Whether they fall thousands of feet off a mountaintop deep in the jungle, or plunge only a few dozen feet into a river at a nearby state park, waterfalls are among the most breathtaking sights in nature. Their size and power are awe-inspiring, especially when seen up close. Here are some of the most beautiful waterfalls of the world.
Iguazu Falls, in Iguazu River, are located on the border of the Brazilian State of Parana and the Argentine Province of Misiones. They are one of the world's largest waterfalls and are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Iguazu Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption which left a large crack in the earth. They extend over 2,700 m in a semi-circular shape. The falls actually consists of some 275 individual waterfalls and cascades. Catwalks make it easy to get closeup and intimate views and the rainforest surroundings make the scenery feel right for a natural attraction such as this. Of the 275 falls that collectively make up Iguassu Falls, "Devil's Throat" is the tallest at 80 m in height. Iguazu Falls are located on the border of the Brazilian State of Parana and the Argentine Province of Misiones.
Located across Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the world's most impressive waterfalls, boasting the largest curtain of water formed on the planet. In terms of size, Victoria Falls are 355 feet high, 5,577 feet wide and with over 500 million liter plunging over the edge into the Zambezi River. Because of the water flow's intensity, a spray is shot 1,000 feet into the air that can be seen from 30 miles away. Not surprisingly, there are almost always rainbows. It is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Indeed, it's got power, beauty, and it will make you humble and awestruck.
The Niagara Falls were created by glacier activity around 10000 years ago. Easily the most famous waterfall in North America, this powerful waterfall also ranks as the biggest one by volume with a whopping average of about 2.8 million Liters per second ! Located in both Ontario and New York, Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls - Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. Side. In addition to its raw power, the falls is easily one of the easiest to access and view from all sorts of angles. While not the highest waterfall in the world, it certainly is the most powerful, and it's sheer overall size is enough to draw over 10 million visitors each year.
Angel Falls is located in South America in the Canaima National Park, in the Gran Sabana region of Bolivar State, Venezuela. The waterfall is world's highest waterfall and is about 979 meters high with a single longest drop of 807 meters and has 47 numbers of drops in all. Angel Falls drops from a tabletop mountain (tepuy) deep in a Venezuelan equatorial rainforest, and it is widely acknowledged as the tallest permanent waterfall in the world. Its existence defies logic as its source is nothing but the soggy cloud forest on the plateau of the tepuy. No doubt about it, there's nothing like this waterfall and the adventure to even get to this so-called Lost World (Mundo Perdido) for a chance to see this world wonder is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.
This gorgeous 580m waterfall is easily New Zealand's most spectacular waterfall and definitely worth a visit. Given its remote location deep in the wild and beautiful Fiordland National Park (also a World Heritage Area), it's one of many highlights of the Milford Track - said to be one of the finest walks in the world. Though it's not the tallest waterfall in New Zealand, Sutherland Falls is widely considered the country's most impressive waterfall for its steep slope, amazing height and beauty. It features three drops at heights of 751 feet, 815 feet and 1902 feet, thundering down dramatically into an enormous pool at the bottom. It's beautiful to look up and see the water pouring from the glacial reservoir of Lake Quill over the edges of the mountaintops.
Baatara gorge waterfall is a waterfall in the Tannourine, Lebanon. The waterfall descends the Baatara Pothole, located on the Lebanon Mountain Trail. This unexpected waterfall drops 255 metres into a cave and falls behind three natural bridges, which raise one above the other and overhang the chasm descending into Mount Lebanon. It can only be seen during the months of March and April, when the snows are melting. Situated on the Lebanon Mountain Trail, the abyss in to which the waterfall drops is also known as the Three Bridge Chasm. It gets this name because the journey in to the valley below takes in three naturally formed bridges, each rising above the one below. The waterfall is at its peak when the winter snows begin to melt and the water cascades in to the chasm.
Burney Falls is a waterfall on Burney Creek, in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Shasta County, California. The water comes from underground springs above and at the falls, which are 129 feet high, and provides an almost constant flow rate of 100 million gallons per day, which appears to burst from the middle of the cliff face, this is because the source of the falls is from underground springs. The falls were called "the Eighth Wonder of the World" by President Theodore Roosevelt, and were declared a National Natural Landmark in December 1984.
Burney Falls is a waterfall on Burney Creek, in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Shasta County, California. The water comes from underground springs above and at the falls, which are 129 feet high, and provides an almost constant flow rate of 100 million gallons per day, which appears to burst from the middle of the cliff face, this is because the source of the falls is from underground springs. The falls were called "the Eighth Wonder of the World" by President Theodore Roosevelt, and were declared a National Natural Landmark in December 1984.
One of the more unique waterfalls you'll ever see in the world, this wild and wide waterfall tumbling on the Hvita River in two tiers at 90 degree angles to each other is one of Iceland's iconic natural attractions. Part of the Golden Circle of Iceland's main attractions in the Southwest, this is a must on anyone's itinerary. In addition to the falls' unique shape, you can see rainbows arcing over the falls when your timing's right and the weather cooperates.
The Cascata delle Marmore (Marmore's Falls) is a man-made waterfall created by the ancient Romans. Its total height is 165 m (541 feet), making it one of the tallest in Europe and the tallest man-made waterfall in the world. Of its 3 sections, the top one is the tallest, at 83 m (272 feet). It is located 7.7 km from Terni, a provincial capital of the Italian region of Umbria. Its source is a portion of the waters of the river Velino (the rest of the river flows into a hydroelectric power plant), after flowing through Piediluco lake near the community of Marmore. It pours into the valley below formed by the river Nera. Its flow is turned on and off according to a published schedule, to satisfy the needs of tourists and the power company alike. Tourists try to be there the moment the gates are opened to see the powerful rush of water.
Dettifoss is a waterfall in Jokulsargljufur National Park of Northeast Iceland, not far from Myvatn. The falls are 100 m wide and have a drop of 44 m down to the Jokulsargljufur canyon. It is Europe's most powerful waterfall sending glacial melt waters over its 44m precipice unchecked at a flow of around 500 cubic meters per second. It epitomizes the wild and raw Icelandic Nature and is a favorite among-st Icelandic Nature lovers.
The many waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia are Pandora-like - what you imagined paradise might be like. Water seems to cascade from every ledge and crevice, gathering in crystal clear lakes along the way. Interestingly, the lakes between the falls are separated by natural dams of travertine, which is deposited and built by the action of living things: moss, algae and bacteria.
