Few things add beauty to a landscape as effectively as high, cascading waterfalls. Lakes and rivers around the globe help create these stunning wonders that are sometimes just there to adore from afar. However, at some locations, hiking, swimming or sailing close enough to feel their refreshing, cooling spray is allowed.
Whether you’re interested in just enjoying the views and snapping a few pictures, or if you prefer to bungee jump off a waterfall’s cliff, these images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest will inspire you.
A gorgeous sunset helps to bring out the fall colors of the foliage surrounding Niagara Falls, while silhouetting the cityscape in the background.
Smrithan Ravichandran, New York, 2022
Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest and largest national park in Croatia, boasting multiple scenic cascading waterfalls. Veronika Szappanos, Croatia, 2019
The Austfonna icecap, the third largest in the world, is a breathtaking expanse nestled on Nordaustlandet Island within Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Thomas Vijayan, Norway, 2022
More than 75 waterfalls can be found in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Zeb Andrews, Oregon, 2008
Winter rain feeds this waterfall located on Table Mountain, outside of Oroville. Eric DaBreo, California, 2014
A sunset mostly concealed by the low, thick mist creates a scenic moment in the Atlantic archipelago of the Faroe Islands. Anton Andreev, Faroe Islands, 2021
Not all waterfalls offer heights of hundreds of feet. On this calm river, jagged rock formations allow for smaller waterfalls that are just big enough to create stunning natural scenes. Erik Fetty, West Virginia, 2022
More than 525 steps lead visitors from the base…
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