Waterfalls of North America. Famous waterfalls in North America A waterfall in America that changes color

When a river bed encounters a sharp change in altitude along its path, the flow does not stop, but begins to fall vertically, forming a waterfall. This natural phenomenon amazes the imagination with its beauty and picturesqueness, and often its grandeur. In this article we will tell you about the most wonderful waterfalls on the planet. We will focus not only on the height of the flow, but also on its power.

Kerepakupai-meru

Venezuela, a country in northern South America, is home to the largest waterfall in the world. Its flows fall from a height of 979 meters. This natural attraction is hidden in the tropical forests of the Canaima National Park in the state of Bolivar.

Kerepakupai-meru is the new name given to the waterfall by the President of Venezuela in 2009. Before that, he was called Angel - in honor of the pilot who accidentally discovered this miracle of nature in 1933. Locals and tourists still use the old name.

The largest waterfall not only in South America, but throughout the world, originates at the top of the table mountain Auyan Tepui, which means “devil’s mountain”, and flows into the waters of the Kerep River.

The area where Angel Falls is located is wild and inaccessible. The easiest way to get to these regions is by air or river; the ascent on foot takes 10 or more days. An excursion to Angel costs about $300, but despite the high cost, tourists from all over the world are eager to see the largest waterfall in the world.

Tugela

This is the largest waterfall in Africa and the second highest in the world. It falls in a five-step cascade from the eastern cliff of the Drakensberg Mountains, located in the Natal National Park, South Africa. Its highest point is 948 meters above the ground, and its foot is the source of the river of the same name.

Travelers can approach the waterfall from both sides along specially equipped paths. It costs only US$50 to visit Africa's largest waterfall. But for this money, tourists get real pleasure, admiring the narrow ribbon of thundering water in the rays of the setting sun.

Three sisters

It ranks third in the ranking of “The Largest Waterfall on Earth.” It is an unusually picturesque spectacle: three arms of the cascade rapidly fly down from a height of 914 meters. Located in the south of Peru, in the country of Ayacucho. It is not easy to approach due to the inaccessibility of the surrounding forest.

It is noteworthy that there is another beautiful waterfall in the world with the poetic name Three Sisters. It is located in North Ossetia. It begins at one point on the Taymazi glacier, but then splits into three branches, falling from a height of more than 300 meters. Officially they are called Taymazinsky waterfalls.

Olopena

The Hawaiian island of Molokai is famous not only for its wonderful beaches and beautiful resorts, but also for the 900-meter Olopena Falls. The water slides like a thin ribbon between the rocks, sandwiched on both sides by volcanic mountains. Therefore, it is difficult to find this attraction on your own. But excursions to the waterfall are regularly organized, very popular among tourists.

Yumbilla

And again we return to South America - to the country of Peru. It was here, in the Amazonas region, in 2007 that another stream falling from a cliff with a height of 896 meters was discovered. Although it rounds out the top five tallest waterfalls in the world, it is far from the largest waterfall. The amount of water discharged is very small, and in the dry season the stream dries up completely.

Niagara Falls

“Rumbling water” is how the name Niagara is translated from the language of the local Indians. It is given very accurately. The water rumbles with such force that in the area of ​​500 meters nothing can be heard at all, and the noise of the flow spreads for many kilometers around.

How many meters high are Niagara Falls? Only 53 meters. Of course, in this parameter he cannot be compared with Angel. As mentioned above, the height of the tallest waterfall in the world is almost a kilometer. But Niagara's power is simply amazing - every second it discharges 5,700 cubic meters of water or 3 million liters. In terms of this indicator, he has no equal on the entire planet. That's why it is often called the largest waterfall on Earth.

It is located in North America, in the middle reaches of the Niagara River, on the border of the United States and Canada. Millions of tourists visit it every year; fortunately, an excursion costs only $30. There are many other attractions around. The region's infrastructure is very well developed.

Victoria

This is the world's widest waterfall. Its flows stretched for 1800 meters along a huge cliff that stood in the way of the Zambezi River, South Africa. The height of Victoria Falls is also significant - 120 meters. The modern name of the stream was given by the Scottish geographer David Livingstone in honor of Queen Victoria. Although the aborigines still call the waterfall Mosioa Tunya, which means “thundering smoke”.

A special city has been built in this region for travelers who want to admire this wonder of the world. Due to revolutionary unrest in Zimbabwe and Zambia, which are located in close proximity to Victoria Falls, the flow of tourists to this area has decreased somewhat.

Iguazu

This is a complex of waterfalls in South America, on the border of Argentina and Brazil. It is called the eighth wonder of the world. In total, about 270 streams are connected here, which stretch for 3 kilometers. The largest of them is the “Devil's Throat” with a height of 83 meters. Every hour, Iguazu throws down more than 1 billion tons of water with a terrible roar, and water dust rises many tens of meters up. Iguazu, translated from the language of the local Guarani Indian tribe, means “great water,” which is completely justified. After all, the seething power of the streams is simply mesmerizing. Every year more than 1.5 million tourists visit the natural attraction, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only here you can observe an amazing phenomenon: a huge rainbow in the light of the moon.

The most significant waterfall in Europe

It is located in Norway, in the county of Mere og Romsdal, and is called Vinnufossen. It is a cascade system with a height of 860 meters, which makes it the sixth highest waterfall in the world.

Streams run down a steep slope and are lost in dense forest thickets. The waterfall looks especially impressive from afar, when you can appreciate all its picturesqueness and grandeur.

The largest waterfall in Russia

This is Talnikovy waterfall. It is located in a remote place on the Putorana Plateau, or more precisely, in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, near the left bank of Lake Dyupkun. The height of this waterfall is 700 meters. It falls like a sheer wall from the flat top of Mount Trapezium and rushes down 15 cascading steps.

It is noteworthy that Talnikovy waterfall is a seasonal phenomenon. It is formed in the spring during the snow melting period and lasts for several months, completely drying out by the end of summer.

Russia is a vast country, its remote corners conceal many secrets. It is quite possible that a higher waterfall will soon be discovered in our country.

The United States of America covers an area of ​​nine and a half million square kilometers, including almost all climatic zones, from Arctic Alaska to tropical Florida. The nature of the central states is characterized by the presence of majestic mountains and picturesque waterfalls, each of which is a small pearl on the body of the planet.

The ten best waterfalls in the USA are amazingly beautiful and different from each other. Many of them flow into round-sided lakes, but some flow directly into the ocean. Some waterfalls are fed by melting snow, while others need warm spring rains. Among the American waterfalls, some are simple, while others are complex, consisting of two or even three cascades. In most cases, the height of the water flows exceeds the width, but if the waterfall is formed from the addition of several water flows, then it may turn out to be low and stretched.

The most beautiful and largest waterfalls in America are equipped with observation platforms. In the summer, mountain streams of water are reduced in volume, and in winter they can freeze. Ancient Indian legends are associated with many waterfalls. Some cascades, when falling, form unique picturesque effects - figured splashes, classic and lunar rainbows, multi-colored water. Near the most popular waterfalls there are various tourist sites - hotels, shops, museums.

USA Waterfalls - PHOTO

The Arizona Grand Falls is located on the territory of the Navajo Indian Reservation, far from highways and roads. It was formed about twenty thousand years ago by a solidified lava flow and the Little Colorado River that fell into it. The height of Grand Falls is 56 meters higher than the height of Niagara Falls, and its waters have a unique chocolate hue. A special permit is required to visit Grand Falls.

Alamere Falls is located in California, near San Francisco. It is one of the unique water formations that flows directly into the ocean. Alamere is most beautiful in winter (from December to May), when the rains falling in California turn two weakly flowing streams into a full-flowing stream of water flowing from an emerald cliff more than twelve meters high.

Cumberland Falls is located within Cumberland Falls State Park in southeastern Kentucky. It is formed by the confluence of several smaller waterfalls. This fact explains why Cumberland's height (twenty meters) is less than its width (thirty-seven meters). A unique feature of the waterfall is the lunar rainbow rising above it. A rare natural phenomenon can be observed on a clear night with a full moon.

Havasu Falls is considered one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world. Sky blue water, falling from a height of thirty-seven meters along a brown-green slope, pours out into a blue-green lake, surrounded by golden sandy beaches and emerald vegetation. Born after a major flood in 1910, Havasu Falls contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium, and its water temperature is +21 °C all year round.

Palouse Falls is located in the canyon of the same name in southeastern Washington state. It was formed during the Ice Age by the waters of Lake Missoula. The height of the waterfall is fifty-seven meters, the maximum speed of fall is one hundred and sixty kilometers per hour. The waters of the Palus flow into a round lake surrounded by steep cliffs. In winter, the waterfall freezes, but does not lose its picturesque charm.

Multnomah Falls is one of the highest in the world. It is located in the Columbia River Canyon (Oregon) and consists of two tiers, one hundred eighty-nine (upper) and twenty-one meters (lower) long. At the junction of the cascades is the Benson Bridge, built by Italian masons in 1914. American Indians believe that Multnomah Falls was born at the request of a young princess who was looking for a secluded place for swimming.

Bridleveil Falls (“Bride Veil”) is located in the state of California. Its height reaches one hundred and eighty-eight meters; it is based on a mountain stream of the same name. Bridleveil is most beautiful in the spring, when the melting snow gives it maximum water. In summer, the waterfall often dries up and does not reach the ground. In windy weather, the water flow may deviate to the side.

Lower Yellowstone Falls is the largest of the forty waterfalls in Wyoming. A stormy stream of water falls from a height of ninety-four meters. The width of the waterfall at the point where it falls from the cliff reaches twenty-two meters. Near Lower Yellowstone there is a mountain path, interrupted from time to time by observation platforms. The largest waterfall in the Rocky Mountains is most beautiful and full of water in the spring season.

One of the highest waterfalls in the world (twentieth place in the ranking with a height of 739 meters) is located on the territory. It was formed as a result of selective weathering of rocks and consisted of three independent segments, 435, 206 and 98 meters high. Yosemite Falls peaks in spring and early summer. At the end of summer and beginning of autumn, the water flow decreases to a minimum.

The most powerful waterfall in North America is located in New York State. It consists of three waterfalls - Horseshoe (Canadian Falls), American Falls and Veil. The height of the water fall in Niagara (translated as “Thunder of Water”) is fifty meters. In the vicinity of the waterfall there are various cultural parks and museums. You can admire Niagara both from the observation deck and from the ship deck of one of the excursion ships.

- one of the most beautiful natural formations. The ancient lands amaze with their landscape, flora and fauna. Several thousand years ago, a powerful glacier transformed the surface of the continent. Thanks to this natural disaster, America gathers thousands.

It is impossible to remain indifferent to this miracle of nature. How much adrenaline you can experience at the foot of the waterfall! The roar and splashes, the power and energy of boiling water falling from a great height makes you numb and immobilized to admire the forces of nature.

Present to your attention

World Famous Waterfalls in North America

Niagara miracle

Among the waterfalls of North America, Niagara Falls is unique, its height is 53 meters. It includes the American and Horseshoe Falls, between which the so-called Goat Falls are located. Around the waterfall there are numerous observation platforms, a cable car, parking lots and bridges. The most famous one was built in 1941 and is called the Rainbow Bridge. It received such a sonorous name because of the numerous rainbows that shimmer over the seething water of Niagara. The Rainbow Bridge is open to pedestrian tourists and passenger vehicles.

The Niagara River got its name from the word “Onguiaahra,” which meant “thunder of water” among the ancient Iroquois tribe. The origin of Niagara Falls is associated with a beautiful Indian story, according to which the local beauty Lelavala was forced by her father to marry an unloved man. The girl gave her heart to another - the Thunder God He-No, who lived in a cave under a waterfall. In her canoe, she rushed along the swift stream of Niagara and threw herself into a waterfall. He-No saved the girl. Since then, according to legend, the souls of lovers live under the waterfall.

Niagara Falls is a sight of extraordinary beauty at any time of the day. At night, spotlights of different colors turn on and direct their rays onto the seething stream of water. The fabulous illumination lights up. During the day, the rays of the sun are refracted in drops of water and form numerous rainbows.

About 15 million tourists come here every year to see all this natural splendor.

Yosemite Falls

The American state is home to National Yosemite, known throughout the world for its crystal clear lakes, magnificent valleys, unique groves of giant sequoias and waterfalls. One of them - Yosemite– has become especially attractive to tourists. It is one of the highest waterfalls in North America: its height is 739 meters. At the very foot of this giant you can appreciate all its greatness and power. This spectacle fascinates, delights and even a little frightens.

Another attraction of Yosemite Park is the so-called Fire Falls. Its height is 650 meters. The Fire Falls attracts special attention in February. The fact is that it is at this time of year that the sunset is reflected in the water stream and plays with red, crimson colors. This makes it seem as if a stream of hot lava is rushing down from a great height. The spectacle is amazing and unforgettable!

The waterfalls of North America are some of the most amazing waterfalls on the planet. When traveling through Columbus Land, be sure to include these amazing places in your itinerary!

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One of the most beautiful tourist attractions in North America is Niagara Falls. On the border between the USA and Canada, an hour and a half drive from one of the largest cities in Canada - Toronto, is this wonder of the world, which attracts about 15 million tourists every year.

Niagara - Rumbling Water

Niagara is an Iroquois word that means Rumbling Water. Streams of water fall from a height of 50 meters, which can be equated to a 20-story building. Every year, crowds of tourists visit North America to see this personification of the power and strength of nature. The waterfall can be heard and seen long before it appears: clouds of water vapor suddenly appear and the roar of water is heard. There are many waterfalls on Earth, but Niagara takes first place in terms of the volume of falling water. In winter, the waters partially freeze, but even this phenomenon does not diminish the beauty and grandeur of Niagara.

Niagara Falls - a complex of three waterfalls

Niagara Falls is a whole complex consisting of three waterfalls. The largest of them, Horseshoe, has a height of 53 m and a width of 792 m. It received its name because of its concave shape. The American waterfall, 323 m wide, has a height of 21 m. And the third - the smallest waterfall - “Fata”. The state territorial border between Canada and the United States was formed during the War of Independence (1775 - 1783).

History of Niagara Falls

More than 12 thousand years ago, Niagara Falls was formed during the retreat and melting of the glacier. The first description of the waterfall is found in the notes of the French priest Louis Hennepin. He was sent in 1675 for missionary work to the Iroquois tribes as part of a French military expedition. Hennepin saw the falls for the first time in the winter of 1678-1679.
For a long time, the area near the waterfall was inhabited by Native Americans. American loyalists - supporters of Great Britain, avoiding persecution, appeared in these parts only after the War of Independence (1775-1783). Later, when the Anglo-American War ended, Niagara Falls became a tourist attraction in the United States and Canada.
In the 19th century, the waterfall began to suffer from the constant increase in industrial turnover. The construction of enterprises and factories had a detrimental effect on Niagara. At the end of 1860, the Niagara Freedom Movement was formed - it was a group of people concerned about the current situation around him. They called on the public and government to return Niagara and the surrounding area to its original state. The battle between the movement and the government lasted for 15 long years. In New York State, on April 30, 1885, a law was signed into law creating the Niagara Conservation State Park. In the province of Ontario (Canada) in the same 1885, the “Niagara Falls of Queen Victoria Park” was formed. The adoption of these two documents significantly limited construction and industrial activity in the vicinity of the waterfall.

Niagara Falls today

From May to September the largest influx of tourists

A small town of the same name, Niagara Falls, was formed near Niagara Falls. In the off-season, the town is not empty; it hosts many different events to attract tourists. One of the most famous is the Festival of Lights, which is held from early November to late January. During the festival there are many concerts, fairs and fireworks. The main feature of the festival is a light show with a million bright lights that form a road with a total length of six kilometers. The Festival of Lights is not only a Niagara Falls landmark, but also a long-standing tradition.
Niagara Falls is attractive not only to newlyweds and nature lovers, but also to extreme sports enthusiasts. Many people dream of getting a thrill, so Niagara is a magnet for them. Many tourists dream of “conquering” the greatest waterfall on the planet.

Niagara Falls: interesting facts

The last time Niagara Falls froze completely was in 1932.
The five great lakes of the United States are Erie, Huron, Superior, Michigan and Ontario. The water of Lakes Erie, Huron, Superior and Michigan flows into the Niagara River and then flows into Lake Ontario. A fifth of the planet's freshwater resources come from the five great lakes.

In our selection today - 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the USA, completely different, not similar to each other. Some of them are cascading, others peacefully cascade into deep-sea lakes or flow straight into the ocean, simple and complex, high and stormy, there are those that do not freeze even in severe frosts, but on the contrary, in winter they turn into huge snow-white icicles. Many waterfalls are covered in legends and myths. But all of them, without exception, are water wonders that play like lunar rainbows in the sun’s rays against the backdrop of picturesque natural landscapes.

To see their power and beauty, engineers installed special viewing platforms from the most convenient and beautiful angle. And near some, hotels and restaurants have even been built so that travelers can come here for a long time and admire this natural beauty. So, the most beautiful waterfalls in North America.

To see this waterfall in Arizona you will need a special entry permit, which is issued through a travel agency. It is very beautiful and has an unusual color of water. The fact is that Grand Falls(Grand Falls) was formed more than 20 thousand years ago: due to a volcanic eruption, lava formed an unusual dark brown cascade and “broke” the place for the Little Colorado River. That's why the water in it seems to have a chocolate tint. Grand Falls is located on the Navajo Indian Reservation. It is 56 meters higher than the famous Niagara Falls.

Alamere, California

There is a unique waterfall near San Francisco. It is one of the few that flows directly into the ocean. From a cliff more than 20 meters high, a thin stream of water flows, which on rainy days turns into a stormy stream. (Alamere Falls) is a pleasure to see in winter, when the emerald water plays in the bright sun, and the wind scatters a fine breeze along the coast.

Cumberland, Kentucky

Cumberland National Park is home to this natural wonder - a waterfall. Cumberland Falls(Cumberland Falls). It is not high, only about 20 meters, but it is wide - more than 37 meters, because... formed from several small waterfalls that form a single whole. In this place, at night and in the evening, when the moon is shining, you can always observe a lunar rainbow. The spectacle is very impressive.

Havasu, Arizona

Many consider the emerald to be the pearl of the Grand Canyon. Havasu Falls(Havasu Falls). Standing on the observation deck at the waterfall, you have a stunning view of the Grand Canyon itself. And the heavenly colored water falls from a 37-meter height directly into the blue lake. Around the lake itself there are sandy beaches surrounded by green vegetation. Havasu Falls is warm. Even in winter, the water temperature in it is +21°C. Therefore, vacationers often swim in the lake and under the waterfall, and special picnic areas have been created on the shores of the lake.

Palouse, Washington

(Palouse Falls) was formed back in the Ice Age by the waters of Lake Missoula in Washington state. It flows into the fast-flowing river from a height of 57 meters. And along the river there are steep cliffs and forest thickets. Palus is a very powerful waterfall. But in winter it freezes, forming a snow-white flowing block.

Multnomah, Oregon

This is one of the highest waterfalls in the world. (Multnomah Falls) is located in the Columbia River Canyon and is two-tiered. The first tier has a height of 189 meters, the second - 21 meters, which already flows into the mountain lake. In the place where the upper tier meets the lower, Italian designers built a stone bridge. From here you can see both tiers of Multnomah Falls. This waterfall has its own legend. According to Indian legends, he appeared at the request of one of the princesses, who was looking for a secluded place for swimming in the canyon.

Bridlevale, California

Translated from English (Bridalveil Fall) means “bridal veil”. Anyone who has traveled through Yosemite National Park must have seen this natural beauty. It is located in a picturesque area, among mountains and forests. Water falls from a height of more than 180 meters. True, in the summer, due to the high air temperature, it often dries out or flows in a thin stream. But in winter and spring the waterfall is at its fullest.

Lower Yellowstone Falls, Wyoming

Did you know that there are forty waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park! And the most beautiful, the most grandiose of them is (Lower Yellowstone Falls). It may not be that tall (only 94 meters), but it is 22 meters wide. It falls in a stormy stream from the cliff, creating the illusion of power and strength. There are several viewing platforms along the mountain path that allow you to view the Lower Yellowstone Falls from all angles.

Yosemite, California

Yosemite National Park has several beautiful waterfalls. One of them is a waterfall of the same name Yosemite Falls(Yosemite Falls). It is one of the ten highest waterfalls in the world. The height of Yosemite Falls is 739 meters. It is especially beautiful in spring and summer. During these times of the year, the water flow reaches its maximum level. You can see its greatness by climbing to the top. And along the way there are several observation platforms from which you can see its zigzag shape, i.e. three levels of Yosemite Falls.

Of course, the most powerful waterfall in the USA is (Niagara Falls) in New York State. From a height of 50 meters, this “Thunder of Water” falls into the lake (this is how the name of the waterfall is translated). It is not among the tallest waterfalls. But this is the most tourist place and the most revered attraction in the Western Hemisphere. Niagara Falls consists of several waterfalls - American Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Veil Falls. It can be observed from both the USA and Canada (many say that it is more beautiful from the Canadian side). On both sides of the waterfall there are hotels, restaurants, cultural parks, museums. And you can observe its beauty both from observation platforms and from the decks of pleasure boats.

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