Understanding Waterfall Listings

Down below I explain what each field means that is with each waterfall listing.

Height: I use LiDAR data to accurately measure waterfalls, unless the state doesn’t provide it, in that case I’ll use my best approximation.

Type: I do my best to describe the characteristics of the waterfall.

Stream: I use USGS National Map for finding the name of streams. If the name of a stream is unknown, it’s listed as a tributary of the first named stream that it flows into.

River Basin: This field indicates what major river basin the waterfall is located within.

Elevation: The elevation given is for the top of the waterfall.

Landowner: For waterfalls that are on public lands, I list the name that’s on the parcel as the landowner. Those on private property are listed as such.

Recreational Area: This field indicates the forest or park the waterfall is located in, if any at all.

State: This field is self-explanatory.

County: This field is self-explanatory.

Nearest Community: I use the closest named settlement, town or city on a map via driving distance.

USGS Map: Is the United States Geological Survey 7.5 Minute Series topographic map that the waterfall is located in

Difficulty: Hikes that require bushwhacking, creek walking or bouldering gets a rating of moderate or higher, some hikes of these kinds are not always difficult, but you should be aware that anytime you leave the trail the chance of you getting hurt increases. Down below I explain what each difficulty rating means.

  1. Accessible – Can be accessed by wheelchair or those that require assistance walking.
  2. Easy – Anyone that is able to walk, can easily achieve this difficulty.
  3. Moderate – Can be done by most if they take their time.
  4. Strenuous – Will prove to be challenging to someone out of shape and smaller kids.
  5. Very Strenuous – Is very demanding on the body and isn’t recommended for those out of shape or kids.
  6. Extreme – Not for the faint of heart and risk of injury or death is very high. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

Accessibility: This field lets you know if the access is over a road, trail, bouldering, bushwhacking, creek walking or if the waterfall is viewed roadside.

Trail Blaze: Indicates what color markings are present, if any at all.

Admission Fee: Cost to visit a waterfall, if any at all. Most places charge per vehicle, but some charge per person.

Hike Length: I measure the trail distance using LiDAR data (when available), Google Earth and Gaia GPS to get the most approximate distance. All distances are round trip.

Waterfall GPS: Is the exact location of a waterfall. If you can only view a waterfall from a distance then the viewing area’s coordinates will be provided. All coordinates are in decimal degrees format.

Parking GPS: This field is self-explanatory. Do know that GPS isn’t always correct and will sometimes take a road that doesn’t go to the coordinates you’ve put in. All coordinates are in decimal degrees format.