Top 10 Incredible Waterfalls To Visit

Waterfalls have always captivated me with their immense power and beauty. There's nothing quite like standing in front of tons of water gushing over a cliff edge, hearing the roar as it crashes into the pool below. I've made it my mission to visit as many spectacular waterfalls around the world as I can. So far, I've had the privilege of seeing over 50 waterfalls on 5 different continents.

In this blog post, I wanted to highlight 10 waterfalls that have been the most incredible for me to visit. From towering icons like Niagara Falls to hidden gems in the depths of the rainforest, these waterfalls left my heart pounding and an ache to explore more. I tried to focus on ones that were relatively easy to access for the public, but still maintained their power and magic.

For each waterfall, I’ll give a brief overview of my experience visiting them and what makes them so spectacular. My hope is that by the end, you’ll be ready to start checking some incredible waterfalls off your own bucket list! Here are the top 10 I recommend to start with.

1. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada Border

Spanning across the USA and Canada border, Niagara Falls is not only one of the most famous waterfalls in the world but also one of the largest. Made up of 3 separate waterfalls – American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls – Niagara has an unrivaled power with more than 6 million cubic feet (168,000 cubic meters) of water barreling over its edge every minute!

I'll never forget my first glimpse of Niagara, with clouds of mist rising against the vivid blue water. The deafening roar as I walked closer made my heart race. Viewing platforms place you terrifyingly close to the brink, with the thundering current just feet away. Niagara delivers jaw-dropping beauty and adrenaline in equal amounts. A ride on the Maid of the Mist boat gets you right up to the precipice for a drenching view.

2. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia Border

Forming the world’s largest sheet of falling water, Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River is a magnificent sight. Over 5,600 feet (1,708 meters) wide and 354 feet (108 meters) high, this waterfall along the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia was aptly named “The Smoke That Thunders” by local tribes.

On my visit, the first glimpse of the falls took my breath away. As I walked closer, the ground shook under my feet from the incredible force. Victoria Falls dumps a staggering 22 million pounds (10 million kg) of water per second over the edge!  One of my favorite views was from the Knife Edge Bridge, with 360-degree views of the falls and swirling rapids. The clouds of mist drench you in seconds, hence its local name. Victoria gave me a healthy dose of humility as one of the most powerful forces of nature on display.

3. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Plunging a dramatic 3,212 feet (979 meters) down remote Auyán-tepui mountain in Venezuela, Angel Falls is the world’s highest waterfall. This towering giant was incredibly difficult to reach on my visit, requiring a flight, then boat trip, then a challenging 4-hour uphill hike.

But it was so worth it! Standing at the edge with miles of uninterrupted wilderness around me, I watched in awe as the water of Angel Falls dropped off the cliff in a stream so fine it looked delicate. Though it didn’t have the highest volume of water, the insane height dropping into nothingness was absolutely breathtaking. The force and noise when the water finally hit was deafening even from above. Reaching Angel Falls rates as one of my proudest travel accomplishments.

4. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

The cascading series of 16 terrace lakes at Plitvice Lakes National Park are utterly surreal. Each lake features dozens of waterfalls dumping into the next level down, with the mineral contents and angle creating dazzling colors. I strolled for hours mesmerized on the wooden paths winding through Plitvice, surrounded by the most vivid blues, greens, and even oranges in the waters.

The rumbling power emanating from the countless waterfalls plunging into the lakes was calming yet invigorating. Hiking through Plitvice with all my senses overwhelmed by the vibrant falls cascading down every side was otherworldly. Nowhere else on Earth delivers water features quite as magical as this park. It rightfully deserves its UNESCO distinction.

5. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil Border

Stretching an incredible 1.7 miles (2.7 km) across the Iguazu River, Iguazu Falls on the Argentina/Brazil border consists of 275 separate waterfalls among lush jungle. Walking through that jungle on trails overlooking Iguazu Falls was like being transported to the dinosaur age, with huge lizards scurrying around next to me as I gazed upon gushing curtains of water.

Getting up close to Devil’s Throat – the tallest fall at 269 feet (82 m) with the highest volume – was unforgettable. The thunderous roar vibrating in my chest, clouds of mist drenching me, with rainbows arcing overhead...I couldn’t tear my eyes from the hypnotizing power pour over that massive U-shaped cliff in every direction. No matter where you look at Iguazu, a new breathtaking view awaits around each bend.

6. Yosemite Falls, USA

Plunging a total of 2,425 feet (739 m) down into the glacier-carved valley, Yosemite Falls in California’s iconic Yosemite National Park is one of the tallest on Earth. The massive Upper Falls drops 1,430 feet (436 m) in one single freefall. Standing there watching that tremendous cascade bursting with the snow melt’s force and seeing a rainbow in its mist will stick with me forever.

The best views are from the footbridge bolted to the cliff side gaze directly at the powerful plunge. I loved watching tiny rock climbers dangling hundreds of feet up the side of Half Dome across the valley with Yosemite Falls raging beside them. Comparing myself to the climbers and the waterfall really emphasized the incredible scale of the nature surrounding me.

7. Kuang Si Falls, Laos

Tumbling 200 feet (60 m) straight down into a cool turquoise pool below, Kuang Si Falls near Luang Prabang, Laos makes for the world’s most gorgeous natural swimming hole. Hiking up through the lush jungle with butterflies and monkeys playing around me was an adventure in itself before reaching paradise. The mineral-rich water flowing over the edges here creates dazzling orange, blue, and green hues that demand a swim.

Jumping straight into that fresh aquamarine water under the raging cascade with my heart racing was such a thrill! I spent hours diving underneath the falls into hidden caves carved out behind them too. Kuang Si proved itself as the ultimate water wonderland. The endless cascade of pools here are so stunning, it’s almost ridiculous to be real. Definitely a must-see.

8. Gullfoss, Iceland

Plunging down two massive tiered rocky faces into the Hvítá River below, Gullfoss Waterfall has tremendous power with an average of 140 cubic meters (5,000 cubic feet) racing over the edge per second. As I hiked closer along the cliffside overlook, the windows-shaking rumble indicated its force before it even came into view. Standing before the gorgeous cascade dumping into the ancient riverbed lined with epic glaciers was profoundly moving.

In the winter, Gullfoss often freezes solid into jagged statuesque ice columns that are darkly beautiful. The falls water supply comes from Iceland’s Langjökull glacier, creating an otherworldly milky blue hue unlike anywhere else I’ve seen. Gullfoss demonstrates nature’s ability to craft artwork unrivaled by anything humans could produce. Iceland’s iconic natural wonder deserves a spot on any serious travelers’ list.

9. Multnomah Falls, USA

Towering 620 feet (189 meters) high on the side of Larch Mountain just 30 miles outside Portland, Multnomah Falls is utterly epic. It’s the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the second highest year-round natural waterfall in the U.S. Hiking up the steep, 1.1-mile trail alongside the rushing Multnomah Creek so close to the roaring falls gave me fierce vertigo...in the best possible way!

Standing on the arched bridge across the gorge directly under the hanging cascade with water hammering down next to me was phenomenal. I couldn’t even look directly up for more than a few seconds before getting overwhelmed. Carefully climbing onto some big rocks at the river edge for an even closer experience was exhilarating with the ferocious spray crashing over me. Multnomah deserves its status as one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in America.

10. Sutherland Falls, New Zealand

Cascade after cascade runs down the towering cliffs to feed breathtaking Sutherland Falls on New Zealand’s South Island. Plunging 1,904 feet (580 meters) down Mount Tutoko in 3 separate streams, it’s among the highest waterfalls in the world. Reaching Sutherland Falls required a challenging day-long trek through Fiordland National Park, making finally glimpsing them in the valley below incredibly rewarding.

Standing utterly alone surrounded by some of the most pristine wilderness left on Earth, watching sheets of water relentlessly flowing hundreds of feet down into the glacier-fed lake was soul-stirring. The power and solitude of that mighty natural feature left me awestruck for hours. Everything about the majestic Sutherland Falls embodies the magic that New Zealand’s epic South Island offers.

Conclusion

As you can see, I seek out waterfalls that move me emotionally with their grandeur, power, or picture-perfect beauty. Chasing waterfalls to every corner of the globe trying to glimpse their magic has become my deepest passion. I hope reading about my adventures helps inspire you to get out into nature and experience some waterfall magic for yourself too!

Seeing a towering icon like Niagara or Angel firsthand always proves life-changing. But don’t overlook lesser-known cascades either. Hidden gems like Plitvice Lakes or Kuang Si Falls can deliver even more euphoria without the crowds. However you choose to chase them, waterfalls contain tremendous beauty to stir your soul.

Did I miss any world-class waterfalls that also deserve a spot on this list? Let me know in the comments, as I’m always looking for ideas on incredible new ones to discover on my continuing mission to stand before as many of Earth’s wonderful waterfalls as possible!

FAQS

1. What is the tallest waterfall you have visited?

Without a doubt, Angel Falls in Venezuela takes the prize as the tallest waterfall I’ve been fortunate enough to visit, at a jaw-dropping 3,212 feet (979 meters). Reaching it required an incredibly challenging uphill hike in humid jungle carrying all my gear. 

But catching sight of water taking a half mile drop straight down in this hidden corner of table-top mountains was a genuinely life-affirming moment. As far as human eyes have seen, nowhere else on the planet does the water drop so dramatically off a cliff without interruption the way it does at magical Angel Falls.

2. Do you have to be an experienced hiker to reach some of these waterfalls?

Visiting some of Earth’s most spectacular waterfalls does often require physical ability and stamina to hike to remote areas. Iconic giants like Niagara or Iguazu have paved pathways that anyone can access. 

But others like Kuang Si or Sutherland Falls demand cardio, balance, and determination to reach due to their pristine wilderness settings. I’d classify myself as an advanced hiker able to handle tough terrain and long distances. 

Attempting something extremely challenging like the steep, 4-hour slog up Devil’s Mountain to see Angel Falls is not smart for a novice hiker frankly. Knowing your limits and being properly prepared is key. 

But there are rewarding waterfall destinations suitable for all ability levels if you pick carefully.

3. What time of year is best for waterfall chasing?

It totally depends on the region, but generally I’ve found spring and early summer tends to be prime waterfall time in most places if weather cooperates. 

By then, the area has received its annual snow melt and heavy rains to feed the falls best without being too blistering hot for hiking. Places known for autumn colors like the U.S. Northeast showcase their falls beautifully once leaves start changing too. 

If temperatures allow, winter often creates fabulous frozen waterfall scenery as well - the ice columns that form make them glow! So while spring probably sees most waterfalls at their peak depends on your priorities.

 Enjoy the haunting solitude of having them to yourself in winter or appreciate summer’s greenery and wildlife too!