High Country Waterfall Close-Ups Revealed
Waterfalls are some of nature’s most tranquil yet exhilarating creations, providing us with cool relief while adding magic to our hikes.
The High Country boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking waterfalls. Get to know these impressive cascades up close on one of our breathtaking waterfall trails.
Vernal Fall
Vernal Fall is one of Yosemite’s most captivating waterfalls, captivating visitors with its soothing beauty and misty mist. Hikers have long been drawn to its mystique; while its natural splendor inspires artists across many mediums. To truly experience its grandeur, one must visit it in person.
Vernal Fall stands 317 feet and can be seen from Glacier Point; however, for an unforgettable experience of this waterfall hike along Mist Trail; an absolute must for any outdoor enthusiast visiting this park!
Hikers along the hiking path will find themselves surrounded by lush wildflowers, ferns and mosses that add beauty to the scenery. Hikers might even catch sight of an impressive rainbow during spring and summer hikes! In addition, the waterfall’s mist creates a misty pool perfect for swimming and relaxing; its area surrounding is home to wildlife such as birds and squirrels alike – not to mention boulders and logs perfect for lounging or creating unforgettable picnics!
To reach Vernal Fall, it is necessary to take either the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail. While the Mist Trail offers beautiful views of both Vernal and Nevada Falls, beware that it may become slippery during spring/early summer – regardless of which path you take be sure to wear proper footwear and bring plenty of water!
Starting from Happy Isles in eastern Yosemite Valley, this trail climbs above the raging Merced River before crossing over an inviting footbridge that gives your first glimpse of Vernal Fall. Once over the bridge, a virtual granite staircase begins its ascent – offering stunning vistas as you climb its granite steps, covered with watery spray! (hence its name).
As you climb, Vernal Fall offers breathtaking views of its football-field-long cascade. When you reach the top, take time to look down for any rainbows (if it is sunny). Over the years, Vernal Fall has inspired artists as its mist has featured in many photographs, paintings, and other forms of artistic expression, with Ansel Adams’ image appearing both Portfolio IV: What Majestic Word and Classic Images collections featuring his photography of Vernal Fall.
Upper Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls are perhaps America’s most iconic waterfall, and with good reason. Their striking scene – towering granite walls and domes juxtaposed against heart-stopping 3,000-foot plunging cliffs and plunging waterfalls – makes a powerful statement about America and her national parks.
Yosemite Falls bursts forth with remarkable force when spring arrives with its melting snowpack and high-country water flows freely into Yosemite National Park, creating Yosemite’s signature cascades. But as summer and autumn pass and snowpack begins to recede, its force gradually lessens until eventually disappearing completely in winter.
As soon as you hit the Columbia Rock trail that leads to Upper Yosemite Falls, the views will take your breath away: Half Dome, Sentinel Rock and Yosemite Valley will come into focus before your very own personal thunderclap: Upper Yosemite Fall will unleash its full fury; even at lower flows it kicks up mist that might just soak through to your skin (especially on an April morning!).
From here, it is only another mile or so until you arrive at Yosemite Falls’ base. Here you can relax and admire this breathtaking vista, especially as the sun begins to set; perhaps catching one last glimpse of its cascading waters lighting up canyon walls before they disappear in darkness of evening.
Yosemite Falls offers incredible views from its base; however, to avoid crowds it may not be best to stay long at its base. The trail may be slightly more difficult than expected when traveling up from Yosemite Village; additionally its path veers off from main trail towards steep cliffs which may become treacherous when wet and dangerously slippery when slippery with water.
If you’re feeling adventurous, extend your hike a couple of miles further to Yosemite Point for breathtaking valley views. Although this will require more effort from you and good hiking shoes will definitely come in handy, the extra view makes the effort worth your while!
Bridalveil Falls
Bridal Veil Fall is often the first waterfall many visitors see, and for good reason: Its short but spectacular waterfall cascades 620 feet down into a stunning cataract that often sends chills through visitors’ spines. Bridal Veil Fall exemplifies why so many fall in love with hiking!
Yosemite National Park offers breathtaking sights during spring when snowmelt creates a vibrant array of thundering and rushing mist that can be felt for miles around. This time is considered to be one of the best times for visiting Yosemite, especially for children who may find the experience especially fascinating.
Bridal Veil waterfall’s beauty and ease of access make it a popular waterfall to visit. However, beware that its waters can get very cold; therefore bring along warm clothing and sturdy footwear when hiking to keep yourself comfortable on your hike. Also note that at times its trail may become quite slippery so additional traction should be used if necessary.
Bridal Veil waterfall has a 56 ft (17 m) crest height, and can be visited year-round with ease. Interestingly, its basin contains lakes, marshes and meadows which help retain groundwater through summer as opposed to Yosemite Valley basins which tend to dry up by late August or September.
Bridal Veil Fall’s popularity can draw quite a crowd; however, its recent park renovation project seeks to restore its priceless natural beauty and rustic character while improving visitor experiences by replacing low-functioning vault toilets, creating more parking lot space, creating new trails and viewing platforms so visitors can explore and admire the falls without overcrowding.
Redesigned walkways to the base of the falls will offer hikers close-up views, and bridges will allow people to stroll behind it for an awe-inspiring experience. Furthermore, it is hoped that this walk will help preserve meadow and riparian habitat – essential components of an ecosystem which provide food sources for wildlife – along with meadow habitat that’s part of it all.
Elk River Falls
Elk River Falls (commonly referred to as Big Falls) can be found near Tennessee in Pisgah National Forest and features incredible flow. Only requiring moderate hiking to access, this waterfall makes for an incredible swimming spot during summer. Unfortunately, due to its large collection pool at its base and multiple warning signs indicating danger, this waterfall ranks as one of the most hazardous waterfalls in North Carolina each year – many people risk their lives by recklessly jumping from cliff edges into its deep plunge pool.
The trail begins by following Elk River to its source and gradually ascending a series of staircases until reaching the peak of Elk Falls at an idyllic rock slab, where people frequently picnic. From this spot you can gaze upon this magnificent waterfall; however swimming here should only be attempted at your own risk as currents can be extremely strong.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take the plunge and walk all the way up the right side of the waterfall for an extraordinary view over its turbulent waters – but be wary as rocks may be slippery and the depth of water deep! Just be wary!
Once at the base of the falls, you can enjoy them from a safe rock viewpoint or wade downstream through shallow areas protected by boulders for reasonable soaking and splashing fun. Other cascades can also be found throughout this stretch of river in Unaka high country.
Whoever is up for a challenge can hike downstream to another impressive waterfall on this section of the Elk River known as Twisting Falls or Compression Falls. While shorter than Big/Elk River Falls, its striking cliff-walled setting could make this impressive waterfall more striking than ever. Additionally, this waterfall is dangerous – accounting for more waterfall-related deaths in its region than any other. To fully experience it all and to stay safe during your adventure on this magnificent trail system.