Whether it's waterfalls or a great adventure that you are after, this list is sure to bring you both. We've all heard of the famous Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls and Iguazu Falls, but what about the much less talked about and more hidden waterfalls of the world? These 6 waterfalls are not only stunning and unique, but they each offer a fun and scenic trek to get there.
1. Havasupai Falls (Arizona, USA)
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| Havasu Falls |
The
Havasupai Falls are a series of 4 waterfalls (Navajo, Mooney, Beaver, and
Havasu) located in the Havasupai Indian Reservation at the bottom of the Grand
Canyon. Each waterfall is unique and stunning in its own right. The high
concentration of travertine in the Havasu Creek gives the water hues of
turquoise and a glow that you have to see to believe! As you walk down the 10
mile dusty canyon trail alongside mules carrying bags and the occasional pack
of wild horses, you may wonder what you got yourself into. Until suddenly you
hear the roar of water hitting ground and a lush oasis will appear before your eyes,
beautiful enough to be a mirage, and so out of place that you will wonder if it
was photoshopped into the desert backdrop. Only then will you understand why
this is one of the best kept secrets of the world and why it is my favorite
waterfall. Somewhere between my swim in the Avataresqe pool below Havasu
falls, and my climb through the steep cave to get to the giant Mooney Falls
I fell in love with backpacking and realized why the Grand Canyon is
indeed so "grand". Hike, helicopter, or go horseback down to Supai
Village and camp anywhere along the creek for an unforgettable and
life-changing experience. The trail begins at Hualapai Hilltop, about 191 miles
from Grand Canyon Village and 66 miles from Peach Springs. Don’t forget a
bathing suit and to call in advance to make a camping reservation. For those
looking for a less rustic experience there is also the Havasupai Lodge. For
contact information, maps and fees, visit the: National Park Service Website.
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| Havasu Creek |
2.
Sipi Falls (Kapchorwa District, Uganda)
Sipi Falls are 3 waterfalls near
Mount Elgon National Park in Eastern Uganda with a jurassic park-esque
landscape. You
can arrange guided day hikes through any number of local tour agencies and
spend the night at Lacam Lodge with scenic views. The hike consists of a relatively steep and muddy adventure
to the three different but equally beautiful and magnificent waterfalls. The landscape is lush, and you pass
through a few villages with friendly children who will greet you with eager
“jambos”! As you walk through the magical landscape that will bring new meaning
to the color green, you will feel more alive then ever before as you soak in
the culture and lives playing out around you and the power of the water
charging it all. Don't miss the secret photo opportunities in the cave behind
the first waterfall, and in the pool above the second falls where you can peak
over the edge and feel like you are on top of the world! Then finish off your day
with a wonderful Ugandan style feast at the lodge overlooking the falls and
reflect on all that you've seen.
3.
Taranaki Falls (North Island, New Zealand)
Tarananki
is a 20-meter waterfall located in Tongariro National Park in the center of the
North Island. The 2-hour loop to get there flaunts views of 3 active volcanoes
Mt. Ruapehu, Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro. The trail itself is home to some
stark and eery landscape that you might recognize from Lord of the Rings,
but the vast views of the barren scenery will make you feel infinite. You
can get views from the edge above the falls and also swim below in the large
lava formed ring of rocks that the falls pour into. For more information on
getting there, check out New Zealand Waterfalls.
4. Wangi Falls (Northern Territory, Australia)
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| Waterfalls at Litchfield National Park (Wangi Falls-bottom left) |
Wangi
Falls are one of the many impressive waterfalls inside Litchfield National park
(100 km SW of Darwin). After a day tour of all the Litchfield waterfalls they
may start to blend, but you will not bore of these Australian outback
waterfalls that make you feel like you've stepped into Crocodile Dundee. You
can enjoy a swim on the wild side in the water below or climb about halfway up
the falls and discover the hidden plunge pool that you can jump into when the
water levels are high enough. Be sure to keep an eye out for monitor lizards
and crocodiles! You can arrange day tours from Darwin from Chilli’s Backpackers
Hostel or the more party oriented hostel across the street, Melaleuca on Mitchell.
5.
Tres Cascadas (Coroico, Bolivia)
The “Tres Cascadas” are located on
the outskirts of a small jungle town called Coroico in the Yungas region 90 km
from La Paz. The falls themselves are relatively small, but their secluded
nature will lure you in and your soul will feel refreshed after a swim in them
overlooking the grand valley. Coroico itself is a quaint surprise with a tiki
room vibe, but with more culture and partying in the streets. The towns' main
square will take you back in time with the traditionally dressed Bolivian women
selling fruit on the cobblestone sidewalks. To get to the trio of waterfalls:
start your hike from Hotel Esmeralda and head towards El Calvario and follow
the stations of the cross to a small chapel. From there you take the trail on
your left about 5km through some beautiful vegetation and views of the valley
until you reach the first set of falls, where you can take a load off and swim.
6. Wattamolla Waterfall (New South Wales, Australia)
Wattamolla
is a 7-meter waterfall located in the Eastern end of the Royal National Park 40
km south of Sydney CBD. These falls are unique due to their joint location with
a lagoon, and a beach. To reach the actual falls and climb up them to
partake in some exciting cliff diving you can swim about 50km through the
lagoon. There are also several memorable day hikes around the area. More
impressive and secluded then the falls and lagoon is the coastal trail you can
hike to reach them. Each turn will bring a more impressive view of the steep
cliffs plunging out from the ocean and there are plenty of opportunities for
swim breaks in the many beautiful beaches along the way. To get there:
take the train from Cronulla and then ferry to Bundeena to get to Royal
National Park and then trek through the bush until you reach the coastal trail
where your journey truly begins at the edge of some iconic cliffs. Be sure to
bring plenty of water and start early to have enough time to enjoy the falls! For those less inclined to hike, you can also drive to the picnic area from a
different direction. |
| Scenic cliffs along the coastal trail to Wattamolla |
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