waterfalls, from plunge and horsetail to cascade, tiered and punchbowl, plus how falls form through erosion, caprock and nickpoints.
Photography
Waterfall Photography Tips: Shutter Speed, Filters, and Light
Waterfall photography tips for any camera: shutter speeds for silky or crisp water, ND and polarizing filters, tripods, overcast light, and phone settings.
Planning
The Best Time to Visit Waterfalls: Seasons, Flow, and Crowds
When are waterfalls at their best? Learn how season, rainfall, snowmelt, time of day, and crowds shape your visit, and how to time a trip for peak flow.
Safety
Waterfall Safety Tips: Rules That Keep Hikers Safe Near Falls
Practical waterfall safety tips for hikers: slippery rock, cliff edges, cold water, flash floods, and the habits that keep a visit to the falls a good one.
State guides
Waterfall Lists by State
Ranked lists for every state with more than 10 named waterfalls, updated for 2026. Also see 10 of the Smallest Waterfalls in the US (2026 Updated).
Best Waterfalls by State
Ranked by visitor ratings and review volume.
- Alabama15
- Alaska10
- Arizona10
- Arkansas10
- California15
- Colorado15
- Connecticut10
- Georgia15
- Hawaii15
- Idaho15
- Indiana14
- Kentucky11
- Maine15
- Maryland10
- Massachusetts15
- Michigan15
- Minnesota15
- Montana15
- New Hampshire15
- New Mexico10
- New York15
- North Carolina15
- Ohio14
- Oklahoma10
- Oregon15
- Pennsylvania15
- South Carolina15
- Tennessee15
- Texas15
- Utah13
- Vermont15
- Virginia15
- Washington15
- West Virginia13
- Wisconsin15
- Wyoming15
Most Beautiful Waterfalls by State
Ranked by visitor photos, five-star reviews and scenery.
- Alabama10
- Arizona10
- California10
- Colorado10
- Georgia10
- Hawaii10
- Idaho10
- Indiana10
- Kentucky10
- Maine10
- Massachusetts10
- Michigan10
- Minnesota10
- Montana10
- New Hampshire10
- New York10
- North Carolina10
- Ohio10
- Oregon10
- Pennsylvania10
- South Carolina10
- Tennessee10
- Texas10
- Utah10
- Vermont10
- Virginia10
- Washington10
- West Virginia10
- Wisconsin10
- Wyoming10
Must-See Waterfalls by State
The five most visited falls in each state, with a route between them.
- Alabama5
- Alaska5
- Arizona5
- Arkansas5
- California5
- Colorado5
- Connecticut5
- Georgia5
- Hawaii5
- Idaho5
- Indiana5
- Kentucky5
- Maine5
- Maryland5
- Massachusetts5
- Michigan5
- Minnesota5
- Montana5
- New Hampshire5
- New York5
- North Carolina5
- Ohio5
- Oregon5
- Pennsylvania5
- South Carolina5
- Tennessee5
- Texas5
- Utah5
- Vermont5
- Virginia5
- Washington5
- West Virginia5
- Wisconsin5
- Wyoming5
Best Waterfall Hikes by State
Trail-reached falls ranked by the hikers who reviewed them.