As the days get shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, waterfalls take on a dramatic transformation. What is once surging flows of water turn into ice sculptures, frozen in time. Sure, TLC warned us against it, but when it comes to these mesmerizing examples of nature's artistry, Big Daddy Life believes they're well worth the chase. Follow along as we explore some of the most impressive frozen U.S. waterfalls guaranteed to be at the top of your bucket list this winter.
Minnehaha Falls, Minnesota
Popularized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "The Song of Hiawatha," Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot waterfall located in Minnehaha Regional Park. The falls are apart of Minnehaha Creek, which flows into the Mississippi River. Below-freezing temperatures blanket the surrounding area in frost, while icicles hang suspended and an ice mound forms at the base.
Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado
Bridal Veil Falls is the largest free-falling waterfall in the state of Colorado. Towering at an impressive 365-foot vertical, the falls overlook Telluride, Colorado. It is a popular destination for ice climbing during the colder months.
Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan
Tahquamenon Falls is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. It consists of two main sections: the Upper Falls and Lower Falls. Both sections partially freeze during the winter, but never entirely. The massive flow of the Upper Falls often boasts ice curtains and thick snow. The Lower Falls is known to freeze more extensively.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, this two-tiered waterfall plunges a total of 620 feet. Because the falls are fed by underground springs and snowmelt, the falls do not freeze entirely. The lower section, where the water hits the pool below, freezes into impressive ice formations. However, the upper section has enough pressure to flow longer before freezing solid.
Shoshone Falls, Idaho
Shoshone Falls is located on the Snake River in southern Ohio. Labeled as the "Niagara of the West," these falls are 212-feet tall and 900 feet wide. It is a popular tourist destination for Twin Falls visitors. When the weather is cold enough, ice formations can be seen scaling the rocks of this massive waterfall.
Frozen Niagara Falls, New York
Straddling between New York and Canada lies the Niagara Falls, a group of three waterfalls with the highest flow rate than any other waterfall in North America. These falls have never fully frozen over due to the water pressure, but the combination of frigid temperatures and settling mist causes certain parts to form thick layers of ice.
Hanging Lake Waterfall, Colorado
Nestled nearly a thousand feet up Glenwood Canyon is Hanging Lake Waterfall. Accessible only by a challenging hiking, the waterfall features turquoise waters and lush foliage most of the year, until winter turns it into snow-flurried cliffs and shimmering icicles.
Ruby Falls, Tennessee
Ruby Falls in Tennessee is a stunning underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga. Discovered in 1928, it gushes 145 feet inside a cavern of stalactites and stalagmites. Though the waterfall itself rarely freezes entirely due to its underground location, colder temperatures can create frost and ice patterns within the cave.
Franklin Falls, Washington
Franklin Falls is a picturesque waterfall located along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, near Snoqualmie Pass. The falls drop about 70 feet and are only accessible via a short hike. During the winter, the water stops mid-flow, creating layers of icicles and frozen formations.
Rifle Falls, Colorado
Rifle Falls is a hidden gem in western Colorado, located about 14 miles north of the town of Rifle. Known for its 80-foot triple waterfall, the site is part of Rifle Falls State Park. Starting in late November and December, the falls begin to freeze.
Frozen waterfalls draw tons of hikers, photographers, and adventurers alike. They give visitors a chance to see nature's abilities during the mundane winter months. Make sure to comment down below if you've ever visited one of these locations, or if you have any other waterfalls to recommend!
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