Hiking is one of the best summer activities, and often those of all skill levels can find something to enjoy—from the expert outdoor enthusiast to the more casual walker that’s just in it for the scenery.

Most state and national parks offer a variety of trails that visitors can learn about ahead of time to choose their own adventure based on scenery; attractions; and trail distance, skill level, and sights along the way. And one of the most beautiful sights to see along any trail is undoubtedly a waterfall (or waterfalls, if you’re lucky).

Below are some of the most gorgeous waterfall hikes in the Eastern United States that offer scenic trails, unbeatable landscapes, and best of all—waterfalls.

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7 Cumberland Falls

Located in Corbin, Kentucky at the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, these falls are a sight to see. Their horseshoe shape is similar to that of Niagra Falls and is known for producing colorful rainbows that will wow visitors. While the park offers a total of 17 miles of hiking trails, the hike to the falls is relatively short—about a 1/2 mile.

  • Fun Fact: Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world that produces ‘moonbows.’ Also called a lunar rainbow, light is refracted in the falls’ water droplets and appears in a clear sky during a full moon.

6 Blackwater Falls State Park

This park in Davis, West Virginia offers visitors not one, not two, but *fifteen* waterfalls that are accessible from various hiking trails throughout the park. The waterfalls are located on seven streams, and while many are along posted trails, some are located off of unmarked trails that are not as easily accessible and can be very steep. With 20 miles of trails to choose from, every visitor will be able to find a trail to suit their skill level and experience.

  • Fun Fact: The park’s namesake, the 60-foot Blackwater Falls, might be the most famous waterfall in West Virginia. The falls’ waters are tinted amber from the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles, making for a perfectly dramatic photo op.

5 Bushkill Falls

This family-friendly tourist destination is known as “The Niagra of Pennsylvania,” is located in Bushkill, PA. The main falls are stunning to behold, clocking in at 100-feet tall; but there are a total of eight other waterfalls for visitors to enjoy. There are many trails to choose from based on the trial length—the shortest only taking 15 minutes. All trails are well maintained and easy to walk on. As Bushkill is a privately owned park, there is an entrance fee.

  • Fun Fact: Bushkill Falls was first opened to the public in 1904 by Charles E. Peters. The Peters family still owns the park to this day.

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4 Fall Creek Falls

A stunning 256-foot waterfall is the main attraction of this Van Buren, Tennessee State Park. With over 56 miles of hiking trails to choose from, visitors can choose where and how they want to explore this gorgeous park. Many of the trails travel to and from the base of Fall Creek Falls (including a .8 mile roundtrip loop), so travelers can easily catch a glimpse of the main falls in addition to the other lovely and diverse scenery throughout the park.

  • Fun Fact: Fall Creek Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the Eastern United States. Visitors will also enjoy the other, less majestic waterfalls in the park including Piney Falls and Cane Creek Cascades.

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3 Mingo Falls

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, these falls are a sight to see—especially after the leaves change, when they are framed by the brightly hued fall colors. The hike is short (about a .4 mile round trip), so don’t expect to spend the day at the falls; though there are plenty of other trails at the park for visitors to explore.

  • Fun Fact: Mingo Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians and is located on a Cherokee Indian Reservation just outside the park’s borders.

2 Margarette Falls

Grenville, Tennessee is home to some incredible scenery along the 3.5-mile hike to the lovely Margarette Falls. Located in the Cherokee National Forest, this 60-foot waterfall is accessible via an easy .5 mile hike that becomes more challenging as it progresses. However, the scenery is well worth it as visitors hike through a lush forest on a path that crosses Dry Creek—a great opportunity to cool those tired feet.

  • Fun Fact: There are other falls to see above Margarette Falls for visitors who want a little extra adventure, exercise, and photo ops.

1 Shenandoah National Park

There are so many waterfalls (over 75!) at this Virginia national park that the Park Service had to publish a booklet to chronicle them all. With over 500 miles of trails to choose from, visitors of every skill level will find something spectacular to see. The most popular trails are well-marked and include Lewis Falls, Doyles River Falls, and Whiteoak Canyon. The highest waterfall in the park (93-feet tall) is Overall Run Falls, accessible via a 5.1-mile roundtrip hike.

  • Fun Fact: Lands Run Falls is a short and easy hike to a series of cascades that descend about 80-feet. The trail is only 1.3 miles round trip, making it an ideal trek for those looking for a less strenuous and fun afternoon jaunt.

With so many hikes to choose from, visitors of every skill level can find a trail that leads to something wonderful—beautiful scenery and the majestic, relaxing rush that accompanies the best awe-inspiring waterfalls.

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