Other waterfalls are higher than Niagara Falls, but
Niagara Falls is one of the most famous. Why? Because the great beauty and
immense size of Niagara Falls make it one of North America’s most spectacular
natural wonders!
WHERE IS NIAGARA FALLS?
Niagara Falls is part of the Niagara River. The
Niagara is a short river, just 35 miles (56 kilometers) long. It connects Lake
Erie and Lake Ontario in eastern North America. East of the river is the United
States. West of the river is Canada. About halfway between the two lakes, a
sharp drop in the river makes Niagara Falls.
TWO GIANT WATERFALLS
Niagara Falls is actually two giant waterfalls and
one smaller one. Goat Island, in New York state, lies between the two main
falls.
One big waterfall, called American Falls, is on the
U.S. side of the river. American Falls has a fairly straight edge. The
waterfall is 1,075 feet (328 meters) wide and 182 feet (55 meters) high. A
small part of American Falls, located near Goat Island, is called Bridal Veil
Falls.
The biggest of the two giant waterfalls is in
Canada and is known as the Canadian Falls. It’s also called the Horseshoe Falls
because of its horseshoe shape. The curved edge of the Canadian Falls measures
2,200 feet (670 meters) wide, and the water drops 187 feet (57 meters). The
Canadian Falls carries nine times more water than the American Falls!
VISITING NIAGARA FALLS
Niagara Falls is a popular tourist attraction.
Millions of people come each year to watch the spectacular waterfalls. You can
take a boat trip to see the falls from below. You can also watch from
observation decks above or beside the falls. You can even enter the Cave of the
Winds, a path that takes you to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. Visitors must
wear bright-yellow rain jackets to stay dry!
Niagara Falls makes an enormous, ground-shaking
roar and a huge cloud of water mist. Rainbows shine through the mist. At night,
the falls are lit with colored lights, creating a brilliant display!
