Cover Seiganto-ji Temple and the nearby waterfall Nachi Falls (Photo: Japan Travel Website)
Seiganto-ji Temple and the nearby waterfall Nachi Falls (Photo: Japan Travel Website)
1 / 1
From coastal paths to ancient pilgrimage routes, these stunning hikes with nearby waterfalls promise spectacular scenery, refreshing dips and unforgettable moments with nature
Some of the best scenic hikes don’t just lead you through forests, mountains and coastlines—they take you to a nearby waterfall that elevates the journey from memorable to magical. These trails wind through ancient cedar groves, across rope bridges and along rugged coastal paths, rewarding you with spectacular views of tumbling cascades at every turn. Whether it’s a dramatic drop into the sea, a multi-tiered turquoise pool or a sacred site revered for centuries, each nearby waterfall offers a refreshing pause in nature.
Don’t miss: 4 picturesque restaurants in Asia where you can dine by the waterfall
Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail, Taiwan
Located about an hour from Taipei in the village of Sandiaoling, this half-day, four-kilometre hike boasts not one, not two, but three nearby waterfalls. While relatively short, the trail can be demanding, with rope sections, hanging bridges and slippery ascents.
Just over a kilometre into the hike is Hegu Waterfall, a dramatic 40-metre cascade framed by lush greenery and best viewed from an elevated deck. Further along, after a couple of rope bridges, is Motian Waterfall. Here, a viewing platform at the base allows you to admire the curtain of water from below while enjoying the cool mist. The final stop, just above Motian, is the Pipadong, or Pipa Cave Waterfall, where you can rest, dip your feet in the clear water and take in the serene surroundings.
Erawan Waterfall Trail, Thailand
Within Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi is a scenic 1.5-kilometre trail that weaves through the majestic, seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall. The waterfall is named after the three-headed elephant from Hindu mythology, while the trail is well-marked and winds through lush greenery.
Each tier reveals crystal-clear turquoise pools, perfect for a refreshing swim or a quiet moment to watch the fish darting beneath the surface. As the trail ascends and the jungle thickens, the sound of rushing water is occasionally joined by the rustling of monkeys moving through the trees.
Daimonzaka Trail, Japan
The Daimonzaka Trail, a stone path winding through a dense forest of ancient cedar trees, forms part of Japan’s revered Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route in Wakayama Prefecture. At the base of the trail, visitors and pilgrims pass through the towering Meoto Sugi, or “husband and wife” cedars, before climbing 267 cobblestone steps that lead to Kumano Nachi Taisha, the Seiganto-ji Temple and Nachi Waterfall—Japan’s tallest waterfall at 133 metres.
Long considered sacred, Nachi Waterfall is closely associated with the shrine and continues to be worshipped as the dwelling place of a Shinto deity. An observation deck near the base provides close-up views and the chance to taste the water, believed to bring longevity and good fortune.
Jeju Olle Trail Route 6, South Korea
The Jeju Olle Trail comprises a network of 27 routes designed to showcase Jeju Island’s diverse natural scenery. Each route offers something unique, taking visitors and hikers through different towns and terrains.
Those looking to visit Jeongbang Waterfall—the only waterfall in Asia that flows directly into the sea—should take Trail Route 6. Spanning 13.3 kilometres along Jeju’s southern coastline, hikers will be greeted by scenic coastal views, volcanic rock formations, the Soesokkak Estuary, panoramic views of the ocean from Jejigi Oreum, Black Sand Beach and, of course, Jeongbang Waterfall.
Topics
Maggie Adan is a content writer, editor, and strategist with extensive experience across print, digital, and social media publishing. Formerly editor-in-chief at K-Zone Philippines, Summit Books and Content Lab, she has written lifestyle stories covering everything from entertainment and travel to beauty and wellness. A storyteller at heart with a keen editorial eye and a passion for narrative, she contributes to various publications and helps brands create and curate content for their social media platforms.
