The Columbia River Gorge is one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest for waterfall hikes, with dozens of trails leading to mossy canyons, basalt cliffs, old-growth forest, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon and Washington. From famous roadside cascades like Multnomah Falls and Horsetail Falls to less busy trails and hidden gems like Spirit Falls, Elowah Falls, and Falls Creek Falls, the Gorge offers a waterfall hike for every kind of adventurer. Whethe

The Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls Loop is one of the most rewarding waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, combining lush forest, mossy basalt cliffs, sweeping viewpoints, and several unforgettable Oregon waterfalls into one scenic trail. Beginning near two of the Gorge’s most iconic waterfalls, Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls, the loop quickly climbs away from the crowds and into a quieter world of fern-lined switchbacks, rushing creeks, stone bridges, and hidden cas

Hiking to Horsetail Falls, Ponytail Falls, and Triple Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, offering three spectacular waterfalls along a single scenic trail. Beginning at iconic Horsetail Falls, the route climbs through lush old-growth forest and towering basalt cliffs before reaching Ponytail Falls, where hikers can actually walk behind the cascading water, and continues to the beautiful, fan-shaped Triple Falls hidden deeper in Oneonta Gorge

Hiking to Falls Creek Falls in southern Washington is one of the best waterfall hikes on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, taking hikers through the lush forests of Gifford Pinchot National Forest to a stunning 335-foot, three-tiered waterfall. Located just north of Stevenson and the Columbia River, the Falls Creek Falls Trail is an incredibly scenic out-and-back that follows Falls Creek beneath towering Douglas firs and western red cedars, culminating at one o

Few waterfalls on Washington's side of the Columbia River Gorge can match the beauty and accessibility of Panther Creek Falls. Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near the town of Carson, the stunning 130-foot waterfall is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in southern Washington. Despite requiring a hike of less than a mile round trip, Panther Creek Falls delivers a spectacular reward, with multiple streams cascading down lichen-covered basalt cliffs into a lus

Hiking to Elowah Falls and Upper McCord Creek Falls is one of the more rewarding waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, combining lush forest, towering basalt cliffs, and two beautiful Oregon waterfalls in one scenic outing. The trail leads hikers through classic Gorge scenery before splitting toward the dramatic 213-foot Elowah Falls, where water plunges into an amphitheater of mossy rock, and Upper McCord Creek Falls, where sweeping views open toward the Columbia Rive

Hiking to Wahclella Falls in the Columbia River Gorge is one of the best short waterfall hikes in Oregon, packing dramatic scenery into an easy, family-friendly trail near Cascade Locks. The Wahclella Falls Trail follows beautiful Tanner Creek through a narrow basalt canyon filled with mossy cliffs, lush forest, footbridges, and the constant sound of rushing water before reaching the stunning two-tiered waterfall tucked into a rocky amphitheater. At roughly two miles round tr

Hiking to Spirit Falls in the Columbia River Gorge is a short but unforgettable adventure that drops steeply through the forest to one of the most stunning waterfalls on Washington’s side of the Gorge. Tucked along the Little White Salmon River, Spirit Falls is famous for its powerful turquoise plunge, mossy basalt walls, and wild, almost hidden feel that makes the hike seem far more remote than it really is. While the trail is brief, it is steep, rugged, and slippery in plac

Hiking to Table Mountain in the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most demanding and rewarding adventures on the Washington side of the Gorge, combining relentless climbing, rugged terrain, wildflower-covered slopes, and some of the most jaw-dropping summit views in the area. Rising high above the Columbia River, Table Mountain delivers a true leg-burner of a hike, but the payoff is unforgettable: sweeping views of Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens,

Few hikes in the Columbia River Gorge deliver as much scenery, history, and adventure as the Eagle Creek Trail to Tunnel Falls. Widely considered one of the best waterfall hikes in Oregon, the unforgettable trek follows the crystal-clear waters of Eagle Creek through a dramatic basalt canyon lined with towering cliffs, old-growth forest, and a seemingly endless series of waterfalls. Along the way, hikers pass iconic landmarks like Punch Bowl Falls, High Bridge, and several cl

Hiking the Chapin Forest Trail in Chapin Forest Reservation offers one of the most underrated outdoor adventures in Northeast Ohio. Known for its peaceful woodlands, towering forests, and a particularly breathtaking overlook, the Chapin Forest Trail feels worlds away from the busy suburbs surrounding Cleveland. Whether you’re searching for one of the best hikes near Cleveland, a quiet nature escape in Lake County, or a trail filled with beautiful scenery year-round, hiking Ch

Tucked away in the rolling woodlands of Kirtland, Ohio, hiking Penitentiary Glen Reservation offers one of the most underrated outdoor experiences in Northeast Ohio. Known for its scenic ravines, open meadows, and fascinating historic ruins, Penitentiary Glen Reservation feels worlds away from the region’s busier parks. Those searching for one of the best hikes in the Cleveland area, a peaceful escape into nature, or a family-friendly trail with a sense of discovery, the hidd

Tucked within Hampton Hills Metro Park in Summit County, Ohio, the Adam Run Loop Trail offers hikers a peaceful escape through quiet woodlands, rolling terrain, and scenic views along the banks of Adam Run Creek. The moderately easy loop winds through a mix of mature forest, ravines, and shaded pathways, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet hike near Akron, a family-friendly trail in Northeast Ohio, or a less crowded alternative to some of the area’s more p

Rising high above the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the hike to Mount LeConte via the Alum Cave Trail is widely considered the best hike in the Smoky Mountains. The popular 13-mile round-trip trek combines moderate-to-strenuous elevation gain with nonstop scenery, including rushing mountain streams, old-growth forest, unique rock formations like Arch Rock and Alum Cave, and sweeping panoramic views from iconic overlooks such as Myrtle Point and Cliff Tops. Whe

The hike to Grotto Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the Smokies, known for its unique feature as the only waterfall where hikers can walk directly behind the cascade. Following the scenic Trillium Gap Trail, this moderately easy Smoky Mountains hike passes through dense old-growth forest, towering Eastern hemlocks, and seasonal wildflowers before reaching the 25-foot falls tucked into a shaded hollow. Accessed from the

If you’re searching for one of the best short but strenuous hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Chimney Tops Trail delivers a powerful punch. The popular hike packs steep elevation gain, multiple scenic creek crossings over Road Prong and the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, and a relentless climb that ranks among the toughest in the park. While access to the iconic Chimney Tops is now closed due to damage from the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires, hik

If you’re searching for one of the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Ramsey Cascades Trail stands out as a must-do adventure. The moderately strenuous 8-mile roundtrip hike winds through towering old-growth forest, follows the rushing waters of Ramsey Prong, and climbs steadily into a rugged mountain gorge before reaching its grand finale—Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the park. Along the way, hikers can expect a mix of rich Smoky Mountains his

If you're looking for one of the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the trek to Mount Cammerer should be at the top of your list. The moderately strenuous day hike combines steady elevation gain, diverse forest scenery, and a rewarding finish at the historic Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower—one of the most unique viewpoints in the Smokies. Typically hiked via the Low Gap Trail and the Appalachian Trail, the roughly 12 mile round-trip outing gains over 3,000 feet a

The 50-mile Roan Highlands section of the Appalachian Trail is widely considered one of the most scenic backpacking routes in the Southeast. Named for the Roan Mountain massif, the stretch is famous for its rolling grassy balds— the longest continuous series in the Appalachian Mountains—offering panoramic views that rival some of the best hikes on the East Coast. Straddling the Tennessee–North Carolina border, the trail climbs across open ridgelines, winds through lush mounta

Winters in Northeast Ohio can be brutally cold, but those frigid temperatures unlock a completely different side of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. When the thermometer drops below freezing, the park transforms into a true winter wonderland, offering hikers the chance to experience CVNP winter hiking at its best. Frozen waterfalls, icy creeks, and snow-covered trails reveal scenic features that are often hidden or difficult to access during the warmer months. As a local who ha

Brandywine Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and in winter it becomes an especially striking destination for hikers and photographers. As temperatures drop, the 65-foot waterfall often partially freezes, creating dramatic ice formations and icicles that cling to the sandstone cliffs of the Brandywine Gorge. Snow-dusted boardwalks and overlook platforms offer beautiful, safe views of Brandywine Falls in winter, making it one of the be

The Ledges Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is especially stunning in winter, when snow settles into the cracks and crevices of its massive sandstone cliffs. Icicles often hang from the Sharon Conglomerate ledges, giving the trail a quiet, almost frozen-in-time feel. With fewer hikers on the path, winter brings a peaceful solitude that highlights the natural beauty of the forest and rock formations. The trail winds through narrow passages and overlooks that offer scenic

In winter, Blue Hen Falls and Buttermilk Falls offer two of the most rewarding cold-weather hiking destinations in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Reached via the Buckeye Trail, Blue Hen Falls transforms into a striking scene of ice formations, frozen cascades, and snow-dusted sandstone cliffs, making it one of the most photographed CVNP winter waterfalls. Adventurous hikers can continue beyond Blue Hen Falls and carefully navigate off-trail to Buttermilk Falls, a more seclude

The Tree Farm Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the best winter hiking options in Northeast Ohio, offering a peaceful and scenic experience when snow blankets the valley. In winter, the mostly flat trail becomes a quiet corridor of snow-covered fields and features an amazing stretch of pine trees that feels especially serene in the colder months. With fewer crowds and easy footing on packed snow, winter hiking on the Tree Farm Trail is ideal for all skill level