18 Waterfall Viewpoints That Stay Striking in Winter Weather

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Niagara Falls, Canada/USA Border

Niagara Falls, located on the border between Canada and the USA, is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. In the cold months, the surrounding mist creates an almost magical atmosphere, with the water plunging over the edge, producing a fine spray that freezes into ice crystals in the air. This transforms the entire area into a surreal spectacle, especially when sunlight hits the mist and creates a rainbow effect.

The observation platforms on both the American and Canadian sides offer excellent vantage points. The sound of the water crashing down is deafening, adding to the sense of awe. Visitors during winter are treated to a less crowded experience, allowing for peaceful reflection. The mist that rises from the falls often creates a layer of frost on nearby trees and railings, turning them into a winter wonderland.

Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe Border

Victoria Falls, located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, is one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in the world. During the colder months, the powerful cascade produces a constant mist that rises high above the falls, especially during the early morning hours when temperatures are lower. The mist envelops the surrounding landscape, creating a dramatic and ethereal view.

The surrounding rainforest is also shrouded in this mist, which adds to the sense of mystery and natural beauty. Visitors can walk along various viewing platforms and take in the awe-inspiring sight. The cold weather and mist create a unique experience, with fewer crowds and a more intimate connection with the powerful forces of nature. The falls are even more impressive when the sun is low, casting long shadows across the mist.

Iceland’s Gullfoss

Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Falls, is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. In the colder months, the water crashing into the canyon often creates a thick mist that freezes into ice, coating the rocks and trees in a frosty layer. The sight of ice and water mingling is one of the most striking features of Gullfoss in winter.

The mist rises high above the waterfall, creating a foggy spectacle that changes depending on the weather. Visitors can walk along the viewing paths and get close to the falls, but the cold temperatures add a sense of isolation to the experience. The surrounding area is often snow-covered, adding a pristine beauty to the scene. The winter weather enhances the power and grandeur of the falls, making it a truly breathtaking place to visit during the cold season.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Angel Falls in Venezuela is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, with water cascading 3,212 feet into the jungle below. When the weather turns cold, mist rises from the falls and mixes with the surrounding misty rainforest, creating a mystical atmosphere. The cold weather conditions make the area less accessible, but the reward is a spectacular view of the falls shrouded in mist.

From the base, visitors can see the mist rising above the jungle, often creating a cloud-like formation around the falls. The constant spray from the waterfall adds a touch of magic to the already awe-inspiring landscape. The sight of the mist interacting with the towering falls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those lucky enough to see it.

Yosemite Falls, California, USA

Yosemite Falls, located in California’s Yosemite National Park, is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. During the winter months, the falls produce mist that fills the air and coats the surrounding trees with frost. The cold weather often results in a stunning transformation of the landscape, with the mist from the falls freezing into delicate icicles.

Visitors can view the falls from various points within the park, but the winter weather provides a quieter, more serene atmosphere. The mist and snow-covered rocks create a dramatic and peaceful scene, especially at sunrise when the soft light casts beautiful hues over the landscape. Yosemite Falls is especially magical in the winter months when the mist turns to frost, adding a winter wonderland feel to the scene.

Sutherland Falls, New Zealand

Located in Fiordland National Park, Sutherland Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in New Zealand. In colder months, the waterfall’s mist rises into the air, creating a cold, ethereal atmosphere that adds to the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The mist from the falls often forms a fine spray that catches the light, making the entire area shimmer.

The cold weather makes it a quiet time to visit, as fewer tourists venture to the falls. The view of the mist interacting with the waterfall is a breathtaking experience. Visitors can view the falls from various hiking trails, with each offering a different perspective of the misty spectacle. The combination of mist, water, and snow-covered terrain is particularly stunning.

Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

Kaieteur Falls, located in Guyana, is one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the world. In the cooler months, the falls produce an impressive mist that rises into the air and creates a striking contrast with the surrounding rainforest. The mist often forms a cloud above the falls, making it seem as if the waterfall is pouring into a sea of mist.

The cold temperatures make the area more peaceful, with fewer tourists visiting the falls. Visitors can view the falls from several vantage points, where the mist and surrounding misty rainforest add a magical quality to the experience. The sight of the powerful waterfall surrounded by misty clouds is one of the most unforgettable views in the world.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is famous for its series of stunning waterfalls. In the winter months, the waterfalls create an impressive mist that rises over the turquoise lakes below, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. The cold weather causes the mist to freeze into ice crystals, adding a beautiful frosty layer to the trees and rocks surrounding the waterfalls.

The park becomes a winter wonderland, with the mist rising from the falls and creating a sense of calm and beauty. The sight of frozen waterfalls, surrounded by mist and snow-covered trees, offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere that makes the park even more magical in winter. Walking along the pathways in the cold, with the mist from the falls surrounding you, is an unforgettable experience.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil Border

Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, is a massive waterfall system with 275 individual falls. In the cooler weather, the mist created by the falls rises dramatically, often creating a cloud of mist that surrounds the area. The mist rises high above the falls, creating a spectacle that changes depending on the weather.

The colder temperatures make for a quieter visit, as fewer tourists brave the chill. Visitors can take in the view of the mist rising from the falls from several viewpoints on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. The mist also creates rainbows in the sunlight, making the already stunning sight even more magical. The combination of mist, water, and the dense jungle surrounding the falls creates a dramatic and breathtaking scene.

Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee, USA

Located in Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee, this waterfall is one of the tallest in the eastern United States. In winter, the powerful flow of the falls creates mist that fills the air, particularly on cold days. The mist rises high above the falls and forms a fine fog that gently swirls through the trees, creating an enchanting scene. The cold weather and frozen surroundings make the area feel even more isolated, with fewer visitors compared to the warmer months.

The water tumbling down the rocky cliffs creates a thunderous sound, while the mist softens the surroundings. The falls are especially beautiful in the winter, when the mist adds a layer of mystery to the already dramatic landscape. Visitors can view the falls from various vantage points, each offering a different perspective of the mist and waterfall.

Saut-Mathurine Falls, Haiti

Located in southwestern Haiti, Saut-Mathurine Falls is the largest waterfall in the country. The mist produced by the waterfall in cooler weather creates a soft, ethereal fog that rises above the falls. The cold weather makes the surroundings even more enchanting, with the mist clinging to the rocks and trees.

The lush tropical forest surrounding the falls creates a striking contrast to the icy mist. As the water plunges into the pool below, it produces a gentle spray that rises in a fine mist, adding to the surreal atmosphere. The area becomes quieter in the colder months, allowing visitors to enjoy the falls in peaceful solitude. The mist from the falls creates an almost otherworldly scene that is enhanced by the surrounding jungle.

Rushing River Falls, Washington, USA

Rushing River Falls, located in the Cascade Range of Washington, is a hidden gem for nature lovers. In the colder months, the mist created by the rushing water gives the area an almost dreamlike quality. As the water crashes down, it produces a fine spray that turns into a frosty mist, which coats nearby trees and rocks. This spectacle is especially captivating in the early morning hours, when the temperatures are at their lowest.

The surrounding forest, blanketed in snow, adds to the peaceful ambiance of the falls. The mist rising from the falls contrasts beautifully with the white snow and the dark trees, creating a striking landscape. Hikers can enjoy the falls from the surrounding trails, but the quiet and serene atmosphere in the winter months makes it a particularly special time to visit.

Dettifoss, Iceland

Dettifoss, located in northeast Iceland, is known as Europe’s most powerful waterfall. During the winter months, the falls create a mist that rises high into the air, often transforming into a frosty fog that surrounds the area. The combination of freezing temperatures and the forceful water creates a dramatic visual spectacle.

The mist from the falls often forms a veil that shrouds the surrounding landscape, adding an element of mystery to the already awe-inspiring view. Visitors can take in the falls from various viewing platforms, but the mist adds a magical element that makes the experience even more mesmerizing. The sight of the falls, with mist rising into the air and snow-covered rocks below, is a breathtaking moment for anyone fortunate enough to witness it.

Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

Kaieteur Falls, one of the most iconic waterfalls in South America, is located in the heart of the Guyana rainforest. In cooler weather, the mist from the falls rises into the air, often shrouding the area in a cloud of vapor. The cold temperatures create a sense of serenity and isolation around the falls, as the mist flows over the surrounding rainforest.

The falls are especially stunning in the early morning, when the sun is low and the mist glows softly in the light. The surrounding jungle is alive with birds and wildlife, adding to the natural beauty of the scene. The combination of mist, water, and the untouched rainforest makes Kaieteur Falls one of the most spectacular natural wonders. The sight of the mist rising from the falls and enveloping the rainforest is a sight to behold.

Krimml Falls, Austria

Krimml Falls, located in the Austrian Alps, is one of Europe’s tallest waterfalls. In the colder months, the mist from the falls rises into the air, creating a fine spray that forms a misty fog around the waterfall. The cold temperatures cause the mist to freeze, coating nearby trees and rocks with a sparkling layer of frost. The sound of the water crashing down is powerful, but the mist softens the landscape, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Visitors can take a hike along the trails to reach various viewpoints of the falls, where the mist adds a mystical quality to the experience. The surrounding winter landscape, with snow-covered mountains and frosty trees, makes this a beautiful place to visit during the colder months. The combination of ice, mist, and cascading water creates a magical scene that is hard to match.

Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA

Multnomah Falls, located in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, is a popular waterfall that attracts visitors year-round. During the cold months, the mist rising from the falls creates a fine spray that freezes into ice on the surrounding cliffs. This makes for an especially stunning winter scene, as the mist adds a frosty, ethereal quality to the area.

The freezing temperatures create a quiet atmosphere, with fewer tourists visiting the falls during this time. The water continues to tumble over the falls, producing a beautiful contrast against the snow-covered rocks. The mist that rises from the falls is especially beautiful in the early morning light, when the mist catches the first rays of sunlight. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful beauty of the falls and its frozen surroundings during the colder months.

Horseshoe Falls, Canada/USA Border

Horseshoe Falls, part of the Niagara Falls system, is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the world. The cold winter weather brings a unique beauty to this waterfall, as the mist produced by the falls creates a layer of frost on the surrounding trees and rocks. The mist rises high above the falls, shrouding the area in a thick fog that often creates rainbows in the sunlight.

The cold temperatures make the experience quieter, with fewer tourists, which allows for a more peaceful visit. The water’s powerful flow continues despite the cold, and the sight of the mist interacting with the waterfall is a magical experience. During the winter, the surrounding landscape is covered in snow, adding a serene beauty to the area. The combination of mist, water, and snow creates a stunning winter wonderland.

Toketee Falls, Oregon, USA

Toketee Falls, located in Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest, is known for its striking appearance and natural beauty. The falls are especially captivating in winter when the mist rises from the cascade and fills the air with a fine spray. The surrounding trees and rocks are often coated in ice, creating a beautiful contrast against the flowing water. The mist from the falls is particularly striking when the temperatures drop, as it turns to frost, adding a delicate beauty to the landscape.

Visitors can view the falls from the viewing platform, where the mist creates an almost ethereal atmosphere. The area is quieter during the winter, allowing for a more serene experience. The combination of ice, mist, and the powerful flow of water makes Toketee Falls a stunning sight during the colder months.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.