There’s something magical about hiking to a waterfall. The sound of cascading water, the cool mist in the air, and the breathtaking sight of water tumbling over rocks create an unforgettable experience. If you’re a hiking enthusiast looking for trails that offer spectacular waterfalls, this blog post is for you. Here, we’ll explore some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls that you can explore for an enchanting adventure.
1. Yosemite Falls Trail, California
Location: Yosemite National Park
Highlights: Yosemite Falls Trail offers stunning views of North America’s tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls, which plunges 2,425 feet in total. The hike to the top is strenuous, but the panoramic views of the valley and the close-up experience of the waterfall are worth the effort.
Trail Length: 7.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
2. Multnomah Falls Trail, Oregon
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Highlights: Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall at 620 feet. The trail to the top of the falls offers spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge. A picturesque bridge at the lower falls is a popular spot for photos.
Trail Length: 2.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
3. Rainbow Falls Trail, Tennessee
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Highlights: Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot high waterfall known for the rainbow created by its mist on sunny afternoons. The trail passes through a rich forest, offering a scenic and shaded hike.
Trail Length: 5.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
4. Havasu Falls Trail, Arizona
Location: Havasupai Indian Reservation
Highlights: Havasu Falls is famous for its stunning turquoise waters against the red rock canyon. The trail to the falls is part of a longer hike that includes other waterfalls like Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls.
Trail Length: 10 miles one way
Difficulty: Difficult
Note: Permits are required to hike this trail and should be booked well in advance.
5. Bridalveil Fall Trail, California
Location: Yosemite National Park
Highlights: Bridalveil Fall is one of the first waterfalls you see when entering Yosemite Valley. The short and easy trail leads to a viewing area at the base of the 620-foot waterfall, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels.
Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
6. South Falls Loop, Oregon
Location: Silver Falls State Park
Highlights: This loop trail takes you to the stunning 177-foot South Falls and offers the unique experience of walking behind the waterfall. The trail also passes several other waterfalls, making it a waterfall lover’s paradise.
Trail Length: 7.2 miles loop
Difficulty: Moderate
7. Manoa Falls Trail, Hawaii
Location: Honolulu, Oahu
Highlights: Manoa Falls is a 150-foot waterfall located in a lush tropical rainforest. The trail is often muddy but offers a beautiful hike through dense vegetation, bamboo forests, and streams.
Trail Length: 1.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
8. Shenandoah National Park Waterfall Hikes, Virginia
Location: Shenandoah National Park
Highlights: The park offers several waterfall hikes, including the Dark Hollow Falls Trail and the Whiteoak Canyon Trail. Dark Hollow Falls features a 70-foot waterfall and is a short but steep hike, while Whiteoak Canyon offers multiple waterfalls along a more challenging trail.
Trail Length: Dark Hollow Falls – 1.4 miles round trip, Whiteoak Canyon – 4.6 to 8.2 miles round trip depending on the route
Difficulty: Dark Hollow Falls – Moderate, Whiteoak Canyon – Moderate to strenuous
Conclusion
Hiking trails with waterfalls provide a perfect blend of physical challenge and natural beauty. Whether you seek the grandeur of Yosemite Falls, the vibrant colors of Havasu Falls, or the lush scenery of Manoa Falls, these trails offer unforgettable experiences for hikers of all levels. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your camera, and set out to explore these spectacular waterfall trails. Happy hiking!
