Waterfalls are some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. With over 10,000 waterfalls1 scattered across the country, from the iconic Niagara Falls to lesser-known cascades hidden in state parks, these majestic features have captivated people for generations.
But beyond their sheer beauty, many of these waterfalls hold fascinating histories and legends that add to their allure.
1. Minnehaha Falls, Minnesota
The legendary Minnehaha Falls in Minnesota owes its fame to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s iconic poem, “The Song of Hiawatha.” The lyrical tale of Hiawatha and his love for Minnehaha, the “Laughing Water,” has enchanted generations, drawing visitors to witness the enchanting beauty that inspired the poet’s words.
2. Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Towering majestically at 620 feet, Multnomah Falls in Oregon is often likened to a “Bride’s Veil” for its ethereal cascades. Native American folklore holds that these falls were born from a young princess’s sacrifice during a famine, her tears forming the flowing waters to appease the Great Spirit.
3. Niagara Falls, New York/Ontario
One of the world’s most renowned waterfalls, Niagara Falls has been a source of wonder for centuries. The Iroquois people believed the mighty falls were created by a powerful spirit dwelling beneath the waters, its thunderous roar the spirit’s voice.
4. Havasu Falls, Arizona
Deep within the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Arizona lies Havasu Falls, a breathtaking turquoise oasis surrounded by towering red rock cliffs. Havasupai legend tells of a woman whose tears, shed in mourning for her lost husband, formed these vibrant pools and waterfalls.
5. Shoshone Falls, Idaho
Plunging an impressive 212 feet, Shoshone Falls in Idaho has earned the moniker “Niagara of the West,” ranking among the highest waterfalls in the United States. The Shoshone people believed a powerful spirit lived beneath the falls, and offerings were made to appease it.
6. Palouse Falls, Washington
Carved into the basalt cliffs of eastern Washington, the breathtaking Palouse Falls cascades 198 feet into a canyon sculpted by the last Ice Age. Native American legend holds that a great spirit burst through the earth’s crust, causing the waters to rush forth and create this ancient cataract.
7. McWay Falls, California
Along California’s rugged Big Sur coastline, McWay Falls is a truly ethereal sight, cascading directly onto the sandy beach below. Local lore tells of a heartbroken woman who threw herself into the waters after losing her true love, her grief giving birth to these falls.
8. Taughannock Falls, New York
In the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region, Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet into a rugged gorge carved by glaciers. The Iroquois believed a powerful spirit dwelled beneath the waters, and offerings were made to ensure safe passage through this thundering gorge.
9. Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan
Named for the Ojibwe word for “dark-colored water,” Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is renowned for its unique amber-colored waters, earning it the nickname “Root Beer Falls.” Legend has it that a wounded bear bled into the river during a battle, tinting the waters this rich hue.
10. Bridal Veil Falls, Utah
In Utah’s Provo Canyon, the stunning 607-foot Bridal Veil Falls appears to float ethereally down the cliff face. Local lore tells of a Native American princess who threw herself from the cliff after being forbidden to marry her true love, her spirit forming these gossamer cascades.
Source:
1. https://www.usgs.gov/data/waterfalls-and-rapids-conterminous-united-states-linked-national-hydrography-datasets-v20
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
