46 Best Sights in USA

After a hard rain, these impressive falls thunder into the Wailuku River gorge, often creating magical rainbows in the mist. Rainbow Falls, sometimes known as the Hilo Town Falls, are located just above downtown Hilo at Wailuku River State Park. Take Waianuenue Avenue west for a mile; when the road forks, stay right and look for the Hawaiian warrior marker sign. The falls remain open during daylight. If you're visiting the falls, drive up to Boiling Pots, also inside the park but a bit farther up the road. At Boiling Pots, four streams fall into turbulent pools that resemble cauldrons.

One of the waterfalls that gives the city its name, 50-foot-high Rainbow Falls is below Rainbow Dam, about 1½ miles east of Giant Springs State Park. An overlook has informational signs about the history of the area, as well as excellent views of the river. The surrounding land is mostly owned by ranchers, although there are some trails cut into the hills near the falls.

The trail to this scenic waterfall starts across the road from Shoemaker Bay, 5 miles south of Wrangell. A ¾-mile trail climbs uphill through the rain forest, with long stretches of boardwalk steps, ending at an overlook just below the falls. Hikers with more stamina can continue another 3 miles and 1,500 vertical feet to Shoemaker Bay Overlook.

At 1,612 feet, this is the highest single fall in North America. It's also the first waterfall to dry up in summer; the rainwater and melted snow that create the slender fall evaporate quickly at this height. Look just west of El Capitan for the best view of the fall from the base of Bridalveil Fall.

Cascading near Two Medicine, these are actually two different waterfalls from two different sources. In spring, when the water level is high, the upper falls join the lower falls for a 40-foot drop into Two Medicine River; in summer, the upper falls dry up, revealing the lower 20-foot falls that start midway down the precipice.

Surrounded by towering red-rock canyon walls, these seven steep waterfalls plummet 181 feet into a tiny emerald pool that shimmers below. Hiking the steep 224 steps to the top of the falls is worth it for the view but you can also take an elevator to the Eagle's Nest look-out. Parking is free at the Penrose Equestrian Center, where a shuttle will take passengers to and from the site. Guides at Soaring Adventures sail patrons across the nearby canyon on 10 zip lines and lead those daring enough to make the trip across rope bridges and on rappelling adventures that feature views of the falls. Restaurant 1858 serves Southern comfort food with a Rocky Mountain twist (try the mixed grill with quail, bison, and venison or Colorado trout served one of seven ways) that is best enjoyed out on the patio overlooking the falls.

This natural rock waterslide, fueled by 11,000 gallons of mountain water every minute, deposits you into a clear cold pool. Wear tennis shoes and bring a towel. Lifeguards are on duty daily 10 to 6 from Memorial Day to Labor Day (and usually on the weekends in September and October). On warm summer days the parking area is often very crowded. No picnicking is allowed, but there are grounds nearby.

A beloved destination for generations of Mainers and visitors, Smalls Falls regularly lands on Maine’s “best waterfalls” lists. The four falls are along a scenic Sandy River gorge at a roadside rest area on a mountainous stretch of Route 4. There's a viewing bridge, and a path (fenced in part) heads up for a closeup look at the falls, which are carved through rock walls of varied color. The tallest drop is 25 feet, and together they total 54 feet, including a 3-foot cascade. Folks wade and swim in the pools below the falls, but don’t risk a dangerous plunge. There are picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms.

One of New England’s best-known reversing falls—the phenomenon is created when the current “reverses” en route from bay to harbor—roils just below the U.S. 1 bridge linking Hancock and Sullivan. Frenchman Bay Conservancy’s 8-acre preserve (no dogs allowed) beside the falls on the Hancock side is a great picnic spot, with tables strung along the waterfront. Two hours before and two hours after low tide is the best time for viewing the falls. The preserve has a viewing platform, and placards explain the area's rich history and ecology. Granite was quarried nearby and shipped in schooners over the falls, once the site of a ferry and train terminal for Bar Harbor visitors. The mingling of fresh and salt water creates an environment that attracts wildlife, especially birds and waterfowl. Check the conservancy's website for information about free concerts at 6 pm on Mondays in the peak summer season—food trucks will be there. The website also lists hiking opportunities at its many other preserves in the region, from Ellsworth to the Schoodic Peninsula.

This is one of the easiest waterfalls to see from the roadside; you can also view volcanic pinnacles here. Tower Creek plunges 132 feet at this waterfall to join the Yellowstone River. Although a trail that used to go to the base of the falls has washed out, it will take trekkers down to the river.

Keep an eye out for the Twin Falls Farm Stand just after mile marker 2 on the Hana Highway. Stop here and treat yourself to some fresh sugarcane juice. If you're feeling adventurous, follow the path (colorful arrows point the way) beyond the stand to the paradisiacal waterfalls known as Twin Falls. Several deep, emerald pools sparkle beneath the falls and offer excellent (and a little cold) swimming and photo opportunities.

This site is on private property, and the family that owns it has implemented a paid ($10 per vehicle), first-come-first-served parking system to help prevent overcrowding. Indeed, this natural attraction has become a tourist hot spot, and although the attention is well deserved, if you want to avoid crowds you might want to keep driving. Note that the Twin Falls site is closed to out-of-state visitors on the first Saturday of the month.

It's a scenic drive and then an easy hike to these picturesque double falls on Reedy Cove Creek, where the left and larger of the falls pitches from a height of 75 feet and white water swooshes over wide gray boulders on the right. Don't give in to the temptation to climb the rocks leading to the top of the falls; not only is the view not much better, but also the stones are very slippery. The trail is on public property, a ¼-mile hike one way.

If you are driving the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, this is a good place to stop en route to Mirror Lake, near mile marker 24, where you can stroll the boardwalk to the terraced falls cascading with clear mountain water.

Fern-covered black rocks frame this 317-foot fall, and rainbows play in the spray at its base. You can get a distant view from Glacier Point, or hike to see it close up. You'll get wet, but the view is worth it. Access is via the Mist Trail from the nature center at Happy Isles

This tumbling waterfall cascades into the New River. A seasonal side falls can be seen from Fayette Station Road, under the New River Gorge Bridge. Up-close views are more challenging, but they can be seen if you hike a short distance up the Kaymoor Trail. Parking is limited.