Grand Nature Waterfall Escapes
Waterfall hikes you’ll love to experience
My favorite kind of hikes are waterfall hikes. They always include cooling my feet halfway through and being absorbed by nature. Hikes are a wonderful way to explore nature and exercise, especially when there is a picturesque waterfall along the way. There are so many magnificent waterfalls in the U.S., and here are some of the best waterfall hikes.
Lower Yellowstone Falls, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is full of natural wonders, especially the Lower Falls. At 310 feet, the Lower Falls are twice the height of Niagara Falls. The Brink of the Lower Falls Trail takes you through the canyon to the top of the Lower Falls cascade. Moderate in difficulty, this out and back trail is just 0.7 miles and should take about 30 minutes. This is a great trail for those who are on a time budget and want to see as much of Yellowstone as possible.
Burney Falls, California
Located in the Cascades of northern California’s Shasta County, Burney Falls is over 100 feet of picturesque cascade. These falls flow year-round and are a popular attraction during the summer months. The loop trail for the Burney Falls hike length is 1.2 miles leading to and from the falls, well maintained, and easy to moderate in difficulty. The Burney Falls Loop Trail is great for the family, as it is relatively easy for all ages, and everyone can learn about the geology, plant life, and animal life of this beautiful area.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon
The awe-inspiring Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s most recognizable waterfall. With three separate drops and a total height of 635 feet, it’s easy to understand why. The trail is open to visitors year-round and is extremely popular, so go early in the morning to avoid the bulk of the crowd. At 2.4 miles round-trip, the paved Multnomah Falls Trail is moderate in difficulty and appropriate for families. Be sure to take a photo from the iconic Benson Bridge.
Florence Falls, Montana
Located in Glacier National Park, the Florence Falls Trail is a gentle trip through Jackson Glacier Overlook and lush forest broken up by meadows. At 9.2 miles out-and-back, it is best to dedicate an entire day to this moderately trail. To maximize your time and enjoy as much of the park as you can, be sure to reserve a campsite nearby. You won’t regret spending the day here, as you’re sure to see why the Treasure State lives up to its name.
Lower Calf Creek Falls, Utah
If you ever find yourself near Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Lower Calf Creek Falls is worth a visit. The 6 mile out-and-back trail to the falls is relatively easy, and there is camping available on a first come, first served basis. At the end of the trail, the falls cascade 126 feet into a pool perfect for a refreshing dip. This trail is extremely popular, so going in the middle of the week is recommended to avoid crowds.
Zapata Falls, Colorado
Zapata Falls Recreation Management Area offers access to spectacular hiking and sightseeing. Perched at the edge of the San Luis Valley, Zapata Falls RMA is adjacent to Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Sangre de Cristo mountains. The out-and-back trail to the falls is just 1 mile in length but gets challenging as you approach the falls. To view the falls, take the trail to Zapata Creek and carefully wade up creek to the falls. This trail is definitely for the more adventurous at heart and may not be suitable for small children. However, with so much more to see and do in the area, no one will feel left out of the fun.
