9 spectacular US waterfalls to visit in winter

Winter can transform any landscape into a magical realm, but waterfalls? Like a fairy tale. Across the US, some of our most beloved waterfalls are best visited in winter, when the crowds are gone, the temperatures have dropped, and the world is one of icy cascades, frosty mists, and serene snow dust, just like a snow globe. From the frozen veils of the Midwest to the dramatic flows of the West, from iconic cascades to lesser-known falls, here are 9 of America’s best waterfalls to visit in winter—some you may never have heard of. (No, Niagara Falls isn’t on this list—we’re skipping the obvious!)

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1. Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan

In Michigan’s fabulously scenic Upper Peninsula, Tahquamenon Falls is always gorgeous—but winter transforms it into an icy, wildlife-tracked marvel. The tannin-rich water creates a striking contrast against the snow, and parts of the falls freeze, creating unique ice formations that change day to day. It looks sort of like a root-beer float!

Tip: While both the Upper and Lower Falls are spectacular, visit the Upper Falls for the most dramatic winter scenes. In summer, the Upper Falls can get extra crowded, with long entrance lines to the park, but you’ll get a much more serene experience come winter.

The cold of winter at Palouse Falls — Palouse falls in winter

2. Palouse Falls, Washington

A crowded jewel come summer, Palouse Falls, Washington’s state waterfall, is a hidden gem in winter—it can get nearly crowd-free. The 198-foot cascade cuts through dramatic basalt cliffs, with the snow and ice contrasting nicely against the dark volcanic rocks.

The remote location makes it a quiet winter getaway, but do note: Roads to the falls can be snowy and treacherous, so check conditions before traveling. Only those with 4WD should make the journey to Palouse Falls State Park and its eponymous waterfall.

An High Dynamic Range of Snoqualmie Falls with rising mist forming into ice along the surrounding cliffs. — Snoqualmie Falls

3. Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

A short drive from Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls remains a powerhouse even in winter. At 268 feet tall, the falls never fully freeze, and cold snaps often create a frostiness that coats nearby trees in shimmering ice. The mist from the falls makes it appear serene at first glance, but heavy rains can make it sound absolutely thunderous—it’s quite the sense contrast. And good news for waterfall-chasers: It’s easily accessible from the viewing platforms.

Tip: Visit early in the morning—which in winter, isn’t too early!—to see the falls with fewer crowds and softer light.

Winter photo Taughannock Falls in the Finger Lakes region, near Ithaca, New York. — Taughannock Falls

4. Taughannock Falls, New York

This Finger Lakes beauty boasts a 215-foot drop, making it one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls east of the Rockies. Unlike most tall cascades, Taughannock Falls often freezes entirely in winter, creating a towering column of ice surrounded by snow-laden cliffs. Winter brings a sense of peace and quiet to the area, and the gorge trail provides easy views of the frozen waterfall—bring hiking poles or wear ice cleats on your hiking shoes to trek safely.

Tip: The overlook near the parking area offers a quick and accessible way to see the falls in their winter garb.

Multnomah Falls set amidst a snowy and icy forest during a winter storm in the Columbia River Gorge in northern Oregon. Multnomah Falls is the highlight waterfall in a stretch of several waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway. During warmer months, this waterfalls attracts visitors by the tens of thousands but during winter months cold temperatures can leave it isolated in a wintry wilderness setting. Here it is seen during such a winter storm, the day before Christmas. — Multnomah Falls on Christmas Eve

5. Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Oregon’s most famous waterfall, Multnomah Falls knows no competition when it comes to setting a jaw-dropping scene. In winter, ice and snow only enhance the absolutely massive 620-foot drop, making it seem to pop out of some sort of fairytale. A short hike to Benson Bridge provides a closer, misty look at the cascade as it’s framed by winter’s touch. (It can get slippery and wet, though, so be careful!)

Tip: Multnomah Falls is a circus in summer, requiring timed reservations to visit. In winter, there’s no permit necessary—you can arrive whenever you want. And all the facilities, including the restaurant, gift shop, and restrooms, stay open. Because of the permitting system, this is easily one of the country’s best waterfalls to visit in winter.

Hiking on a snowy winter day at Linville Falls, North Carolina. — Winter day at Linville Falls

6. Linville Falls, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina’s Linville Falls offers a rugged winter escape, deep in the scenic Linville Gorge. (Maybe you’ve heard of the Linville Viaduct? This whole region is gorgeous.) The falls cut through icy cliffs, surrounded by snow-laden forests. Various viewing points make it a great option for waterfall chasers of all abilities, offering both short walks and longer hikes.

Note: The Linville Gorge is worth exploring at large—it’s been dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the East.”

Frozen Minnehaha falls in winter, Minneapolis. — Frozen Minnehaha Falls

7. Minnehaha Falls, Minnesota

Smack-dab in Minneapolis, Minnehaha Falls becomes a frozen curtain during winter. The 53-foot cascade freezes mid-plunge, creating a wild ice wall often tinged with blue. Visitors can hike close to the falls, where the surrounding park’s snow-draped trees add to the scene’s serenity. And since it’s so close to the city and easy to access, this one’s a no-brainer—grab a cup of coffee and go. It’s one of the best urban waterfalls in the country, for sure.

Tip: The frozen falls make an excellent backdrop for tight winter shots.

8. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, is always worth seeing. But the park sees far fewer crowds in winter, and with fewer humans, the falls are free to become a surreal, vertical wilderness. The 2,425-foot waterfall (not a typo!) slows during the colder months, with ice forming along its descent. The surrounding cliffs glisten with frost, creating a vista that most visitors will never get the chance to see. Take in the falls on a hike along the Valley Loop Trail or from Sentinel Meadow for thoroughly iconic views.

Tip: Want to see the falls out your window? Stay in Yosemite Valley—the Yosemite Valley Lodge is near the base of the falls and open year-round.

Upper Yellowstone Falls, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

9. Upper Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park

Winter in Yellowstone National Park is unforgettable, and Upper Yellowstone Falls just might be its crown jewel. The 109-foot cascade remains partially flowing, with ice formations framing the falls and snow-covered canyon walls amplifying the scene’s grandeur. And in winter, the park sees crowds that are roughly 5% the size of summer’s crowds. Experiencing this wonder free for a sea of clamoring tourists? Can’t be beat. Winter is the best time to visit Upper Yellowstone Falls, if you can swing it.

Winter access to the falls typically requires a snowmobile or snowcoach tour. Don’t think of it as extra hassle—think of it as adding adventure to your visit. Stay at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and those folks can hook you up with a tour.

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