Best Multi-Day Waterfall Hikes
Some of the world's best waterfall scenery is on long-distance hiking trails — visible only to those who commit a few days to the journey. Here are ten thru-hikes that pass major falls. All ten on the map.
1. Milford Track, NZ
53.5 km in 4 days. Day 3 passes within view of Sutherland Falls (580 m). Independent hikers book ~12 months ahead through DOC.
2. Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland
170 km circular, 10-11 days. Passes numerous alpine cascades including the Cascade du Dard near Chamonix and the falls below Mont de la Saxe.
3. Inca Trail, Peru
43 km in 4 days to Machu Picchu. Multiple cloud-forest cascades and the dramatic Pacaymayo waterfall on day 2.
4. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
200 km, 12-18 days. Passes Rupse Falls in Lower Mustang and dozens of glacier-fed cascades through the gorge.
5. Cinque Terre, Italy
12 km coastal path linking five villages. Several small but dramatic coastal cascades drop directly into the Mediterranean.
6. Routeburn Track, NZ
32 km in 3 days, NZ Great Walk. Earland Falls (174 m) is the highlight; the trail passes the lip and then descends past the base.
7. West Highland Way, Scotland
154 km in 7-8 days. Passes Falls of Falloch (Glen Falloch), the cascades of the River Coe at Glencoe, and several Highland torrent crossings.
8. Pacific Crest Trail (Northern Cascades)
Portions of the PCT through Washington's Northern Cascades pass dozens of seasonal cliff falls. A 100-km section centered on Stevens Pass is ideal.
9. Otter Trail, South Africa
44 km in 5 days along the Garden Route coast. Coastal cascades drop directly to the beach at high tide. Permits limited.
10. Sierra de Aracena, Spain
Multi-day rural network in southern Spain — combine the Hacho route with the Sierra de Aracena GR. Several small but year-round waterfalls.
Plan your next trip
All of these are pinned on our interactive map.