Thoughtful Thursday Exploring the Wonders of Niagara Falls

Photo by Ivan Torres on Pexels.com

Few natural wonders evoke the sense of awe and wonder quite like Niagara Falls. Located on the border between the United States and Canada, this magnificent waterfall complex is a testament to the raw power and beauty of nature.

Spanning the Niagara River between the province of Ontario in Canada and the state of New York in the United States, Niagara Falls consists of three breathtaking waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. Together, they form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world, making Niagara Falls a must-see destination for travelers from around the globe.

The sheer magnitude of Niagara Falls is best experienced up close, whether by taking a thrilling boat ride on the iconic Maid of the Mist or embarking on a scenic helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of the cascading waters. Feel the mist on your skin and hear the thunderous roar as millions of gallons of water plummet over the edge, creating a spectacle that ignites the senses and leaves an indelible impression.

But Niagara Falls offers more than just breathtaking views. Surrounding the falls is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. Explore the lush landscapes of Niagara Parks, home to picturesque gardens, hiking trails, and stunning vistas overlooking the falls.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a moment of awe-inspiring beauty, Niagara Falls offers something for everyone. Soak in the majesty of nature’s masterpiece, and let the timeless allure of Niagara Falls leave you breathless and inspired.

Hope you enjoyed this post today, thanks for stopping by!!

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“Their roar is around me. I am on the brink of the great waters—and their anthem voice goes up amid the rainbow and the mist.” ~Grenville Mellen

Photo by Sergey Pesterev on Pexels.com

Thoughtful Thursday Anna Ruby Falls, Georgia

Anna Ruby Falls photo by Maria Vidaurre

There’s something to be said about slowing down and spending time in nature. This past fall I was fortunate to take a hiking trip to northern Georgia with my husband. One of our visits was to Anna Ruby Falls which is in Unicoi State Park, located just outside of Helen, Georgia. It was a stunning drive to the falls as we drove on the windy road through the forest with accents of mother nature’s foliage of yellow, orange and red leaves glistening in the sunlight.

The hike to the falls is about a half mile on a paved path. Officially it’s .4 of a mile, but my Garmin and phone tracker showed it was a bit more. Nevertheless, it was a majestic hike the entire way as the path followed the creek and you were serenaded by the flowing waters. The path was a little steep but there were plenty of benches along the way to rest if needed.

James H. “Captain” Nichols was a Civil War Colonel who retired and moved to Nacoochee Valley in 1870. Even though he had been promoted to Colonel he was reverently referred to as “Captain.” While out horseback riding one day, Nichols discovered the falls and named them after his daughter, Anna Ruby.

The falls are made up of Curtis and York Creeks that run down the steep slopes of Tray Mountain in 2 falls. In the photo above Curtis Creek Falls is shown on the left and drops 153 feet and York Creek Falls is shown on the right and drops 50 feet. These 2 falls combine to create Smith Creek which is what you see when walking on the path.

I hope you enjoyed this little travel tidbit. Anna Ruby Falls was a beautiful place to visit and I hope you’ll be able to visit it too!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” ~ Lao Tzu

All photos were taken by Maria Vidaurre