Top 6 Water Landmarks – North America
1. Crater Lake National Park
Witness the deep blue waters of Crater Lake National Park, formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama, and surrounded by cliffs and forests.
Accessibility:
3/5. Situated in southern Oregon, USA, Crater Lake National Park is accessible by car via the North Entrance and South Entrance off Highway 62. The North Entrance is closed during the winter months due to snow, but the South Entrance and West Entrance remain open year-round. The nearest airports are in Medford, Oregon, and Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Cost:
3/5. There is an entrance fee for vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians, which grants access for seven days. Annual passes specific to Crater Lake National Park are also available.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. Crater Lake National Park is a popular destination, especially in the summer months when all facilities, roads, and trails are likely to be open. Winter brings fewer visitors but offers unique snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities.
Special:
Crater Lake is renowned for its deep blue color and water clarity. Formed by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama 7,700 years ago, it is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the most pristine on earth. The park offers a range of activities, including hiking, biking, boat tours on the lake, and educational programs at the visitor centers.
2. Huasteca Potosina
Experience Huasteca Potosina, a region in Mexico renowned for its stunning waterfalls, turquoise rivers, and lush vegetation.
Accessibility:
2/5. A car journey to this lush region from Tampico or San Luis Potosí city reveals Mexico’s natural wonders.
Cost:
3/5. Modest entry fees, with overall costs depending on travel style and chosen experiences.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. Increasingly popular yet expansive enough to find your own serene spot.
Special:
A collection of Mexico’s most stunning waterfalls, caves, and rivers set in vibrant greenery.
3. Semuc Champey
Explore the natural limestone bridge of Semuc Champey in Guatemala, famous for its tiered turquoise pools and lush surrounding jungle.
Accessibility:
2/5. Tucked away in Guatemala’s dense jungle, getting to Semuc Champey does indeed require effort: a long drive from Guatemala City to Cobán, followed by a rugged ride to Lanquín. It’s an adventure to just get there, signaling its remoteness.
Cost:
4/5. The journey involves not just time but also cost, especially for those flying into Guatemala City first. While the local expenses might not be high, getting there and away for international tourists can add up, considering travel within the country.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. Its beauty draws a steady stream of visitors, yet its remote location prevents it from becoming overcrowded. Early mornings can offer quieter moments.
Special:
Despite the journey, it’s a hidden gem worth every effort. Its stunning, cascading turquoise pools carved into limestone are a natural wonder, offering a peaceful retreat in nature.
4. Niagara Falls
Experience the awe-inspiring power and beauty of Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most famous waterfalls, straddling the border between the USA and Canada.
Accessibility:
5/5. Straddling the border between the United States and Canada, Niagara Falls is highly accessible via multiple airports, including those in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Toronto, with extensive road, bus, and rail links.
Cost:
3/5. While viewing the falls from the park is free, activities like boat tours and attractions in the surrounding area vary in price. The region offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets.
Visitor Volume:
5/5. As one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, it attracts millions of visitors annually, yet there’s ample viewing space and attractions to accommodate the crowds.
Special:
Offering breathtaking views, the thunderous power of the falls is a natural wonder. Attractions like the Maid of the Mist boat tour provide an up-close experience with the waterfalls.
5. Watkins Glen
Explore Watkins Glen State Park in New York, USA, renowned for its 19 waterfalls, carved cliffs, and 200-foot-deep gorge, offering scenic trails and stunning views.
Accessibility:
4/5. Located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Watkins Glen State Park is easily accessible by road, with nearby parking and facilities for visitors.
Cost:
1/5. The park has a very affordable entrance fee, with additional costs for camping and some amenities. It’s known for offering great value for the natural beauty it presents.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. Especially popular during the summer months, the park’s gorge trail can become quite busy, though mornings and weekdays are less so.
Special:
A natural wonder of cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, and lush forests, Watkins Glen State Park features 19 waterfalls along its scenic gorge trail, providing a breathtaking hiking experience.
6. Havasu Falls
Discover the stunning Havasu Falls within the Grand Canyon, USA, celebrated for its vibrant blue-green waterfalls and serene, natural pools, offering a spectacular desert oasis.
Accessibility:
1/5. Located in the Grand Canyon, access to Havasu Falls requires a reservation and a 10-mile hike from the trailhead at Hualapai Hilltop, which is itself remote and requires a drive from major cities in Arizona.
Cost:
5/5. Visiting Havasu Falls involves a substantial cost for permits, and often reservations need to be made far in advance. The price reflects the management and conservation efforts by the Havasupai tribe.
Visitor Volume:
2/5. The number of visitors is strictly controlled through the reservation system, ensuring a more intimate experience with nature.
Special:
Known for its stunning blue-green waterfalls set against a backdrop of red canyon walls, Havasu Falls offers a spectacular and sacred natural wonder within the Havasupai tribal lands.