The Largest Waterfalls in The US You Must See

The United States boasts over 17,000 waterfalls, each offering its own unique charm and beauty, making nearly all of them worth the pursuit. From towering cascades that plunge dramatically into misty pools to colossal falls that span nearly 1,000 feet in width and roar with incredible force, the sheer diversity and grandeur of these natural wonders are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

If you’re ready to venture beyond the familiar rivers and lakes, it’s time to explore some of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the US. These magnificent cascades promise breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences, showcasing the raw power and serene beauty of America’s natural landscapes.

Niagara Falls, New York

Standing a towering 110 feet tall and nearly 1,000 feet wide, the American side of Niagara Falls is an impressive site to see. In addition to its large size, the water flow is quite powerful too–falling at 32 feet per second and hitting the rocky bottom with 280 tons of force, according to the Niagara Falls State Park website.

The easiest way to get up close and personal with this massive waterfall is by visiting Niagara Falls State Park. Known as the oldest state park in the country, visitors will find a wide range of activities to enjoy here. For starters, you can soak up an impressive view of both the American and Canadian waterfalls at the Observation Tower. Alternatively, visitors who don’t mind getting wet can ride past the falls on the famous Maid of the Mist.

After admiring this powerful waterfall, don’t forget to take in some of the nearby attractions. Old Falls Street is just steps away from the falls and features food vendors, live entertainment, bars, and plenty of photo opportunities. Next, head to ArtPark where park-goers can admire the beautiful art installations and catch the occasional concert. Finally, enjoy a fun, free, and educational outing at the local Niagara Power Vista.

Yosemite Falls, California

Yosemite Falls in California consists of three sections–the upper falls, the middle cascade, and the lower falls. Altogether, these sections of Yosemite stand 2,425 feet tall and stretch roughly 100 feet wide on average. Travelers will find the famous waterfall inside Yosemite Falls State Park. Once in the park, ambitious hikers can journey all the way to the top of the waterfall on a roughly 8-hour hike.

Of course, there is a wide range of additional activities to enjoy during a trip to the state park. Visitors can participate in ranger-led programs, hikes, birdwatching, rock climbing, and picnicking. Yosemite is also a wonderful place to admire local flora and fauna. Other notable features in the park include the Tunnel View Overlook–a scenic spot with breathtaking mountain views and the Yosemite Museum.

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, Wyoming

Located in Yellowstone National Park, the lower portion of Yellowstone Falls stands at a towering 308 feet tall and has a flow of up to 60,000 gallons per second during peak season. The waterfall is situated inside a beautiful gorge that most people call “The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.”

For the best view of this powerful and massive waterfall, head out on the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail–a steep and strenuous hike with a massive payoff. Those looking for something less advanced will find several other trails in the park that offer waterfall lookout points. In addition to the waterfall, Yellowstone National Park is also home to a variety of thermal basins for visitors to explore including hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles, and geysers.

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Made up of an upper and lower waterfall, Multnomah Falls in Oregon stands 620 feet tall and has a flow of 150 cubic feet per second. As one of the most visited sites in Oregon, the waterfall is often quite busy with curious tourists and locals hoping to sneak a peek. According to the US Forest Service, this popular waterfall sees over 2 million visitors each year.

After taking in the waterfall views, visitors can stop by the Multnomah Falls Lodge, for a tasty meal and some souvenir shopping. Those looking for things to do nearby can check out the Bonneville Hatchery. Here, visitors can admire a range of fish species including the sturgeons in the Sturgeon Viewing Center which is home to Herman the Sturgeon–a 500-pound, 10-foot-long fish that’s over 80 years old.

Shoshone Falls, Idaho

Often referred to as the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho is a magnificent sight to see along the shores of the Snake River. The Shoshone Falls are incredibly similar to Niagara Falls in both size and appearance–standing 212 feet high and stretching 925 feet wide. In the area surrounding the falls visitors can enjoy a range of activities including hiking trails, scenic overlook points, a swimming spot, playground equipment, and a boat ramp. Travel a little further out into the town of Twin Falls and visitors will find even more fun things to see and do including Centennial Waterfront Park and the Orton Botanical Garden.

Ruby Falls, Tennessee

Ruby Falls in Tennessee is far from the largest waterfall on this list, but it might just be the most unique. Consisting of a series of cascades, the falls stand roughly 145 feet tall collectively. But what makes Ruby Falls unique is the underground location. Located roughly 260 feet underground inside Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is a delight for tourists and locals.

Although not as tall as some of its above-ground counterparts, Ruby Falls is the largest underground waterfall open to the public in the US. Curious waterfall chasers can descend into the depths of Lookout Mountain on a glass elevator. After that, it’s a short hike to the falls, which are illuminated in colorful lights. While in the area, visitors can enjoy several other activities in and around the mountain such as ziplining at High Point ZIP Adventure and soaking in views of the Tennessee River from the Lookout Mountain Tower.

Upper Whitewater Falls, North Carolina

Standing a towering 411 feet tall, Upper Whitewater Falls in North Carolina is boasted as the “highest waterfall east of the Rockies.” Visitors can find this cascading beauty near the North/South Carolina border, along the shores of the Whitewater River. The lower portion of the waterfall, which clocks in at 200 feet tall, can be found further down the river in South Carolina. Those interested in seeing even more waterfalls can take a roughly 8-mile drive from the upper falls to Gorges State Park. Inside the park, travelers will find 26 additional waterfalls as well as hiking trails, campsites, fishing opportunities, and picnic areas.

Wrapping Up

These seven waterfalls are among the largest and most impressive in the country, but remember, there are thousands more to explore and marvel at throughout the US. Each waterfall offers its own unique allure, from serene cascades to powerful torrents. So don’t wait—pack up your hiking and camping gear and embark on the waterfall adventure of your dreams today. Whether you're seeking tranquility, adventure, or simply the breathtaking beauty of nature, these majestic falls promise unforgettable experiences and stunning vistas that will inspire your wanderlust. Explore, discover, and let the wonder of America’s grand waterfalls take your breath away.