Top 10 Waterfall Running Routes to Explore in America's Wildest National Parks
There's a special kind of magic that happens when trail running and waterfalls collide. You hear it before you see it—a distant, low rumble that grows into a roar, pulling you forward. Then, the air cools, the scent of damp earth and stone fills your lungs, and you feel the first kiss of mist on your skin. It’s more than just a destination; it's a multi-sensory reward that transforms a tough run into an unforgettable adventure.
Running is about pushing limits, but trail running in our National Parks is about connection. It's about feeling the rhythm of your feet on ancient ground and witnessing the raw, untamed power of nature. As my friend and mentor Goh Ling Yong always says, "The best trails reward you with more than just a finish line; they give you a story to tell." And what better story is there than one that ends with the thunderous applause of a waterfall?
We've laced up our shoes and scoured the country to bring you the ultimate bucket list for the trail runner who craves a little splash with their sprint. From the granite staircases of Yosemite to the lush rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, these are the top 10 waterfall running routes in America's wildest National Parks. Get ready to chase some waterfalls.
1. The Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls – Yosemite National Park, California
This isn't just a run; it's a rite of passage. The Mist Trail is arguably the most famous waterfall trail in the United States, and for good reason. It’s an quad-burning, awe-inspiring ascent that gets you so close to two of Yosemite's most powerful waterfalls you'll be completely drenched—and grinning from ear to ear. The journey begins with a paved, steady climb before transforming into a legendary 600-step granite staircase alongside Vernal Fall.
The sheer power of Vernal Fall is humbling. In the spring and early summer, the spray is so intense that it creates a constant, soaking rain, which is incredibly refreshing on a hard run. Push past Vernal, and the trail continues to the top of the even grander Nevada Fall, offering breathtaking views of the fall plunging into the valley below. The combination of challenging terrain, world-class scenery, and the roar of rushing water makes this a truly epic experience.
Pro-Tip: The granite steps are notoriously slippery. Opt for trail shoes with excellent grip. To make it a loop and save your knees on the descent, take the John Muir Trail (JMT) back down from the top of Nevada Fall. It's slightly longer but offers different, equally stunning views of Liberty Cap and the back of the fall.
2. The Emerald Pools Trail – Zion National Park, Utah
Zion is a land of towering sandstone cliffs and emerald oases, and the Emerald Pools Trail is the perfect embodiment of this contrast. This route is less about a single, massive waterfall and more about a series of delicate, beautiful cascades that create a desert sanctuary. The run takes you to the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, each with its own unique charm.
The trail to the Lower Pool is relatively flat and leads you behind a gentle curtain of water seeping from the rock face above—a delightful natural shower on a hot Utah day. From there, a rockier, more strenuous climb takes you to the Middle and Upper Pools. The Upper Pool, nestled at the base of a colossal cliff, is the grand finale. It’s a stunning amphitheater of rock where a seasonal waterfall feeds a serene pool, creating a picture-perfect spot to catch your breath.
Pro-Tip: This is one of Zion's most popular trails. To enjoy it as a run, you absolutely must start at or before sunrise. You'll beat the crowds and the oppressive desert heat, and you’ll be rewarded with the golden morning light hitting the canyon walls.
3. St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail – Glacier National Park, Montana
Prepare for a sensory overload of the best kind. This run in Glacier National Park delivers not one, but two spectacular waterfalls set against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains. The trail traces the shoreline of St. Mary Lake before plunging into a forest that was scarred by a fire in 2015. The silver, skeletal remains of the trees create a starkly beautiful and slightly eerie landscape, with vibrant new growth carpeting the forest floor.
First, you'll reach the two-tiered St. Mary Falls, where glacial-fed water thunders through a narrow gorge, its vibrant turquoise color seeming to defy reality. Don't stop there. Continue a little further up the trail to find Virginia Falls, a much larger and more dramatic multi-tiered cascade. You can get right up to the base and feel the immense power and mist of the main drop. It's a perfect out-and-back run that packs in some of the best scenery Glacier has to offer.
Pro-Tip: This trail is prime grizzly bear habitat. Always run with bear spray, know how to use it, and make noise on the trail, especially around blind corners. Running with a partner is highly recommended.
4. The Comet Falls Trail – Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
If you're looking for raw, unadulterated power, Comet Falls is your destination. Plunging an incredible 380 feet from a hanging valley, it’s one of the tallest and most impressive waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park. The run to see it is a challenging but deeply rewarding climb that will leave your legs burning and your spirit soaring.
The trail itself is a classic Pacific Northwest experience, winding through lush old-growth forests of fir and cedar. You’ll cross several creeks and pass smaller, picturesque cascades before you even reach the main event. The final approach is steep and rocky, but the payoff is immense. You'll round a corner and be met with the full, breathtaking view of Comet Falls free-falling down a massive rock face. The sheer scale is difficult to comprehend until you're standing near its misty base.
Pro-Tip: The trail can hold snow well into July. Check trail conditions with a ranger before you go, and consider bringing microspikes for your running shoes if you're attempting it early in the season.
5. Sol Duc Falls Trail – Olympic National Park, Washington
Step into a real-life fairy tale in the temperate rainforest of Olympic National Park. The run to Sol Duc Falls is a short, magical jaunt through a moss-draped, fern-filled wonderland. This isn't a grueling mountain run; it's a serene, peaceful trail that allows you to soak in the incredible biodiversity of one of America's most unique ecosystems.
The trail is relatively flat and follows the Sol Duc River, surrounded by towering ancient trees. The destination is one of the most unique and photogenic waterfalls you'll ever see. Instead of a single plunge, Sol Duc Falls splits into three or four distinct channels that cascade into a narrow, dark canyon. A charming wooden bridge crosses the canyon directly in front of the falls, offering the perfect vantage point to watch the mesmerizing flow of water.
Pro-Tip: Because of its short length (under 2 miles round trip), consider extending your run by connecting to the nearby Lover's Lane Trail. This will create a beautiful 6-mile loop that follows the river and offers more solitude.
6. Grotto Falls Trail – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Ever wanted to run behind a waterfall? The Grotto Falls Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains offers you that rare and exhilarating opportunity. This well-maintained trail is part of the Trillium Gap Trail, which winds through a beautiful old-growth hemlock forest. The constant canopy of trees makes it a perfect shaded run for a warm summer day.
The grade is gentle but persistent, making for a steady and enjoyable climb. As you approach the 25-foot Grotto Falls, you'll hear the roar of the water and feel the temperature drop. The trail literally passes through a shallow cave behind the curtain of water, allowing you to experience the waterfall from a completely different perspective. It’s a fun, playful, and utterly refreshing experience that sets this run apart from any other.
Pro-Tip: This is the only trail in the Smokies where the famous llama trains travel to bring supplies to LeConte Lodge. If you time your run right (typically Monday, Wednesday, or Friday mornings), you might get to share the trail with these gentle pack animals.
7. Whiteoak Canyon Trail – Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
For the runner who believes more is more, Whiteoak Canyon is a waterfall paradise. This trail isn't about one single destination; it's a rugged, challenging route that features at least six stunning waterfalls and countless smaller cascades and swimming holes. It’s a true wilderness experience right in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
You can approach the canyon from the top (via Skyline Drive) or the bottom. For a more rewarding run, starting from the bottom and running up allows you to face the waterfalls as you climb. The trail is steep and rocky, demanding your full attention, but every bit of effort is rewarded. Each waterfall is bigger and more impressive than the last, culminating in the powerful, 86-foot Upper Falls. This run will test your endurance but fill your soul.
Pro-Tip: The rocks along the trail and near the falls are extremely slippery, especially when wet. Focus on your footing. This is a technical run, not a speed workout. After your run, take a well-deserved dip in one of the lower swimming holes to cool off.
8. Alberta Falls Trail – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
High-altitude running meets stunning scenery on this classic Rocky Mountain National Park trail. The run to Alberta Falls is relatively short and accessible, but it delivers a quintessential Colorado experience: groves of whispering aspens, fragrant pine forests, and a powerful waterfall tumbling over ancient granite rock.
The trail starts from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and offers a gentle but noticeable climb, a perfect way to acclimatize to the park's lofty elevation (over 9,000 feet). Alberta Falls itself is a 30-foot cascade that crashes through a gorge, sending spray high into the thin mountain air. It’s a beautiful spot to pause, but the trail continues on to even more spectacular destinations like Mills Lake and The Loch if you're feeling ambitious and ready for a longer, more challenging adventure.
Pro-Tip: Parking at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead is extremely limited and fills up before dawn. Your best bet is to use the park's free shuttle bus system from the Park & Ride lot. It’s efficient and saves you a major headache.
9. Brandywine Falls Trail – Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Often overlooked, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a lush, forested gem nestled between two major Ohio cities, and Brandywine Falls is its crown jewel. This route offers a different kind of wildness—one that's accessible, serene, and rich in history. The 65-foot Brandywine Falls is stunning, cascading down layers of shale and sandstone in a beautiful display of nature's power.
The Brandywine Gorge Trail is a fantastic 1.5-mile loop that takes you down into the gorge for an up-close look at the falls before climbing back out for more expansive views. The trail is a mix of boardwalk, stairs, and natural path, making for a varied and engaging run. It’s a great way to experience the park's deep ravines and dense forests, and it proves you don't have to go to the Rockies or the Sierra for a fantastic waterfall running experience.
Pro-Tip: For a longer run, connect to the Stanford Trail from the Brandywine Gorge Trailhead. This adds about 4 miles of beautiful, rolling hills and takes you to the historic Stanford House, offering a great combination of nature and history.
10. Plaikni Falls Trail – Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
While the unbelievable blue of Crater Lake is the main attraction, a hidden gem awaits the trail runner willing to venture away from the rim. The Plaikni Falls Trail is a relatively flat, easy 2-mile out-and-back run that takes you through a quiet, beautiful old-growth fir and hemlock forest to a secluded and enchanting waterfall.
What makes this run so special is the sense of peace and discovery. Away from the bustling crowds of the rim, you can enjoy the tranquility of the forest. The trail culminates at Plaikni Falls, a lovely cascade tumbling over a moss-covered lava cliff. Born from snowmelt, the water is crystal clear and ice-cold. It's the perfect, serene end to a run and a wonderful contrast to the epic, volcanic scale of the rest of the park.
Pro-Tip: Plaikni Falls is at its most powerful in the late spring and early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak. Later in the season, it can be reduced to a trickle. Plan your visit accordingly to see it in its full glory.
Your Adventure Awaits
From coast to coast, America's National Parks offer a lifetime of trails to explore. These ten routes are more than just a list; they are an invitation. They are a call to push your body, connect with nature, and experience the profound joy of reaching a thundering, misty, magnificent waterfall on your own two feet.
So, which one will you conquer first? Have you run any of these incredible trails? Share your favorite waterfall running routes and trail stories in the comments below. Let's build a community of adventurers and inspire each other's next journey.
Happy trails
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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