The Best Scenic Waterfalls for Photography in the U.S.

Waterfalls have long been a favorite subject for photographers, offering dynamic compositions and the chance to capture the beauty and power of nature. The United States is home to some of the world’s most stunning waterfalls, from towering cascades surrounded by rugged cliffs to tranquil falls nestled in lush forests. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual enthusiast, these breathtaking waterfalls provide incredible opportunities to create stunning images.

1. Yosemite Falls (California)

Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, is a must-visit for waterfall photography. Located in Yosemite National Park, this iconic waterfall plunges a staggering 2,425 feet in three sections: Upper Yosemite Fall, the middle cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall.

Best Photography Tips: Visit in late spring when the snowmelt is at its peak, creating a dramatic flow. For a full view of the falls, head to Yosemite Valley, while close-up shots can be captured from trails near the base. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur and mist in your shots.
Lighting: Sunrise or early morning provides soft light on the falls, while late afternoon offers dramatic shadows.

2. Multnomah Falls (Oregon)

Multnomah Falls, located in the Columbia River Gorge, is a favorite among photographers for its dual-drop cascade and picturesque Benson Bridge. Surrounded by moss-covered cliffs and dense forest, this 620-foot waterfall is stunning in every season.

Best Photography Tips: Position yourself near Benson Bridge for a classic perspective of both the upper and lower falls. Alternatively, capture the base of the falls to emphasize the powerful spray. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on sunny days.
Lighting: Visit in the morning for soft light and fewer crowds. Overcast days also create ideal conditions by reducing harsh shadows.

3. Niagara Falls (New York)

One of the most famous waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls is a dream for photographers. Comprising three separate waterfalls—Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls—this natural wonder provides endless opportunities for dramatic shots.

Best Photography Tips: For wide-angle shots, photograph from Goat Island or Prospect Point. Use long exposure settings to capture the silky flow of the water. At night, the illuminated falls provide stunning light and color.
Lighting: Early morning offers the softest light and minimal crowds, while sunset adds warm tones to the falls.

4. Ruby Falls (Tennessee)

Ruby Falls is a unique underground waterfall located in a cave system near Chattanooga. This 145-foot waterfall cascades in a cavern lit with dramatic artificial lighting, making it a distinctive destination for photography.

Best Photography Tips: Bring a tripod for long-exposure shots in the low-light cave environment. Focus on the interplay of water and light for creative compositions.
Lighting: The lighting inside the cavern creates a surreal atmosphere, but be prepared to adjust your camera settings for low-light conditions.

5. Havasu Falls (Arizona)

Tucked away in the remote Havasupai Indian Reservation, Havasu Falls is renowned for its striking turquoise waters framed by red rock cliffs. This desert oasis is a favorite among photographers seeking vibrant, contrasting colors.

Best Photography Tips: Use a neutral density (ND) filter to capture long exposures and emphasize the silky flow of water. Take wide-angle shots to showcase the surrounding canyon. Midday can also work here, as the sun enhances the blue-green hue of the water.
Lighting: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.

6. Shoshone Falls (Idaho)

Known as the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is an impressive 212-foot waterfall located along the Snake River. It’s taller than Niagara Falls and offers dramatic views, especially during spring runoff.

Best Photography Tips: Visit the Shoshone Falls Overlook for panoramic shots or take trails to find unique angles of the falls. A drone (where permitted) can capture stunning aerial perspectives.
Lighting: Early morning light is ideal for reducing glare on the water and highlighting the cascading mist.

7. Cumberland Falls (Kentucky)

Cumberland Falls, often called the "Niagara of the South," is a wide, powerful waterfall located in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. What sets it apart is its “moonbow,” a rare lunar rainbow visible on clear nights during a full moon.

Best Photography Tips: To capture the moonbow, use a tripod and a long exposure setting. For daytime shots, position yourself downstream to capture the full width of the falls and the surrounding forest.
Lighting: For the moonbow, clear nights with a full moon are essential. For daytime shots, mid-morning or late afternoon light creates pleasing contrasts.

8. Bridalveil Fall (California)

Another Yosemite favorite, Bridalveil Fall drops 620 feet and is often shrouded in mist, creating a dramatic effect. Its name comes from its delicate, flowing appearance, especially during spring runoff.

Best Photography Tips: Use a telephoto lens to capture close-up details of the falling water and mist. For a classic composition, shoot from the tunnel view on Highway 41. Long exposures can enhance the veil-like appearance of the water.
Lighting: Sunset offers warm, golden light on the falls, especially when shooting from tunnel view.

9. Rainbow Falls (North Carolina)

Located in Pisgah National Forest, Rainbow Falls gets its name from the rainbows created by sunlight hitting the mist. This 150-foot waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a picturesque destination for nature photography.

Best Photography Tips: Visit in the morning when the sun is at the right angle to create rainbows. Shoot from various angles to highlight both the vibrant rainbow and the cascading water.
Lighting: Early morning light enhances the natural rainbow effect and reduces glare.

10. Tahquamenon Falls (Michigan)

Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Tahquamenon Falls features two major waterfalls: the Upper Falls, a wide and powerful cascade, and the Lower Falls, a series of smaller cascades. The reddish-brown tint of the water, caused by tannins from cedar swamps, adds a unique element to photographs.

Best Photography Tips: For the Upper Falls, focus on the sheer volume of water and the rich colors. For the Lower Falls, use a wide-angle lens to capture the cascading series. Visit in autumn to add vibrant foliage to your shots.
Lighting: Soft morning or evening light enhances the warm tones of the falls and surrounding forest.

Tips for Photographing Waterfalls

Use a Tripod: Essential for long-exposure shots to capture silky water effects.
Bring Filters: Polarizing filters reduce glare and enhance colors, while ND filters allow for longer exposures.
Experiment with Shutter Speed: A slower shutter speed creates a smooth, flowing effect, while faster speeds freeze motion for a dramatic look.
Scout Locations: Arrive early to find the best vantage points and avoid crowds.
Consider Weather: Overcast days often provide ideal lighting conditions by softening shadows and reducing harsh highlights.

Conclusion

The United States offers countless opportunities to photograph stunning waterfalls, each with its own unique charm and challenges. Whether you’re capturing the towering grandeur of Yosemite Falls or the serene beauty of Rainbow Falls, these destinations are sure to inspire your creativity and elevate your photography skills.

Ready to start planning your waterfall photography adventure? Visit www.outdooradventures.pro for tips, gear recommendations, and detailed guides to these and other scenic destinations.