Geography Geography 4 min read

Secret cascades worth the trek

Forget Niagara Falls: These hidden American waterfalls are worth the trek

Image: Jeffrey Workman

Forget Niagara Falls and Yosemite's tourist crowds. The real magic happens at waterfalls that most people drive right past without a second thought . These hidden gems don't have gift shops or paved walkways, but that's exactly what makes them special. Grab your hiking boots and a sense of adventure: we're going waterfall hunting.

1
Havasu Falls, Arizona

Image: Yacov B

Yes, technically, people know about Havasu Falls, but getting there requires permits, careful planning, and a ten-mile hike into the Grand Canyon that'll have your knees filing for divorce. The turquoise water looks Photoshopped, but it isn't—it's caused by calcium carbonate and magnesium that create that otherworldly blue-green glow. Most tourists snap their Grand Canyon photos from the rim and call it a day, completely unaware that this paradise exists below.

2
Linville Falls, North Carolina

Image: Jeff Miller

Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this waterfall drops in multiple tiers through Linville Gorge , nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the East." The upper falls plunge 12 feet, followed by the lower section, which drops another 90 feet into the gorge below.

Multiple trail options mean you can customize your effort level, from an easy quarter-mile stroll to more challenging overlooks. The best view? Probably Chimney View, which gives you the full dramatic drop and a sweeping view of the gorge beyond.

3
Potato River Falls, Wisconsin

Image: Paul Pastourmatzis

Potato River Falls sits near the Michigan border in the Northwoods, where many visitors are too distracted by fishing and Friday fish fries to notice the waterfall itself. The falls drop about 90 feet in cascading sections, with observation platforms that make viewing easy —no mountain-goat skills required. The surrounding forest feels wonderfully remote, even though you're only a short walk from the parking area.

4
Natural Falls, Oklahoma

Image: Tien Vu Ngoc

Yes, Oklahoma has waterfalls, and Natural Falls State Park proves it, dropping 77 feet into a surprisingly lush canyon . The trail to the viewing platform takes about ten minutes, making this possibly one of the best effort-to-reward ratios on this list.

The falls flow year-round thanks to a spring-fed creek, though spring brings the most dramatic water volume. A large amphitheater-like alcove behind the falls provided the backdrop for parts of the 1974 movie Where the Red Fern Grows , if you're into vintage cinema trivia. Visit early in the morning to have the place to yourself and contemplate the geographical surprises America still holds.

5
Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee

Image: Joshua Woods

At 256 feet, Fall Creek Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi , yet somehow remains less famous than Graceland. Located in a state park of the same name, it's the crown jewel among several waterfalls in the area, meaning you can actually hit multiple cascades in one day if you're feeling ambitious. The main overlook requires minimal effort, but trails wind down to the base if you want the full experience and don't mind plenty of stairs.

6
Alamere Falls, California

Image: Matt Bennett

California has no shortage of waterfalls, but Alamere Falls does something truly special: it drops directly onto the beach . This rare "tidefall" spills over cliffs at Point Reyes National Seashore, creating a scene that looks like a screensaver come to life. Getting there requires an 8-mile round-trip hike that's moderately strenuous but manageable for anyone in reasonable shape. The trail winds through coastal forest before emerging onto wind-swept beaches.

The falls flow strongest in winter and spring when California actually gets rain, becoming a mere trickle by late summer. Time your visit right, and you can stand on the beach while 40-foot waterfalls crash onto sand beside tide pools and sea stacks.

7
Kaaterskill Falls, New York

Image: Joshua Earle

The Catskill Mountains hide New York's tallest waterfall, a two-tiered, 260-foot cascade that inspired Hudson River School painters back when America was young, and landscape painting was the closest thing to Instagram. Kaaterskill Falls sits just off Route 23A, and the short trail to the base viewpoint feels properly wild. Adventurous types sometimes scramble between the tiers, though this requires caution and a complete disregard for your mother's warnings about safety.

Winter transforms the falls into a frozen sculpture, attracting ice climbers who've made interesting life choices. The surrounding forest looks like something from a fairy tale, all moss and ferns and filtered light.

8
Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado

Image: Chad Madden

Bridal Veil Falls near Telluride claims the title of the state's tallest free-falling waterfall at 365 feet . The waterfall cascades like a lace curtain—hence the name—from a hanging valley, and at the top sits a power plant that's somehow still photogenic. The hike up is steep and challenging, gaining about 1,800 feet over roughly two miles, which sounds reasonable until you remember you're doing this at high altitude.

9
Cloudland Canyon Falls, Georgia

Image: Alla Kemelmakher

Georgia surprises people with its waterfalls, and Cloudland Canyon State Park delivers two beauties: Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls , accessible via a moderately strenuous trail system. The park sits on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, where the canyon cuts deep into the plateau. Cherokee Falls drops about 60 feet, while Hemlock Falls offers a 95-foot cascade. Both require descending (and later climbing back up) hundreds of stairs, so consider this your ultimate leg-day workout.

10
Fairy Falls, Wyoming

Image: Veenvorm

Yellowstone gets all the geothermal glory, but Fairy Falls offers a quieter experience just a few miles from the madness of Old Faithful. At 200 feet, this ribbon of water drops from the Madison Plateau into a peaceful forest clearing . The trail is about five miles round-trip along old fire roads, flat and easy enough for most fitness levels.

Most Yellowstone visitors stick to the main loop, which means Fairy Falls sees only a fraction of the park's three million annual tourists. The falls flow strongest during spring snowmelt, becoming more modest by late summer.

History History 3 min read

Leading young

Age is just a number: the 10 youngest US Presidents!

Image: Dep377

Age is often seen as a symbol of experience, but being the oldest doesn't always mean being the wisest. While the average age of US presidents when they assume office is 55, there have been some who took office much younger! Although no president has held the position in his thirties, some have started in their early forties. If you want to know about the youngest presidents in US history, read on. You may be in for a surprise!

1
John Tyler

Image: Benjamin Ashton

The oldest president on this list is John Tyler, the 10th US President, who took office in 1841 at the age of 51, after the passing of President William Henry Harrison. He became the first vice president to assume office due to the death of a sitting president. After serving one term, he left office at the age of 55.

2
Millard Fillmore

Image: Kendall Scott

As mentioned earlier, the average age of US presidents at the time of inauguration is 55. Surprisingly, this president took office at just 50, five years younger than the average! We're talking about Millard Fillmore, the 13th president of the United States. Although he was not elected, he assumed the presidency on July 9, 1850, following the death of President Zachary Taylor, and left office 3 years later at the age of 53.

3
James K. Polk

Image: René DeAnda

In 1825, James K. Polk became the 11th US president, taking office at the age of 49. During his campaign and time in office, he stated that he would serve only one term, and he kept his promise by not seeking re-election. Fun fact: At the time of his election, Polk was the youngest person ever chosen as president of the United States.

4
James A. Garfield

Image: Luke Michael

Just like Polk, James A. Garfield also became president at the age of 49. At the time of his inauguration in 1881, Garfield was not the youngest ever elected, but he was the youngest Republican to become president! And that's not all: He was also the first left-handed person to serve, though it is said that he could write with both hands!

5
Franklin Pierce

Image: Element5 Digital

Franklin Pierce may not be the most popular president in US history, but he was one of the youngest ever to hold office.

When Pierce took office in 1853, he was 48 years old. His presidency was marked by political tensions and personal tragedy. Serving only one term, he left office at the age of 52.

6
Barack Obama

Image: History in HD

In 2009, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States at just 47 years old. After serving two consecutive terms, he left office at 55. As you can see, he left office at an age when many typically start their presidency! Additionally, Obama was born in 1961, which makes him the first president born in the 1960s.

7
Ulysses S. Grant

Image: Kirsten LaChance

Ulysses S. Grant became the 18th President of the United States in 1869 at just 46 years old. He served two terms and left the presidency at 54, still quite young for a former president.

Perhaps it was precisely his youth that led to a rather amusing incident. President Grant, a well-known horse enthusiast, received a speeding ticket in 1872... On horse! He was racing a horse-drawn carriage in Washington, DC, and ended up paying a $20 fine.

8
Bill Clinton

Image: Jesse Karjalainen

The '90s may feel like just yesterday, but believe it or not, more than 30 years have passed since that decade began! However, we're sure you remember this event well: On January 20, 1993, Bill Clinton was inaugurated as the US President at just 46 years old. Like Grant, he served two terms and left office at 54.

9
John F. Kennedy

Image: Florida Memory

John F. Kennedy took office as the 35th US President on January 20, 1961, at just 43 years old, making him the youngest elected president in US history!

Although his presidency was tragically short, it was marked by major milestones. Kennedy set a goal for America: to be the first nation to land a man on the moon before the end of the 1960s. Although he sadly didn't live to see it, his words became a reality when Apollo 11 landed on the moon in 1969!

10
Theodore Roosevelt

Image: Stephen Walker

We've reached the youngest president, not just on this list but in all of US history! That title goes to Theodore Roosevelt, who became the 26th president in 1901 at just 42 years old.

While he first took office in 1901 following the death of President William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt was officially elected in 1904 and began his second term in 1905.

General General 4 min read

Read on and dream on

Luxury life: 12 extravagant features in American millionaires’ yachts

Image: Viktor Ritsvall

Peeking into the lives of the rich and famous has become easier over the years, thanks to social media and smartphones, which allow for very personal and up-close contact between the super-wealthy and the rest of us. Among the many spoils and luxuries these individuals indulge in, few pique interest quite like their superyachts. From basketball courts to helipads and more, the following 12 features are just a small glimpse of what money can buy. Can you imagine yourself on one of these boats?

1
Garage

Image: Danielle-Claude Bélanger

If you’re like most of us, when you hear the word garage , you think of a place to store cars—on land. But if you belong to the super-rich, you might think otherwise. Octopus is a superyacht owned by an extremely wealthy individual (as with every other massive boat on this list, we’ll avoid naming names) that features a two-story wet dock functioning as the explorer yacht's very own mini-marina.

Two primary tenders are stored and launched through a giant transom door, while the floodable dock is complemented by rows of smaller toy garages.

2
Spa

Image: Jared Rice

Many cruise ships offer spas as part of their onboard amenities, but sharing those accommodations with other passengers is usually to be expected. Unless, of course, you happen to own Kismet , a superyacht that boasts a " 7-star wellness suite ." This luxurious space includes a hammam, sauna, cryotherapy chamber, private treatment room with a massage table, and a chromotherapy bathtub. Not bad, right?"

3
Air-conditioned helicopter hangar

Image: Andrew Palmer

If you own a superyacht, chances are you probably own a helicopter too. So, it only makes sense to have a proper deck on your yacht to land your helicopter. However, the owner of Moonrise took things a step further by adding an air-conditioned helicopter hangar to the mix.

4
Bespoke chandelier

Image: William Krause

Probably due to the fact that these things always seem to hang rather precariously from the ceiling, chandeliers tend to be installed on dry land and not on moving vehicles. However, if your yacht is large enough, anything is possible.

Such is the case with the Aquila superyacht, which boasts a bespoke chandelier crafted by the Czech company Preciosa. This masterpiece made up of more than 850 pieces of hand-blown glass , stretches an astonishing 36.7 feet , cascading elegantly through four of Aquila’s five decks.

5
Nature-inspired spa

Image: Roberto Nickson

The Ahpo superyacht features a massive spa designed with curves, leaves, waves, and bamboo for a serene, nature-inspired aesthetic. Located on the lower deck, this luxurious facility includes a plunge pool , a Himalayan salt sauna , a hammam , and a massage room . Each space is decorated with intricate nature-themed mosaics and ceilings embedded with twinkling fiber optic lights, creating a tranquil and immersive experience.

6
A snow room

Image: Nathan Wolfe

If an onboard spa isn’t luxurious enough, how about a walk-in snow room ? The Faith superyacht takes indulgence to another level with its spa, which includes this unique feature. Aside from the fun of building a snowman while navigating across the Caribbean, spending time in the snow room offers several health benefits , such as stimulating metabolism , improving sleep , and relieving pain .

7
Underwater lounge

Image: Jeremy Bishop

Imagine relaxing in your superyacht’s private lounge, gazing through a huge window in front of you, half of it over the water line and half of it, underwater . This is the kind of extraordinary experience awaiting owners and guests aboard the Savannah . Spot marine life with a drink in your hand, anytime.

8
Private library

Image: Iñaki del Olmo

Arguably the most understated feature on this extravagant list, the massive L-shaped library aboard the M5 superyacht exudes a cozy, residential charm. With hundreds of volumes neatly arranged in rows and a plush L-shaped sofa to match, this library offers the perfect space to unwind in style.

9
Outdoor cinema

Image: Andre Ouellet

Imagine a drive-in theater—but at sea, and without the cars. That’s the kind of experience you can enjoy aboard Grey , another big boat with a glass-sided swimming pool complete with a high-luminosity cinema setup . Flanked by plush sofa seating, the area boasts integrated speakers and a state-of-the-art surround sound system.

And yes, in case you were wondering, the screen can completely retract and fold away when not in use.

10
Basketball court

Image: JC Dela Cuesta

Imagine playing basketball while the entire court is rocked by the waves —quite an experience! The lucky owner of Joy , another luxurious ship, can do just that. The court can also be converted into a badminton court. And after the workout, the dedicated onboard spa is ready to soothe those sore muscles.

11
A jaguar

Image: Jeff Heaton

Figureheads on the bow of ships are an ancient tradition, but placing a car-style hood ornament on a ship is something else altogether. And doing it on a massive scale creates quite the spectacle. The Whisper superyacht boasts a 12-foot silver jaguar statue on its bow , a tribute to its previous owner, who also happened to own the Jacksonville Jaguars football team.

12
Greek pool

Image: Alex Harmuth

Picture a massive pool, set underneath dramatic lighting to give the appearance of a night-lit sky, and surrounded by grand Greek statues , all aboard a luxury private yacht . That’s Leona , a 240-foot superyacht. The lavish atmosphere is completed by water outlets and fresco walls that make its visitors feel like they are in a Greek villa .

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