Trifter

Through-out the United States you can find some amazing waterfalls. Some are very famous and some are not, but they are all very beautiful. Here are just a few of these amazing natural wonders.

McArthur-Burney Falls- California

McArthur-Burney Falls State Park in northern California is one of the most beautiful waterfalls even though it is certainly not one of the tallest. The 129-foot Burney Falls of Burney Creek is located in the Cascade Mountain Range . More like a river than a creek, the water crashes on the rocks below creating an eerie mist that is absolutely haunting. The water below the falls is the most amazing shade of blue. You can find this stunning waterfall near Redding California. I have been there and I will never forget the beauty of the surrounding landscape as well as the falls themselves. There is a hiking trail that follows the river a short distance before crossing and takes you back up the other side to the top of the waterfall so you can view it from every angle. I must remind you however to bring your camera, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to photograph this place.

Little River Falls- Alabama

Located in northeast Alabama the Little River flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain. The Little River is over 100 feet wide here which makes the 45 foot drop of Little River Falls impressive to eyes and ears. Little River Falls is just upstream from the head of Little River Canyon, one of the deepest – and most beautiful – canyons east of the Mississippi. Little River is the only river in the United States that flows its entire length on top of a mountain and has formed the deepest canyon east of the Rocky Mountains. In vivid contrast to America’s western canyons, Little River Canyon has a maximum depth of 600 feet and a maximum width of over 3,800 feet. This canyon is a beautiful green from Spring into Autumn when it becomes a riot of color. The Little River Canyon is classified as an Alabama Wild and Scenic River as a “preserve” under the protection of the National Park Service.

North Falls- Oregon

North Falls at Silver Falls State Park, southeast of Silverton Oregon, is one of the best waterfalls for walking behind. It is a good flowing stream about 15 feet wide that drops 136 feet over a promontory. The resulting “cave” is 70 to 80 feet deep and the sound… ah, that’s part of the thrill. There is also a good viewing point from your car about a mile beyond the parking area. There is also an Upper North Falls. It is twice as wide, only 65 feet tall, and is completely different from its brother. To see this fall you have to take a short trail under the road and up the other side of the mountain, but it is very easy going.

Bridalveil Fall- Yosemite National Park- California

If you’ve ever been to Yosemite, you will know that there are many stunning waterfalls through-out the park. One of my favorites is Bridalviel Fall. It is one of the first waterfalls seen by people entering the park. During the spring, as the snow melts and flow is at its peak, it thunders. The rest of the year, look for its characteristic light, swaying flow. I have seen this fall both times of the year and it is absolutely gorgeous at peak flow. If you go in the spring, you should take an umbrella or rain coat on the short hike to the falls, you will get wet.

Natural Bridge Falls – Montana

Natural Bridge Falls is located at Natural Bridge State Park in Montana. Natural Bridge is named for the stone arch that used to cross over the river. The “Natural Bridge” is long gone – it fell into Boulder River in 1988 – but the waterfall that got its name from the bridge is still as great a sight as ever: just different. The 105 foot Natural Bridge Falls changes its appearance with the water flow. When the Boulder River is carrying the snow melt – or after a heavy rainstorm upstream – you’ll see three separate waterfalls. The river cuts through the limestone river bed each year forming caverns which the river flows through. If you look closely in the rock you can see fossilized seashells from millions of years past. Natural Bridge offers spectacular viewing all year long but is best viewed May through July when waters are at their highest. Paved paths lead from the parking lot to the Boulder River allowing leisurely strolls up and down stream to take in the beauty of this unusual river. The several viewing points are wheelchair accessible (with signs bearing little blurbs about the area) and give excellent views of the Boulder River, the Natural Bridge and its waterfall. You’ll probably see some of the wildlife, too. There is also handicap access to the viewing points.

Raven Cliff Falls- South Carolina

Raven Cliff Falls has been called both king and queen of South Carolina’s waterfalls depending on who you talk to. It is 420 feet of non-stop tumbling, roaring water. It is a spellbinding waterfall located in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness area in South Carolina. Mathews Creek plunges off Raven Cliff Mountain at the Blue Ridge Escarpment near Caesars Head. The escarpment is where the Blue Ridge Mountains drop abruptly 2,00 feet to the Piedmont below. To see this stunning waterfall you will need to take the popular 4.4 mile roundtrip hike leading to an overlook across the gorge to the falls . This trail is moderately difficult with a few steep descents. As you know, if you go down, that means you have to go back up when you return!