Niagara Falls, which spans both the American and Canadian borders, is a truly breathtaking site to see. There are three main falls that make up Niagara Falls: The American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. It is estimated that the three falls were formed more than 10,000 years ago from a melting ice sheet. All three falls can be viewed in full from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
The American Falls are approximately 180 feet high, which makes them just a bit higher than the falls located in Canada. It also runs approximately 1075 feet wide. Natural erosion has changed the face of the American Falls many times during the last century. The American falls drops about 75,000 gallons of water over it per second, but it still only produces just below 10% of the water flow in the Niagara Falls area.
Bridal Veil Falls are located on U.S Hwy. 64, in Northwestern New York, and you can drive under them. While driving under the Bridal Veil Falls, the water is actually about 120 feet above you. You will be able to view the falls as you are driving beneath them, and there are places to stop to walk around and view them as well.
The Bridal Veil Falls crest is 56 feet wide, and has a vertical fall of 78 feet, but the total vertical drop is about 187 feet. The water from the Bridal Falls descends the Talus Borders for 103 feet, and lands in the Maid of the Mist Pool. You can reach the Bridal Veil Falls from the Cave of the Winds.
Horseshoe Falls are located on the Canadian side of the falls. These are also referred to as the Canadian Falls. A small portion of the Horseshoe Falls is in the United States, and it starts at Terrapin Point on Goat Island, in New York, and extends to Table Rock House in Ontario.
While the American Falls produce just below 10% of the water flow, the Horseshoe Falls contribute the other 90%, with the Bridal Veil Falls, which is the smallest of the three falls, produces the remaining water flow.
Of the three falls, Horseshoe Falls is thought to be the most impressive. It is approximately 2200 feet wide, and in the center of the falls, the water is about 10 feet deep. The falls are approximately 173 feet high, and the crest elevation is 500 feet. As the name implies, the crest is horseshoe shaped. Water travels over the crest of Horseshoe Falls at about 20 miles per hour, and this is where all of the dare devil ‘over the falls’ action takes place.
While visiting the Horseshoe Falls, be sure to check out the Niagara Scow. This is a ship that wrecked in 1918, when it was caught against a rock shoal. It is still located about 700 meters from the edge of the falls to this day.
If you will be in the Niagara Falls area, make sure that you have a passport to cross the American/Canadian Border so that you can enjoy all possible views of these majestic falls! It is truly a sight to behold.
