Here are 10 Waterfalls you can see without hiking. These waterfalls are scattered throughout the United States, but they are some of my personal favorites. Sometimes you may not have the time or energy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reap the reward. These waterfalls are either visible directly from the roadside, parking lot, or just a very short walk to an overlook!
McDonald Falls in Glacier National Park, Montana
McDonald Falls in Glacier National Park is our first roadside waterfall. There’s a pull-off on the side of Going to the Sun Road that allows you to see this waterfall. If you’re driving in from the West end of the park, the pull-off is after Lake McDonald on your left!
SheQuaGa Falls in Montour Falls, Finger Lakes Region of New York
Shequaga Falls, located in Montour Falls within the Finger Lakes Region of NY. This waterfall is in the middle of a town and is a must-see. Park either directly in front of the small park or on the main road; there should be plenty of parking spaces available. You can see the falls while driving towards them, highly recommend doing so on W. Main Street.
Artist Point in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Artist Point in Yellowstone National Park. Just a short walk from the parking lot to see Lower Falls and the canyon! A personal favorite in the park, so good we visit it each time we go to Yellowstone. The parking area is large enough, so finding a spot has never been an issue!
If you want to learn about more Yellowstone Must See Spots, make sure to check out the link to that blog post, as it’s one of my favorite places to talk about!
Taughannock Falls in Ithaca, Finger Lakes Region of New York
Taughannock Falls near Ithaca in the Finger Lakes Region NY. There is a trail or just an overlook where you can stop, with a parking area right off the road. Highly recommend stopping here, regardless of the crowds; the view is just amazing, even better with the fall foliage.
Want to take it to the next level and hike the Gorge Trail to get a closer look? Check this post out where I talk about all of the details!
Undine Falls in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Undine Falls in Yellowstone National Park. Take Upper Grand Loop Road, and you’ll find Undine Falls not far from Mammoth Hot Springs if heading East. There is a parking area with views overlooking the falls.
Rainbow Falls at Ausable Chasm in New York
Rainbow Falls at Ausable Chasm, NY – you don’t need to enter Ausable Chasm to see these falls, even though I do highly recommend a trip there! Just park in the parking lot and walk onto the bridge for these views!
Want more New York-specific waterfalls? Click here to read more!
Upper Falls Viewpoint in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Upper Falls View at Yellowstone National Park – I feel this overlook is never as popular as the others, but it should be. Park in the large parking lot, and a short distance away, you can see the falls, plus all the people right next to them at the other viewpoint (Brink of the Upper Falls), as it puts the size into perspective.
Hector Falls in Hector, Finger Lakes Region of New York
Hector Falls in Hector in the Finger Lakes Region, NY. A true roadside waterfall with very limited parking and no easy access to see it. Unfortunately, this sits right on a busy road, so be careful if you step onto the bridge to see them for traffic. You can also view the lower portion if on a boat in Seneca Lake.
Don’t forget to check out this blog post, which includes all of my favorite waterfalls to see in the Finger Lakes region!
Sandstone Falls Overlook in New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
Sandstone Falls Overlook in New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia. This is another true roadside stop with a very small pull-off for parking. It’s a very short walk to see this view; once you park, take the walkway down further, so you have a better viewpoint.
Tremont Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend Entrance, Tennessee
Tremont Roadside Waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This one sits right along the small bridge on the way to Middle Prong Trailhead. The water was flowing from a recent rain when we were there, but I do feel this one would be dry in other conditions. If you miss this one, just drive around because the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers TONS of roadside waterfalls!
I love the Smokies, and if you’re heading there and want to hike, check out this list of day hikes!
Final Thoughts: Waterfalls You Don’t Need to Hike to See
As much as we love a good hike, sometimes we love a good roadside waterfall. A lot of these we have just stumbled upon and don’t regret the stop. I suggest that if you are in any of these areas while on your travels to make the effort and swing by these waterfalls so you too can enjoy them! Please remember if you do visit to leave no trace so that generations to come can also visit and love the same places we do!
Want to Keep Adventuring?
Hiking to House of the Fairies: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
