20+ Incredible Waterfalls to Add to your Bucket List
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6. Catawba Falls
- Location: Western North Carolina
- Hike distance: 1.5 miles out-and-back
Catawba is a stunning 100 foot multi leveled waterfall located about 30 miles east of Asheville in the Pisgah National Forest. The 1.5 mile hike to the waterfall is moderately easy, a bit uphill in a few sections, but nothing regular walkers should find too difficult. This trail is always crowded, not only because of its’ immense beauty, but also because it is the closest waterfall near touristy Asheville. The hike to Catawba is especially beautiful during the autumn months when the forest is alive with brilliantly colored foliage. This is by far the top leaf peeping trail within close proximity to Asheville.
7. Linville Falls
- Location: Western North Carolina
- Hike required: 1.5 mile loop
As one of the country’s most stunning drives, the Blue Ridge Parkway is well worth a cruise during the beautiful spring, summer, and fall seasons. The Parkway runs 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Smoky Mountains. Along the way lie many sights of interest including spectacular 90 foot Linville Falls in Western North Carolina. This natural wonder is easily accessed via a moderate 1.5 mile loop hike. As this waterfall is located within one of the state’s largest wilderness areas, the scenery surrounding the falls is just as mesmerizing as the falls themselves.
8. Horsetail Falls
- Location: Columbia River Gorge of Oregon
- Hike required: No (located roadside)
Horsetail Falls is a wonderful roadside waterfall, easily accessible as it is located right off the Columbia River Highway. This region is loaded with waterfalls, and thus, is appropriately nicknamed “Waterfall Corridor.” Horsetail is one of the best options for anyone seeking to enjoy a gorgeous waterfall without embarking on an arduous hike. The 176 foot waterfall makes quite the statement and truly is impressive considering no effort is required to see this beauty. The waterfall gets its’ name from its’ unique shape which resembles a horses’ tail.
9. Mesa Falls
- Location: Southeastern Idaho
- Hike required: Short stroll around a boardwalk trail
Mesa Falls is one of the most incredible wonders of southern Idaho, which is saying a lot considering the state is packed to the brim with amazing scenery. Both the Upper and Lower falls are accessible via a gorgeous 26 mile long scenic drive known as the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. The 65 foot Lower Falls and 110 foot, 200 foot wide Upper Falls are viewable via a short walk along a paved path. A pretty cool sight to behold as these falls are one of the few untouched still remaining.
10. King Creek Falls
- Location: Upstate South Carolina
- Hike required: 0.7 miles out-and-back
King Creek is another Upstate SC beauty, this one located in the quiet Sumter National Forest. This one requires a moderate 30 minute hike to access the falls. The trek is very woodsy and quiet, so really it feels more like a nature break than an arduous workout. The 70 foot waterfall feels so much larger than it appears. This is a very photogenic waterfall, so don’t forget the camera!
