Passport To Budget Travel

The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world, offering an incredible blend of natural beauty, hiking opportunities, and the serene sound of rushing water. This guide will take you on a cross-country journey to visit some of the best waterfalls in the USA. Along the way, we’ll map out a practical route, recommend nearby accommodations, and share key details like hiking times. So pack your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get ready to chase cascades!

1. Multnomah Falls, Oregon

• Hiking Time: 0.5 miles (20 minutes roundtrip to the base, 2.5 hours for the full loop)
• Route Start: Portland, Oregon
• Why Visit: Multnomah Falls is a stunning two-tiered cascade plunging 620 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. It’s easily accessible and features a picturesque bridge halfway up.

Where to Stay:

• Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn (Cascade Locks, OR): Located just a few miles from the falls, this comfortable inn offers gorgeous views of the Columbia River Gorge.

Activities Nearby:

• Explore the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area.
• Visit Hood River for wineries and dining.

2. Shoshone Falls, Idaho

• Hiking Time: No hike required, but short trails are available for views.
• Route: 8-hour drive from Multnomah Falls.
• Why Visit: Known as the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls is taller than Niagara Falls at 212 feet. Situated on the Snake River, this waterfall is most spectacular in spring when water flow peaks.

Where to Stay:

• La Quinta by Wyndham Twin Falls (Twin Falls, ID): Convenient and family-friendly, with easy access to the falls.

Activities Nearby:

• Visit the Perrine Bridge for stunning views of the Snake River Canyon.
• Explore the nearby Dierkes Lake for picnicking and kayaking.

3. Bridal Veil Falls, Utah

• Hiking Time: 1.3 miles (30-40 minutes roundtrip)
• Route: 5-hour drive from Shoshone Falls.
• Why Visit: Nestled in Provo Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls tumbles 607 feet into a clear pool. It’s accessible year-round and offers a scenic trail with minimal elevation gain.

Where to Stay:

• Sundance Mountain Resort (Provo, UT): A rustic yet luxurious retreat offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Activities Nearby:

• Ride the Provo Canyon Scenic Byway.
• Take a chairlift ride at Sundance for panoramic views.

4. Hanging Lake, Colorado

• Hiking Time: 2.4 miles roundtrip (2-3 hours, steep and moderate difficulty)
• Route: 6-hour drive from Bridal Veil Falls.
• Why Visit: Hanging Lake features unique travertine formations and turquoise waters that look otherworldly. The journey to the lake is just as rewarding as the destination.

Where to Stay:

• Hotel Colorado (Glenwood Springs, CO): A historic hotel with charming rooms and easy access to the trailhead.

Activities Nearby:

• Soak in the Glenwood Hot Springs.
• Explore Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

5. Cummins Falls, Tennessee

• Hiking Time: 3 miles roundtrip (2-3 hours, moderate difficulty)
• Route: 16-hour drive (break in Kansas City, MO, overnight).
• Why Visit: Cummins Falls, located in central Tennessee, is a hidden gem with a 75-foot waterfall and a swimming hole at its base. The hike involves river crossings and rugged terrain, adding to the adventure.

Where to Stay:

• The Inn at Evins Mill (Smithville, TN): A cozy, upscale inn just a short drive from the park.

Activities Nearby:

• Explore Edgar Evins State Park.
• Visit the charming town of Cookeville for local eats.

6. Niagara Falls, New York

• Hiking Time: Varies depending on trail (most viewpoints are accessible).
• Route: 11-hour drive from Cummins Falls (break in Pittsburgh, PA, overnight).
• Why Visit: One of the most iconic waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls is a collection of three falls that cascade over 3,000 tons of water per second. Its sheer power and size are unmatched.

Where to Stay:

• The Red Coach Inn (Niagara Falls, NY): A historic B&B within walking distance of the falls.

Activities Nearby:

• Take the Maid of the Mist boat ride.
• Explore the Cave of the Winds for up-close views.

7. Great Falls, Virginia

• Hiking Time: 2 miles roundtrip (1 hour, easy)
• Route: 7-hour drive from Niagara Falls.
• Why Visit: Located along the Potomac River, Great Falls offers dramatic cascades and rugged beauty just outside Washington, D.C. The park features multiple observation points and easy trails.

Where to Stay:

• The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner (McLean, VA): Luxurious accommodation near the falls.

Activities Nearby:

• Visit Washington, D.C. for iconic landmarks.
• Explore the C&O Canal Towpath for more scenic trails.

8. Amicalola Falls, Georgia

• Hiking Time: 2.1 miles roundtrip (1-2 hours, moderate difficulty)
• Route: 9-hour drive from Great Falls.
• Why Visit: At 729 feet, Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia and one of the Southeast’s most spectacular. The trail to the top offers panoramic views of the surrounding Appalachian landscape.

Where to Stay:

• Amicalola Falls Lodge (Dawsonville, GA): Situated within the park, this lodge offers stunning views and easy access to the falls.

Activities Nearby:

• Explore the start of the Appalachian Trail.
• Visit Dahlonega for gold mining history and wine tasting.

9. Ruby Falls, Tennessee

• Hiking Time: 1 hour (guided cave tour)
• Route: 2-hour drive from Amicalola Falls.
• Why Visit: Ruby Falls is a unique underground waterfall located inside Lookout Mountain. At 145 feet tall, it’s the deepest publicly accessible waterfall in the country.

Where to Stay:

• The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel (Chattanooga, TN): A quirky, train-themed hotel near the attraction.

Activities Nearby:

• Ride the Incline Railway to Lookout Mountain.
• Explore Rock City Gardens.

10. Havasu Falls, Arizona

• Hiking Time: 10 miles each way (4-5 hours, strenuous)
• Route: 20-hour drive from Ruby Falls (break in Oklahoma City and Albuquerque).
• Why Visit: Havasu Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Grand Canyon area, known for its bright blue-green waters and dramatic desert setting. Access requires a permit and an overnight stay in the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

Where to Stay:

• Havasupai Lodge (Supai Village, AZ): Basic accommodation required for visiting the falls.

Activities Nearby:

• Visit the Grand Canyon National Park.
• Explore Sedona’s red rock formations.

Final Route Overview

• Total Driving Distance: ~5,500 miles
• Recommended Timeframe: 3-4 weeks
• Key Stops for Overnight Breaks:
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Oklahoma City, OK
  • Albuquerque, NM

This cross-country waterfall adventure covers some of the most stunning natural wonders in the USA, from the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest to the arid beauty of the Southwest. Each stop offers unique landscapes, hiking experiences, and accommodations that cater to both adventurers and comfort-seekers.

Whether you complete the entire loop or choose a few highlights, this itinerary promises memories that will last a lifetime. Happy waterfall chasing!