Purpose

The ratings of each waterfall are an attempt to provide a basis of comparison in three different categories. Of course, the ratings only represent my own subjective opinions, and are to be considered accordingly.

Scale

The ratings are based on a scale of 1 - 10, with 1 representing the lowest possible rating, and 10 representing the highest.

Categories

The ratings are made within three different categories: power, beauty, and ease of access.

Power: This number gives a general indication of the relative power, force, and water level of the waterfall. A rating of 1 is given to a weak waterfall or cascade that can completely dry up during droughts, or which is nothing but a trickle at other times. The opposite extreme, waterfalls with considerable volume and spectacular force (like Niagara Falls), is given a rating of 10. Of course, since water level often changes considerably due to changes in weather, the power rating is meant to represent the yearly average.

Beauty: This number gives an indication of the relative level of beauty of the waterfall. A rating of 1 is given to waterfalls which are essentially ugly or not worth looking at. The opposite extreme, waterfalls which are amazingly beautiful, is given a rating of 10. The beauty of the waterfall itself and the beauty of the falls' setting is taken into account for this rating.

Ease of Access: This number gives an indication of the relative difficulty level of getting to the waterfall. A rating of 1 is given to waterfalls which require long, strenuous hikes to reach. The opposite extreme, waterfalls which are directly at the side of major roads, is given a rating of 10. Keep in mind that the accessibility of a waterfall is often the best indicator of its popularity.