I love a good waterfall. And over the years, I have visited some of the best in the world, including the marvelous Victoria Falls. Located in Botswana, Africa, this mighty waterfall is located where the Zambezi River plunges 328 feet into the narrow Batoka Gorge, creating huge clouds of mist.
I got soaked, but it was a warm day and it was a wonderful experience. I’m told Eleanor Roosevelt had this remark on seeing the mighty African falls: “Poor Niagara.”The American Niagara Falls are some 188 feet high, tall but not in the same category with Victoria.
I also saw some spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, especially the two-tiered falls known as Gullfoss. Also in Iceland, I saw the Strokkur geyser, spouting water 100 feet in the air, and learned the word “geyser” is an Icelandic word. But you don’t need to leave Texas to see some nice waterfalls. While not in the same category with Victoria, Gullfoss or Angel Falls in Venezuela, they are well worth viewing. Capote Falls is the highest waterfall in Texas and is located in extreme southwest Texas, southwest of Marfa. It is 175 feet high, about half as high as Victoria. Unfortunately, it is located on private property, so you can only see it if you fly over it.
The second-highest falls in Texas is 100-foot-tall Madrid Falls, and third highest is 80-foot-tall Mexicano Falls – both of these are located in Big Bend Ranch State Park. However, you’ll need a four-wheel drive vehicle and the ability to hike on foot, to see either one. What’s more, neither falls is year round but both are dependent on rainfall. There is one year-round waterfall in Big Bend National Park, the lovely Cattail Falls, located near the center of the park.
So, whether you go to Africa or stay in Texas, a good waterfall is awfully hard to beat – they can be both magical and majestic.
