The list of top 10 waterfalls in the US are Yosemite Falls, Niagara Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Multnomah Falls, Yellowstone Falls, Havasu Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Palouse Falls, Ribbon Falls, and Shoshone Falls. It is based on various factors such as height, volume of water, scenic beauty, accessibility, and popularity among tourists and locals. Yosemite Falls and Niagara Falls are the top waterfalls in the USA due to their immense volume of water, height, and beauty.
In this article, we are going to learn about the Top 10 Waterfalls in the US and their important features.
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About the Top 10 Waterfalls in the US
The top 10 waterfalls in the US provide an abundance of beautiful natural wonders, from Niagara Falls on the boundary between New York and Ontario to the Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite National Park in California. Yosemite Falls is the highest point in North America, but Multnomah Falls in Oregon is as beautiful with its two-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. Though Idaho’s Shoshone Falls, known as the “Niagara of the West,” is known for its amazing height, Havasu Falls offers a stunning shelter among the raw beauty of the Grand Canyon.
List of Top 10 Waterfalls in the US
Here is the list of Top 10 Waterfalls in the US:
|
Name of Waterfall |
Location |
Height (Feet) |
|---|---|---|
|
Yosemite Falls |
Yosemite National Park, CA |
2,425 |
|
Niagara Falls |
Border of NY (USA) and ON (Canada) |
Variable |
|
Horseshoe Falls |
Part of Niagara Falls, NY |
188 |
|
Multnomah Falls |
Columbia River Gorge, OR |
620 |
|
Yellowstone Falls |
Yellowstone National Park, WY |
308 (Lower) |
|
Havasu Falls |
Grand Canyon, AZ |
100 |
|
Bridalveil Fall |
Yosemite National Park, CA |
617 |
|
Palouse Falls |
Palouse Falls State Park, WA |
198 |
|
Ribbon Falls |
Yosemite National Park, CA |
1,612 |
|
Shoshone Falls |
Near Twin Falls, ID |
212 |
1. Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls, located in Yosemite National Park, California, is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. It is a major attraction within the park, especially in the spring when the snowmelt increases its flow. The waterfall is actually made up of three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall, the middle cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall.
- Height: 2,425 feet
-
Features:
- Tallest waterfall in Yosemite NP, and the world
- Consists of three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls
- Best viewed in late spring when water flow is at its peak.
2. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. It straddles the border between New York, USA, and Ontario, Canada. It separates the border between the United States and Canada. It is renowned for its immense size and the sheer volume of water. The falls are a major source of hydroelectric power, highlighting the balance between natural beauty and human utility.
- Height: Horseshoe Falls (167 ft), American Falls (70-100 ft), Bridal Veil Falls (78 ft)
-
Features:
- Made up of three waterfalls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls
- One of the most famous waterfalls in the world
- Offers boat tours and observation decks for spectacular views
3. Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls, part of the Niagara Falls complex, is located on the border of the United States and Canada. It is the most powerful waterfall in North America, as measured by flow rate. It is the largest and most powerful of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls.
- Height: 188 feet
-
Features:
- Most powerful waterfall in North America
- Best viewed from the Canadian side for a panoramic view
- Illuminated at night for a stunning visual experience
4. Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is a magnificent waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Pacific Northwest. The falls are fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, and flow year-round, split into two major drops. A historic bridge built in 1914, the Benson Bridge, allows visitors to cross between the upper and lower falls.
- Height: 620 feet
-
Features:
- Oregon’s tallest waterfall
- Features a bridge (Benson Bridge) for close-up views
- Accessible year-round, with a visitor center at the base
5. Yellowstone Falls
Yellowstone Falls consists of two major waterfalls on the Yellowstone River within Yellowstone National Park: the Upper Yellowstone Falls and the Lower Yellowstone Falls. The Lower Falls, in particular, is one of the most famous features of the park, plunging into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The falls are a central feature in the park’s landscape, offering spectacular views from various points.
- Height: 308 feet (Lower Falls), 109 feet (Upper Falls)
-
Features:
- Comprises two major falls: Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls
- Lower Falls is the taller of the two others
- Offers stunning views from various points in the park
6. Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls is famous for its stunning blue-green waters and is located in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, within the Havasupai Indian Reservation. This waterfall is a peak point for hikers and nature lovers, offering a stunning contrast to the red canyon walls. Access to Havasu Falls requires a hike and a permit from the Havasupai Tribe.
- Height: 100 feet
-
Features:
- Known for its blue-green water
- Located in the Havasupai tribal lands
- Requires a hike to reach, but the view is rewarding
7. Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall is another iconic feature of Yosemite National Park, California. It flows year-round and provides visitors with one of the first breathtaking views upon entering Yosemite Valley. The waterfall’s mist creates a “bridal veil” appearance, which is particularly prominent in the spring during peak flow.
- Height: 617 feet
-
Features:
- Visible from Yosemite Valley entrance
- Flows year-round, with peak flow in spring
- Has a misty appearance that resembles a bridal veil
8. Palouse Falls
Palouse Falls lies within Palouse Falls State Park in Washington State. It features a dramatic 198-foot drop into a unique basalt canyon, and remains of ancient glacial floods. Palouse Falls is considered as the official state waterfall of Washington.
- Height: 198 ft
-
Features:
- One of the last active waterfalls on the Ice Age floods path
- Surrounded by unique geological formations
- Offers viewing platforms and picnic areas
9. Ribbon Falls
Ribbon Falls is a lesser-known but equally stunning waterfall located in Yosemite National Park. It is one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in North America and is especially striking in the spring and early summer when it is at its fullest.
- Height: 1,612 ft
-
Features:
- One of the tallest waterfalls in the U.S.
- Best viewed from the North Kaibab Trail
- Flows mainly during spring and early summer
10. Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls is known as the “Niagara of the West”. It is located on the Snake River in Idaho. It stands taller than Niagara Falls and offers spectacular views, especially during the high water flow of spring and early summer, fed by snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains.
- Height: 212 feet
-
Features:
- Known as the “Niagara of the West”
- Higher than Niagara Falls
- Best viewed in spring when water flow is highest.
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Summary – Top 10 Waterfalls in the US
The top 10 waterfalls in the US are Yosemite Falls, Niagara Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Multnomah Falls, Yellowstone Falls, Havasu Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Palouse Falls, Ribbon Falls, and Shoshone Falls. These 10 waterfalls are the tallest and most famous in the United States of America. America boasts stunning waterfalls, from the iconic giants like Yosemite and Niagara to hidden gems like Havasu with its turquoise waters. This list explores 10 diverse waterfalls, including their heights, unique features, and best times to visit. Whether you seek cascading giants or hidden gems, there’s a waterfall adventure waiting for you across the US! Remember to consider accessibility and physical requirements when planning your trip.
FAQs on Top 10 Waterfalls in US
Which is the Most Beautiful Waterfall in the USA?
The most beautiful waterfall in the USA is subjective to choose, but many consider Yosemite Falls in California to be among the most stunning.
Is Niagara Falls in USA or Canada?
Niagara Falls is located on the border between the United States (New York) and Canada (Ontario).
What are World’s Most Popular Waterfalls?
Here are some of the most popular waterfalls in the world:
- Niagara Falls (United States/Canada)
- Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe)
- Jog Falls (India)
What is Tallest Waterfall in the World?
The tallest waterfall in the world is Angel Falls in Venezuela, with a height of 979 meters (3,212 feet).
Which is the Highest Waterfall in the US?
Yosemite Falls is considered to be the highest waterfall in the US with an approximate height of 2,425 feet.