The tall, the small, the powerful, and the pretty these are Americas best waterfalls.

All are valid superlatives.

But what makes one the best?

Gorgeous view of Cumberland Falls, Kentucky

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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.

A rainbow over Little River Falls, Alabama

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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.

Horsetail Falls in Keystone Canyon, Valdez, Alaska

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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.

Grand Falls, in Arizona

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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.

Twin Falls, Arkansas

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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.

Scenic view of Burney Falls, California

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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.”

A scenic view of North Clear Creek Falls, Colorado,

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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.

Kent Falls, Connecticut

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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.

Brandywine Creek Falls, Delaware

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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.

Devil’s Millhopper Spring, Florida

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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.

Amicalola Falls, Georgia

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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.

Aerial view of waterfall Manawaiopuna Falls, Hawaii

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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.

Minnie Miller Springs, Idaho

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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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Starved Rock State Park Falls, Illinois

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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.

Cataract Falls, Indiana

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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?

Dunnings Springs, Iowa

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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.

Geary Falls, Kansas

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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.

Cumberland Falls, Kentucky

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Rock Falls, Louisiana

Courtesy of J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area

Screw Auger Falls in Newry, Maine

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Scenic shot of the Muddy Creek Falls at the Swallow Falls State Park, Maryland

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Scenic view of Bash Bish Falls, Massachusetts

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Upper Tahquamenom Falls, Michigan

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High Falls on Pigeon River at Grand Portage State Park, Minnesota

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Clark Creek Waterfalls, Mississippi

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Grand Falls on Shoal Creek in Joplin, Missouri

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St. Mary’s Falls, Montana

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Smith Falls, highest waterfall in Nebraska near Valentine, Nebraska

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Galena Creek Falls, Tamarack Peak, Nevada

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Dianas Baths, White Mountains, New Hampshire

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Panoramic view of Buttermilk Falls, New Jersey

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Sitting Bull Falls, New Mexico

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Photo overlooking American Falls at Niagara Falls, NY.

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Dry Falls in Western North Carolina

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Mineral Springs Waterfall, North Dakota

Courtesy of North Dakota Tourism Division

Ash Cave Falls, Ohio

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Turner Falls, Oklahoma

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Scenic view of Toketee Falls, Oregon

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View of Cucumber Falls, Pennsylvania

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Pawtucket Falls, Rhode Island

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Yellow Branch Falls, Walhalla, South Carolina

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Roughlock Falls, South Dakota

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Cummins Falls, Tennessee

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Rainbow over Gorman Falls, Texas

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Fifth Water Hot Springs Waterfall, Utah

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Bingham Falls, near Stowe, Vermont

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Cascade Falls, Virginia

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Palouse Falls, Washington State

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Blackwater Falls, West Virginia

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Big Manitou Falls, Wisconsin

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Shell Falls and Canyon, Wyoming

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