America's Best National Parks for Waterfalls

America's 63 National Parks have a remarkable variety of scenery, from barren deserts to glaciated mountains, wetlands and towering rock walls, as well as countless lakes and forests. The diversity is staggering, but there is - somewhat randomly - one recurring feature across many of the nation's significant natural landmarks: waterfalls.

Some are huge, deafening torrents plunging off cliffs, others are bucolic trickles through peaceful little valleys, and all are well worth a visit. So here, in no particular order, are America's best National Parks for waterfalls.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, with its dramatic granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and lush meadows, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Its glacially-carved landscape creates perfect conditions for some of the most impressive waterfalls in the world, not to mention some of the world's most revered climbing routes.

The Park's unique topography and abundant water supply lead to waterfalls that range from gentle cascades to powerful torrents, so the selection of waterfalls is more diverse than you might initially imagine. The highlight is probably the eponymous Yosemite Falls, which plummets a staggering 2,425 feet, making Yosemite Falls the highest waterfall in North America. The hike to its base offers an impressive view, but the more adventurous can tackle the strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Trail for a close encounter with the roaring cascade and sweeping views of the Yosemite Valley.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

Renowned for its mist-covered mountains and rich biodiversity, Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, and an abundance of stunning waterfalls punctuates its dense forests and rolling terrain.

The Park's high rainfall and varied topography create ideal conditions for waterfalls scattered throughout the Park and accessible via a network of well-maintained trails. The highlights are Laurel Falls (a family-friendly hike leading to an 80-foot cascade), Abrams Falls, Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls, which provides a unique experience where you can actually walk behind the waterfall, provided you don't mind getting a little damp!

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

As the world's first national Park, Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features and dramatic landscapes, not to mention a breathtaking variety of wildlife - both flora and fauna. The combination of volcanic geology and river systems creates numerous opportunities for dramatic waterfalls, many of which are easily accessible to visitors.

The Park's most famous waterfall is the Lower Falls, and it plunges 308 feet into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, offering dramatic views from multiple lookout points along the rim. The 2.4-mile round-trip hike to Mystic Falls, meanwhile, provides a relatively easy trek to a beautiful 70-foot waterfall nestled in the heart of Biscuit Basin, with the option to extend the hike for panoramic views of the Geyser Basin.

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Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is a haven of rolling hills, scenic vistas, and a wealth of waterfalls. Its proximity to the eastern seaboard makes it a popular destination, and the Park's terrain features numerous streams and rivers that create an abundance of waterfalls, many of which can be reached via scenic trails that also offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

At 93 feet, Overall Run Falls is the tallest waterfall in Shenandoah National Park. The hike to this impressive cascade is about 6.4 miles round-trip, offering not only the waterfall but also sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Known for its diverse ecosystems, Olympic National Park features a rugged coastline, old-growth temperate rainforests, and glaciated mountains. This variety of landscapes contributes to a number of stunning waterfalls, and the notoriously wet climate (it is a rainforest, after all!) helps further.

The Park's heavy rainfall and diverse terrain foster the creation of numerous waterfalls, from coastal cascades to falls hidden deep within lush rainforests. The Sol Duc and Marymere Falls are two of the obvious standouts, and both are reached via short (less than two miles each way) hikes on good and easily-reached trails. 

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Sticking in Washington, the towering presence of Mount Rainier alone would make this a standout National Park, but the glaciers and wildflower meadows further sweeten the deal. The Park's high elevation and abundant snowfall create ideal conditions for waterfalls - the tricky part can be accessing them in the all-too-brief periods when the Park is more or less snow-free. Summer is short in Rainer NP, so only come in July or August if you want to see the Park's full repertoire of waterfalls.

Just a short walk from the parking area, Narada Falls drops 168 feet in two tiers and is one of the Park's best-known landmarks. The mist from the falls often creates beautiful rainbows, adding to the beauty. One of the Park's tallest waterfalls at 320 feet is Comet Falls, and reaching it is a challenging 3.8-mile round-trip, featuring steep terrain and rewarding you with stunning views of the falls and their surroundings.

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Zion National Park, Utah

Famous for its towering red cliffs and narrow slot canyons, Zion National Park is also home to numerous picturesque waterfalls. The Park's steep canyon walls and perennial streams result in various waterfalls, from gentle trickles to powerful falls, many of which are set against stunning red rock formations.

Emerald Pools is one of Zion's aquatic highlights, and this series of pools and waterfalls can be explored via several interconnected trails. The hike to the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools is somewhat challenging but offers spectacular scenery and cool, refreshing cascades. Weeping Rock is also well worth a few hours of your time - a short, half-mile round-trip hike takes you to this unique feature where water seeps out of the rock face, creating a curtain of dripping water and a lush hanging garden.

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Glacier National Park, Montana

Known as the "Crown of the Continent," Glacier National Park boasts rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and over 200 waterfalls! The Park's numerous glaciers and high precipitation levels result in a wide array of waterfalls, from easily accessible roadside cascades to remote falls that require a strenuous hike to reach.

If you're only going to check out one waterfall in Glacier, make it Virginia Falls - a beautiful 50-foot waterfall accessible via a 3.6-mile round-trip hike that also passes the scenic St. Mary Falls, making it a two-for-one waterfall experience.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Situated on the Big Island of Hawaii, this Park is known for its active volcanoes and dramatic coastlines. The combination of volcanic terrain and tropical climate results in numerous stunning waterfalls, many of which are set against a backdrop of lush greenery and exotic flora.

Rainbow Falls is one of the best hikes in the Park, and it's wonderful to see the rainbows (hence the name) that often appear in its mist. The short, easy trail provides quick access to this natural wonder. Akaka Falls is also easily accessed and, at 442 feet high, is one of the more spectacular sights you'll find anywhere in Hawaii.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Nestled between the urban centers of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a serene escape from the city. It's not one of the country's better-known Parks, but Cuyahoga Valley's river system and varied terrain create numerous picturesque waterfalls that are easily accessible via a network of trails, making it a great destination for waterfall hikes close to urban areas.

The most iconic waterfall in the Park is Brandywine Falls, which drops 65 feet and is accessible via a boardwalk trail. The view from the top is stunning, offering a perfect photo opportunity. A lesser-known but equally beautiful waterfall, Blue Hen Falls is reached via a moderate 1.5-mile round-trip hike through serene forests.