20+ Incredible Waterfalls to Add to your Bucket List
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11. Twin Falls
- Location: Upstate South Carolina
- Hike required: A simple quarter of a mile walk
Another South Carolina beauty, Twin Falls is easily accessed via a simple 10 minute walk. This is one of the best waterfalls in the Upstate for those who do not want to go all out, but still want to see an incredible waterfall. The picture-perfect sight of 2 side by side waterfalls, one of them soaring 75 feet, makes this one of the most impressive sights in all of South Carolina. On a side note, black bears have been sighted, so do keep your distance.
12. Bridal Veil Falls
- Location: Columbia River Gorge of Oregon
- Hike required: 1/2 mile out-and-back
This creekside waterfall is well worth a visit if you are looking for a great daytrip from Portland. The hike to Bridal Veil is little more than a half mile long and worth every step for the attractive vista point of this 118 foot tall double tiered waterfall. This one is hard to leave as the nature itself surrounding the falls is so peaceful and rustic. Nature lovers will definitely want to place this one first on your Portland to-do list.
13. Hickory Nut Falls
- Location: Chimney Rock State Park in Western North Carolina
- Hike required: 1.4 mile loop
Most tourists visit Chimney Rock State Park to climb the 499 steps up to the breathtaking outcropping overlook. Yes, the vistas of the Blue Ridge mountains from this viewpoint are truly amazing. However, you would be missing out if you did not also hike the short trail to see 404 foot Hickory Nut Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. This is an incredible waterfall which you can get really up close and personal to. Movie buffs will be especially interested to learn that it was featured in The Last of the Mohicans.
14. Triple Falls at Dupont State Forest
- Location: Western North Carolina
- Hike distance: 2 miles out-and-back
Hunger Games fans will want to take note. Triple Falls in Dupont State Forest was featured in the popular franchise. While this site draws lots of movie buffs, more importantly, this hike features 3 incredible waterfalls. A moderate hike will take you to a few of the best waterfalls in the Western North Carolina region. Triple and High Falls both stand tall at 125 feet, while Hooker Falls, at a mere 12 feet, makes up for what it lacks in height, with its’ tremendous volume.
15. Upper Emerald Pools
- Location: Zion National Park
- Hike required: 1.2 miles RT to Lower Pools, 2 miles RT to Middle Pools, 3 miles RT to Upper Pools
Zion is one of the country’s most amazing national parks. While Angel’s Landing gets much press for being one of America’s scariest hikes, there’s plenty of options for those not up for such a thrill. The hike to Emerald Pools is the perfect option for vacationers seeking a moderate challenge. On this hike, you will get to enjoy panoramas of the breathtaking rock formations, plus views of 3 natural pools.
Upper Emerald Pool requires a slightly more challenging trek, although the end result of a 100 foot waterfall emerging from the red rock cliffs, is quite incredible.
