Looking for a great place to go for a waterfall hike and explore waterfalls near you? There are many great hiking trails and waterfalls near you, wherever you may find yourself, depending on what you are looking for.
When selecting a hike or waterfall to visit, ensure that it is one that you will enjoy and can complete. Check out these amazing trails that are perfect for a day (or more) of adventure.
Where are the Most Beautiful Waterfalls and Hiking Trails in Europe?
Hiking and waterfall trails can be found all over Europe, but there are some that are particularly beautiful and well-known.
The most popular hiking spots for waterfalls in Europe tend to be in the mountainous areas of countries such as Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Norway. These places offer stunning views of cascading waterfalls that plunge down into crystal-clear lakes or rivers.
In Switzerland, hikers can visit the Waterfall view area near Zermatt. There are a number of trails that wind their way up to the falls, with many options for stopping along the way to take photos or enjoy a picnic lunch. The hike is relatively easy although it can be quite steep in some parts.
Another popular hiking spot for waterfall lovers is Lauterbrunnen in southeastern Switzerland. This location is home to several beautiful cascades that tumble down from the towering peaks of the Alps. The hike to Lauterbrunnen takes around two hours round trip and offers sweeping views of both the valley below and the glaciers above.
The Best Waterfall Hikes in the United States
There are dozens of amazing waterfall hikes in the United States, but which are the best? Here are the best waterfall hikes in America.
- Upper Fall – Wyoming
Despite being considerably smaller than their lower counterpart, the Upper Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone are no less beautiful. This 109-foot-tall waterfall will appear just as forceful as it is from the platform at the Brink of the Upper Fall.
The viewpoint near Uncle Tom’s Point provides a classic view of Upper Falls and is only a few paces from the Uncle Tom’s Trail parking lot. It takes an average of 8 minutes to complete this route, which is generally regarded as easy. Because this is a popular walking area, you will most likely come across other people while exploring. The months of June through October are ideal for hiking this trek. Dogs are not permitted on this trail, so leave them at home.
2. Lower Falls Yellowstone – Wyoming
Lower Falls is Yellowstone’s tallest waterfall, standing at 308 feet. It stands more than twice as tall as Niagara Falls, and the flow rate varies from 63,500 gallons per second in the spring runoff season to 5,000 gallons per second in the dry fall season. While the peak flow time is obviously more spectacular, the warmer, drier seasons of late summer and fall are preferable for visiting the park.
You can see them up close by visiting the platform at the Lower Falls’ Brink. Red Rock Point, Artist Point, the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, Uncle Tom’s Trail, and various points along the South Rim are also good places to see the falls.
3. Rainbow Falls Trail- Tennessee
Rainbow Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The falls plunge over a series of tiers, with a drop of more than 100 feet. The water is clear and cold, and the backdrop is spectacularly beautiful.
In addition to being an amazing sight to see, Rainbow Falls is also a great place to hike. The trails are well-maintained and easy to follow, and there are several overlooks along the way that provide stunning views of the falls.
4. Twin Falls – South-Central Idaho, United States
Twin Falls, once in the heart of the Oregon Trail’s most inhospitable stretch, was founded in 1904 as a planned community after irrigation projects on the Snake River made large-scale agriculture in the area feasible for the first time. Twin Falls is the capital of Idaho’s Magic Valley region, so named because irrigation projects “magically” transformed the harsh landscape into productive farmland. While agriculture is still the city’s primary industry, its proximity to outdoor activities as well as casino gaming in nearby Nevada lends it a regional tourist flavor. Twin Falls has a population of over 40,000 people, making it one of Idaho’s major cities outside of the Boise metropolitan area. Despite the fact that Twin Falls
5. Bridal Veil Falls – Washington
Bridal Veil Falls, a 1,328-foot waterfall on the same-named creek in the U.S. state of Washington, runs directly from Lake Serene to the South Fork Skykomish River. It has four tiers that are perpetually 150 feet broad, with two of them being easily seen.
The National Forest of Mount Baker and Snoqualmie includes Bridal Veil Falls. The parking area has a hiking trail that goes to the waterfall.
6. Hooker Falls – North Carolina
This 14-foot waterfall is a short family-friendly trail with some elevation gain and beautiful views. There are two designated accessible parking spaces in the partially paved lots at the trail’s east end off Stanton Road. The trail surface is typically at least 5 feet wide and made of gravel or other natural surfaces (with pavement and railings at the bridge). The first 0.25 miles of the trail are the most accessible.
Trail users/hikers in wheelchairs/mobility equipment or strollers may require assistance or should avoid the steeper sections after a quarter-mile.
7. Multnomah Falls – Oregon
Multnomah Falls is one of the most popular hiking areas in Oregon, and for good reason. This waterfall is located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and it is home to some of the best waterfalls in the state.
The falls can be seen from a number of different viewpoints, but the best way to experience them is to hike up to them. There are several trails that lead up to Multnomah Falls, and all of them are fairly easy to follow.
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, you can also take one of the longer trails that goes through the gorge.
8. Silver Falls, Oregon
Silver Falls is a beautiful, 75-foot waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. The falls can be seen from roads and trails in the area, but the best way to experience it is to hike to it. There are several trails that lead up to the falls; each offers a different perspective of Silver Falls.
Once at Silver Falls, visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk among towering evergreens or take in the rushing water from atop cliffs.
How to Find Other Potential Hiking Waterfalls Near You
To start, use the keyword ‘hiking’ to find trails and waterfalls that are specifically related to hiking. You can also use the keyword ‘waterfall’ to find trails and waterfalls that feature a waterfall as part of their attraction.
Once you have found a few potential hikes or waterfalls, it is important to research each one before deciding which one to visit. Make sure to read the descriptions of each hike or waterfall carefully so that you know what to expect.
Also, be prepared for weather conditions; some hikes may be closed in winter due to snow or ice, while others may be inaccessible during rainstorms or high winds.
Crooked falls, Elk Falls Provincial Park , Bruce Trail, Bow Falls, Niagara Falls, Niagara Escarpment, Sherman Falls, Shannon Falls, Tews Falls, Tiffany Falls, Canterbury Falls, Brandywine Falls, Albion Falls, High Falls Cascade Falls, Inglis Falls, Smokey Hollow Falls, Lake Louise, Christie Falls, Johnston Canyon, Elbow Falls, Eugenia Falls, Webster Falls, Nairn Falls, Chedoke Falls, Tew Falls, Rockway falls, Dundas valley conservation area, Borers Falls, Sheep River Falls Felkers Falls, Della Falls and Decew Falls are some of the most well-known and beautiful parks in Canada, with excellent trails for waterfall hikes.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a nature-filled escape, consider visiting one of the many waterfalls and hiking trails near you. Also, try and check out the waterfalls with hiking trails mentioned in this article, and search for more using the tips given.
No matter where you go, be sure to pack your camera – there’s no better way to capture the beauty of nature than with a picture!
