1

Havasu Falls, Arizona

Image: Yacov B

Yes, technically, people know about Havasu Falls, but getting there requires permits, careful planning, and a ten-mile hike into the Grand Canyon that'll have your knees filing for divorce. The turquoise water looks Photoshopped, but it isn't—it's caused by calcium carbonate and magnesium that create that otherworldly blue-green glow. Most tourists snap their Grand Canyon photos from the rim and call it a day, completely unaware that this paradise exists below.

2

Linville Falls, North Carolina

Image: Jeff Miller

Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this waterfall drops in multiple tiers through Linville Gorge , nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the East." The upper falls plunge 12 feet, followed by the lower section, which drops another 90 feet into the gorge below.

Multiple trail options mean you can customize your effort level, from an easy quarter-mile stroll to more challenging overlooks. The best view? Probably Chimney View, which gives you the full dramatic drop and a sweeping view of the gorge beyond.

3

Potato River Falls, Wisconsin

Image: Paul Pastourmatzis

Potato River Falls sits near the Michigan border in the Northwoods, where many visitors are too distracted by fishing and Friday fish fries to notice the waterfall itself. The falls drop about 90 feet in cascading sections, with observation platforms that make viewing easy —no mountain-goat skills required. The surrounding forest feels wonderfully remote, even though you're only a short walk from the parking area.

4

Natural Falls, Oklahoma

Image: Tien Vu Ngoc

Yes, Oklahoma has waterfalls, and Natural Falls State Park proves it, dropping 77 feet into a surprisingly lush canyon . The trail to the viewing platform takes about ten minutes, making this possibly one of the best effort-to-reward ratios on this list.

The falls flow year-round thanks to a spring-fed creek, though spring brings the most dramatic water volume. A large amphitheater-like alcove behind the falls provided the backdrop for parts of the 1974 movie Where the Red Fern Grows , if you're into vintage cinema trivia. Visit early in the morning to have the place to yourself and contemplate the geographical surprises America still holds.

5

Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee

Image: Joshua Woods

At 256 feet, Fall Creek Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi , yet somehow remains less famous than Graceland. Located in a state park of the same name, it's the crown jewel among several waterfalls in the area, meaning you can actually hit multiple cascades in one day if you're feeling ambitious. The main overlook requires minimal effort, but trails wind down to the base if you want the full experience and don't mind plenty of stairs.

6

Alamere Falls, California

Image: Matt Bennett

California has no shortage of waterfalls, but Alamere Falls does something truly special: it drops directly onto the beach . This rare "tidefall" spills over cliffs at Point Reyes National Seashore, creating a scene that looks like a screensaver come to life. Getting there requires an 8-mile round-trip hike that's moderately strenuous but manageable for anyone in reasonable shape. The trail winds through coastal forest before emerging onto wind-swept beaches.

The falls flow strongest in winter and spring when California actually gets rain, becoming a mere trickle by late summer. Time your visit right, and you can stand on the beach while 40-foot waterfalls crash onto sand beside tide pools and sea stacks.

7

Kaaterskill Falls, New York

Image: Joshua Earle

The Catskill Mountains hide New York's tallest waterfall, a two-tiered, 260-foot cascade that inspired Hudson River School painters back when America was young, and landscape painting was the closest thing to Instagram. Kaaterskill Falls sits just off Route 23A, and the short trail to the base viewpoint feels properly wild. Adventurous types sometimes scramble between the tiers, though this requires caution and a complete disregard for your mother's warnings about safety.

Winter transforms the falls into a frozen sculpture, attracting ice climbers who've made interesting life choices. The surrounding forest looks like something from a fairy tale, all moss and ferns and filtered light.

8

Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado

Image: Chad Madden

Bridal Veil Falls near Telluride claims the title of the state's tallest free-falling waterfall at 365 feet . The waterfall cascades like a lace curtain—hence the name—from a hanging valley, and at the top sits a power plant that's somehow still photogenic. The hike up is steep and challenging, gaining about 1,800 feet over roughly two miles, which sounds reasonable until you remember you're doing this at high altitude.

9

Cloudland Canyon Falls, Georgia

Image: Alla Kemelmakher

Georgia surprises people with its waterfalls, and Cloudland Canyon State Park delivers two beauties: Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls , accessible via a moderately strenuous trail system. The park sits on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, where the canyon cuts deep into the plateau. Cherokee Falls drops about 60 feet, while Hemlock Falls offers a 95-foot cascade. Both require descending (and later climbing back up) hundreds of stairs, so consider this your ultimate leg-day workout.

10

Fairy Falls, Wyoming

Image: Veenvorm

Yellowstone gets all the geothermal glory, but Fairy Falls offers a quieter experience just a few miles from the madness of Old Faithful. At 200 feet, this ribbon of water drops from the Madison Plateau into a peaceful forest clearing . The trail is about five miles round-trip along old fire roads, flat and easy enough for most fitness levels.

Most Yellowstone visitors stick to the main loop, which means Fairy Falls sees only a fraction of the park's three million annual tourists. The falls flow strongest during spring snowmelt, becoming more modest by late summer.

1

All In The Family - "Edith's Problem"

Image: Diego González

This 1970s sitcom used its format to address topics that were otherwise difficult to explore on television. In the episode "Edith’s Problem," the show demonstrated just how groundbreaking it could be.

"Edith’s Problem" centers on the leading character of the same name, who is going through menopause. Archie, a man who is annoyed by pretty much everything, is forced to reckon with the fact that Edith’s life is undergoing a real, biological change—one that will inevitably affect their marriage.

2

Home Improvement - "The Eve of Construction"

Image: Annie Gray

The Home Improvement episode "The Eve of Construction" brought in the highest viewership numbers of the entire series . In it, Jill and Al join forces as volunteers for a Habitat for Humanity build, teaming up because Tim believes married couples shouldn’t work together. In response, Tim assembles his own team to outdo them, and a fierce competition between the groups ensues.

3

ER - "A Hole in the Heart"

Image: Piron Guillaume

Centered on the professional and personal lives of the emergency room staff at Chicago’s Cook County General Hospital, ER featured an ever-evolving ensemble cast—including George Clooney—over its 15-season run.

In the Season 4 finale, "A Hole in the Heart," more than 47 million viewers tuned in as Clooney’s character, Dr. Doug Ross, faced the consequences of his controversial efforts to treat a drug-addicted infant.

4

Friends - "The One After the Superbowl"

Image: Paolo Aldrighetti

This turn-of-the-century sitcom juggernaut had many high points during its run, but the 1996 double-length episode "The One After the Superbowl" stands out as the most-watched. In it, Ross embarks on a comedic quest to reunite with his beloved former pet monkey , Marcel, now a successful animal actor filming in New York.

5

Seinfeld - "The Finale"

Image: Jonathan Roger

Possibly the biggest television series of the 1990s, Seinfeld ended with one of the highest-rated finales in TV history . In it, Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer find themselves in legal trouble after inadvertently violating a local law in Massachusetts. The four friends are subsequently put on trial and must await their respective fates in the final episode.

6

Magnum P.I. - "Resolutions"

Image: Wesley Tingey

The show that turned Tom Selleck—and his iconic mustache—into a household name delivered a satisfying finale that tied together several key elements of Magnum’s story and the show’s overarching narrative. Magnum P.I. helped define an era of detective and police dramas, and its final episode drew massive ratings from fans across the country.

7

Cheers - "One for the Road"

Image: QUI NGUYEN

The most-watched single TV episode of the 1990s was the series finale of Cheers . The conclusion featured the return of Shelley Long’s character, Diane Chambers, who reunites with Sam Malone in Boston. The episode also reveals what becomes of the bar’s beloved patrons as they each reflect on the meaning of life.

8

Gunsmoke - "Love Thy Neighbor"

Image: Taylor Brandon

This legendary show ran for 20 seasons , airing approximately 38 episodes per season —a milestone that seems almost impossible to surpass today. The episode "Love Thy Neighbor," which aired during the sixth season, centers on the theft of a sack of potatoes that sparks a feud between two families. The conflict escalates into a gun duel, resulting in tragic losses on both sides.

9

Bonanza - "The Pure Truth"

Image: Bailey Alexander

The series that launched Michael Landon’s career ran for 14 seasons and, in certain episodes, achieved even higher ratings than the other iconic cowboy series, Gunsmoke . One such episode, "The Pure Truth," centers on a plot in which one of the show’s central characters is falsely accused of a bank robbery and is forced to seek help from a mysterious prospector.

10

Roots - "Pt. VIII"

Image: Bryson Hammer

Roots was a massive hit during its run, telling a powerful story about the horrors of slavery and its lasting impact . The series finale marked the end of an era for its devoted followers and became one of the most-watched episodes of its time.

11

Dallas - "Who Done It?"

Image: Daniel Halseth

As we've seen, not all of the highest-ranked episodes are finales or even season finales. The fourth episode of Dallas 's fourth season is a prime example of this. It drew millions of viewers for one simple reason: Everyone had to know who shot J.R .

This cliffhanger became one of the series' defining moments, leaving audiences in suspense about the identity of the shooter for an incredible length of time. When the mystery was finally revealed, millions tuned in to find out who the culprit was.

12

M A S H - "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen"

Image: Museums Victoria

Even years after it aired, M A S H’s final episode still holds the top spot for the highest-rated single episode of all time . This episode masterfully blended heartbreak and sentiment, creating a finale that remained true to the wartime experiences that were often the show’s backdrop.

1

The Last Blockbuster in Bend, Oregon

Image: Delaney Van

The last Blockbuster video-rental store in the world stands in Bend, Oregon—did you know? And for a limited time, at the end of 2020, it allowed guests to spend the night there, explore their vast collection, and host a movie marathon.

Sadly, the venue doesn’t operate as a bed-and-breakfast currently. But it gladly welcomes guests, and who knows? The family-owned store might be open to hosting more unforgettable stays in the future.

2

Hobbit House in Orondo, Washington

Image: Joshua Harris

Whether you are a Tolkien fan or not, surely you’ve wondered what it would be like to curl up on a comfy couch inside a Hobbit House! These underground cottages with round doors and grass roofs feel straight out of Middle-earth.

One of the fans' favorites is The Hobbit House in Orondo, Washington. You might easily miss it, carved into a hill overlooking the Columbia River Gorge—a cozy, off-the-grid spot that transports guests to another world.

3

Treehouse Point in Issaquah, Washington

Image: Ashley Endemano

Childhood dreams come alive in these handcrafted treehouses nestled among Pacific Northwest evergreens. Some feature rope bridges between platforms, while others boast skylights for stargazing from bed.

The creator, inspired by childhood forts, designed these as peaceful escapes where you can sleep high up, surrounded by green canopies. Not far away are the thunderous Snoqualmie Falls and the endless Cascade Mountain trails.

4

Fire lookout towers in National Forests

Image: Jamie Pilgrim

In today’s world, you can’t blame solitude seekers. Some people crave a digital detox, so they head to lookout fire cabins like Oak Flat Lookout, over the Kern River in California.

Once vital for spotting wildfires, many of these cabins were nearly demolished before preservationists intervened. Sure, the lack of amenities is part of the charm, but epic sunrises are the reward.

5

Newport's Jailhouse Inn

Image: Syarafina Yusof

Why not turn a historic jail into a hotel? Newport’s Jailhouse, built in 1772, is a beautiful federal-style building located near the city center of Newport, Rhode Island.

Now, it’s been reconditioned to become an inn: You can spend the night behind bars—with luxury linens—in its creatively converted cells, where original cell doors now frame plush beds.

6

Covered Wagon Glamping in Westgate River Ranch, Florida

Image: James Lee

Imagine spending a few nights inside an Oregon Trail wagon—except you’d be in Florida, armed with the comforts of a king bed and air conditioning. These tricked-out wagons are the main attraction at Florida's Westgate River Ranch, pioneers in blending Old West nostalgia with today’s glamping movement.

7

Converted Grain Silos in Green Ridge, Missouri

Image: Meredith Petrick

If you were to open a door to the inside of the silos at Prairie Vale in Green Ridge, Missouri, you would walk into perfectly functional (though unusually cylindrical) guest rooms.

These grain silos, situated on a former dairy farm, have been repurposed and transformed into comfortable living spaces. The property spans 14 acres and is home to various animals that guests can visit and feed.

8

Michigan's Big Bay Point

Image: Vladyslav Dukhin

A lighthouse bed-and-breakfast near the cliffs of Lake Superior? You can sleep where keepers once stood watch in coastal lighthouses like Michigan's Big Bay Point, where spiral stairs lead to lantern rooms with sweeping views.

They want you to fully enjoy your stay surrounded by nature, so there are no phones or TVs inside the guest rooms.

9

"Up" house in Abiquiu, New Mexico

Image: Ankush Minda

All those who watched Disney-Pixar's 2009 animated film Up will no doubt remember the image of the house being lifted into the air by hundreds of colorful balloons. That’s not exactly what’s happening at the Abiquiu house, but it’s similar.

This venue, which was available as a unique Airbnb experience temporarily, mirrored the film's architecture and interior decor in stunning detail, and yes, it was adorned with over 8,000 balloons. But it was a crane that lifted the house off the ground to create the effect.

10

Retro-Americana: the sleep-in Red Caboose in Ronks

Image: Rachel Claire

Retro road trip vibes shine at spots like the Red Caboose Motel, located in the community of Ronks, Pennsylvania. It offers a line of colorful train cars as suites. Comfortable bedrooms, dining, and storage areas were built inside recycled train cars, becoming a main attraction in the area.