Waterfall Trails 
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If waterfalls are your thing, we have some trails for you! Here are a few of our favorite hikes that take us past one or several waterfalls. 

1. In the Black Hills of western South Dakota, the trail to Roughlock Falls near Spearfish takes you from the top of the falls to the bottom of the falls and is well worth the one mile hike. 

 

1. In Western Montana near Libby, the Kootenai Falls trails take you up close to one of Montana’s biggest and most breathtaking waterfalls. 

 

1. The Niagara Gorge Trail System in Niagara Falls, New York, offers paved paths and nature trails with views of Niagara Falls and the gorgeous Niagara River. 

 

1. In Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal, Ireland, the Lakeside Walk to the Bridle Path Walk hikes past a castle with beautiful gardens through a pretty forest to a view of the park’s waterfall. 

 

1. In Killarney National Park in County Kerry, Ireland, the Kerry Way took us through a forest, through a bog, past old ruins and over a waterfall. It offers a variety of landscapes and a look back in history. 

 

1. Akaka Falls hiking trail on Hawaii’s big island near Hilo offers a ton of bang for your buck. The path is less than a mile through a lush rainforest to not one but TWO waterfalls - the beautiful, 442-foot Akaka Falls and the cascading Kahuna Falls.

 

1. On the Hawaiian Island of Kauai, Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls takes you along what’s known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It’s a gorgeous hike to the top of a waterfall - and the best part is the view along the way.

 

1. Also on the Island of Kauai, the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Falls is one of the prettiest hiking trails in Hawaii with its bamboo forest, winding river, and staggering cliffs. The Hanakapiai Waterfall is the epitome of paradise, staggeringly tall falls spilling from beautiful cliffs into a crystal-clear pool.

 

1. One of our all time favorite waterfall trails is in central Pennsylvania. The Falls Trail System in Ricketts Glen State Park offers 22 waterfalls in a little over 7 miles. You hike over rugged stone through lush forest along a beautiful creek, and it seems there is a more amazing waterfall around every corner.  

You can find photos, maps and details on all of these trails on this website under Dog- and Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails. 

We’ve been blessed to hike trails all over the world, but this Thanksgiving 2022 we chose 10 that we’re particularly grateful for. Read on...