img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}Believe it or not, Boise has become one of America’s trendiest cities in recent years, sending real estate soaring and airlines licking their chops, ready to anchor the airport.
Not much has changed — not even their famous blue football field.
One of the best times to visit Idaho is during the fall, a time when Boise is extra lively on weekends to root on their beloved Boise State Broncos, and when summer weekend getaway-ers head back to California (mostly).
But what those weekenders are missing out on is the rest of the state beyond Boise’s borderline ridiculous fry-to-burger ratio, small town feel, and lush greenery serving as a natural curtain this vibrant capital city.
When I visited Boise pre-pandemic, it was simply a gateway to what instantly became one of my favorite states to road trip, and the best stop along the way was Twin Falls, known as the “Niagara of the West”.
This under-hyped stunner was just featured by Matador Network as a must-visit fall getaway, and we at Travel Off Path give our stamp of approval as well.
Fly Or Drive: Just Get To Twin Falls!
Boasting small town charm and astounding nature in multiple forms, Twin Falls is as just as a must-visit as Boise, at least come fall.
The best part about it is that you can choose how to get there. Of course, there’s nothing more Americana than an old-fashioned road trip.
Well, as old-fashioned as Apple CarPlay and all the latest gizmos and gadgets allow it to be…
If you fly into Boise, you have no idea the scenic drive that’s in store once you leave the city limits.
While it’s been years since I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, I still have flashes in my mind’s eye back to the open winding roads traversing rolling farmland and meandering valleys before ultimately reaching Idaho’s most underrated destination, Twin Falls.
The amount of greenery blew my mind, but I visited in spring. Once we’re in the midst of autumn, the trip will surely become an even more magical drive.
But if you’re just not up for a 2-hour drive from Boise, Twin Falls does have an airport connecting to one major hub, Salt Lake City via Delta.
Upon arrival, no matter how you get here, you’ll be welcomed by a charismatic downtown district lined with indie coffee shops, breweries, and local boutiques.
It’s the perfect area to take a break from behind the wheel or squished flight before hitting up all the nearby natural attractions.
Astounding Nature Awaits
The place I remember most from my 48 hours in Twin Falls wasn’t any Niagara Falls dupe — it was the staggering Perrine Bridge standing nearly 500 feet high, framing the Snake River down below like a painting.
The views are simply unmatched, no matter which way you turn. This engineering marvel is a great starting point to Twin Falls, so you know this town ain’t messin’ around.
The same way people from all over the mainland make the Grand Canyon or Mt. Rushmore an end-cap to a road trip, Twin Falls is definitely worth a seat at the same table, and the magnificent view of the Snake River gorge is just the tip of the iceberg.
Minutes from downtown, Dierkes Lake is perhaps the town’s top hidden gem…for outsiders anyway. It’s tucked away from the “bustle” of town in a tranquil setting for kayaking or a scenic hike.
And to get your feet wet, so to speak, before heading to Twin Falls’ “Niagara”, check out a waterfall many visitors skip, Perrine Coulee Falls, shooting down more than 200 feet along the canyon walls of the Snake River.
Shoshone Falls: The “Niagara Of The West”
Buffalo may have been hyped as one of America’s biggest surprises this year, but now that we’re nearing the end of 2025, reports indicate that nearby Niagara hasn’t had a great turnout thus far.
While Shoshone Falls doesn’t hold nearly the same level of notoriety as Niagara, it does have a few things going for it for bragging rights:
- You don’t have to wear a goofy poncho to get up close
- You don’t have to fight off crowds
- It’s estimated to be 45 feet taller than Niagara Falls
Shoshone Falls cascaded 212 feet down and spreads roughly 900 feet wide. The spring blooms I witnessed only enhanced the already impressive natural wonder, but don’t sleep on wildflowers replaced by golden cottonwoods and autumn aspens.
The surrounding park is well-equipped with designated picnic areas with Snake River views, and there’s an overhang across the falls to snap photos or hang out and take it all in.
The entrance fee is only $5 per vehicle. Do know water flow is unpredictable, so some days in the fall are more photo-worthy than others.
Sam SearsSam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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