The Best Waterfalls in North America

Havasupai canyon

Havasu Falls drops 90 to 100 feet over red cliffs into blue-green plunge pools in the Grand Canyon. Reaching it takes an 8 to 10 mile hike, or a helicopter or mule, and reservations sell out quickly. Mooney Falls is a drop of about 190 to 200 feet into a turquoise pool in Havasu Canyon. The hike from Hualapai Hilltop runs about 11 miles, and the final descent uses chains and ladders. Visitors need a permit for Mooney, and grippy shoes and gloves for the climb.

Huasteca Potosina

Cascada de Tamul drops over a limestone cliff into a turquoise river. Visitors walk 1 to 2 km from parking to the La Morena dock, then row upstream in a boat for about 200 pesos per person. Cascada El Meco sits on a river with a pool at its base and cliffs around it. Visitors drive from Ciudad Valles on a rough road, then take a boat or canoe to the base. Parking and entrance cost about 50 pesos each, and a life jacket is mandatory for swimming.

Canadian falls

Niagara Falls has three falls on the Niagara River, with Horseshoe Falls the largest. They drop over a gorge in constant mist and rainbows. Visitors reach them from the Canadian and American sides, by car or on foot across the Rainbow Bridge. Takakkaw Falls is a tall, narrow drop of milky white water into the Yoho River valley in Yoho National Park. A 10 to 15 minute walk from the car park leads to it. Helmcken Falls is a 141-metre drop of the Murtle River into a volcanic canyon.

Other United States falls

Burney Falls is 129 feet and pours into a deep pool, with a 0.3 mile walk downhill. Vernal Fall drops down granite beside the Mist Trail in Yosemite. Panther Creek Falls cascades 130 feet in two tiers in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Bond Falls in Michigan has a wide cascade and rapids. Twin Falls in Tennessee has a large drop and spray across the river. Shoshone Falls drops 212 feet in Idaho, about six miles from the visitor center. Upper Mesa Falls drops about 114 feet over a basalt cliff.