15 Waterfalls So Magical You Won't Believe They're in the U.S.

Tagged as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Victoria Falls in southern Africa epitomizes the jaw-dropping beauty and transformative power that waterfalls have over us. And, lucky for you, some of the world's most awe-inspiring cascades exist right here in the United States—just off the beaten path.

From the Instagram-beloved Multnomah Falls in Oregon and the incomparably majestic Palouse Falls in Washington state to the one-and-only Niagara Falls in New York (and, technically, Canada), here are the most magical waterfalls in the United States—no fairy dust necessary.

Perhaps one of the most captivating destinations in the country, Multnomah Falls is 611 feet of cascading water, surrounded by lush forests and streams. And best of all, it's located a scant 30 minutes outside of Portland—so you don't have to trade urban comfort for a taste of nature. For a view of the falls similar to the one pictured above, you need only drive to the visitors center, park your car, and walk just a few feet to the base of the waterfall. For a closer look, take the paved trail to reach Benson Bridge, which spans the falls at the first tier's base.

Pro tip: For a true taste of Portland, stay at the Ace Hotel in the center of downtown, within walking distance of the legendary Powell's Books—and roughly 1.5 trillion coffee shops.

Also referred to as the Havasupai Falls, this magical destination brings visitors from all over the world to witness the beautiful colors of the canyons in contrast with the crystal blue of the falls. Though, be warned before you set out for the trek that this one is a doozy, and it's recommended for experienced hikers only.

Pro tip: For the best views of the park—not to mention some seriously haute dining—book your room at El Tovar Hotel, which is nestled right inside the park.

Palouse Falls is one of the last active waterfalls on the Ice Age floods path—and also one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest. The park offers three separate ways to experience the falls: either from the lower part of the falls, easily accessible through by the main day-use area adjacent to the parking lot; or the second, at the end of a paved path, for a more secluded canyon view; or you can head to the Fryxell Overlook for panoramic views of the falls and Palouse River Canyon.

Pro tip: For a taste of some of the best cheese in the country, head to Cameo Heights Mansion in Dayton, Washington.

Located more than 1,120 feet below the surface of Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is the deepest waterfall open to the public in the United States. For a truly jaw-dropping look at the waterfall, book the Lantern Tour for a dark and intimate time spent underground.

Pro tip: While you're in Chattanooga, you can't miss a chance to eat at Champy's—where fried chicken is more an experience than a meal.

Following the ʻAkaka Falls Loop Trail, visitors of Hawaii's Akaka Falls State Park can view both the Kahuna and 'Akaka Falls, within just a half mile from each other.

Pro tip: With the motto "Sharing Aloha Since 2000," you can rest assured that the Palms Cliff House Inn will provide you with an unparalleled Hawaii experience—complete with hula lessons.

With only a half-mile hike out of the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, there should be no excuse for missing the beauty of the McWay Falls—and every other inch of Big Sur's seductive coastline. For more instructions on this unforgettable hike, be sure to visit the Hiking Big Sur website.

Pro tip: For spectacular views of the coast and California cuisine, stop for a bite at Nepenthe, just up the road from the trail.

Also known as the Niagara Falls of the West, the Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho, is a truly majestic gem surrounded by deep basalt canyons and rustic waterways. The best time to visit the waterfall is between April and July.

Pro tip: After your excursion, book a room at The Fillmore Inn for Tudor-style fixings from the décor to the delectable cuisine.

Yosemite National Park is home to one of the world's tallest waterfalls: Yosemite Falls. To see the waterfall up close, hikers can either venture out on an all-day hike to reach the top or opt to do the simple one-mile loop trail for a view of the base.

Pro tip: Stay at the Yosemite Valley Lodge to get a glimpse of the falls from your own private room.

The Grand Falls in Arizona is situated on a picturesque portion of the Navajo Nation in the Painted Desert. Since you're on Navajo land, a hiking permit is required to enter the road that leads to the falls. From here, it's only a short half-mile hike to the base.

Pro tip: As is suggested in its name, The View Hotel boasts the best, unobstructed overlook of Monument Valley in all of the Navajo Nation.

You might recognize these falls from one of the opening scenes of Jurassic Park. It's easy to see why the film's producers chose this location in particular, as the cascade evokes a special prehistoric beauty rarely found in not just America but around the world. Unfortunately, you'll only be able to see the Manawaiopuna Falls from a helicopter, since the island is privately owned.

Pro tip: Book your room at the Koloa Landing Resort for impressive panoramas and intimate yoga classes.

Once called the "eighth wonder of the world," the Ramona Falls in Mt. Hood National Forest represent the epitome of Pacific Northwest hiking, with cascading waterfalls, expansive trees, and lush greenery everywhere you look. Though the hiking trail, which winds along the Sandy River, isn't easy—and is closed from December to April—it's truly a trek to remember.

Pro tip: Even though your stay may not be during peak snowfall, a trip to the Collins Lake Resort always offers an authentic view of Oregonian life.

For a glimpse into Colorado's unique geological wonder, pay a visit to Seven Falls in South Cheyenne Canyon, just outside of Colorado Springs. To view the falls, climb the 224 stairs up to the top or choose to take it easy on the in-mountain elevator. That's one way to get your daily steps in!

Pro tip: For an equally unique taste of Colorado, stop by Restaurant 1858 for sustainably sourced meat and local trout.

The Calf Creek Falls are only one enchanting part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante area, which offers some of the most impressive desert scenery in all of the country. To get to the base of the falls, hikers have to pass through beaver ponds and pre-historic rock art sites en route to the waterfall.

Pro tip: To get the most out of your trip, stay at the rustic Dreamkatchers Lake Powell Bed & Breakfast.

Surrounded by dense woodlands and beautiful moss-covered rocks, Burney Falls looks like a forest fairytale. To access this California gem, use the Rim Hiking Trail.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

Pro tip: A stay at the McLoud River Mercantile Hotel proves that, similar to natural beauty, amazing architecture can make us more grounded.

There's no other way to put it: These falls have more than earned their cultural legend status. If you haven't yet visited, make it a point to do so. You can tour 176-foot-tall cascades by boat or by booking a walking tour that takes you behind the falls themselves.

Pro tip: Don't miss the kaleidoscopic light show at night, either!

And for more incredible outdoor adventures, consider the 15 Jaw-Dropping Natural Wonders You'll Only See in America.