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Multnomah Falls- Bridal Veil, OR
Multnomah Falls may just be the second most iconic waterfall in the United States, behind only Niagara. It’s dramatic drop, lush landscape, and delicate arch bridge certainly make for an impressive photo. Unbelievably beautiful, it is no wonder it is the most popular natural attraction in Oregon. Which also means it is unbelievably crowded. However, if you visit very early, you will miss most of the madness. Also, a significant number of visitors just jump out to snap a stunning shot, so the actual hike to the upper falls overlook was downright peaceful in the early morning. Along the way, the views of the Columbia River rival those of the…
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Falls Park on the Reedy- Greenville, SC
I do love a good urban park. A green space amidst the city chaos is always a welcome respite. Greenville has an absolute gem in Falls Park on the Reedy. A scenic river cutting right through town, the park combines natural beauty with a thoroughly modern suspension bridge. It also contains relics from Greenville’s mill based past, making it the perfect place to explore. Life in Greenville has always been centered on the Reedy River. Although the area was long a hunting ground for the Cherokee, once European colonist arrived, the town grew around the river. By the late 1800s several cotton mills were operating in town; by 1915 Greenville…
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Yellowstone National Park- WY,MT,ID
Older is definitely better when it comes to National Parks. Actually, they’re all amazing; however, the oldest park, Yellowstone, is an absolute wonderland. A vast and varied collection of fascinating geologic features, it is like no other place on Earth. In fact, it resembles an inhospitable and inhabitable planet in places; one with steaming vents and boiling baths. However, it is also a place of great diversity; stark beauty tempered with lush wetlands, raging rivers, and dramatic waterfalls. Add the architecturally outstanding Old Faithful Inn, and it might just be the perfect park. Whatever amount of time you plan to spend at the park will not be enough. To really…
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Niagara Falls- NY,CAN
I absolutely love waterfalls. I have risked life and limb to access remote cascades, with no regrets. In theory I should have loved Niagara Falls; after all, three massive waterfalls straddling an international border sounds downright heavenly. And it should be, but it’s not. I cannot argue the falls aren’t impressive, because they absolutely are. They are downright beautiful, and awe inspiring. Too bad about everything else. The American side is downright sketchy; while safer, the Canadian side is a collection of tacky boardwalk attractions. What a absolute shame. It is still worth a trip, just make it a short one. A product of ice age glaciation, the falls have…
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Watkins Glen State Park- Watkins Glen, NY
I am conflicted about Watkins Glen. Without question, it is absolutely stunning. It is an absolute embarrassment of natural beauty; the geology and hydrology is fascinating. It is also obscenely crowded. Quite possibly the most crowded park I have ever visited, including the big national parks that everyone complains about being overcrowded. We arrived at opening, which did not help much. A crushing river of people, working their way up and down slippery steps, through dark tunnels. It was a very slow moving mass of humanity. That said, the park has 19 waterfalls, and is a geologic wonder, so you should absolutely still visit. The gorge trail is by far…
