The tall, the small, the powerful, and the pretty these are Americas best waterfalls.
All are valid superlatives.
But what makes one the best?
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Waterfalls have a somewhat mystical place in our psyche.
Raw and enchanting, they make you feel small.
And sometimes, the best ones are just fun to check off your travel list.
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America has more than 17,000 documented waterfalls.
Here’s the best waterfall in each U.S. state.
Because the 45-foot falls flow intoone of the best swimming holes in the country.
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The first time I saw them, I cried.
They were so beautiful, says Marjorie Magnusson, Arizona Office of Tourism’s media relations manager.
Either way, the area is beautiful and offers prime hiking.
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Fern-cloaked and ethereal, the 129-foot cascades are perhaps the most striking in a region laden with fantastic-looking waterfalls.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Florida
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Fact: Florida is the flattest state.
That means that its waterfalls need a little something special because elevation differentials dont make a big difference here.
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The best waterfall in Florida isnt so much a waterfall as it is a geological marvel.
Manawaiopuna Falls, which is located on the island, is known for its cameo inJurassic Park.
The 18 canyons here were formed by melting glaciers and the resultant floods.
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In the spring or after a big rain four of the canyons feature waterfalls.
“This 125-foot-wide, 60-foot waterfall produces a natural phenomenon called the ‘moonbow.’
Cumberland Falls is the only place in the world where people can view this wonder of the world.”
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If its cold enough, the falls even freeze definitely a unique and impressive sight.
For a quick fix, choose the 0.6-mile loop from the Massachusetts parking lot.
you’ve got the option to see it on aMidwest road tripwhenever you want it flows year-round.
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Grand Falls is the states largest continuously flowing waterfall and its formed from a 163-foot-wide ledge of solid chert.
Thats the waterfall gushing over three separate benches in all its blue-green glory.
Thebest time to visit is spring, when the snow is melting.
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Smith Falls, Nebraska
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Beautiful and biologically significant?
Other times, you want to work for it.
The hike almost always includes a display of wildflowers around mid-July.
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Expect a little bit of ruggedness when you visit the falls are definitely located off-the-beaten track.
you could see the waterfall from two observation platforms ideally on a weekday because weekends can be busy.
Its the best because its hidden; few expect the New Mexico desert to deliver a true oasis.
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Niagara Falls, New York
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Can you even have a best-of waterfall list without mentioningNiagara?
Its composed of three waterfalls the largest, Horseshoe Falls, straddles the border between Ontario and New York.
The two others, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, are firmly in New York state.
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Ash Cave Falls, Ohio
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Hocking Hillsin southern Ohio is anunderrated Midwest destination.
Its eponymous state park is a destination in and of itself.
The access hike is fairly easy and short, and there are natural springs right near the waterfall.
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In the summer, walk behind it to feel the spray on your face.
Maintained boardwalks make it easy to access at anytime.
Cummins Falls, Tennessee
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Those reasons plus its sheer beauty make it the tops.
Gorman Falls is otherworldly.
As you hike down a steep trail, youll hear the falls before you see them.
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Beneath the water and hanging from the cliff wall are slabs of travertine, a sensitive mineral deposit.
In wet years, the falling water feeds lush vegetation.
One of the best though?
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A multi-tiered hot spring waterfall just about an hour and a half outside Salt Lake City.
Natural beauty at its best.
Palouse Falls, Washington
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Palouse Falls is special.
Mickey Shannon
Its one of those places that make you introspective and reminds you of your place in the natural world.
The dramatic, 200-foot plunge was carved through the basalt cliffs more than 13,000 years ago.
The best part about this experience may be that there’s no need to worry about crowds.
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A crowd overlooking Niagara Falls in New York State.cannondaler/Getty Images
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