The 15 Coolest Hidden Waterfalls In The World

Waterfalls can occasionally be dangerous if you choose to run them, an extreme sport that is not for every paddler. For the most part, though, they are gorgeous. Seeing them roar up close or from a distance should be on every traveler's bucket list. Some waterfalls are iconic simply for the way they look from afar – rare shade of violet, like a wall of tears, or streams of milk rushing down the mountainside. Others appeal to tourist because they are remote and getting to them requires a challenging trek.

This powerful waterfall is a major draw for tourists in Guyana, despite its undeveloped nature. Set in the center of the rainforest, the 822-foot-tall waterfall, higher than the Niagara Falls, has been called both pristine and underrated and the experience of seeing it in person is said to be well worth the trip. Kaieteur is referred to as the world's widest single drop waterfall.

Gullfoss, which in Icelandic means "Golden Falls," is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. The falls seem to drop directly into the earth. Gullfoss has become so iconic that it has appeared on the cover of an album, in a novella and in a music video. Visit when the sun is shining for a chance to catch a rainbow.

Sipi Falls used to be three tall waterfalls plunging along Mt Elgon, the fourth highest peak in Africa. Getting there requires tough trekking through some local farms and coffee plantations. The hike itself is quite an adventure. The views are absolutely magnificent.

This is a spectacular and wild 196-foot waterfall that you should certainly make time to visit if you happen to be in Beaupre, Quebec, in the summer. The hike to the falls is not very long, but it is strenuous. Be prepared to climb a lot of stairs. There is an open rock courtyard at the base of the waterfall.

The 129-foot falls is famous for how President Theodore Roosevelt once described it – the "eighth wonder of the world." A 1.3-mile trail circles the falls. The waterfall is on Burney Creek, within McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, in Shasta County.

The Fairy Pools are stunningly crystal clear blue pools on the River Brittle. They make for great "wild swimming" if you are brave enough – the water is very cold. This first waterfall, which is the highest fall and deepest pool, marks the start of the magical pools, according to IsleofSkye.com. Take some time to work your way up the river. 

This waterfall, which is actually a combination of seven falls, will challenge even the most adventurous hikers. People know about it but its remoteness renders it to be hidden from many visitors. You have to cross a river and walk along several very slippery paths. 

The falls is located in Iligan, which is called the "city of majestic waterfalls," on the island of Mindanao. Imagine relaxing on a bamboo raft right under Tinago Falls. What else do you need while on vacation? Tinago means "hidden" in Filipino. The falls has its name because its hidden in a deep ravine.

The breathtakingly gorgeous blue waterfall is hidden within the forests of Tenorio National Park. The falls is located off the beaten path, several hours, few bus rides and a hike up a steep dirt road away from San Jose. The base of the waterfall is accessed by descending 250 steep steps.

You can actually swim in this beautiful waterfall. You will find the stunning falls deep in the jungle. You can only get to the multifaceted waterfall by hiking through a bamboo forest, which is an adventure in itself. Hali'i means "spread out," which is exactly what the waterfall looks like.

Locals have been coming to this incredible swimming hole for over a century. Cummins Falls is Tennessee's eighth largest waterfall in volume of water and is 75 feet high, according to TN State Parks. You may get in the water at the base of the waterfall. The gorge and waterfall accessed only by foot, but the effort is worth every effort along the steep one-mile hike.

This is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 164-foot drop into remarkable blue pools. They also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals, according to Visit Laos. If you prefer you can relax in the shade and watch others jumping in and out of the water.

The waterfall is sometimes called "Peewee's" nest. The natural gorge is cut by a small stream. Pewit's is between 30 and 40 feet deep. Getting there is not a huge dare but the trails are not maintained. The walking tracks take you over the deep gorge instead of through it and there are no railings.

Plummeting 65 feet over the edge of a large lava flow, which erupted from Ruapehu some 15,000 years ago, Taranaki Falls drops into a boulder-ringed pool. There are stunning views into the water-worn gorges of the Wairere Stream from below the falls.

Havasu Falls is found on Havasu Creek. It is frequently visited by hikers, who take a 10-mile stroll each way to the falls. The spectacular waterfalls and isolated community within the Havasupai Indian Reservation attract thousands of visitors each year. The Falls are a famous destination for hikers. The best time to visit is March through June.