Natural Landmark
5 hours
Easy
Chasing Cascades: The Best Waterfall Hikes in Yellowstone - Yellowstone National Park
Chasing Cascades: The Best Waterfall Hikes in Yellowstone - Yellowstone National Park
Chasing Cascades: The Best Waterfall Hikes in Yellowstone - Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park isn’t just America’s first national park; it’s a cathedral of contrasts where fire meets water and mountains bow to roaring cascades. Here, waterfalls don’t whisper—they thunder. They’re the park’s lifeblood, coursing through its rugged terrain, hidden in shadowy canyons or tumbling boldly beside iconic boardwalks.
Each trail is an adventure in its own right. Start with Uncle Tom’s Trail, a thigh-burning descent down 328 steps into the vibrant Yellowstone River canyon, where the roar of the 308-foot Lower Falls reverberates in your chest. Or, follow the gentle path to Fairy Falls, a 200-foot stunner rising out of the forest like a curtain of silk. For a more dynamic challenge, take the Mystic Falls loop, where the trail weaves through dense pines and delivers you to a 70-foot cascade, magical in the golden hour. Short on time? Wraith Falls offers a quick yet rewarding detour, its delicate waters fanning over moss-covered rock.
These trails offer more than photo ops. They’re an immersion into Yellowstone’s raw, untamed soul. A wolf’s distant howl echoes through the valleys. Geothermal heat wafts from hidden springs. Elk graze in meadows blanketed by wildflowers. Every step is a reminder that this land is alive—vibrant, unyielding, and spectacularly wild.
Uncle Tom’s Trail (Lower Falls):
Fairy Falls Trail:
Mystic Falls Trail:
Wraith Falls Trail:
Chasing Cascades: The Best Waterfall Hikes in Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park
Coordinates: 44.7129, -110.4997
Experience Needed: This natural landmark is recommended for those with minimal outdoor experience. Perfect for families and beginners.