These 5 U.S. National Parks Feature The Best Waterfalls That You Can Hike to This Summer

 

Want to enjoy America's National Parks like never before? This summer grab your National Parks Pass, hop in your RV and head to one (or all) of these five parks that boast the most stunning waterfall features. From California to Arizona, Utah and Maine, these emerald pools are waiting for you. The coolest part - you can hike to them! Check out the details below for your ultimate summer adventure.

 


Photography: @ashlee.ann_

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Havasupai Falls
Additional Falls: Navajo Falls, Fifty Foot Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls.
Details: The world's most iconic aqua-blue waterfalls are waiting for you in this desert oasis. Planning your trip to the falls, deep in the Grand Canyon takes some work but we assure you, it's worth it. Reservations and permits are required for the hike as the falls are all located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Permits are $125/person per day and each permit covers campground reservations for 3 nights/4 days. The hike is 10 miles total, making it a multiple day adventure. If you're not able to hike, you can opt for the horseback/mule option for an additional fee.

 


Photography: @yosemitenps

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Yosemite Falls
Additional waterfalls: Sentinel Falls, Ribbon Fall, Horsetail Fall, Bridalveil Fall, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, Wapama Falls and Chilnualna Falls.
Details: Yosemite is home to dozens of waterfalls. You're in luck if you want to see them this summer, as their peak flow season starts in June and dries up by August. Yosemite falls is Yosemite National Parks most iconic fall that stands at an impressive 2,425 feet. One of the world's tallest waterfalls, it is actually made up of three separate falls. You can see the impressive waterfall from numerous vistas in the park. Hike into Yosemite Valley for an up close and personal view or take the one-mile loop trail that leads to the base of Lower Yosemite fall (which is wheelchair accessible.)

 


Photography: @yellowstonenps

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Lower Falls
Additional Falls: Tower Fall, Upper Yellowstone Falls, Mystic Falls, Lewis Falls and Union Falls.
Details: Lower Falls is the biggest waterfall in Yellowstone National Park at a stunning 308 feet. You can easily enjoy this breathtaking waterfall from multiple locations that include Inspiration Point, Grandview Post and Artists Point. If you're adventurous and want to experience the view from the top, enjoy Uncle Tom's Trail, a mile round-trip hike riddled with steep switchbacks and elevation. This hike is not for the faint of heart.

 


Photography: @acadiaphotosafari

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Hadlock Falls
Details: Hadlock Falls is great for those of you that want to enjoy a leisurely hike to a beautiful water oasis. The 1.8 mile round-trip trail begins at the Parkman Mountain parking lot. Follow Carriage Road south from the parking lot and begin your hike to the waterfall. You'll pass two beautiful carriage road bridges along the way.

 



 

ZION NATIONAL PARK
Emerald Pools
Additional waterfalls: Narrows, Archangel Falls and Lower Pine Creek Waterfall.
Details: Multiple hikes lead to Zion's lower, middle and upper Emerald Pools. Locate the Emerald Pools trailhead and begin the easy hike that brings you to the Lower and Middle glistening pools and waterfalls. You'll be surrounded by a paradise of greenery and towering rocks, iconic to Zion. To reach the Upper Pool, access the Kayenta trailhead and begin your 200 foot climb in elevation. The trail is 1.5 miles and is rated as a moderate hike. It is not wheelchair accessible.

Looking for more things to do this summer while you're adventuring cross country in your RV? Check out our list of the best RV Rallies and Events This Summer you don't want to miss.