Rappelling down waterfalls takes outdoor adventure to a whole new level. Picture yourself suspended by rope, feeling the spray of cascading water on your face as you descend through nature’s most spectacular settings. While waterfall rappelling might sound intimidating, guided tours across the United States make this thrilling experience accessible to beginners and adventure veterans alike.
Professional guides provide all necessary equipment and training, transforming what could be a dangerous endeavor into an unforgettable and safe adventure. These tours operate with strict safety protocols and backup systems to ensure your experience is both exhilarating and secure.
Here is a list of 18 waterfalls across the United States where you can safely rappel down with professional guidance and proper equipment.
Kulaniapia Falls, Hawaii
This gorgeous 120-foot waterfall just outside Hilo on the Big Island offers the perfect introduction to waterfall rappelling. The experience includes a training rappel and the main descent, where photographers can capture that perfect shot of you conquering your fears.
You don’t need to get in the water on this tour, making it ideal for non-swimmers, though jumping into the lake below afterward is highly recommended.
Umauma Falls, Hawaii
Located on Hawaii’s Big Island, the triple-tiered Umauma Falls provides a more immersive canyoneering experience. This adventure includes rappelling down multiple waterfalls while navigating through the river between descents.
Participants scramble over rocks, wade through water, and experience a wider range of challenges as they make their way down this stunning natural staircase.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Bamboo Falls, Kauai
Part of a private tour experience on Kauai, this 30-foot cascading waterfall serves as the perfect warm-up for nervous first-timers. The tour takes place on private property overlooking the Hule’ia watershed, ensuring an intimate experience away from crowds.
After a detailed safety lesson and practice run, guests tackle this gentler descent before moving on to bigger challenges.
Papakolea Falls, Kauai
Following Bamboo Falls on the same Kauai tour, this towering 60-foot waterfall provides the main event of the day. The increased height and flow make this rappel more challenging while remaining accessible to beginners.
The experience takes place in a secluded setting with views of the Ha’upu Mountain range as your backdrop.
Private Waterfall, Maui
Maui’s only waterfall rappelling tour takes place in a privately owned secluded valley where Steven Spielberg filmed the opening scenes of Jurassic Park. Located halfway down the famous Road to Hana, this tour includes multiple rappels through jungle cliffs into wild, pristine pools.
The three-hour adventure operates daily and provides everything needed for beginners to feel confident and safe.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Kaau Crater Waterfalls, Oahu
These spectacular waterfalls in Oahu’s mountainous interior offer some of the most dramatic rappelling experiences in Hawaii. Tours include descents down waterfalls reaching heights of 100 feet or more, with experienced guides ensuring safety while providing an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
The location’s remote setting means you’ll experience Hawaii’s natural beauty far from tourist crowds.
Ripley Falls, New Hampshire
One of New Hampshire’s magnificent 100-foot waterfalls in the White Mountains, Ripley Falls has gained recognition as a top extreme outdoor adventure in America. The experience begins with equipment fitting and rappelling practice at the guide company’s facility before a short half-mile hike to the falls.
Participants can rappel up to three times, with each descent offering new perspectives on this spectacular Crawford Notch landmark.
Paradise Canyon Falls, North Carolina
Located near Brevard, North Carolina, this surreal mini slot canyon features Wolf Creek dropping 125 feet over a granite cliff. The adventure includes rappelling the big falls, then a 15-foot drop, followed by a free plunge over the final 20-foot cascade.
Your exit involves a cold swim through a deep pool guarded by narrow stone gates, leading to a rocky beach perfect for recovery.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Pisgah National Forest Waterfalls, North Carolina
The mountains of Western North Carolina host hundreds of waterfalls, with several offering guided rappelling experiences in Pisgah National Forest. These tours combine hiking, boulder-hopping, and multiple waterfall rappels through some of the most scenic gorges on the East Coast.
Professional guides make this adventure accessible to beginners while providing the expertise needed for safe navigation through these technical canyon environments.
Looking Glass Rock Area Falls, North Carolina
Near the famous Looking Glass Rock, several waterfalls provide excellent rappelling opportunities through guided adventure companies. These experiences often combine rock climbing with waterfall descents, offering a full day of vertical adventure in one of North Carolina’s most scenic areas.
The granite cliff faces and consistent water flow make this region ideal for learning proper technique.
Snoqualmie Creek Falls, Washington
Considered the ‘Pine Creek’ of the Pacific Northwest, South Fork Snoqualmie offers densely packed action with fairly straightforward technical requirements. The easy access and multiple rappelling opportunities make this a popular training ground for Pacific Northwest canyoneers.
Guided tours provide all necessary equipment and instruction for safely navigating these technical canyon environments.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Franklin Falls, Washington
This Pacific Northwest destination offers excellent opportunities for learning waterfall rappelling techniques in a controlled environment. Professional guide services provide comprehensive instruction and safety oversight, making the experience accessible to beginners while still providing thrills for more experienced adventurers.
The consistent water flow and established anchor points make this a reliable year-round destination.
Thornton Creek Falls, Washington
Located in the North Cascades, Thornton Creek provides a classic Pacific Northwest canyoneering experience with multiple waterfall rappels. The technical nature of the descent requires professional guidance, but rewards participants with spectacular scenery and the satisfaction of conquering challenging terrain.
This adventure combines hiking through pristine wilderness with technical rope work down impressive waterfalls.
Rocky Mouth Falls, Utah
Located just off Wasatch Boulevard near Little Cottonwood Canyon, Rocky Mouth Falls offers the closest taste of canyoneering to Salt Lake City residents. This two-stage rappel includes a 33-foot descent off a tree past a large boulder, followed by an 83-foot rappel to the base.
Participants will get wet here, making waterproof gear essential for comfort during the descent.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Moab Area Slot Canyon Falls, Utah
The canyons around Moab offer some of the most spectacular waterfall rappelling in the United States, with multiple guided tour companies providing access to these stunning desert environments. Tours often include several rappels ranging from 50 to over 100 feet, combined with hiking through incredible red rock formations.
The unique desert setting provides a completely different experience from tropical or forested waterfall locations.
Blarney Canyon Falls, Utah
Located in North Wash, Blarney Canyon offers three distinct rappelling opportunities along with challenging downclimbing sections. The first rappel measures at least 50 feet, providing immediate thrills for participants.
Guide services in the area ensure safe navigation through this technical terrain while highlighting the region’s unique geological features and Native American history.
Colorado Mountain Waterfalls, Colorado
The high country around Ouray and other Colorado mountain towns provides numerous waterfall rappelling opportunities during the warmer months. These alpine environments offer dramatic scenery and challenging descents that require professional guidance due to the terrain’s technical nature.
The combination of high altitude and cold water makes proper equipment and experienced guides essential for safety.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Deer Creek Falls, Grand Canyon
Though requiring planning and permits, Deer Creek in the Grand Canyon offers one of the most spectacular waterfall rappelling experiences in the United States. This adventure requires significant hiking and overnight camping, but rewards participants with descents through waterfalls in one of the world’s most iconic natural settings.
Only experienced guides should attempt this advanced-level adventure.
Where Adventure Meets Conservation
These remarkable waterfall rappelling destinations represent more than just thrilling adventures—they showcase America’s commitment to preserving wild spaces while making them safely accessible. Today’s guided tours operate under strict environmental protocols, ensuring these natural treasures remain pristine for future generations.
As you plan your waterfall rappelling adventure, you’re not just seeking thrills; you’re becoming part of a community that values both outdoor excitement and environmental stewardship. Whether you choose the tropical paradise of Hawaii or the rugged canyons of Utah, each descent connects you to landscapes that have inspired adventurers for generations.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Things You Actually Get in First Class
- 20 Small Airports With Aviation Museums
- 20 Places in the U.S. That Are Perfect for a Reset Trip
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.