Best Hiking Trails Near Me With Waterfalls

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Last updated: 2026

Hiking trails near me with waterfalls in U.S. parks are one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors. In this guide, you’ll find waterfall hikes that range from easy walks to harder trails, along with quick tips to help you plan your trip and choose the right hike for you.

The hiking trails near me with waterfalls are located in national parks around the country so some of the falls should be near you. We have a fantastic hiking resource with our national parks system.

You want to consider a national park’s pass. The pass gives you an affordable option for visiting our parks. Read this for a complete guide to the America Is Beautiful Pass.

For reliable, detailed hiking information, use AllTrails. There is a free version. Still, the paid version is affordable and offers more helpful information about trails you want to hike.

Get outdoors, hike, and enjoy a beautiful waterfall!

The Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfall Trails – North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most popular scenic drives in America. It’s also one of the longest, running more than 400 miles between Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Enjoy one of these popular hiking trails with waterfalls near me.

President Roosevelt started the parkway project. The project took more than 50 years to finish and was completed in 1963.

You might want to stay in Asheville, North Carolina or Roanoke, Virginia as you enjoy your drive and the waterfall hikes along the parkway. Both towns have nice lodging and places to eat. Each town is also close to many great hiking trails with waterfalls.

Get out and hike one of these hiking trails near me with waterfalls.

Crabtree Falls – Description

Enjoy this moderately difficult loop trail as you hike to Crabtree Falls. You can hike this trail year round and will likely see other hikers along the way.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Type: Loop
• Distance: 2.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 577 feet
• Dogs: On Leash

Linville Falls – Description – Hiking Trails Near Me With Waterfalls

An easy trail, you have great views of Linville Falls at three different spots along the trail.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 0.9 miles
• Elevation Gain: 82 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Roaring Fork Falls – Description

This is really a walk in the woods as much as hiking a trail. Climb to the top of the falls if you like, but be careful if you make the climb! The top of falls are often slippery.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 1.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 127 feet
• Dogs: On Leash

Setrock Creek Falls – Description

An easy hike for adults and children, you get treated to some outstanding waterfalls.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 1.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 147 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Soco Falls – Description – Hiking Trails Near Me With Waterfalls

Take this short hike, and see two waterfalls! Many rate this an easy hike because of the short distance. I rate the trail moderate, maybe harder, since you have to use a rope for both the descent and ascent.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: Loop
• Distance: 0.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: feet
• Dogs: No

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee – Hiking Trails Near Me With Waterfalls

Enjoy the scenic hike along the creek as you hike to the falls. Wear your hiking boots or hiking shoes, and be ready for roots and rocks. A popular trail, so you will likely see other hikers.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to many amazing waterfalls. These beautiful falls are located along the parkway and make for an amazing day trip.

The park sits along the ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park has more than 500,000 acres and is one of the largest parks in the eastern U.S. Congress made the park in 1934, and President Roosevelt dedicated the park in 1940.

The Cherokeees lived in the area for thousands of years before settlers arrived. The Indian Removal Act made most natives east of the Mississippi River leave for Indian Territory.

Most of the Cherokee were also made to leave. A Cherokee warrior helped some remain by staying in the area now known as the park. Another band stayed along a river in the area.

After settlers arrived, logging became a big business. Logging destroyed two thirds of the park’s timber. Visitors and locals came together to raise money that helped form the park.

You can stay at one of the towns near the parks’ three main entrances in:

• Cherokee, North Carolina
• Gatlinburg, Tennessee
• Townsend, Tennessee

Have fun on a hiking trail near me with waterfalls.

Abrams Falls -Description

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 5.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 629 feet
• Dogs: No

Grotto Falls -Description

Since it is close to the road, the trail can be noisy at times. Still, you get to see very pretty waterfalls.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 6.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,243 feet
• Dogs: No

Hen Wallow Falls -Description – Hiking Trails Near Me With Waterfalls

A pretty trail that takes you to a gorgeous waterfall, all ages can enjoy this hike. Look out for bears. If you like, plan to take a swim too.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 6.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,243 feet
• Dogs: No

Indian Creek & Tom’s Branch Falls -Description

This is a hard hike but worth it. You will be treated to two waterfalls on this hike! The park service keeps this trail well maintianed and well marked. Listen to the sounds of the rolling river as you hike to the falls.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Hard
• Type: Loop
• Distance: 4.7 miles
• Elevation Gain: 629 feet
• Dogs: No

Laurel Falls -Description

Enjoy an easy hike for all ages. This is a very good family hike with a good view of the mountains on the way up and a nice waterfall at the end. A popular hike, be prepared to see many other hikers on the trail. Have fun on this easy hike anytime of the year.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 2.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 396 feet
• Dogs: No

Rainbow Falls -Description – Hiking Trails Near Me With Waterfalls

Enjoy a hike along a creek with other hikers. In stretches along the trail, appreciate the silence of the lovely woods. Also, you will relish the pretty falls when you reach the end.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 6.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,617 feet
• Dogs: No

Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado – Hiking Trails Near Me With Waterfalls

• When you visit Rocky Mountain National Park, be ready to enjoy a wide range of spectacular scenery. The park’s five regions offer:
• Majestic mountains
• Alpine lakes
• Meadows teeming with wildflowers for your pleasure.

President Wilson established the park in 1915. The CCC Great Depression jobs program built the park’s main road in the 1930s.

The park has five main regions that include:

1. Moose and big meadows
2. Alpine region
3. Wilderness
4. Heart of the park
5. Waterfalls and backcountry – For waterfalls, consider staying and entering at Estes Park, Colorodo.

Adams Falls – Description

Take this short hike for some great falls. In about 20 minutes, you also hike through a pretty meadow and along a babbling stream before you reach the falls.

Hike just a short distance farther, and you get to see a spectacular mountain view!

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 0.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 104 feet
• Dogs: No

Alberta Falls – Description

An often crowded trail, so come ealy. Enjoy a pretty hike beautiful waterfall at the end.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 1.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 232 feet
• Dogs: No

Ouzel Falls – Description – Hiking Trails Near Me With Waterfalls

Hike along the scenic creek until you reach these gorgeous falls.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 5.9 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1.062 feet
• Dogs: No

Timberline Falls – Description

This hike offers two falls “for the price of one”! At the beginning, you get Alberta Falls followed by Timberline Falls. Be sure to follow the trail to Sky Pond so you see Timberline Falls.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Hard
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 7.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,637 feet
• Dogs: No

Shenandoah Parkway (Skyline Drive) – Virginia -Hiking Trails Near Me With Waterfalls

Drive along the parkway, and enjoy the treasures of Shenandoah National Park. The park was built by the CCC government jobs program during the 1930s Great Depression. With tumbling waterfalls, gorgeous views, and wildlife, you will be glad you did!

If you’re looking for a hike with a waterfall, check out the Shenandoah Parkway. It has plenty of options for hikers who enjoy nature and waterfalls.

Dark Hollow Falls – Description

Hike down to Dark Hollow Falls, and hike up on your return. Follow a pretty river to the falls, and be ready to meet other hikers on this popular trail.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 1.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 564 feet
• Dogs: No

Doyles River Falls – Description

Walk down to these falls too, and be ready for a steep hike back. Enjoy these charming, peaceful falls before heading back up.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate to hard
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 3.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,181 feet
• Dogs: No

Lewis Falls – Description – Hiking Trails Near Me With Waterfalls

A short, shady hike beside running water, a waterfall at the end, what more could you want? Although a short hike, be prepared for some challenge.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 1.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 360 feet
• Dogs: No

Rose River Falls – Description

When you reach the falls, enjoy three different, side by side, cascading falls. You might want your hiking poles since the trail has a lot of rocks. The rocks also get slippery when wet.

You also have the option to hike a longer loop trail that includes Dark Hollow Falls.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 2.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 656 feet
• Dogs: No

Yosemite National Park – California

Congress established Yosemite National Park in 1890. The park was the spark for the national park system we enjoy today. In 1864, President Lincoln declared Yosemite federally protected land.

Known for its waterfalls, enoy the falls and more as you hike Yosemite National Park. The park also offers valleys, enormous sequoia trees, and a huge, wild back country.

Check some of these places to stay near Yosimete.

Bridlaveil Falls – Description (Watch for the reopening.)

The trail is currently closed for trail work. Still, if open when you visit the park, you want to see Bridalveil Falls. Read this for more information about the trail project.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 0.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 121 feet
• Dogs: No

Chilnualna Falls – Description

Even though there is a more than 2,000 foot elevation gain, it is a gradual gain. You have very good views along the way. The views on the trail are great with a nice waterfall at the end. Bring your bug spray!

If you want a very short hike, you can hike for 0.6 mile, with a 252 foot gain, to the lower falls.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 7.7 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,201 feet
• Dogs: No

Lower Yosemite Falls – Description – Hiking Trails Near Me With Waterfalls

Here’s another short, easy hike with great waterfalls at the end. Expect better falls earlier in the year when there’s more water. Later in the year, there might not be any falls!

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Type: Loop
• Distance: 1.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 59 feet
• Dogs: Yes, on leash

Wampa Falls – Description

Follow the shoreline of Hetch Hetchy, and enjoy the waterfall treat at the end of your hike. Be prepared for the heat, and bring a lot of water. There is very little shade.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: Out & back
• Distance: 4.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 954 feet
• Dogs: No

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these hiking trails really “near me”?
These waterfall hikes are located in U.S. national parks and scenic parkways across the U.S. While not all trails will be close to everyone, many readers find at least one park within driving distance or want to plan a trip around one of these areas.

What is the best time of year to see waterfalls?
Spring and early summer usually offer the strongest waterfall flow due to snowmelt and seasonal rain. Later in the year, some waterfalls may slow down or dry up.

Are these waterfall hikes good for beginners?
Yes. This list includes a mix of easy, moderate, and hard hikes. Many of these trails are short and family-friendly, while some are better suited for experienced hikers.

Do I need a park pass for these hikes?
Many of these hikes are inside national parks that require an entrance fee. If you visit parks often, the America Is Beautiful Pass can save you money.

Are dogs allowed on waterfall trails?
Dog rules vary by park and trail. Many national parks do not allow dogs on hiking trails. Always check current park regulations before bringing a pet.

Summary

Enjoy hiking trails near me with waterfalls in one of our national parks. You want to consider a park’s pass. The pass gives you an affordable option for visiting our parks. Read this for a complete guide to the America Is Beautiful Pass.

Remember, for reliable, detailed hiking information, use AllTrails. There is a free version. Still, the paid version is very affordable and offers more helpful information about the trails you want to hike.

If you need hiking clothes read about the best outdoor gear brands here. Also, Amazon has some great hiking gear and affordable prices.