Waterfalls are mesmerizing. We are fascinated by the seemingly never-ending flow of water over the precipice and then transfixed by its crash on the rocks below.

   Of course, there are waterfalls all over the world, wherever a river encounters a significant drop in elevation. Some are tall and thin, some a short and fat, some seem to cascade downward, some seem gentle, and some are thunderous. No matter. People love waterfalls and seek them out whenever possible. Some are world-famous, visited by hordes of tourists; others are known only locally and are relatively unspoiled by visitors.

    Here are some of my favorites:

     Niagara Falls, on the border of Canada and the United States, where the Niagara links Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. It was one of the world’s first honeymoon destinations and is still popular as a romantic getaway.

Niagara Falls

 Yellowstone Falls, where the Yellowstone River cuts the magnificent Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, creating one of the most beautiful photo-ops in America.

Lower Yellowstone Falls

  McWay Falls which dramatically drops into the Pacific Ocean at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, in California, a truly idyllic spot.

McWay Falls

 Yosemite Falls, where the Merced River plunges into Yosemite Valley in two impressive segments.

Yosemite Falls

  Multnomah Falls, along the Columbia River Scenic Highway in Oregon, the highest falls in the state.

Multnomah Falls

 Check out Black Water Falls, in my home state of West Virginia.

Black Water Falls

 In New Hampshire, my favorite waterfall is Glen Ellis Falls, in Franconia Notch.

Glen Ellis Falls

 Bird Woman Falls, in Glacier National Park, is a mere wisp of a waterfall.

Bird Woman Falls

 On of my favorite areas to find waterfalls is the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. Here there a several interesting falls which are easily accessible and make a great road trip (see the archives of my website).

 Letchworth State Park showcases the Genessee River as it plunges into a canyon.

Letchworth Falls

  Buttermilk Falls is decidedly different looking.

Buttermilk Falls

 Robert Treman State Park features another waterfall.

Robert Treman State Park

 Another interesting waterfall, known as Dunn’s River Falls, is one of the premier tourist attractions in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Dunn's River Falls

    The pastime here is to climb the falls..