Discover These 5 Must-Visit Hidden Waterfalls in the U.S.

The United States has some of the most amazing waterfalls, although other than the well-known ones, such as Niagara and Yosemite Falls, there are some relatively unknown waterfalls that are situated in the less-travelled parts of the nation. These are the untamed waterfalls, and are enclosed with tranquil sceneries that provide the serene retreat of life.

Although the US has a number of notable waterfalls, there are certain special things about the waterfalls that are concealed somewhere and can only be experienced by individuals who love taking time to go out of their way. You might be a nature lover or an adventure seeker and marveled by the beauty of these hidden waterfalls you might be wondering what the natural beauty of the waterfalls is. These falls are the wild being of America, not so refined, commercialized and in many cases buried deep in the forests or canyons where nature reigns supreme. Each walk to them will seem like exploration of your own world as the soft murmur of falling water and pine trees will engulf you in a near meditative silence. Going to these waterfalls is more than sightseeing, it is about the association with the wild, it is about the feeling of awe and the true feeling of awe that life in the modern world offers hardly anymore.

1. Ramona Falls, Oregon 

One of the beautiful scenes that any one would want to see in a fairy tale is the Ramona Falls situated in the green Amazon forest at Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon. This falls down the basalt stones and it has a thin and lacey appearance as the water falls. There is the hike to Ramona Falls and 7 miles on each side, which is of mediocre difficulty but well worth it. You will never leave the world behind as soon as you are here in the serene atmosphere accompanied by the view of the beautiful waterfall.

With its moss-laden rocks, its Douglas firs, and its soothing winds, Ramona Falls does not simply appeal to the senses, it is a complete experience. The beating of the water against the boulders is easy to hear and feel like a heartbeat of nature and shaded pathways make the hiking process an enjoyable experience even during the summer season. This waterfall is such an exciting sight to photographers due to the effect of sunlight which flows through the trees and reflects on the silver falls giving it a dream-like shimmer. Early mornings to the lovers of solitude present the most delightful times, when the path is clear, and the mist is close down on the forest floor, and the whole scene seems to be in the airy realms of ethanol.

Bonus Tip: The water-flow is most available around the time immediately after the month of May or the beginning of June. Bringing a picnic to spend time along the falls and enjoying the serenity before you move back.

2. Cummins Falls, Tennessee

Cummins Falls is a 75-foot waterfall in the Cummins Falls State Park, Tennessee, which falls in a beautiful swimming pool. It is a waterfall that is hidden in a rugged slope and can be accessed by a 2.5-mile round trip walk that has rocky slopes and stream crossings. Difficulties of the hike are especially following the rain, but the payoff is a quiet oasis where one can be swimming in the fall of crystal-clear water.

The path itself belongs to the adventure, meandering through the narrow twists and over smooth rocks and listening to the distant roaring water which grows louder with each step. When you arrive at the bottom it is pleasant to be hit by the cool spray of the falls after the walk. It is an ideal summer getaway with mossy cliffs overlooking the natural pool below with the sun penetrating the trees. Tourists usually visit this place to have a swim, and also the adventurers enjoy climbing the rocks to get a better picture. The unadulterated beauty of Cummins Falls embodies what Tennessee wilderness is all about, crude, wild and very refreshing.

Bonus Tip: It is advisable to check out the water levels and the weather conditions prior to going out since the terrain is prone to being slippery. The area of the gorge requires a permit to access it.

3. Havasu Falls, Arizona

The Havasu falls are the most beautiful falls in the United States, which is located in the Grand Canyon at the bottom, on the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Arizona. These canyons are a contrast with the blue turquoise waters on which the deep red is set to create a celestial effect. The Havasu Fall will entail that you travel 10 miles via the trail to the falls though guided tours that may be taken by either a mule or helicopter will be available. When you arrive here, you would be surrounded by an unbelievable 100 feet water fall, within which you would swim in the cool water basins and be amazed by the scenic desert landscape.

Havasu falls are a dream to visit. The crystal clear water, which is coloured with the minerals, makes a near unreal appearance against the rusty walls of the canyon. The rocky and watery terrain reflects the sunlight and the whole valley has a gentle golden hue at the sunrise and the sunset. The Havasupai people, who have inhabited the canyon for centuries, are very respectful of this sacred site, therefore, this not only is a natural wonder, but a cultural experience. Camping by the falls enables you to have a canopy of stars over your head as the soft thunder of the water can be heard weaving through the canyon, and it is a reminder that some of the most beautiful places of the planet are untouched and untampered.

Bonus Tip: Havasu falls are a place that needs permits to visit, and the demand is high, so make sure to plan it long in advance. Springtime and Fall are the most convenient seasons to visit, in order to avoid the extreme heat.

4. Rainbow Falls, North Carolina

Rainbow Falls is a cathedral secret of the Pisgah National Forest which presents a gorgeous sight of the 150 feet waterfall crashing upon stone boulders with some moss growing on them. It is the waterfall that is so called due to the rainbow that mostly appears in the mist during the sunny seasons. The increase to Rainbow Falls is a 3-mile round trip which walks you through a gorgeous forest, and then to the falls.

The trail runs through the fields of wild flowers, wooden bridges and undergrowth and is a bountiful delight to nature lovers. As you come nearer to the falls, the thunderous noise builds up and then when you have at last reached the falls, the scene is stunning, a great cascade surrounded by green foliage. The effect of the sun rays upon the mist to make a rainbow in daytime is a sight you will never forget as the sun rays refracted through the mist to form a rainbow of splendid colors. The swimming pool at the foot of the falls is ideal in order to cool off your feet after the walk, and the picnic area is a peaceful place to have a rest. Rainbow falls would be a great place to visit by photographers, hikers, and any human who would wish to view the wilderness of North Carolina.

Bonus Tip: Once you have seen Rainbow Falls, keep going on the trail to Turtleback Falls, which is another secret waterfall a few feet above it but equally breathtaking.

5. Shoshone Falls, Idaho

The Shoshone Falls or the Niagara of the west, a great waterfall on the Snake River, is located just above Twin Falls, Idaho. This is not entirely concealed but it does not get the appreciation that the waterfalls of the United States do, which are more popular. It actually surpasses Niagara falls with the 212 feet height that is quite amazing. It is better to visit the place in spring when the melting snow of mountains in the area creates a powerful stream of water.

The falls have beautiful scenery with scenic viewpoints, walks, and picnic sites which make it an ideal family place. As the fog is lifted up at the bottom, it creates temporary rainbows which are dancing at the sun rays, a view that is nearly heavenly. At sunset, the entire waterfall turns golden-orange and is therefore one of the most photogenic spots in Idaho. Tourists are also allowed to kayak towards the base (in non-hazard areas), or make picturesque tours of the Snake River Canyon so as to observe its immense beauty in different perspectives. Even though it is so grandiose, the Shoshone falls are still somewhat intimate and peaceful in nature that most of the bigger tourist attractions are not.

Bonus Tip: A day of Shoshone Falls Park is a fantastic place to spend and it has picnic locations, hiking paths, and the ideal place to take a photograph in the golden hour.

These waterfalls that are lurking around remind us that beauty is not always on the path. The fall has not only a view but a narrative, a narrative of the persistence and timelessness and power of nature. You can hike through the forest, your desert, or your canyons, but either way you go, the drop of water that you experience is whispering a story of your time and erosion and regeneration and you will remember your trip through these undiscovered jewels of America.