There’s something about standing in front of a massive waterfall that never gets old. The sound, the power, the way the air cools around it—it’s one of those things that you have to experience firsthand to really appreciate.
I’ve been to a lot of waterfalls, and some look better in pictures than they do in person. The ones on this list don’t disappoint. Whether you want a quick roadside stop or a full-day hike into the backcountry, these parks have waterfalls that actually live up to the hype.
Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
If you want waterfalls, this place has them. Silver Falls State Park is home to the famous Trail of Ten Falls, where you can hike past—and even behind—some of the best waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. South Falls, the most well-known, drops 177 feet straight over a basalt cliff, and you can walk directly underneath it.
These falls aren’t seasonal. Thanks to Oregon’s steady rainfall and mountain-fed streams, they run strong all year. Whether you’re hiking in the summer or catching them in full flow during the rainy months, they’re always worth the trip.
Cummins Falls State Park, Tennessee
Cummins Falls is a waterfall you earn. The hike down isn’t easy—it’s rocky, steep, and requires some wading—but once you get there, you’re standing in front of a 75-foot cascade pouring into a natural swimming hole. It’s one of the best places in Tennessee to cool off after a tough hike.
Unlike a lot of waterfalls that dry up in summer, Cummins Falls flows year-round. It slows down a little in dry months but never stops running. Spring and fall are when it’s at its strongest, but any time of year, it’s a solid spot to check out.
Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia
Cloudland Canyon is home to two massive waterfalls, Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls, both dropping into a deep canyon surrounded by rock walls and thick forest. The hike down is steep, with plenty of stairs, but once you get to the bottom, it’s one of the best waterfall views in the Southeast.
These falls run all year, fed by underground springs and steady rainfall. Winter and spring bring the heaviest flow, but even in the hottest months, they don’t dry up. If you’re looking for waterfalls set in a dramatic landscape, this park delivers.
Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia
At 729 feet, Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia and one of the biggest in the eastern U.S. Water cascades down multiple rock ledges, and you can see it from several vantage points, including a stairway that leads right alongside it.
Because it’s fed by a natural spring, Amicalola Falls never stops flowing. It’s strongest in early spring, but even in late summer, it keeps moving. Whether you’re looking for a quick roadside stop or a tougher hike, this is one of the best year-round waterfalls out there.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Michigan
Tahquamenon Falls is a powerhouse. The Upper Falls stretch 200 feet across and drop 50 feet with a deep, amber-colored flow caused by tannins from nearby forests. The Lower Falls, a series of smaller cascades, are just as scenic and easier to wade into.
These falls run strong in every season. In the winter, they partially freeze over, creating a rugged ice-covered landscape. In spring and summer, the water rages with heavy flow. No matter when you visit, this is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Midwest.
Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
Hocking Hills is packed with waterfalls, rock formations, and caves, making it one of the best hiking spots in Ohio. Cedar Falls is the biggest and most powerful, spilling into a rocky basin surrounded by cliffs. Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave also have waterfalls that run year-round.
These aren’t seasonal streams that dry up after a few hot days. Underground springs keep the water flowing no matter the time of year. If you want a park with multiple waterfalls and plenty of hiking options, Hocking Hills is a great choice.
Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania
If one waterfall isn’t enough, Ricketts Glen delivers 21 of them along the Falls Trail. The biggest, Ganoga Falls, drops 94 feet down a rugged rock face, but the smaller ones are just as scenic, scattered throughout the park’s forested ravines.
These falls run all year, thanks to steady mountain streams. Spring and fall bring the heaviest flow, but even in summer, you won’t find them dried up. If you’re looking for a state park where you can see multiple waterfalls in one hike, this is the place to be.
Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee
Fall Creek Falls is one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the eastern U.S., dropping 256 feet straight down into a rocky gorge. It’s a dramatic sight, and with several other waterfalls in the park—including Cane Creek Falls and Piney Falls—you won’t run out of places to explore.
This isn’t a seasonal waterfall. Thanks to steady rainfall and underground springs, it flows all year, with the heaviest runoff in spring. Whether you’re hiking in the summer heat or checking it out in the winter, Fall Creek Falls always delivers.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
