Roses Frame the American Falls at Niagara

There are actually three waterfalls on the Niagara River, and all of them collectively are referred to as Niagara Falls. The largest and most famous of these is the Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side of the river. An island separates the Canadian falls from the American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Unlike the Canadian Falls, which is essentially a sheer drop, the American Falls plunges into a jumble of huge bolders. Although overshadowed by Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls is quite maginificent in it's own right, and would be a major tourist attraction if it were the only falls.

At 56 meters (180 ft) high, the American Falls is slightly higher than its Canadian counterpart. Its crestline is 328 meters (1075 ft) wide.

It is estimated that 75,000 gallons of water flow over the American Falls each second, amounting to only 10% of Niagara's total waterflow. The American Falls look spectacular at night, when it is lit with various combinations of coloured lights.

All three of the falls are best viewed from the Canadian side of the river. However, it is only at Niagara Falls State Park in New York that you can stand on the very lip of all of the falls and see them close up as they make their thunderous leap.