10 great places to see waterfalls

Not only are waterfalls gorgeous, but visiting one could be good for you, says Bryan Swan, co-founder of WorldWaterfallDatabase.com. "Research suggests that the flowing water stimulates brain activity," he says. Plus, they provide a great destination for a hike or outing: "You get a sense of awe and the primal power of nature when you visit." He shares some favorite North American cascades (some of which may be in areas temporarily closed because of the government shutdown) with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Niagara Falls
New York and Ontario
Given its size, grandeur and fame, it's hard to match the majesty of Niagara, Swan says. "It's simply the power. It's so immense and there's so much water. If it wasn't so commercialized, it would be pretty easy to argue it was the best fall in North America." 800-668-2746; ontariotravel.net

Yosemite Falls
Yosemite National Park, Calif.
Though swaths of the Yosemite region were damaged in a devastating forest fire last month, the famed valley and its signature waterfall were unscathed. "As far as I'm concerned, this is the best waterfall in the country," Swan says. "It's tall and it's powerful." Although dry this time of year, the 2,425-foot cascade — the country's highest — usually begins to flow in November, reaching its peak in late spring. 209-372-0200; nps.gov/yose

Shoshone Falls
Twin Falls, Idaho
This cascade on the Snake River Canyon may be the closest thing the West has to Niagara, Swan says. "It's taller at 212 feet tall, though it's not nearly as wide. But when the snow melts upstream, it roars." A city park has viewing areas, hiking trails, picnic areas and a visitors center. 866-894-6325; twinfallschamber.com

Akaka Falls
Honomu, Hawaii
Though there's no shortage of scenery — or falls —in the Aloha State, Swan particularly likes this 442-foot cascade in a state park near Hilo on the Big Island. "There's a massive deep canyon amphitheater, and the falls are dropping right into it in a narrow ribbon." hawaiistateparks.org

Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls
Yellowstone National Park, Wyo.
These falls on the Yellowstone River are the highlights of the nation's oldest national park, Swan says, though he acknowledges the geysers are pretty spectacular, too. With a half-dozen overlooks (some of them wheelchair-accessible), they're also easy to visit. "The falls are accented perfectly when you go to the viewpoint and gaze down the 1,000-foot canyon." 307-344-7381; nps.gov/yell

Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie, Wash.
Swan doesn't live far from this cascade about 45 minutes east of Seattle, and he visits whenever he needs a waterfall fix. "During the winter flood season, it's incredibly popular and usually sees about 1 million visitors a year," he says. The falls tumble 268 feet down the side of a granite cliff. Some may still remember it from the opening of the TV show Twin Peaks. snoqualmiefalls.com

Whitewater Falls
Cashiers, N.C.
In a state known for its mountain cascades, this plume stands out as the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. "It's a fantastic spot for fall color," Swan says. Although it's remote, overlooks and hiking trails make it easy to visit. 828-524-6441; fs.usda.gov/attmain/nfsnc/specialplaces

Multnomah Falls
Bridal Veil, Ore.
Although this Columbia River Gorge cascade is easily accessible from Interstate 84 and just 30 miles from downtown Portland, it still offers rugged scenery and a rewarding hike to the top. A bridge crosses between the upper and lower falls, offering dramatic views before reaching the top. "There's good fall color in the gorge too," Swan says. 541-308-1700; fs.usda.gov/crgnsa

Bridal Veil Falls
Telluride, Colo.
Swan says this southwest Colorado cascade, the tallest free-falling falls in the state, is almost too perfect. "It could be a Thomas Kinkade painting. It has a sheer drop falling very gracefully and powerfully at the same time, in an alpine setting." Visitors can bike, hike or four-wheel-drive to the top. visittelluride.com

Cumberland Falls
Parkers Lake, Ky.
This state park is famed for its moonbow — a rainbow formed by the mist of a waterfall and the light of the full moon. Evening crowds often gather to catch the glimpse of a bow."It's a big, broad, miniature Niagara," Swan says. "It's one of the most powerful waterfalls east of the Mississippi." 606-528-4121, parks.ky.gov