In 1994, the legendary R&B group TLC warned us not to go chasing waterfalls. But what great sights would we miss out on following their advice? Here are 24 of Mother Nature’s most stunning waterfalls. While many are remote, one or two may just be close enough to your home for a day trip.
1. Venezuela: Angel Falls
Angel Falls has the world’s largest uninterrupted fall at 2,648 feet and a total drop of 3,212 feet—15 times higher than Niagara Falls. It’s certainly not an easy waterfall to reach, as you’ll likely need a visa to enter Venezuela. Then, it’s likely a journey by plane to the town of Canaima and a day-long boat ride to the falls. But the experience is well worth it.
2. Argentina/Brazil: Iguazu Falls
This may not be the most famous set of waterfalls on an international border, but once you reach Iguazu Falls, which lies in both Brazil and Argentina, you will be amazed by the 275 individual waterfalls that comprise this large network. The perhaps appropriately named Devil’s Throat is the largest, falling 269 feet. You will find many incredible vantage points at the nearby Argentinian and Brazilian national parks.
3. Zambia/Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is another waterfall set along an international border, between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Though it may not have any of the world’s longest falls, it is one of the world’s widest at 5,604 feet. What makes Victoria Falls even more unique is that there are no mountains or valleys here. Rather, it’s a flat plateau that suddenly makes the drop, making Victoria Falls even more of a special sight to behold.
4. Iceland: Gullfoss
Once you reach Thingvellir National Park and find the famed Gullfoss waterfalls, you will understand why this region is called Iceland’s Golden Circle and why the park is considered “the crown jewel of Iceland.” Take in all the glory of the two-tiered waterfall and explore the founding site of the Alþingi, or Iceland’s parliament, which has operated since 930 CE.
5. Indonesia: Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Located near the city of Ubud on the popular island of Bali, Tukad Cepung is easy to reach and hard to ignore. You can find it via a 15-minute walk along a hiking trail that takes you through the jungle. Once you reach the waterfall, take a moment to notice the sunlight poking through the jungle to make the already pretty natural landscape glisten. If you’re feeling a little extra adventurous, swim in the natural pool that the fall empties into.
6. United States: Wailua Falls, Kauai
Hawaii is blessed with numerous waterfalls, yet what makes these waterfalls so special is their accessibility. Located within Wailua River State Park, just a short drive from several resorts, the twin Wailua Falls are a Hollywood favorite and have been featured on the TV show Fantasy Island. The nearby river, meanwhile, was featured in the classic 1961 Elvis film Blue Hawaii.
7. United States: McWay Falls, Big Sur
The scenic Big Sur stretches over 70 miles along California’s Central Coast south of Monterey, so you have a multitude of places to stop and explore. If you want to see a waterfall drop right into the Pacific Ocean, you must look for McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This fall flows year-round and drops 80 feet into the ocean at McWay Beach. But if you do want to visit, always check in advance, as inclement weather can lead to road closures.
8. United States: Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon
This may not be the largest waterfall, but as part of the larger Grand Canyon ecosystem, Havasu Falls looks and feels awfully grand once you take it all in. Surrounded by “red rock” sandstone bluffs, Havasu Falls adds to the colorful scenery as it drops into a gorgeous turquoise natural pool. You can visit and/or camp at Havasu Falls, but make sure to book your reservation and buy your permit in advance, as it’s part of the Havasupai Tribal Reservation.
9. Japan: Kegon Falls
Dropping 318 feet from Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls has historically been considered one of Japan’s three greatest waterfalls. It’s also beloved as an all-season natural attraction, as Kegon Falls sports great views of frozen mid-fall water during winter, lush green flora during the spring, migrating Asian house martins during the summer, and spectacular bursts of color from the fall foliage during autumn.
10. The Philippines: Kawasan Falls
Nestled in the town of Badian on Cebu Island, Kawasan Falls may not be very long or wide, but one of the three waterfalls drops into a pool of water that sports such a unique turquoise hue that it’s become a favorite among Instagram influencers and other content creators. While Kawasan Falls is a bit removed from Cebu Island’s other popular spots, you can sign up for a tour to guide you through this beautiful region.
11. South Africa: Tugela Falls
Located at Royal Natal National Park in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province, Tugela Falls drops some 3,225 feet in total, making it one of the world’s longest. Though it’s rare to see Tugela Falls dry, it is officially considered a seasonal fall because water volume can vary. The summer wet season is likely your best bet to see Tugela Falls in full force.
12. India: Dudhsagar Falls
Spanning some 100 feet and dropping 1,017 feet, Dudhsagar Falls is quite large. Its name actually translates to sea of milk in English, as the water appears “milky” as it rushes into the Mandovi River below. Dudhsagar Falls can be found at Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary in the southern Indian state of Goa.
13. New Zealand: Sutherland Falls
At Sutherland Falls, a glacial lake drops 1,904 feet in a stunning three-tiered cascade. Considering the otherworldly magical beauty of this region, it’s no surprise that multiple scenes from The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed at the nearby Milford Sound fjord. These are part of the larger Fiordland National Park, so you can easily spend plenty of time exploring what this gorgeous park offers.
14. Guyana: Kaieteur Falls
Long cherished as one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls and the world’s largest single-drop fall, the Potaro River drops 741 feet into the Amazon rainforest at Kaieteur Falls. If you have your heart set on visiting this remarkable world wonder, take note that it sits in a very remote corner of the Amazon rainforest, but you can charter a plane and do a hiking tour to witness all this majesty for yourself.
15. Lesotho: Maletsunyane Falls
Dropping some 630 feet, Maletsunyane Falls is quite an incredible sight to behold. Located in the tiny nation of Lesotho that South Africa completely surrounds, Maletsunyane Falls may not be the easiest to reach. But if you can manage the trek here, the view of the waterfall and the surrounding mountains will be worth it.
16. Canada/United States: Niagara Falls
Is any list of incredible waterfalls complete without mentioning one of the U.S.’ most famous falls along an international boundary? Located about 20 miles north of Buffalo, New York, and 83 miles south of Toronto, Niagara Falls actually sports three major falls: Horseshoe Falls along the U.S.-Canada border, and American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side.
17. United States: Yosemite Falls
As the highest set of waterfalls at Yosemite National Park in California, it’s easy to see why people flock to this set of three falls that drop a total of 2,425 feet. The hike to the top of the mountain where the falls start is quite strenuous. But if you can handle it, you will be rewarded with remarkable views of the falls and surrounding mountains.
18. United States: Multnomah Falls
There’s already so much to see and do at the Columbia River Gorge. But while you’re there, you must check out the incredible 611-foot-tall two-drop cascade at Multnomah Falls. It’s only a 30-mile drive from Portland, and once you’re here, this special corner of the Gorge really does feel like all the problems and worries of the outside world wash away.
19. United States: Ruby Falls
This fall, near Chattanooga, Tennessee, is the nation’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public. It drops 1,120 feet inside Lookout Mountain, and the journey to the lookout point involves taking an underground elevator and walking a cavern path. Once you make it, you will discover a 140-foot drop into the pool that’s enhanced by an LED light show.
20. Croatia: Plitvice Falls
As part of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Plitvice Falls actually consists of multiple cascades flowing into 16 terraced lakes. The park also has a network of elevated wooden walkways, making it easier for you to snap those marvelous selfies and boomerang videos to post to your socials. The park is about a two-hour drive from Zagreb and a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Split, so it makes for an easy day trip.
21. China/Vietnam: Ban Gioc-Detian Falls
Along the China-Vietnam border, these falls make for Asia’s largest set of waterfalls. Fed by the Quay Son River, Ban Gioc (as it’s known in Vietnam) or Detian (as it’s known in China) drops about 230 feet and stretches some 656 feet wide. Add in the tropical greenery and the uniquely formed mountains nearby, and this makes quite the stunning landscape.
22. Thailand: Mae Ya Waterfall
Tucked within Doi Inthanon National Park, Mae Ya Waterfall delivers a dramatic 830-foot drop through 30-story cliffs into the lush, verdant forest. During monsoon season, the waterfall’s curtain can reach as wide as 100 meters. It is a bit of a drive from Chiang Mai City, but if you can get here, the waterfall’s base is swimmable.
23. Argentina: Salto del Agrio
Situated in the town of Caviahue in Neuquén Province, Salto del Agrio (or Agrio Falls) is a cascade that drops about 197 feet into a green pool surrounded by yellow and red basalt rocks. It’s certainly a colorful sight to behold, but be aware that if you try to drink the water, it may taste funky. That’s because the Agrio River contains sulphuric acid, hence its name (“agrio” means acid in Spanish).
24. United States: Palouse Falls
Who knew America had so many incredible waterfalls? Located about 105 miles southwest of Spokane, Palouse Falls is actually Washington’s official state waterfall. Formed over 13,000 years ago, the Palouse River drops about 200 feet at Palouse Falls before continuing south to the Snake River. It’s certainly a great place to snap some epic photos.