Best Waterfall Hikes in U.S. National Parks (15 Trails)

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Last updated: May 2026

Some of the most rewarding hikes in America end at a waterfall. There’s a cool spray, the sound of moving water, and a view that rewards your hike to get there. Below are 15 of my favorite waterfall hikes in U.S. national parks, plus a few along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

These hikes cover five areas across the country. Some hikes are within driving distance of most readers. The rest make great destination hikes for your next trip. Each trail has a short overview that includes: distance, difficulty, elevation gain, and whether dogs can come along.

Most of these hikes sit inside national parks or other federal areas. If you visit national parks more than once or twice a year, an America the Beautiful pass often pays for itself.

For maps, trail conditions, and recent reviews, I use AllTrails. The free version is fine for most hikes. The premium plan adds offline maps. I recommend premium for trails with weak cell service.

Quick Reference: 15 Waterfall Hikes at a Glance

Trail	Park	Distance	Difficulty	Dogs
Crabtree Falls	Blue Ridge Parkway	2.6 mi	Moderate	On leash
Linville Falls	Blue Ridge Parkway	1 mi	Easy	On leash
Setrock Creek Falls	Blue Ridge Parkway	1.1 mi	Easy	On leash
Laurel Falls	Great Smoky Mountains	2.5 mi	Easy	No
Grotto Falls	Great Smoky Mountains	2.7 mi	Moderate	No
Rainbow Falls	Great Smoky Mountains	5.3 mi	Moderate	No
Adams Falls	Rocky Mountain	0.8 mi	Easy	No
Alberta Falls	Rocky Mountain	1.6 mi	Easy	No
Timberline Falls	Rocky Mountain	7.8 mi	Hard	No
Dark Hollow Falls	Shenandoah	1.8 mi	Moderate	No
Doyles River Falls	Shenandoah	3.5 mi	Moderate to hard	No
Rose River Falls	Shenandoah	2.5 mi	Moderate	No
Bridalveil Falls	Yosemite	0.7 mi	Easy	No
Lower Yosemite Falls	Yosemite	1.2 mi	Easy	On leash
Wapama Falls	Yosemite	4.9 mi	Moderate	No

Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfall Hikes (North Carolina)

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs more than 400 miles between Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It’s one of the most scenic drives in America. Some of the prettiest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians sit just off the parkway.

If you’re planning a multi-day trip, Asheville, North Carolina and Roanoke, Virginia both make good base towns. Each town has good lodging, great restaurants, and easy access to multiple parkway trailheads.

Crabtree Falls

Enjoy this loop trail down to one of the parkway’s most photogenic waterfalls. The descent is gentle, but the return climb earns its moderate rating. You can hike this trail year round and will likely see other hikers along the way.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail type: Loop
• Distance: 2.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 574 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Linville Falls

An easy out and back with three different overlooks of the falls. Good for families and a great option if you want a short hike with a big reward.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Out and back
• Distance: 1 mile
• Elevation gain: 82 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Setrock Creek Falls

An easy hike for adults and children. The trail is short, shady, and ends at a pretty cascade. A good pick when you want a quick hike with a payoff.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Out and back
• Distance: 1.1 miles
• Elevation gain: 131 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee and North Carolina)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers more than 500,000 acres of ridges, hardwood forests, and streams that feed dozens of waterfalls. It’s also the most visited national park in the U.S., so popular trails fill up. Plan to start your hikes early.

Congress established the park in 1934, and President Roosevelt dedicated it in 1940. The land has deep Cherokee history.

A small group of Cherokee remained in the area now home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. This is worth reading about if you have time before your visit. This Smithsonian case study gives you a good introduction to the Cherokee who stayed in the area.

The park has three main entrances. Good base towns include:

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

Laurel Falls (Currently CLOSED, expected to reopen mid to late 2026)

Note: Laurel Falls Trail is currently closed for rehabilitation. The trail is expected to reopen in mid to late 2026.

This is an easy hike for all ages and a strong family option. The trail is paved most of the way and offers good views of the mountains as you climb to a nice waterfall at the end. A popular hike, so expect company on the trail any time of year.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Out and back
• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Elevation gain: 396 feet
• Dogs: No

Grotto Falls

One of the few falls in the park you can walk behind. The trail runs through old growth hemlock forest and crosses several small streams. The trailhead sits along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which can be busy.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail type: Out and back
• Distance: 2.7 miles
• Elevation gain: 524 feet
• Dogs: No

Rainbow Falls

Hike along LeConte Creek through stretches of quiet woods to a tall waterfall at the end. The trail climbs steadily, so save it for a day when you have the legs for it.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail type: Out and back
• Distance: 5.3 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,594 feet
• Dogs: No

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Rocky Mountain National Park combines high peaks, alpine lakes, and waterfalls you can reach with anything from a short stroll to a full day hike. President Wilson established the park in 1915. The Civilian Conservation Corps built much of its main road during the Great Depression.

For the waterfall hikes below, consider staying in Estes Park, Colorado, the main eastern entrance town.

Adams Falls

This is a short, easy hike to a pretty waterfall on the west side of the park. The trail passes a meadow and follows a stream before reaching the falls in about 20 minutes. Hike a little farther and you’ll get a sweeping mountain view.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Out and back
• Distance: 0.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 104 feet
• Dogs: No

Alberta Falls

The trail is often crowded, so come early. The hike is short and pretty, with a strong waterfall at the end. A good warm up for the bigger trails in the area.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Out and back
• Distance: 1.7 miles
• Elevation gain: 229 feet
• Dogs: No

Timberline Falls

You’ll pass Alberta Falls early on, climb through forest and meadows, and reach Timberline Falls. Many hikers continue another mile each way to Sky Pond. The falls are the payoff if you’re focused on waterfalls.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail type: Out and back
• Distance: 7.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,637 feet
• Dogs: No

Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

Shenandoah National Park stretches along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, with Skyline Drive running its full length. The Civilian Conservation Corps built much of the park during the Great Depression, and the park has more than a dozen named waterfalls.

If you’re hiking around Harrisonburg, see my best hiking trails near Harrisonburg, VA post for trails covered here from a base town angle.

Dark Hollow Falls

Hike down to the falls along a pretty river, and hike back up on your return. The descent is gentle, but the climb back earns its moderate rating. A popular trail, so expect other hikers any time of year.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail type: Out and back
• Distance: 1.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 587 feet
• Dogs: No

Doyles River Falls

Walk down to these quiet falls, and be ready for a steep climb back. Less crowded than Dark Hollow, and a good choice if you want a more challenging hike with a payoff.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate to hard
• Trail type: Out and back
• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,190 feet
• Dogs: No

Rose River Falls

When you reach the falls you’ll see three cascades side by side. Hiking poles help, since the trail has lots of rocks that get slippery when wet. You can also extend the hike into a longer loop that includes Dark Hollow Falls.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail type: Out and back
• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Elevation gain: 656 feet
• Dogs: No

Yosemite National Park (California)

Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic of all places to see waterfalls. Spring runoff brings the falls to full volume. By late summer, some falls slow to a trickle or stop entirely. So, time your visit if waterfalls are your main draw.

President Lincoln declared Yosemite federally protected land in 1864. Congress established it as a national park in 1890, and it became the spark for the national park system we have today.

Check places to stay near Yosemite for lodging options.

Bridalveil Falls

The Bridalveil Fall trail reopened in 2023 after a multi-year rehabilitation project. The walk is short and easy, and the falls are spectacular in spring. Check NPS for current trail status before you go.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Out and back
• Distance: 0.7 miles
• Elevation gain: 85 feet
• Dogs: No

Lower Yosemite Falls

This is another short, easy hike with one of the most iconic waterfalls in the country at the end. It’s best in spring when the falls are at full volume. By late summer, the falls may slow significantly or stop entirely.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Loop
• Distance: 1.2 miles
• Elevation gain: 59 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Wapama Falls

Follow the shoreline of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to a tall waterfall at the end of the hike. Bring plenty of water. There’s very little shade, and the trail can get hot in summer.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail type: Out and back
• Distance: 4.9 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,084 feet
• Dogs: No

What to Bring on Waterfall Hikes

Waterfall trails tend to have wet rocks, occasional stream crossings, and stretches with weak cell service. Here’s what I always carry:

• Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip
• Two liters of water per person
• A trail snack like nuts or jerky
• A small first aid kit
• Bug spray, especially in summer
• Hiking poles for slippery rocks and water crossings

Most of this gear is on Amazon at fair prices. Browse my hiking gear picks on Amazon for more of what I actually use on the trail.

Best Time to Visit Waterfall Hikes

Waterfall flow changes a lot through the year. Plan your visit with the season in mind:

• Spring (March to June): The strongest waterfall flow, thanks to snowmelt and seasonal rain. This is the best window for Yosemite especially.
• Early summer (June to July): Good flow on most eastern falls, weather is mild, trails are dry. Crowds start to build.
• Late summer (August to September): Many waterfalls slow significantly. Some western falls may dry up entirely. Eastern falls fed by groundwater stay reliable.
• Fall (October to November): Lower flow but stunning leaf color in the eastern parks. A favorite season for many hikers.
• Winter (December to February): Some trails close. Others offer frozen falls, which can be magical if you’re prepared with traction devices and warm layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these waterfall hikes near me?
These hikes are spread across U.S. national parks and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Many readers find at least one park within driving distance, or use this guide to plan a trip around a region you want to explore.

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 slow down or dry up.

Are these waterfall hikes good for beginners?
Yes. This list includes a mix of easy, moderate, and hard hikes. Several are short and family friendly. A few are full day adventures better suited for experienced hikers.

Do I need a park pass for these hikes?
Many of these hikes are inside national parks that charge an entrance fee. If you visit parks often, the America the 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. The Blue Ridge Parkway is more dog friendly. Always check current park regulations before bringing a pet.

Summary

Whether you want a short family walk or a full day adventure, there’s a waterfall hike on this list that fits. Pick one that matches your pace. Check the season for water flow, pack water and snacks, and go.

Consider an America the Beautiful pass. If you visit our national parks more than once or twice a year, the pass quickly pays for itself.

For maps, trail conditions, and reviews, use AllTrails. The free version is fine for most hikes. The premium plan adds offline maps, which I recommend for trails with weak cell service.

If you need hiking clothes or other gear, read about the best outdoor gear brands. Amazon also has affordable, durable hiking gear:

If you want to see more of my hiking gear picks, head to my Amazon storefront. I keep it updated with the items I actually use on the trail.