Waterfalls

Visit These 15 Awesome Waterfalls in Virginia

There’s no sight more enchanting than a waterfall when you’re craving to enjoy nature at its fullest. If you’re traveling to Virginia, then there’s no better excuse to head to the many refreshing waterfalls the state has to offer. Soothing in the gentle streams and hiking the cool forest trails will make for a perfect escapade. The Waterfalls in Virginia are picturesque and people travel all across the state to explore their gorgeous beauty. Here is our pick for 15 incredible waterfalls in Virginia that will promise you a thrilling experience.

1. White Oaks Falls

Located in Shenandoah, White Oaks Falls is popular for around 500 miles of hiking trails! There are six different waterfalls of varying height and several other cascades throughout the White Oak Canyon Trail.

If you have a thing for adventures then you could explore the White Oak Cedar Run Circuit. It is strenuous owing to its 2,800-foot elevation gain and is accessible all year-round.

2. Devil’s Bathtub

This magical place is unparalleled in terms of its majestic beauty and the picturesque views it offers all long. The water is relatively low here and several people enjoy swimming here during the summer months.

The Devil’s bathtub is a pool of blue-green water with a small waterfall which is a beautiful natural feature and swimming hole. There are over 15 stream crossings in this 3.2-mile hike.

3. Falling Spring Falls

This magnificent 80-foot waterfall is located five miles north of Covington and right in the middle of Alleghany Highlands. It has a remarkable cascade that falls over 200 feet in the valley below.

This spot is a popular destination for chilling in the summer. You can pack lunch and enjoy it in the renovated picnic area created for visitors.

4. Statons Creek Falls

This is one of the less-crowded waterfalls in Virginia which is popular for scenic drives, hikes, and more. There are plenty of small pools nearby and cascades with a drop of about 100 feet. You need to be careful here as the terrain is steep.

This destination offers a quick hike to a pair of massive boulders where you can leap into a pool of water. The scenic beauty around this waterfall is quite captivating.

5. Stiles Falls

This 60-foot beautiful waterfall in the Floyd County can be reached through a gravel road from the Alta Mons camp parking lot. You will find signs throughout the trail that leads to the stunning waterfall.

You will cross over the Purgatory Creek before reaching the falls. This place is open all year-round and is pet-friendly.

6. Crabtree Falls

This is one of the best-known waterfalls in Virginia that you shouldn’t miss. It is located in the Pedlar Ranger District and can be accessed with a short hike from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This hike is worth exploring and if you are visiting in the right season, you will get to witness the majestic 1,200-foot sequence of falls.

7. Apple Orchard Falls

The place is popular for plenty of swimming holes you can find here. The falls trail begins at an elevation of 3,500 feet at the Sunset Field Overlook. It crosses into the Jefferson National Forest and passes a huge overhanging rock which provides shelter from the rain.

It takes a steep descent at around 1.2 miles around the waterfalls. You get a beautiful view of the 200-foot falls at about 1.4 miles. This trail also leads you into the headwaters of North Creek.

8. Cedar Run Falls

The Cedar Run Falls can be found in the Shenandoah National Park. You can reach this waterfall from the bottom of the mountain off of Weakley Hollow Road. You will come across a small waterfall at the trail crossing and after crossing another mile, you will reach the main falls.

There is another gorgeous waterfall nearby but the canyon walls are quite steep and it is quite difficult to get down to them. You can take a nice dip at the swimming hole. You will also come across a natural water slide nearby.

9. Little Stony Creek Falls

If you want to kayak off a waterfall, then this is the place where you need to be. One of the falls here is 8 feet high and the other one is 24 feet high. A trail runs past them that follows a stream through a 400 feet deep gorge.

10. Great Falls

Another one of the unique and pleasant waterfalls in Virginia, the Great Falls is quite popular. It offers exquisite views that vary with the seasons as the landscapes change drastically in the region.

The area scattered with rocks offers beautiful views of the large waterfall. However, you need to climb some of the bigger rocks to experience it. There is a large lookout point nearby that offers majestic views of not just the falls but of Potomac River.

11. Blue Suck Falls

Found in the Douthat State Park, the Blue Suck Falls region promises a satisfying hike that circles the falls. Though the hike is challenging, it is quite rewarding.

If you want to enjoy the waterfall at its best, then you could visit during springtime. You can find about 20 lookout views all across the hike.

12. Rose River Falls

The four-mile loop in the region has an abundance of pools, streams, and waterfalls. It is perfect for a day hike during any season. This waterfall has been overshadowed by Dark Hollow Falls nearby which is usually quite crowded.

The Rose River Falls promises more solitude and is quite dog-friendly. There are tons of pools and streams for playing and splashing.

13. Lewis Falls

The Lewis spring forms the Lewis Spring Falls that eventually join the Shenandoah River. The falls starts with two streams before fanning out. It usually disappears during the dry months but offers a spectacular sight when it is at its peak.

It is located 1 mile from Skyline Drive and can also be accessed by a trail from Big Meadows Amphitheater.

14. Dismal Falls

Though this is not a large waterfall, it does have a unique landscape. The water drops over 12 feet into a whirlpool.

These are numerous trees along the trail which makes it an ideal destination for a day out during summers. You can enjoy fishing Rainbow Trout in the Dismal Creek nearby.

15. Straight Branch Falls

This waterfall is hidden and is not visible from the road. It is truly a gem and offers different viewpoints if you’re into photography. You can take the Appalachian Trail and Creeper trail nearby if you want to explore the picturesque surroundings. The trails offer stunning views of the flowing mountain streams.

June 11, 2021 1 comment

Canada Waterfalls

10 Best Waterfalls in Canada

written by Umang Trivedi

1) Helmcken Falls

Helmcken Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Canada, is located in the majestic Wells Gray State Park, which was created to protect the mighty waterfall. However, the waterfall is easily accessible via several tracks and bridges. The waterfall is 141 m long before sinking into a cave below. While spring is often the best season to see the falls, winter is not a bad time to see Helmcken Falls: unique snow patterns form around the falls, creating an incredibly cool effect. One can see the water of the waterfall moving frantically fast and merging with the frozen ice cone around it.

2) Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Canada and is a jewel in the crown of Alberta’s famous Jasper National Park. This fall is a Class 5 waterfall with a total drop height of 80 feet (24 m) and a width of 60 feet (18 m). The waterfall can be safely viewed and photographed from various viewing sites and walkways around the falls. The Athabasca River cuts through the limestone, creating an interesting abyss with spirals and eddies that will catch your eye as you climb the waterfall.

3) Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfall in Canada. It is an international tourist destination – and has good reason to attract crowds. Niagara Falls is not the longest waterfall in Canada – just 50 meters high, it’s not even close – but it’s incredibly wide. The largest of these three is Horseshoe Falls, also known as Canadian Falls and it is the most powerful in North America. It was categorized by these three names: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Canadian Falls (Horseshoe falls).

4) Takakkaw Falls

Takakkaw Falls is one of the beautiful waterfall at Yoho National Park near Field, British Columbia, Canada. It is the second-highest waterfall in Canada. The total height of this waterfall is 373 meters (1,224 feet). The main drop of the falls is 254 meters (833 feet) high. The waterfall is fed by the melting waters of the Daly Glacier, which is part of the Waputik Icefield. This waterfall is spectacular in early summer and gets plenty of flow when the snow and ice melts.

5) Montmorency Falls

Montmorency Falls is one among the most important and largest falls on the Montmorency River in Quebec, Canada. The waterfall is found about 12 km (7.5 miles) from the center of the old city of Quebec on the border between Beaufort and Boise. This 83-meter waterfall is fed by the Montmorency River, which descends into the St. Lawrence River below.

6) Cascades Pissing Mare Falls

Pissing Mare Falls is located in Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, Canada. These are one of the highest waterfalls in eastern North America and certainly have a spectacular background. It is best seen in the spring as the Pissing Mare is rich in glaciers. During the tourist summer, the water level was not very pleasant.

7) Kakabeka Falls

Kakabeka Falls is a waterfall located on the Kaministiquia River near the village of Kakabeka Falls in Oliver Pyongyang Municipality, Ontario, 30 km (19 miles) west of Thunder Bay. It is the second-highest waterfall in Ontario. It is easily accessible with multiple tracks and a single site. The waterfall is 40 m (130 ft) deep and enters a valley carved from the Precambrian Shield by melting water following the maximum of the last glacier. This waterfall is located within 20 miles from the city of Thunder Bay.

8) Virginia Falls

Virginia Falls is a Nahanni National Park Reserve waterfall in North Western Canada. It is located on the South Nahanni River, at an altitude of 500 meters. It is located 120 km from the Yukon border. Virginia Falls is surrounded by an amazing 30,000 km² of protected and rarely explored Canadian forest. Virginia Falls is another multi-layered waterfall, with the main fall about 50 feet, another secondary slope, and then a narrow layered section below. This waterfall may also claim the title of the largest waterfall leading to Lake Superior.

9) Della Falls

Della Falls could be a waterfall located within Strathcona State Park on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. it’s the tallest waterfall in Canada at 440 meters (1,440 feet). It offers many hiking trails, camps, and sightseeing opportunities. The Della Falls trail is sometimes covered with snow from late October / November until a minimum of June, sometimes until July.

10) Shannon Falls

Shannon Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down a continuous granite cliff and eventually falls into the Pacific Ocean. It is located 58 km from Vancouver and 2 km south of Squamish, up to the Sky Highway by sea. The park covers an area of 87 hectares (210 acres). Shannon Falls, the third-highest waterfall in BC, is a major attraction. The park also protects the area around the northeast shore of Howe Sound.

June 11, 2021 0 comment

Europe Waterfalls

11 Breathtaking Waterfalls in Europe for the Explorer in You!

written by Umang Trivedi

Apart from the great culture, architecture and cuisine, Europe has wonderful places where Mother Nature prevails with glory. The beauty of the natural surroundings in Europe seems to be intensified by the mesmerizing waterfalls present there. Yes, Europe has some of the most beautiful waterfalls of the world that will just soothe your eyes and soul. These waterfalls represent the stunning scenic beauty of a continent that will always leave you wanting more. Throughout the year, millions of tourists all over the world come to Europe to visit these wonders and be enthralled. If you are planning your next trip to Europe, do not miss any of these waterfalls present there.

Here is a list of 11 most beautiful waterfalls of Europe.

Rhine Waterfalls, Switzerland

This is one of the most visited waterfalls of Europe and all for the right reasons – The height, the notoriety, the nearby ambience are all so wonderful. This waterfall can be seen from any side. There are huge rocks in the middle of the waterfall that are accessible to the visitors, so you can see the waterfall from inside! There are also boat services available to help visitors along. Whatever you do, never miss this one if you’re in Switzerland.

Staubbach Waterfall, Switzerland

This 300 meters high waterfall is the second highest waterfall of Switzerland. It looks best during summer when the warm wind swirls on it and the water droplets are sprayed all around. This beauty draws many tourists from all across the world during the summer holidays. This waterfall is one of the 72 waterfalls that are all located in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The ambience around it is so serene and picturesque that it seems like one of the best pictures drawn by Nature. The area is very much convenient for the visitors; there are many other waterfalls and scenic beauties that you can experience nearby.

Bigar Falls, Romania

One look at this waterfall and you will not be able to believe your eyes! This waterfall is so beautiful and intense that it seems to be straight out of a fairy tale. The wonderful waterfall amidst Mother Nature is all that you need to see to make your day worth it. The stones and the moss make the waterfall look more mystic and serene. You would never want to take your eyes off from such a scene. The photos of these waterfalls seem so unreal that people actually come to confirm whether it is as mystic as it looks in the photos or not. Bigar Falls has millions of visitors throughout the year.

Gullfoss, Iceland

Gullfoss is the most famous waterfall of Iceland. This waterfall is also called “Golden Falls” as the brownish water seems to be golden in color during sunny days. You will most certainly feel rejuvenated after seeing this waterfall in all its glory. The raw energy and its charm will surely stun all your senses, making you feel alive and energetic after visiting this charming waterfall.

Skogafoss, Iceland

This is another famous waterfall in Iceland which is very easy to access; this is one of the major reasons why people prefer to visit Skogafoss falls. The waterfall looks stunning and almost geometrically rectangular in shape, which makes it quite unique. The force of water is also quite strong when compared to the other falls which only add to its intensity. This waterfall looks wonderful during winter which is the best place to visit.

Haifoss Falls, Iceland

This is a 122 meters high waterfall in Iceland that is surrounded by stony heights. There is another waterfall in close proximity that is of the same height but not as beautiful as this one. The water gushing out, the view and the sounds are all very soothing. If you are lucky, you may also be able to view a rainbow in the scene just like a cherry on top of the cake.

Detifoss Falls, Iceland

Detifoss Falls is the most powerful waterfall in Europe that is located at a National Park of Northeast Iceland. When there are volcanic movements nearby, this glacial waterfall moves so fast and powerful that the stones vibrate which can be felt by the tourists. This beautiful waterfall is also accompanied by two other substantial waterfalls, but the perfect view is somehow lessened by the water spray from this fall, which goes straight into a canyon.

Langfoss Falls, Norway

This is the most majestic waterfall that is present in Europe. The ambience is so pure and blissful that you’ll be transported to another world. It’s no surprise then that the picture perfect view of this waterfall draws many visitors. This waterfall is beautifully cascading along a mountain. The waterfall is also very high that makes it look very iconic and serene. This fall is very easy to access by the visitors and thus always tops their visiting list, throughout the year.

Mardalfossen Falls, Norway

This waterfall looks beautiful and has 297 meters of free-fall, also being Northern Europe’s highest waterfall. However it was a victim of hydroelectric projects and thus was closed for the visitors for a long period of time. But now again the flood gates are opened for a certain period of time every year and tourists can enjoy the scenic beauty of this serene waterfall.

Waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

The waterfalls of Plitvice lakes of Croatia are divided in two sections: upper lakes and lower lakes. Both the lakes are mesmerizing and have amazing waterfalls. The scene seems to be much more beautiful during the summers filled with sweet smell, greenery and mystic sounds of ripples and gushing water. The lower lakes and the waterfalls are more photogenic than the upper ones. All these together make this a wonderful tourist spot. This lake is indeed one of the most beautiful lakes of Europe.

Latefossen Waterfalls, Norway

Latefossen Waterfall is situated at Odda in Norway – one of the most visited spots in Norway and even of Europe. It gushes down from a majestic height of 324 meters. There is an old stone bridge that arches there; this bridge makes the waterfall look more dramatic and mesmerizing. The waterfall has visitors throughout the year, but prefer to visit during early summers as the access to this place is easier and the area is less crowded.

June 25, 2020 0 comment