Best Multi-Tier Waterfalls
A multi-tier waterfall is geology made visible: each step records a different rock layer's resistance to erosion. The interplay of plunge pools, slides, and rebounds produces complex hydraulics and dramatic photographs. All ten on the map.
1. Sutherland Falls, NZ
Three perfect steps: 248 + 229 + 103 metres for a total of 580 metres on the Milford Track.
2. Yosemite Falls, USA
Upper (436 m) + middle cascades + lower (98 m) = 739 m on the granite wall of Yosemite Valley.
3. Triberg, Black Forest, Germany
Seven-step 163-metre cascade in the German Black Forest — the country's tallest tiered fall. Paid entry; well-maintained paths.
4. Pongour, Vietnam
Seven travertine tiers, 40 m tall and 100 m wide — south of Dalat, Vietnam.
5. Aliwagwag, Philippines
84 distinct steps over 388 metres — the world's most-stepped major cascade.
6. Erawan, Thailand
Seven travertine tiers in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, with bathable pools at the lower steps. National park.
7. Plitvice cascades, Croatia
Multi-stage travertine cascades between 16 connected lakes — the most concentrated cascade system in Europe.
8. Marmore, Italy
Three Roman-engineered steps for a total 165 m — a textbook three-tier fall.
9. Pailón del Diablo, Ecuador
Two-step 80 m fall in the Andean cloud forest east of Baños — with suspended bridge and walk-behind ledge.
10. Pistyll Rhaeadr, Wales
Three-tier 73-metre cascade in Powys — one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.
Where will you go first?
All of these are pinned on our interactive map.