30 Must-See Waterfalls for 2025

Most waterfall lists? They tell you where to go—but not when or how. Visit Niagara in winter? Frozen. Hike to Havasu Falls without a permit? You won’t get in. Most travelers waste time and money chasing waterfalls that look stunning in photos but underwhelm in person. They visit at the wrong season, miss secret viewpoints, or skip better waterfalls nearby.

After reviewing 100+ locations, travel data, and firsthand reviews, we’ve ranked the 30 must-visit waterfalls for 2025. Whether you want hidden jungle cascades, thundering giants, or the perfect Instagram shot, this list has you covered. The best waterfalls. The right time to visit. No wasted trips.

1. Niagara Falls – Niagara Falls, New York & Ontario

Located on the New York, USA, and Ontario, Canada border, Niagara Falls is among the most powerful waterfalls in the world, with 3,160 tons of water plunging per second. Best visited June to September, it offers experiences like the Maid of the Mist boat tour, the Cave of the Winds, and stunning views from Table Rock (Canada) or Prospect Point (USA). Fun fact: In 1901, Annie Edson Taylor, 63, survived going over the falls in a barrel! Free to visit, with additional attraction fees. Fly into Buffalo, NY (USA) or Toronto, ON (Canada), then drive.

2. Havasu Falls – Grand Canyon, Arizona

Deep in Grand Canyon, Arizona, Havasu Falls is famous for its vibrant turquoise pools, formed by calcium carbonate-rich waters. Accessible via a 10-mile hike, the best time to visit is March-May or September-November. Visitors can swim, camp, or explore nearby Mooney Falls. The overlook above the falls offers the best photos. Managed by the Havasupai Tribe, permits are required (~$100+ per person). No direct road access—reach it by hiking or helicopter from Hualapai Hilltop (3.5-hour drive from Las Vegas). Limited access makes this an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime destination.

3. Multnomah Falls – Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Nestled in Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, Multnomah Falls is a 620-foot, two-tiered waterfall. Spring (March-June) offers peak flow, while fall (September-November) brings stunning foliage. Visitors can walk across the Benson Bridge, hike the Multnomah Falls Trail, or explore the 1925-built Multnomah Falls Lodge. The Benson Bridge viewpoint is best for photos. According to legend, the falls were created by the Great Spirit for a chief’s daughter. Free to visit, but a timed permit may be required during peak season. The waterfall is only a 30-minute drive from Portland, Oregon, making it a must-see stop on a Pacific Northwest trip.

4. Shoshone Falls – Twin Falls, Idaho

Located in Twin Falls, Idaho, Shoshone Falls stands at 212 feet—taller than Niagara Falls! Best visited April-June, it spans 900 feet wide and peaks in flow after snowmelt. Must-do activities include visiting Shoshone Falls Park, kayaking the Snake River, or exploring Perrine Bridge, a BASE jumping hotspot. The upper viewpoint platform offers the best view. A hydroelectric dam (1901) affects water levels, but the falls remain spectacular. $5 per vehicle (seasonal). Just 10 minutes from Twin Falls, Idaho, or a 2-hour drive from Boise, Idaho, it’s one of the West’s most breathtaking natural wonders.