Stunning Cascades to Celebrate National Waterfall Day

by Noreen Kompanik
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Mon June 15, 2026

Though technically, there isn’t an officially recognized ‘National Waterfall Day’ in the U.S., many outdoor lovers celebrate their love of waterfalls on June 16, International Waterfall Day.

Waterfalls are some of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the U.S., luring visitors to national parks, forests and mountain regions across the country. Whether cascading through lush, verdant woodlands or plunging over steep rocky cliffs, waterfalls showcase the incredible diversity of America’s natural scenery.

Here are some of the most picturesque cascades you won’t soon forget.

Yosemite Falls

One of the tallest waterfalls in North America, Yosemite Falls, the treasured centerpiece within Yosemite National Park in California, is surrounded by granite cliffs and stunning valley views. The falls are divided into three sections, Upper Yosemite Fall, the middle cascade and Lower Yosemite Fall. When snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada is at its peak, the cascades become especially powerful and dramatic. In the afternoon sunlight, the falls is known for creating rainbows and in winter, partial freezes form spectacular ice formations along the cliffs.

Niagara Falls

Iconic for its immense power, roaring sound, and misty panoramic scenery, Niagara Falls, often called the ‘monarch of waterfalls’ is one of the most recognizable cascades in the world. Located on the border between the U.S. and Canada, three separate waterfalls (Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls) create an enormous curtain of rushing water with more than 3,000 impressive tons of flow over the falls every second. At night, the falls are illuminated with colorful lights, creating an even more dramatic, memorable scene.

Ruby Falls

Located within Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ruby Falls is a stunning underground waterfall hidden deep within a cave system situated about 1,120 feet below the mountain’s surface and accessible to visitors with a guided tour. The waterfall itself drops almost 145 feet through the cavern, creating a striking scene enhanced by towering rock formations and colorful lighting.

Multnomah Falls

The tallest waterfall in Oregon, Multnomah Falls plunges almost 629 feet in two dramatic tiers. Located in the scenic Columbia River Gorge, the cascade is surrounded by lush evergreen forests, moss-covered cliffs and mist-filled trails that represent a classic Pacific Northwest landscape. The waterfall is fed year-round by underground springs originating from the nearby Larch Mountain, which helps maintain its steady flow even during dry summer months. Visitors can walk up to the historic Benson Bridge, a stone footbridge that crosses between the upper and lower falls to view rushing waters and sweeping canyon scenery.

Havasu Falls

A well-known oasis in the Arizona desert, iconic wonder Havasu Falls is one of the most photographed spots in not only the state of Arizona, but the Southwest. Its waters are a vivid turquoise blue, a dramatic contrast to the red rock cliffs of the deep Arizona canyon. The falls plunge roughly 100 feet into a series of bright blue pools created by mineral-rich water flowing through limestone. To reach the falls, visitors must hike about 10 miles from the trailhead near Hualapai Hilltop to the village of Supai and the campground area near the falls. Because of its remote location and popularity, permits are required well in advance for camping and visits.

Snoqualmie Falls

Dropping about 268 feet, Snoqualmie Falls is a dramatic cascade located near Seattle with beautiful year-round views. The falls hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Snoqualmie Tribe, who consider the site sacred. According to tribal traditions, the mist rising from the waterfall connects the physical and spiritual worlds. Today, the area remains an important cultural landmark as well as a major tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from observation decks located near the top of the falls, while trails lead down to the river below for closer views. During periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, the waterfall becomes especially impressive and thunderous.

Akaka Falls

The Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its waterfalls. As the heart of Akaka Falls State Park, this cascade stands at 422 feet tall. Exploring the falls means passing through a rainforest filled with draping ferns, bamboo groves and too many wild orchid plants to count before reaching the waterfall that plunges into a deep gorge. The walk along the Akaka Falls Loop Trail is a quick and easy hike, something visitors of all ages can do.

McCloud and Burney Falls

Both of these waterfalls in Northern California are popular for their crystalline water, forest scenery and easy access. McCloud Falls is a series of three waterfalls —Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls—located along the McCloud River near Mount Shasta, each with its own character and an easy 1.5-mile hike from the road. Upper Falls is more secluded and rugged, Middle Falls is the most photographed with a wide, curtain-like drop into a deep pool, and Lower Falls is smaller but surrounded by rocky swimming spots. The area is known for its crystal-clear blue water, shaded forest trails, and popular summer swimming holes.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial Park is home to Burney Falls, one of the most visually striking cascades in California. Unlike many seasonal falls, Burney Falls flows year-round, fed by both surface water and underground springs. Sitting at about 129 feet tall, water flows over a mossy cliff in multiple streams, creating a ‘veil’ effect. President Theodore Roosevelt once called Burney Falls the “eighth wonder of the world.”

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