Waterfalls organically evoke a sense of peace and tranquility. Whether it's the serene atmosphere or the calming sound of gushing water that has you searching for a gorgeous aquatic spot, the U.S. has plenty to offer. Waterfalls are gorgeous natural fixtures that have a lot to offer in terms of entertainment. Travelers gravitate towards these unique destinations in order to get some swim, sun, and satisfaction.

Around the U.S., waterfalls can be found more heavily in northern regions. Each one of these spots is an ideal place to sightsee, hike, or even indulge in some water sports. Not to mention, waterfalls make killer backgrounds for Instagram pictures. Check out the 10 most photogenic waterfalls in the United States.

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10 McWay Falls

Location: Big Sur, California

An 80-foot waterfall can be seen on the coastal shores of California. It flows year-round emptying out into the Pacific Ocean. It's surrounded by staggered rocks, making its coveted beaches inaccessible unless you travel by boat. Still, this crystal-clear oasis makes for stunning photographs once you hike up the rocks to the Waterfall Overlook.

9 Niagara Falls

Location: New York and Canada

Niagara Falls straddles the international border between America and Canada. It is comprised of three separate waterfalls named Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are famous for its historical significance, namely its contribution to industrial endeavors and its use for hydroelectric power. Today, the Falls offer numerous attractions for tourists such as boat rides, walking tours, and the Niagara Falls State Park. It also serves as an optimal spot for photographers to capture its natural beauty.

8 Havasu Falls

 

Location: Arizona, USA

On the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Arizona, this waterfall is a scenic destination. The gorgeous monument seems other-worldly with its jagged infrastructure and glistening blue pool. Its lush surroundings make Havasu Falls one of the most breath-taking waterfalls that you will find in the U.S. Travelers like cool off here after a day of hiking and take some unbelievable photographs.

7 Nugget Falls

Location: Juneau, Alaska

Downstream from the Nugget Glacier is Alaska is Nugget Falls, otherwise known as Mendenhall Glacier Falls. This spot can be accessed by the sandbar beneath its death or by hiking along its side. Nugget Falls is an unbelievable natural scene that people will visit for the sake of a picturesque moment. In fact, visitors shouldn't be surprised to see an active proposal take place here as the Falls are used frequently to commemorate the moment for happy couples.

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6 Tahquamenon Falls

Location: Paradise, Michigan

This location is made up of two separate waterfalls. The elevated portion of Tahquamenon Falls has a noticeable copper color that is a result of the runoff from the nearby cedar swamp. The lower waterfall cascades around an island which people can visit by boat. These waterfalls are fierce, pumping out as many as 50,000 gallons of water per minute. Tahquamenon Falls look especially gorgeous in the fall and winter months.

5 Yellowstone Falls

Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Another natural site that is made up of two waterfalls are those located in Yellowstone Park. The river runs down to precipice, although the Lower Falls of Yellowstone is more celebrated for its beauty. The lower sector is made possible from the Canyon Rhyolite lava trail that occurred around 590,000 years ago. It is the largest volume waterfall in the Rocky Mountains and twice the height of Niagara Falls.

4 Virginia Falls

Location: Glacier National Park, Montana

Virginia Falls is a popular hiking destination in the Glacier National Park. There are three waterfalls along this route, including St. Mary Falls and two other unnamed cascading rivers. Virginia Fall's is a tiered waterfall that ends in a small pool nestled in an integral rock bed. Virginia Falls is easily the most impressive waterfall, with a 50-foot drop that chutes to the base right at the hiker's feet. Explorers can enjoy the mist from the water and take the opportunity to snap some pictures.

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3 Silver Falls State Park

Location: Sublimity, Oregon

With 24 miles of hiking trails and luscious waterfall, Silver Falls State Park presents the perfect opportunity to indulge in wilderness adventures. There are also fourteen miles of horse trails next to the four-mile bike path. The Silver Falls themselves can be found throughout the park, with ten different waterfall backdrops to choose from. The southernmost falls are said to hold the most beauty with a 177-foot cascade. South Falls is the most visited waterfall within the park. The park's highest waterfall, however, sits at 178 feet and is called Remote Double Falls.

2 Cumberland Falls

Location: Corbin, Kentucky

Cumberland Falls, otherwise known as Little Niagara, is a quaint cascading feature in Kentucky. It offers a plethora of activities to partake in including swimming, paddling, hiking, and fishing. It is a part of the Cumberland Falls State Park, which hosts a number of events throughout the year. On clear nights during a full moon, visitors can also be privy to a unique sight. A lunar rainbow (or moonbow) forms at the base of the waterfall and carries over the river in a seemingly unbelievable natural occurrence.

1 Yosemite Falls

Location: Yosemite National Park, California

At 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall within the California park. It consists of three sections, all of which present unique views of the waterfall. This flowing water actually stops around late summer or early fall. Rock climbers seize this opportunity to take a limited excursion up the waterfall. 

There is a legend that is associated with this structure. The native people of Yosemite village, known as the Ahwahneechee people, believed that this waterfall was inhibited by spirits and witches. They called it "Cholock" meaning "the fall" and their folklore has been based down to locals for generations. They believed these spirits once punished a woman for entering their territory. It is believed that the spirits caused this woman's house to be pulled into the depths of the waterfall, taking the woman and her baby with it. 

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