Guide
Types of Waterfalls
Every waterfall flows differently. Use this field guide to understand how geology, water volume, and canyon walls shape what you see at the overlook.
Cascade vs. Plunge
- Cascades stay in contact with the rock, creating silky stair-steps that look best with slower shutter speeds.
- Plunge waterfalls break free from the cliff and drop into a plunge pool—expect heavy spray and wind.
Horsetail & Fan
- Horsetail falls hug the cliff and form a ribbon; look for lichen-covered walls that glow at sunrise.
- Fan waterfalls flare out wider than they are tall, so pack a wide lens or stitch a panorama.
Segmented & Tiered
- Segmented flows split around bedrock spines—spring runoff can add brand-new channels overnight.
- Tiered waterfalls stack multiple drops; scout multiple overlooks to see every tier.
Block Giants
- Block waterfalls like Niagara or Shoshone span the entire river width and stay powerful year-round.
- Use a faster shutter before you slow things down—you'll want at least one frame that freezes the full power.
Browse waterfalls by type to add the styles you haven't photographed yet.