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7 Most Spectacular Waterfalls In The World

When it comes to beauty, it's defined in the eye of the beholder. That is why there are so many different opinions on which waterfalls are the most spectacular.. Here are some of the most popular waterfalls that will not disappoint you and should appear on your bucket list.
Photo Credit: JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images Photo Credit: JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images
Gullfoss
Iceland

Gullfoss, also referred to as the "Golden Waterfall" is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland. This natural beauty offers visitors spectacular views and many of the surrounding areas remain untouched by man. Gullfoss is on the Hvita River and is located in South Iceland. Water flows to this waterfall from the country's second largest glacier, the Langjokull, and tumbles down in two different stages in a setting with canyon walls that are approximately 70 meters in height. Anyone who wants to be blown away by Mother Nature will want to make plans to visit this breathtaking country and stand looking upon Gullfoss.

Pearl Shoal Waterfall
Sichuan Province, China

Located in the same vicinity as Five Flower Lake in Rize Gully, you will find the Pearl Shoal Waterfall in the Sichuan Province of China. This beauty stands at an elevation that is just over 2,400 meters high and has a wide, gentle slope with a shallow stretch of water before it plummets the rest of the way down. When you visit this waterfall, make sure to take the wooden boardwalk that runs across the shoal and then down one side. This path will take you to the foot of the falls, where you will have a spectacular view.

Sutherland Falls
Milford Sound, New Zealand

The Milford Track located within Fiordland National Park in New Zealand is a beautiful place to explore. There you will find majestic mountains and waterfalls filling up the landscape. The Sutherland Falls in this park create a breathtaking setting as the water plummets down creating a light mist throughout the area. If you have time to sit and enjoy the view you will feel a sensation of relaxation as the falls hum softly in the background. Another amazing thing about these falls is that they extend over 1,900 feet high, which makes Sutherland Falls one of the tallest waterfalls around the globe.

Related: Adventurer's Guide To The Australian Outback

Ventisquero Falls
Aysen del General Carlos Ibanez del Campo, Chile

Did you know that in Spanish "ventisquero" means a zone in a mountain where heavy snow accumulates? Guess that is why these falls are named Ventisquero Falls. It also translates to "blizzard" or "snowstorm." Which is still fitting for this waterfall. These falls are created from a 50,000-year-old glacier in Chile. The combination of the frozen glacier and the flowing waters of the falls creates a breathtaking view that you have to see at least once in your lifetime.

Photo Credit: Michael Adamucci/Getty Images for #TackleEbola Photo Credit: Michael Adamucci/Getty Images for #TackleEbola
Niagara Falls
Ontario, Canada and New York

Probably the most famous waterfall in North America, Niagara Falls is also one of the biggest in water flow volume. The other great thing about this waterfall is that it is easily seen and accessible from a variety of different angles, including access from both the U.S. and Canada. You will be amazed by the power and size of these falls. There are three different waterfalls — Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls — all of which add to the beauty of this natural wonder.

Victoria Falls 
Livingston, Zambia & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Imagine this: The sun starts to set and suddenly a spectacular sight fills the air as mist from the waterfalls rises and the sun creates a rainbow effect as it passes through it. Sounds breathtaking doesn't it? That is just one sight you will see when you visit Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. You can see the columns of spray from miles away and it just adds to the breathtaking view of this area. Once you set your eyes on this waterfall you will fully understand why so many have named Victoria Falls as one of the most spectacular views in the world. If you are able to make your way to the falls, make sure you head to the Knife-edge Bridge, where you will have the finest view of the falls and surrounding area.

Photo Credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images Photo Credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite National Park, California

Though the water does not flow through Yosemite Falls year round, this is still an amazing site that you have to see. As one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, Yosemite Falls is located in Yosemite National Park in California and rises as high as 2,425 feet over the park. With the flowing water in the summer, accompanied by the sounds of nature and an occasional bald eagle floating in the air, there is no wonder why this is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

Related: Guide to Visiting Yosemite National Park

When making your vacation bucket list, make sure to include these waterfalls on your must-visit destinations. You will be amazed at their beauty and have fun exploring these remote regions of the world.
Heather Landon (Heather Leigh Carroll) is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.
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