15 Best Waterfall Hikes in the World

There's a reason why places like Niagara Falls and Iguazú Falls draw millions of visitors annually — watching water cascade over a cliff's edge is a spectacular experience. And while the world's most renowned waterfalls are well worth a visit, some have evolved into full-on tourist attractions with restaurants, gift shops, and transportation that ferries you to and from the main event.

If you're looking for a more organic experience with half the number of tour groups and selfie sticks, check out a waterfall hike, where you'll have to journey on foot to get an up-close view. These beautiful hikes to waterfalls range from a route to a lesser-known cascade in Iceland to one of the oldest trails in Yosemite National Park. Some require a full day of hiking or even an overnight, and others are just a short jaunt from the parking lot. Either way, the extra effort getting there will make the reward that much sweeter.

Veliki Slap, Croatia

The 256-foot Veliki Slap (which translates to "large waterfall") is the highest cascade in Plitviče Lakes National Park, but it's not the only attraction here. The park has seven waterfalls, 16 lakes, and several established trails. If you want to see Veliki Slap, the easiest way is to take Trail A from Entrance 1 and hike the 2.2-mile loop past the falls (and several others). If you're up for a challenge, hop on Trail C from Entrance 1 and enjoy a five-mile hike interspersed with travel through the landscape via boat and train.

Cola de Caballo, Spain

There are several stunning waterfalls in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, but the Cola de Caballo cascade is arguably the most striking. To access it, leave your vehicle at the Pradera de Ordesa car park and pack a substantial day bag — you have an 11-mile hike ahead of you. If you start early enough, you can continue a half-mile past the falls for a midday picnic at the Refugio de Góriz mountain hut.

Havasu Falls, Arizona

The blue-green waters of Havasu Falls are no doubt beautiful, but reaching them is not for the faint of heart. The waterfall sits on land administered by the Havasupai Tribe and is not accessible by road. To access the area, you'll need to apply for a permit and then make the four-hour drive from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park to Hualapai Hilltop. From there, it's an eight-mile trek to Supai Village, followed by a two-mile hike to Havasu Falls. Night hiking is not allowed, so you'll need to stay overnight in the canyon.

Gocta Waterfall, Peru

Recognized as one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, Gocta is found in the Amazonas region of northern Peru. While there are a few ways to reach the falls, the easiest route is to hike from the village of Cocachimba (around six miles round-trip). However, if you want to get up close to both the upper and lower falls, you might want to hike in the other direction, starting at San Pablo and trekking past the falls to Cocachimba (around nine miles) before catching a ride back to your car.

Tappiya Falls, Philippines

You'll want to set aside an entire day for your journey to Tappiya Falls, located near the remote village of Batad in the province of Ifugao. You'll need to hire a bike or take public transportation from the Banaue town center and then hike the remaining 15 minutes to Batad. Upon arriving in the village, the trek to the falls takes around 45 minutes. Along the way, you'll pass the Batad rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ngare Ndare Waterfall, Kenya

Visitors report passing by elephants and other wild animals while hiking through the waterfall-laden Ngare Ndare Forest in the foothills of Mount Kenya, so you'll need to hire a ranger to accompany you. Those who finish the two-and-a-half-mile hike from the reserve's main gate are rewarded with a 30-foot waterfall that topples into six bright-blue natural pools.

Søtefossen, Norway

To see not one, but four waterfalls, head to Norway's Hardangervidda National Park. Starting in the village of Kinsarvik, you'll hike up the Kinso River, first passing by the 338-foot-tall Tveitafossen waterfall and two others before ending at the largest of the four falls: Søtefossen. The trip usually takes about five to six hours, so start early and pack a lunch.

Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Lebanon

The Baatara Gorge Waterfall, also known as the Cave of Three Bridges, is a short walk from the village of Mgharet al-Ghaouaghir near Tannourine on the Lebanon Mountain Trail. While the waterfall is most visible in the spring, when the ice is melting off the peaks above, the gorge itself is worth the trip. Opening out of the earth, the enormous hollow cavern is connected by precarious natural bridges just begging to be photographed.

Fairy Pools, Scotland

On Scotland's Isle of Skye, visitors will find the clear, cobalt-blue Fairy Pools fed by similarly spectacular waterfalls. And while a hike is required to reach this attraction, it isn't a long trek. From the parking lot, the journey to the first main waterfall and pool is around one and a half miles round-trip. If you've worked up a sweat, take a quick dip in the icy waters before spending the afternoon lounging in the sun.

Blackwater Falls, West Virginia

Boasting over 200 cascades, West Virginia is teeming with waterfall hikes. And thanks to the first-ever statewide Waterfall Trail, a collection of more than two dozen waterfalls, it's easy to check them off your list. Signing up for a free trail pass gives hikers access to a digital passport, where they can plan their route and win prizes for checking in at locations. If you only visit one spot, make it the 57-foot Blackwater Falls, accessible via a 0.4-mile out-and-back trail suitable for all hiking levels. Blackwater Falls State Park features over 20 miles of trails and two other waterfalls – Elakala Falls and Pendleton Falls – so it's worth spending a day or more in the area.

Sutherland Falls, New Zealand

Situated near the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s most scenic walks, Sutherland Falls is a popular detour for those completing the epic multiday trek in Fiordland National Park. The 1,904-foot mountain-framed waterfall was one of the filming locations of Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" and lives up to its cinematic hype. Fortunately, its off-the-beaten-path location has kept it free from crowds. Hikers can reach the falls via a moderately challenging 1.5-hour return hike from Milford Track before continuing to one of the nearby rest stops.

Manoa Falls, Hawaii

A lush and easy rainforest trail leads to this 150-foot-tall waterfall, making it a popular spot for hikers of all levels looking to immerse themselves in Oahu's spectacular nature. After a two-year closure for maintenance, the 1.7-mile out-and-back trail reopened in 2021 with some improvements like a widened and resurfaced trail bed, plus more rest stops along the way, making it even more family-friendly.

Yosemite Falls, California

The Yosemite Falls Trail is one of the oldest tracks in Yosemite National Park and boasts views of North America’s tallest waterfall. The 7.2-mile round-trip route starts near Camp 4, along the Valley Loop Trail, and includes a strenuous climb up switchbacks. Hikers who reach the top are rewarded with spectacular vistas of Upper Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock. Depending on the season, you may even feel the mist from the falls. The trail is open year-round, but check the National Park Service website for any closures or alerts due to snowstorms.

Brúarfoss, Iceland

Known as Iceland’s bluest waterfall, Brúarfoss is an underrated and picturesque stop on the Golden Circle driving route. Unlike other waterfalls located next to the road, Brúarfoss is only accessible via a 4.1-mile out-and-back trail from the parking lot, so it tends to be less crowded than other places. What it lacks in size and accessibility, it makes up for in sheer beauty. The waterfall is fed by the glacial waters of the Brúará River, which imbues it with an icy blue color that's especially eye-catching in the winter.

Acquafraggia Waterfalls, Italy

Located in Val Bregaglia, an alpine valley that connects northern Italy and Switzerland, Acquafraggia is famous for its dramatic double falls. The twin cascades are visible from the hamlet of Borgonuovo and are a popular stop for those driving through Valchiavenna on the way to or from St. Moritz, Switzerland. An easy 10-minute walk from the parking lot will bring you to the base of the falls, but there are a few longer trails, including a circular panoramic path and a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail that connects to the nearby village of Savogno. During the summer months, many families picnic beside the falls, and a seasonal pop-up bar offers local food, wine, and post-hike Aperol spritzes.