10 Exciting Waterfalls to Explore for this Summer Vacation
Few things in nature are as mesmerizing as a waterfall—the thunderous roar as water spills over cliffs, the light glistening off the spray, the sheer force of it all. We found the 10 most enticing cascades on the planet. Some are obvious choices (who could resist the honeymooners' classic Niagara?), others are more obscure (ever heard of Langfoss?), but they all share an important quality: One look, and you're bound to be transfixed for hours.
1. Niagara Falls
The most powerful waterfall in North America, Niagara straddles the international border between Canada and the U.S., near Buffalo, New York. It is divided into three distinct cascades: The 167-foot-high American Falls and the 181-foot-high Bridal Veil Falls sit on the U.S. side; the 158-foot-high Horseshoe Falls drops on the Canadian. The best vantage point is from the water. The Maid of the Mist ventures to both sides along the Niagara River. The 600-passenger vessel gets so close to the action, in fact, that guests are outfitted with rain ponchos to keep them dry from the torrential spray.
2. Hanakapi'ai Falls, Hawaii
Hanakapi'ai calls to mind the prehistoric, untouched beauty of the landscapes in the Jurassic Park films (minus the dinosaurs, of course). The thin veil of water plunges 300 feet from volcanic-rock cliffs cloaked in tropical rain forest. Better still, to get there, you follow the famously scenic Kalalau Trail, which traces the lush, green Na Pali Coast for 11 miles along the northern coast of the island.
3. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya is a gorgeous waterfall, located on the Zambia and Zimbabwe border. The water of Zambezi river falls down in a straight line for 354 ft (108 m). It is wide ( 5,604 ft/1,708 m), therefore water spray raises very high and can be spotted from many kilometers away.
4. Iguazu Falls in Argentina/Brazil
Iguazu Falls are found on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Not very high (285 ft/87 m), but very impressive: it has 275 cascades, that form a horseshoe and stretch for 8858ft (2700 m).
5. Angel Falls in Venezuela
Angel Falls is the highest in the world, which falls down uninterrupted for 3,212 ft (979 m). You can visit it in Canaima National Park, which is protected by UNESCO. It is named after its discoverer US aviator Jimmie Angel.
6. Kaieteur Falls in Guyana
Kaieteur Falls is found in Guyana. Water falls for 741 ft (226 m), then it reaches the first of the many steep cascades. It attracts many tourists, who like extreme trips, since the fall is in the middle of a wilderness with no urban amenities.
7. Gullfoss (Golden Falls) in Iceland
Gullfoss is a magnificent waterfall located in southwest Iceland. Not particularly high (two 36 ft/11 m and 68 ft/21 m plunges), however, it is very beautiful. Due to a crevice, the river Hvítá seems to disappear into the abyss.
8. Plitvice Falls in Croatia
Plitvice Falls are found in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia. They are not very high falls, but are stunning due to the many cascades water has to overcome. There are hundreds of waterfalls. The color of water varies from crystal clear to azure, to turquoise.
9. Yosemite Falls in USA
Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America. It drops 2,425 ft (739 m) in the Sierra Nevada, California. The source of water is melting snow, therefore sometimes the stream may cease due to a little amount of snow.
10. Sutherland Falls in New Zealand
Sutherland Falls are located in Fiordland, New Zealand. With its 1902 ft (580 m) plunge it is one of the tallest waterfall in the world. It falls in three cascades, that create this unique landscape. It was named after its discoverer Donald Sutherland in 1880.
1. Niagara Falls
The most powerful waterfall in North America, Niagara straddles the international border between Canada and the U.S., near Buffalo, New York. It is divided into three distinct cascades: The 167-foot-high American Falls and the 181-foot-high Bridal Veil Falls sit on the U.S. side; the 158-foot-high Horseshoe Falls drops on the Canadian. The best vantage point is from the water. The Maid of the Mist ventures to both sides along the Niagara River. The 600-passenger vessel gets so close to the action, in fact, that guests are outfitted with rain ponchos to keep them dry from the torrential spray.
2. Hanakapi'ai Falls, Hawaii
Hanakapi'ai calls to mind the prehistoric, untouched beauty of the landscapes in the Jurassic Park films (minus the dinosaurs, of course). The thin veil of water plunges 300 feet from volcanic-rock cliffs cloaked in tropical rain forest. Better still, to get there, you follow the famously scenic Kalalau Trail, which traces the lush, green Na Pali Coast for 11 miles along the northern coast of the island.
3. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya is a gorgeous waterfall, located on the Zambia and Zimbabwe border. The water of Zambezi river falls down in a straight line for 354 ft (108 m). It is wide ( 5,604 ft/1,708 m), therefore water spray raises very high and can be spotted from many kilometers away.
4. Iguazu Falls in Argentina/Brazil
Iguazu Falls are found on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Not very high (285 ft/87 m), but very impressive: it has 275 cascades, that form a horseshoe and stretch for 8858ft (2700 m).
5. Angel Falls in Venezuela
Angel Falls is the highest in the world, which falls down uninterrupted for 3,212 ft (979 m). You can visit it in Canaima National Park, which is protected by UNESCO. It is named after its discoverer US aviator Jimmie Angel.
6. Kaieteur Falls in Guyana
Kaieteur Falls is found in Guyana. Water falls for 741 ft (226 m), then it reaches the first of the many steep cascades. It attracts many tourists, who like extreme trips, since the fall is in the middle of a wilderness with no urban amenities.
7. Gullfoss (Golden Falls) in Iceland
Gullfoss is a magnificent waterfall located in southwest Iceland. Not particularly high (two 36 ft/11 m and 68 ft/21 m plunges), however, it is very beautiful. Due to a crevice, the river Hvítá seems to disappear into the abyss.
8. Plitvice Falls in Croatia
Plitvice Falls are found in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia. They are not very high falls, but are stunning due to the many cascades water has to overcome. There are hundreds of waterfalls. The color of water varies from crystal clear to azure, to turquoise.
9. Yosemite Falls in USA
Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America. It drops 2,425 ft (739 m) in the Sierra Nevada, California. The source of water is melting snow, therefore sometimes the stream may cease due to a little amount of snow.
10. Sutherland Falls in New Zealand
Sutherland Falls are located in Fiordland, New Zealand. With its 1902 ft (580 m) plunge it is one of the tallest waterfall in the world. It falls in three cascades, that create this unique landscape. It was named after its discoverer Donald Sutherland in 1880.
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