Morgan Falls – Chequemegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin

Less than two hours from Duluth, Minnesota and near Cables, Wisconsin, Morgan Falls can be accessed less than a mile from the trailhead. The trail to the 70 foot high falls is graveled with low grade slopes. Hikers can continue up the trail for about a mile to reach the overlook at St. Peter’s Dome. More info

Crabtree Falls – George Washington National Forest, Virginia

East of I-81 off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Crabtree Falls Day Use Area features a moderate 2.7 mile trail with scenic views of five cascades. The trail also includes overlooks of the surrounding valley. More info

Cascade Falls – Jefferson National Forest, Virginia

Just thirty minutes from Blacksburg, Virgina, Cascade Falls lives up to its name with a 66-foot drop. The Cascades Day Use Area includes a 4-mile scenic loop trail to the falls with a natural pool ideal for swimming as well as numerous picnic spots. More info

Falls of Lana – Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont

Hop on the Aunt Jenny Trail near the shores of Lake Dunmore to see the Falls of Lana. The falls appear to come from the rocks and then meander down 35 feet. Continue along the Aunt Jenny Trail to Rattlesnake Cliff for a view of Silver Lake and Lake Sunmore. More info

Salt Creek Falls – Willamette National Forest, Oregon

Less than 90 minutes from Eugene, Oregon, Salt Creek Falls are the second highest in the state. Just a short 50 yards down the trail is a viewing platform. For the best view, continue about half-way down to the base of the falls. More info

Falls of Hills Creek – Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

About an hour from Lewisburg, West Virginia, the Falls of Hills Creek contains three waterfalls. The lower falls at 63 feet are the second highest in West Virginia. As you make your way on the Highland Scenic Highway, make time for a quick stop for some breathtaking forest scenery. More info

Stewarts Cascade – Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah

Head just past Sundance Resort near Provo, Utah and make your way to Stewart Falls. A moderately strenuous trail, the mile and a half route takes you up nearly 900 feet. You can get up close and personal to the 200 foot drop of water. You’ll often see other hikers cooling off with the glacial water! More info

Sturtevant Falls – Angeles National Forest, California

Just outside of Los Angeles, California, Sturtevant Falls offers the perfect day trip from the city. The 3.25 mile trail to the falls will take you down into the forest and pass a group of historic cabins and various stream crossings. Once at the falls, take a dip in the pool to cool off before you hike back out. More info

Multnomah Falls – Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon

Less than thirty miles from Portland, Oregon, Multnomah Falls might be the most well known and most visited waterfall on our National Forests. After a short 1.2 mile hike, you’ll come upon a towering cascade of 611 feet of roaring water. More info

Fish Creek Falls – Routt National Forest, Colorado

Just outside of Steamboat Springs, Fish Creek Falls is the perfect quick dose of nature outside of town. Perfect for families, the short one-mile trail features great views of the 283-foot falls. More info

Looking Glass Falls – Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

Mere steps from the road, Looking Glass Falls includes a viewing area as well as swimming below. Less than an hour from Asheville, North Carolina, the picturesque falls cascade 60 feet to the pool below. More info

Holland Falls – Flathead National Forest, Montana

About 90 minutes from Missoula, Montana, the 50-foot high Holland Falls does not disappoint. The 1.5-mile hike on the Holland Falls National Recreation Trail hugs Holland Lake and offers spectacular views of the Mission Mountains. More info

Mesa Falls – Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Idaho

As you approach either the Upper or Lower Mesa Falls, you’ll hear them before you see them. Less than an hour from West Yellowstone, Montana, the falls are easily accessible from the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. From the Visitor Center you can view the Upper Falls and a short walk on the 1.25-mile nature trail leads you to the Lower Falls. More info

Franklin Falls – Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington

Perfect for families, Franklin Falls descends 70 feet to the pool below. About an hour from Seattle and just off of Snoqualmie Pass, the two-mile loop is the perfect day hike. Depending on the time of year, you can explore close to the falls with caution. More info

Nugget Falls – Tongass National Forest, Alaska

When you visit the Mendenhall Glacier, stretch your legs on the 0.8-mile trail to get up close and personal with Nugget Falls. The waterfall drops more than 370 feet in two tiers into the lake at the mouth of the glacier. More info