When it comes to states with waterfalls, Louisiana may be one of the last places that comes to mind. However, you can find several waterfalls in Louisiana that are worth experiencing.

They may not be as big or majestic as some of the waterways out west, but they still deserve some respect. If you have the right expectations, they might pleasantly surprise you.

Today, we’re sharing five unforgettable waterfalls in Louisiana.

Let’s dive in and get started!

Rock Falls is the biggest waterfall in Louisiana. You’ll find it in J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area on Sicily Island. As we mentioned, the state doesn’t have a reputation for towering waterfalls, which is no exception. The height of the waterfall is roughly 17 feet, which makes it relatively short for being the biggest waterfall.

Pro Tip: If you’re headed to The Big Easy, be sure to check out the longest continuous bridge over water in the world!

If you want to chase waterfalls in Louisiana, you’ll want to visit during late winter and early spring. This is generally the rainiest time of year throughout the region, which increases water flow in streams and rivers. The enhanced flow helps bring life to waterfalls that are typically a trickle.

Another benefit to visiting during this time of year is the milder temperatures and wildflowers blooming. Spring is an incredible time of year throughout the state. The weather can make it ideal for spending time outdoors and enjoying the natural beauty. Regardless, the ground can be soggy because of the increased rain. Have a backup plan if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

So, while they may not be breaking any records, you can find plenty of waterfalls in Louisiana to experience. Let’s take a look and see which ones you should add to your itinerary.

As mentioned, Rock Falls is the biggest waterfall in the entire state. It’s in J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area. Accessing the falls requires hiking down a short but steep 0.7-mile-long trail each way. Be extra careful while navigating the path, especially if it has rained recently.

While only standing 17 feet tall, it’s still a sight to see. You’ll travel through a mature section of pine hardwood and spend some time in nature. If you want to hike further, hop on the Big Creek Hiking Trail. Under the right conditions, you can also see a handful of smaller waterfalls.

Tunica Hills Area Falls is a seasonal waterfall that requires you to time your trip with the weather. If the area hasn’t received rain recently, you may not even be able to find the falls. To avoid disappointment, we suggest you plan to visit this area during the spring rainy season. Despite this, you’ll still want to monitor the weather and call ahead to confirm if the falls are flowing.

Within the more than 600,000 acres of Kisatchie National Forest is Kisatchie Falls. These are Class II rapids created from the Kisatchie Bayou. You can cool off in the water, buckle up your lifejacket, and head out for a whitewater rafting adventure. They may be small, but they’re still exciting.

If you want to stay nearby, the Kisatchie Bayou  Campground has 18 primitive tent sites. This can be an excellent opportunity to spend time in nature and enjoy bayou views. This area has opportunities for hiking, kayaking, floating, and photography. 

Woodriff Falls is a cascading waterfall that feels like you’ve been transported outside of Louisiana. Seeing this stunning waterfall requires scrambling over wet rocks, which can be very slippery. Make sure you wear proper footwear and are careful with each step.

This is a popular waterfall, as the hike to it is relatively easy. In addition, behind the waterfall is a tiny cave, much cooler than the surrounding environment. It can make for a nice place to cool off during the heat of summer. These falls are in the central part of the state and are very close to the border with Mississippi.

St. Mary’s Falls stands 10 feet tall and is another one of the falls in the J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area. It’s an excellent place to cool off after a long hike or when the summer heat arrives. 

One of the unique features of this waterfall is that you can get up close and enjoy the view from under it. The hike to the falls is approximately 1.75 miles and through pine hardwoods. Along the way, you can catch glimpses of several smaller waterfalls and incredible views of the surrounding area.

While you may not have thought to seek out waterfalls in Louisiana, they’re certainly there. As we’ve shared, you can find some memorable experiences throughout the state. And yet, be sure you time your trip right, or you could come up empty-handed. During the summer, many of the waterfalls throughout the state are bone dry or nothing more than a trickle.