Top 10 Awe Inspiring Waterfalls
Published on May 18, 2008 - 69 Comments
A waterfall is definitely one of the many awe inspiring wonders that nature has given us. They are, indeed, a sumptuous spectacle of the might of nature.
There are many astoundingly beautiful waterfalls in the world, but for the purposes of this list, it is restricted to natural falls - not manmade falls. You may be surprised to find that the number one spot does not go to the falls you are expecting.
China’s most famous waterfall grabs the number 10 spot on this list. A rare case of a heavyweight cascade completely surrounded by greenery. With an impressive width of 81m and height of 74m it is claimed to be Asia’s largest waterfall.
With a height of 979m Angel Falls stands the tallest on this globe. This record holder deserves this spot on the list, not because of its unbelievable height (there are plenty of tall waterfalls out there) but because of the grand manner in which it cascades down, a dynamic display of falling water.
Another brilliant showcase of incredible height, this 739m waterfall looks a lot alike its Venezuelan counterpart, with the same handsome or even better display of falling water. For that reason, it would be unjust to exclude this one.
Iceland in ratio to its size contains the most ravishing waterfalls. To illustrate, take Gullfoss. Misleading as it drops down to a crevice, this 32m high and 20 m wide waterfall is nothing short of mighty.
Dubbed the Niagara of the west, it is no surprise that this one bags the number 6 spot. With an awesome width of 274m and a height of 64m which incidentally is higher than Niagara, this is one remarkable waterfall. Its threatening looks make it a must include.
Progress one step bigger and badder and you get Jog falls. During the Indian season of monsoon it changes to its boldest and most formidable form. It has a height and width of 273m and 472m respectively.
Europe’s most powerful waterfall measuring 100m wide and 44m tall. When all the Icelandic glacial ice melts in summer Dettifoss simply blows your mind.
Neither the widest nor tallest, but Victoria falls with its dimensions of 1700 m width and 104 m height is the largest sheet of falling water on earth. Its local name Mosi-Oa-Tunya means smoke that thunders. It happens to form the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
This is one that everyone will have been expecting to see on the list. Niagara Falls is arguably the world’s most celebrated waterfall. Its height is 53m and it forms the border between the USA and Canada. The views are marvelous from both sides and would be (for many) an automatic choice for the number one spot. But… not on this list.
The Iguazu Falls is the mother of all waterfalls. Another border forming falls, this time between Argentina and Brazil, this natural beauty is a symbol of power and boasts a series of impressive waterfalls each one having the height of between 64m to 82m.
Contributor: Ro
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1. stormy617 - May 18th, 2008 at 4:09 am
WOW those pictures are so gorgeous. I want to go and see them all!!!!
2. Scar - May 18th, 2008 at 4:14 am
Number 6 says, “No wonder it bagged the number 7 spot” or something like that..
I believe that is a typo?
3. jfrater - May 18th, 2008 at 4:22 am
Oops - thanks scar - I have fixed it
4. NN - May 18th, 2008 at 4:26 am
I still think Niagara Falls is the best. Great shot on that one.
5. stormy617 - May 18th, 2008 at 4:33 am
About the only thing I can find to like about working midnights is that I am actually up and able to comment on a list when it has first been published LOL
I think this is the first list on this site that I have been the first commenter on!!!!
6. ChristineM - May 18th, 2008 at 5:00 am
I have the pleasure of living about an hours drive away from Niagara falls and it’s definitely a spectacular sight, though it’s rare to get a good look at it due to the mist, it just looks like a giant cloud of fog most of the time.
Even from a long distance from the sight-seeing barrier you can feel the mist
7. LordCalvert - May 18th, 2008 at 5:03 am
i have totally been inspired by awe
8. astraya - May 18th, 2008 at 5:06 am
Ro: How many of these have you visited? I have seen exactly none.
9. Harsha - May 18th, 2008 at 5:25 am
I have seen two of them!Niagara and Jog!
10. Chris - May 18th, 2008 at 5:45 am
I think two waterfalls that should be considered are Havasu and Mooney Falls in Arizona. These incredible falls are in the middle of the desert.
11. Eric - May 18th, 2008 at 6:42 am
These are some great pictures, Angel falls is really amazing its so high that the water actually turns to vapour before it hits the bottom, on a windy day the whole thing can blow way out over the area.
12. warningdontreadthis - May 18th, 2008 at 6:52 am
They’re beautiful but I would never dare go near any of them.
13. stevenh - May 18th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Ro: This is a wonderful list. Beautiful!
Thank You.
14. My Name is Felmin - May 18th, 2008 at 6:56 am
They all look basically the same. I am not awed.
Thanks for the dumb list. You should be ashamed.
Shame on you.
Shame.
15. Crimanon - May 18th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Felmin: Shouldn’t you be in class?
And just when I thought about taking Brazil off of my life’s to-do list you had to go and put that on there. I’m not worried, I’ll have it all taken care of when I get Ro’s wallet. Thanks for the vacation ideas.
16. Kreachure - May 18th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Great one! I went to see Iguazu falls, and they’re incredible! Anyone who says that Niagara falls is the most impressive simply haven’t been at Iguazu.
But a single photo simply can’t do it justice. For starters, I recommend checking out its Wikipedia page for many wonderful sights, you’ll be even more impressed, I promise!
17. mitchsn - May 18th, 2008 at 7:31 am
http://www.dirkphotoz.com/imag.....falls.html
this should be onthe list imo
18. Mom424 - May 18th, 2008 at 7:56 am
What a beautiful list for a Sunday morning. You will have no argument from me about your #1 pick, and I’m Canadian. The terraces are beautiful, and it appears natural and unspoiled.
Niagara falls may well have been as beautiful a few hundred years ago, long before we turned it into a side-show. Anyone who has been there knows what I’m talking about. It is a huge tourist trap; Honeymoon haven complete with a Ripley’s museum, Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, tacky souvenir shops, Marine-land, carnival rides, and the like. If you can ignore all of that the sheer majesty of the water can still overwhelm you; that lovely feeling of vertigo.
19. carpe_noctem - May 18th, 2008 at 8:43 am
There really are some beautiful things in the world.
I definitely agree with your choice of number 1, but I must say, that photo of Niagara Falls is stunning!
20. dizit - May 18th, 2008 at 8:47 am
One of the better Lists I’ve seen, and you’ve offered some wonderful Lists.
I, personally, would have put Yosemite Falls a bit closer to number 1, but each Falls deserves its place on the List.
Thanks for a beautiful Sunday morning starter!
21. YogiBarrister - May 18th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Niagra Falls #2, hah! Slowly I turn, step by step, inch by inch…
22. YogiBarrister - May 18th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Doesn’t New Zealand have some beautiful waterfalls? It sure seemed like it in The Lord of the Rings.
23. goof_ball - May 18th, 2008 at 10:12 am
I love waterfalls. They’re so pretty.
24. Miss Destiny - May 18th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Yay, Niagara Falls! I live about 15 minutes from there (depending on how crazy of a driver you are, haha!). I’ve been there more than I can count. I was hoping it would be number one, but after seeing the photo for Iguazu Falls, I can’t argue at all! They’re really quite spectacular. That Niagara Falls photo must be a really close up shot, I’ve never seen them from that angle before.
Victoria Falls and Huangguoshu falls look amazing!
25. cparker - May 18th, 2008 at 10:51 am
I would have to agree with the author. The number one waterfall is captivating. That is now on my bucket list.
26. ro - May 18th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Astraya(8):Niagara,Shoshone and Jog. Yes only 3 out of 10. But I love researching…… and yeah, I love waterfalls.
Thanks for the comments people. These waterfalls all serve as embodiments of the word itself. This is what you should be imagining upon hearing that word.Go for records and you might be left exasperated, just doesn’t have that raw feel of nature(though not all of course). So for your sole convenience this list has been made to give you the idea what waterfalls with awe really are, though I have no right to tell you how a word should be defined.
27. KrazyK - May 18th, 2008 at 11:12 am
great list
sure do wish Niagara falls looked like that when i was visiting. Water wasn’t really as blue as shown in the picture.
28. Ro - May 18th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Oh, and one other thing I would like to point out is that it isn’t all about appreciating how good they look, these falls should also instill a sense of fear in you. Am I right?
29. QDV - May 18th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Mom424: I agree that what passes for “the tourist district” is pretty tacky. WTF goes to Niagara Falls to go inside some “house of horrors” to be scared, when there are some areas near the water where all it takes is one good push and you’re another statistic? Wanna see something really scary? Try that, and Superman won’t be there to save you.
However…Realizing that the list is about the waterfalls, I’m still gonna praise Niagara — as it’s the only one of these I’ve seen! — as a great place to spend a LOT of time. I grew up within driving distance of Niagara, and although I live far, far away from it today, I don’t think there’s a day I don’t think of the place. Just the thought of standing below the Falls, with the mist blowing all over you and getting you soaking wet, is enough to brighten my day (I wish the Sheraton folks would get their web cam online again). When we visit, the first order of business is to pick up a little care package at The Beer Store. If we need good food, there are lots of good places to dine inside the tourist area, including the Beef Baron and some mom and pop Italian restaurants, and the rest of the time is spent around the Falls themselves. Outside the Niagara Falls area, eh, just drive up the QEW and you’ve got Lake Ontario and lots of gorgeous scenery along the peninsula (including hiking the Bruce Trail, a good place to get away from all those Hell Families you see back at the Falls).
And to the point…wanna see some of Niagara’s little cousins? Try this:
http://www.conservationhamilto....._links.asp
Special mention goes to Lower Falls in Yellowstone, BTW.
30. dizit - May 18th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
On Sunday, May 18
Author: Ro said:
Comment:
Oh, and one other thing I would like to point out is that it isn’t all about appreciating how good they look, these falls should also instill a sense of fear in you. Am I right?
Fear?
Uh, no?
I’m afraid of things which pose an active threat to my life.
I think you may be mistaking fear with awe. These Falls are, indeed, awe inspiring. None of them, however, pose a threat…unless you are planning a trip over one in a barrel.
31. madgett - May 18th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Beautiful list. I totally agree with Iguazu taking the number one spot.
32. MPW - May 18th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
the niagara falls photo is astounding
they are all beautiful
33. tassadar - May 18th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Here you can see Greece’s biggest waterfall in Edessa.
http://www.pestaola.gr/2006/09.....aterfalls/
Not so impressive though…
34. Tai - May 18th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Iguazu falls are really gorgeous. Been there last year.. if u may came, do it.
really amazing.
35. Jackit - May 18th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Gorgeous pictures. I live just north of toronto, so I get to go see niagara falls fairly often. It’s lovely all year round
I will definitely have to check out #1 sometime soon!
36. Mr.Graves - May 18th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Heya… I was born in Niagara Falls, On. Lived a 5 minute walk away from the falls my whole life and to be honest I can give you a couple quick tips:
1. Check out the falls late at night, after 11 at least. When no one else is around.
2. Go during the middle of winter when it is covered in ice- no people and it is doubly gorgeous.
3. Just avoid the tourist trap area. It doesn’t even warrant discussing.
4. The most beautiful and memorable parts of the Niagara region are ALL free. Hike down by the whirlpool, along the bruce trail, in the niagara glen, drive through wine country- it doesn’t get advertised so some of the best parts are parts tourists don’t see. It’s sad, really.
oh, and:
5. You can buy codeine over the counter without a prescription. (haha)
Now I live in Santiago, Chile… guess where we are going after Bolivia and Patagonia?
Thanks to this list, that is. Cheers.
37. copperdragon - May 18th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
where is Shoshone Falls in US?
Havasu Falls (Western edge of Grand Canyon) is a worthy honorable mention.
38. copperdragon - May 18th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
what i mean is…where, in US, is Shoshone?
39. babygirl2882 - May 18th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
There is a really cool waterfall somewhere….I’m not sure where it is but in certain times of the year you can swim right to the edge because of a small rock formation. It looks really cool
40. JennaBug - May 18th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
The pic of Niagara is so amazing. I visited the falls when I was little. For anyone who has never been there, they take you on a boat behind the falls. It’s so cool.
41. Sara - May 18th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
is it bad that when i saw these, all i could think of was…which one would be the best to go over in a barrel? :]
42. TheJakkke - May 18th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
wow beautiful
43. deedee0323 - May 18th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
babygirl2882: It’s actually at Victoria Falls which is #3
http://www.snopes.com/photos/n.....lspool.asp
44. Denzell - May 18th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
These are awesome! I wanna visit each and every one of them!
It’s unfortunate of me to have parents who aren’t adventurous though… (sighs)
45. nippy143 - May 19th, 2008 at 12:43 am
all pretty, gorgeous and spectacular..i wish i can see at least one on the list…there are waterfalls here in the Phils but not as HUGE as the ones mentioned…awesome!
46. splash65 - May 19th, 2008 at 3:05 am
I’ve been to Shoshone Falls many times and it is BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for including it!
(copperdragon: The falls are in the city of Twin Falls, Idaho)
47. splash65 - May 19th, 2008 at 3:11 am
I’ve been to Shoshone Falls many times, and it is truly breath taking, so thank you for including it!
(copperdragon: It is on the Snake River in the city of Twin Falls, Idaho)
48. Jack Deth - May 19th, 2008 at 3:13 am
I’ve seen many things, but never a waterfall. Looks like I’ll be making a to-do list.
49. Randall - May 19th, 2008 at 5:17 am
Wonderful list! Beautiful pics, too. I live in waterfall country, in New York… (they’re everywhere… within a half hour’s drive of me in any direction, you can run across dozens of ‘em) so I really appreciate this… there’s few spectacles in nature that beat waterfalls for beauty and serenity… large or small doesn’t matter.
50. casasbarlavento - May 19th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Love your photos ! For sure great works of nature.
51. Christine - May 19th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Gorgeous!
52. Katie - May 19th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Beautiful pictures! I went on a self-discovered waterfall tour when i was visiting Northeastern Australia (the Tablelands area) and Baron Falls left me dumbstruck. I’m not sure how it’s height compares to the ones on this list, but it sure was beautiful!
53. Milky - May 19th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
1. Brazil
2. Canada
I’m happy =D
54. sularetal - May 19th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
I have been fortunate enough to have been born and to have lived in Niagara Falls, Canada for the past 20 years (until last June).
It is an amazing sight, though during the warmer months there are also thousands of tourists around. The best time to see the falls and only the falls is past 3 am or in the winter months.
My favourite thing to do was to hike/make bonfires/camp in the niagara glen, which is about 10 minutes away and right on the niagara river. There is a rock in particular which sticks out into the river and you can sit starting out at the river, river-level, right in front of the rapids.
If anyone is thinking of visiting, let me know so i can help you get so much more out of your visit.. and all for free.
55. dizit - May 19th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I remember hiking up to the tip-off point (or whatever it’s called) of Yosemite in the Spring, taking dips in a multitude of small pools along the way.
Totally awesome!
The view from the top, the sound of the water rumbling against itself and the boulders, the feel of the spray on our hot skin…the experience of a lifetime.
56. Kudzu Fire - May 19th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I’ll take Iguazu. It’s the best
57. Ro - May 19th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Dizit(30): It’s scary at the thought of going over the top of any one of these. That’s what I meant. Unless you are an olympic swimmer of course. But even then the thrust of the water could and probaly will kill you.
And I will admit it. I have a tinge of hydrophobia in me.
58. MPW - May 19th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
i respect the awesome power of water.
there is nothing else like it
59. Canacan - May 20th, 2008 at 1:50 am
http://fogonazos.blogspot.com/.....falls.html
now if that is not the MOST insane thing you have ever seen!. Victoria falls - Zambian side. It is the most Wonderful place on earth!
60. dizit - May 20th, 2008 at 6:39 am
Author: Ro
Comment:
Dizit(30): It’s scary at the thought of going over the top of any one of these. That’s what I meant. Unless you are an olympic swimmer of course. But even then the thrust of the water could and probaly will kill you.
And I will admit it. I have a tinge of hydrophobia in me.
Ro:
Sorry I misunderstood your comment. Your above answer makes what you meant clear.
Oh! By the way, the tinge of what you have is aquaphobia ( fear of water ), unless you really do have rabies. The hydro part trips almost everyone up.
diz
61. Ro - May 20th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Dizit,
Hydrophobia- Fear of water or of rabies.
Hydrophobophobia- Fear of rabies.
That’s what I know.
62. dizit - May 21st, 2008 at 7:33 am
Author: Ro
Comment:
Dizit,
Hydrophobia- Fear of water or of rabies.
Hydrophobophobia- Fear of rabies.
You certainly did chose the lesser known definition!
I am a word collector, and have been all my life, so when you used Hydrophobia I assumed (something I know I should NEVER do) you had mistakenly used it instead of aquaphobia.
My sincere apologies,
diz
63. pax - May 28th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I really think Kaieteur Falls in Guyana deserves a spot in this list!
64. Ro - May 29th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Oh dear,how could I have missed this. I will be honest with you pax, that falls does deserve a place in this list.It falls directly under all the categories I was looking for. Kaieteur falls is a monster and I offer many apologies for excluding it.Now, I really want to take Gullfoss(no.7) out and let kaieteur take its place.
No hesitations there.
65. nonner - June 4th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
They are all great, but if you go to lake Towada in Japan on the drive there you will see dozens of waterfalls that are awe inspiring of there beauty and the nature around them. They look as if they haven’t been touched ever. For a drive of that distance, I have never seen so many falls. Green, moss covered. They are not huge, but picturesque.
66. guillerminamc - June 17th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
I’ve been to iguazu and it’s great. One of the best things is in Brazil you have amazing views (like the one in hte picture) and in Argentina you can get really close to the falls. You can also go in a boat under one of the falls (i believe it’s called San Martin)and get wet
67. rushfan - June 20th, 2008 at 11:00 am
I wanted to see Niagra Falls so bad when I lived in New York, but alas, most of my time was spent in my in-law’s basement
68. Heather - June 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 am
These Pictures Are Spectacular And So Beautiful. Id Really Love To Go See Niagara Falls And Angels Falls
69. maya - July 4th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
im going to niagra falls on fridayyy wooooo
im excited