The fact that we refer to the Falls collectively as “Niagara Falls” leads many to believe that we're talking about one giant waterfall when, in fact, there are three. The aptly named American Falls are on the U.S. side, as are the lacy Bridal Veil Falls; the Horseshoe Falls are almost entirely on the Canadian side.

While the United States has thousands of waterfalls, the one simply referred to as "the waterfall" in a global context is almost certainly Niagara Falls. Located on the border between New York State and Ontario, Canada, it is actually a group of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls (the largest), the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. Niagara is world-famous not for its height, but for its staggering volume of water, with over 6 million cubic feet of water falling over the crest every minute during peak flow. Another iconic American waterfall is Yosemite Falls in California, which is one of the tallest in the world, dropping a total of 2,425 feet in three sections. In the Pacific Northwest, Multnomah Falls in Oregon is famous for its picturesque bridge and easy accessibility from the highway. For those seeking "hidden gems" in 2026, the Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon is renowned for its vibrant turquoise water against red desert rocks. Each of these "falls" represents a different facet of the American landscape, from the industrial power and tourism of Niagara to the pristine, protected wilderness of the national parks in the West.