Waterfalls
TLC once said “Don’t go chasing waterfalls” but honestly there is nothing more I’d rather do. There is something simply amazing about taking in the beauty and sound of water free falling and the feeling of the mist spraying in your face or the enjoyment of swimming beneath it. As an avid hiker, most of my trails consist of vistas and waterfall views. Waterfalls offer the opportunity of canyoning, feeling the water beneath the falls, swimming beneath them, boating around them, or jumping from the cliffs beside them. There are all sorts of varieties of waterfalls and they are all simply magnificent. Below is a list of some of my favorite waterfalls I have visited over the years that I think are worth checking out. There are so many more that are on my list to visit.
top waterfalls
Iguazu Falls- Brazil/Argentina
Iguazu Waterfall borders between Brazil and Argentina. The falls stretch 1.7 miles in width and height of 269 feet. Approximately 50% of the water falls through the Devil’s Throat Canyon which is 300 feet wide and 260 feet deep. When Eleanor Roosevelt first saw Iguazu she reportedly stated “Poor Niagara!”.
Victoria Falls- Zambia/Zimbabwe
Victoria Waterfall borders between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls has the largest water curtain in the world. Victoria falls is born of the Zambezi River (the fourth largest river in Africa). It consists of 5 main waterfalls: Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls and the Eastern Cataract.
Niagara Falls- New York/Canada
Bordering between Canada and New York of the United States this impressive and powerful waterfall is not to be missed. It is comprised of three waterfalls with the horseshoe falls being the largest and dropping 614 feet.
Gullfoss Falls-Iceland
This most visited waterfall in Iceland is also known as Golden Falls. It falls through a large crevice via two tiers 32 meters (105 feet). It is made from the Hvita glacier river. It is part of the famous Golden Circle tour.
Skógafoss Falls-Iceland
This Southern Coast waterfall in Iceland is a very popular destination. It falls straight down 60 meters (197 feet) and is 25 meters (82 feet) wide. You can appreciate how impressive it is by going to the base and then climbing to the top.
Seljalandsfoss Falls-Iceland
Seljalandsfoss waterfall located along the southern coast in Iceland is another very popular destination. It falls straight down 60 meters (197 feet). You can appreciate how incredible it is by walking around and behind the falls.
Kuang Si Falls-Laos
This popular waterfall in Laos outside of Luang Prabang drops around 200 feet but has tiered beautiful green pools. You can wade or swim in the pools. You can also hike through the rainforest to the top of the waterfall.
Trafalgar Falls-dominica
This popular waterfall located in Morne Trois National Park is worth the journey to see these amazing twin falls. The taller falls drops 125 feet while the smaller one is 75ft. It is located about 20 minutes from Roseau and is about 10 minute walk to viewing platforms.
Vøringfossen Falls- Norway
This is one of Norway’s most visited waterfalls. It has a free fall of 145 meters and total fall of 182 meters. It is in the Hardangerfjord region in Måbødalen Valley. There are numerous viewing platforms.
Yosemite Falls- California, United States
Located in the iconic Yosemite National Park you need to stop and see this impressive waterfall – the tallest in the United States. It’s drop is 2,425 feet but is comprised of three separate waterfalls. Be aware it flows roughly between November and July. While in Yosemite Park, if visiting mid to late February you can also possible get to witness Firefall when the setting sun makes Horsetail falls (also in Yosemite National Park) appear to be on fire.
Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls- Wyoming, United States
Located in the iconic Yellowstone National Park you need to stop and see this impressive waterfall in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and drop 500 feet. You can view the falls from the upper rim or hike down for a different view.
Multnomah Falls- Oregon, United States
This tiered waterfall located in the Colombia River Gorge is massive and stunning. It has upper and lower falls and totals 620 feet with the iconic Benson Footbridge which you can hike up to and cross.
McWay Falls- California, United States
This waterfall located in Big Sur as a part of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State. It is a 24-meter drop (80 feet) stunningly beautiful waterfall along the Pacific Coast Highway. This waterfall is so unique as it flows directly into the Pacific Ocean.
More bucket list waterfalls
My days of waterfall exploring are just beginning. I know there are some iconic ones I still need to check out like Angel Falls in Venezuela, Thác Bản Giốc – Detian Falls in Vietnam, Kaieteur Falls in Guyana, Plitvice Waterfalls in Croatia, and the list goes on…. Are there any caves you’ve been to I should add to my bucket list?
