Looking for a healthy vacation for the whole family? There’s nothing quite like falling water…
It’s almost spring break, and your vacation planning skills might be whirling away at work. Taking a break at the beach, the mountains or in an exciting city you’ve never been to can be a blast.
But if something different seems to be calling, why not go chase some waterfalls? Being in nature has many benefits for your mental and physical health. From reducing depression to impacting cancer and vision, it’s the place to be.
Here are 7 of the best that North America has to offer:
1) Niagara Falls
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The famous Niagara Falls is as beautiful now as ever. Viewing the falls from the Canadian side gives the most picturesque experience, but the American side also has a lot to offer.
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An average of 4 million cubic feet of water falls over the crest line every minute, making for a stunning view.
2) Yosemite Falls
One of the world’s tallest waterfalls, Yosemite Falls is located in Yosemite National Park in California. It’s heaviest in spring when the melting snow raises water levels. Formed by three waterfalls coming together, it can be reduced to a trickle by August, traveler be warned.
3) Snoqualmie Falls
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This gem is located in the state of Washington, and is advertised as a “premier sightseeing, hiking and wedding destination”. More than 1million visitors come to see it each year.
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With lights that illuminate it at night and a two-acre park, gift shop, observation deck and the Salish Lodge to keep guests entertained, it’s a trip to remember.
4) Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is located a short thirty minute drive from Portland, Oregon.
Native American legend says that the falls were created in order to win the heart of a young princess who wanted a private location to bathe.
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Visitors can take in 611 feet of magnificent falling water, which doesn’t dry up in late summer like many waterfalls on the west coast, and is an easy 5 minute walk to view, from the parking lot.
5) Arethusa Falls
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An eastern attraction, you can find Arethusa Falls nestled in the White Mountains of the New Hampshire. One of the highest single drop falls in New Hampshire, it gets its name from a Percy Bysshe Shelley poem.
The story tells of a nymph named Arethusa was is turned into a fountain in order to avoid being the love conquest of the river god Alpheus.
6) Nevada Falls
Located far from Nevada, this one is another Yosemite wonder. Nevada Falls is a wide water fall when water levels are high. You can view it as part of a 2-5 hour hike in the park. Yosemite warns hikers though, to not step in the river.
The current is much stronger than it looks, and those who do are swept away to an unforeseen death downstream. Enjoy with your eyes only.
7) Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls is a waterfall in a cave in Tennessee. It’s so spectacular, it’s landed itself a spot on the list of Ten Most Incredible Cave Waterfalls on Earth. Be dazzled by this 145 feet tall display of nature, lit up by a full color LED light show.
Don’t stick the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to- explore and be rewarded!
Photo credit: LuckyU3/Shutterstock
