Location of Highest Waterfall East of the Mississippi River
For those looking to discover the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi river, they quickly find out that there is more than one option to explore. With lengths of 40 feet between every drop, the two waterfalls tied for the highest east of the river are Turtleback Falls and Big Falls, both located in Minnesota.
Big Falls, located about 18 miles east of Grand Rapids, is the culmination of the Big River as it cascades over a series of stepped ledges. From the top, it is estimated to drop about 60 feet, with some sources claiming up to 100 feet. The cascading tiers are scattered among the forests, with standing trees lining both edges.
Turtleback Falls, located north of Duluth, is the second highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Dropping it’s waters 50-60 feet over an array of rocky terraces, the most notable of Turtleback Falls is a beautifully carved, 15-foot wide bowl that the river passes over.
Located along the Board of Lake County hiking trails, Turtleback Falls requires a 3.5 mile hike to access. Big Falls, on the other hand, is located alongside a road, with a parking lot nearby.
Characteristics of Waterfalls
Though each of these two sites differ vastly in regards to location, they both exhibit typical characteristics of a waterfall. The water has a powerful display of energetic movement, descending from the top on a rocky surface. During the descent of the water, the rocks are worn away and eroded from the temperature differentials, forming unique patterns of warm and cool minerals, known as ‘differential weathering’. As a result, access pathways can easily become slick or unsafe for visitors, so caution must be taken.
During the warmer months, visitors can check out the luscious forests of Big Falls, lined with biotic life of the south boreal forests. The flora is comprised of white pine, red maple, and northern red oak, while the fauna includes moose, deer, and woodcocks.
Turtleback Falls, receiving much of its water from the nearby lakes, is described as a ‘wet-mesic’ landscape. This term relates to areas experiencing medium moisture conditions. In these areas, the dominant trees are white spruce and balsam fir, along with a mix of aspen and paper birch. The dominant wildlife includes American marten, moose, black bear, and much more.
Spillover Effects
The beauty of these two waterfalls is more than just the natural aesthetic; they serve important roles in their respective ecosystems. The vast amounts of liquid energy released by the falls create a micro environment, leading to a wide variety of biologic life being sustained. As the water flows, it carries with it a number of dissolved nutrient, drawing in a variety of organisms to feed upon. Various species of fish, invertebrates, and amphibians rely on these waterfalls and the food they recieve during the migration.
Corals and insects are particularly abundant around Big Falls and Turtleback Falls, in addition to multiple species of frogs, salamanders, and spotted turtles. The water curtains provide excellent hiding places for theses species, making the waterfalls invaluable components to their respective ecosystems.
Educational Opportunities
Attracting visitors from all over the world, the waterfalls of east of the Mississippi River serve as hot tourist spots, not only for their unique displays, but for educational opportunities with nature. For those who are interested, guided tours are available around Turtleback Falls, providing visitors with the chance to get up close and take in the magnificent displays of water cascading through the Rockies.
Turtleback Falls is located close to the Superior National Forest, and Big Falls is near the Chippewa National Forest, providing students an opportunity to appreciate all that nature has to offer. For those more interested in the physical aspects of the waterfalls, a variety of field trips exist to help understand the geologic formations, from the soils to the bedrocks.
Economic Impact
The beauty of the eastern waterfalls of the Mississippi River is precisely why these sites are so valuable not just to the environment, but also to the surrounding economy. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the two sites to take in the majestic sites, contributing to the local economy in more ways than one. Tourist sites are but one downstream effect of the waterfalls. Hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses tend to arise to accommodate the rise in tourism.
In addition, direct exchange of money often occurs when visitors purchase permits, souvenirs, and other materials at the parks. In a report conducted by the National Park Service, the total economic impact of Turtleback Falls was estimated to be at $8.3 million.
Conservation
Given the unique beauty and economic success of Turtleback Falls and Big Falls, both sites have seen extensive joint efforts from the United States government and different organizations to conserve the areas. In 2018, the National Park Service secured $3 million to restore and protect Turtleback Falls and others. The funds are to be used for the protection of the falls, through upkeep and management of the surrounding forests.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has also made efforts to protect the waterfalls alongside the National Park Service, to ensure that the sites stay physically and ecologically stable. The foundations of the organizations collaborate with other environmental and biological organizations to preserve the area, acting as a remarkable example of how the power of nature can bring a community together.
Preservation and Restoration
Turtleback Falls and Big Falls, two waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, provide unparalleled experiences, educational opportunities, and economic successes to their local communities. For this reason, the surrounding areas are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of these aesthetically valuable sites. Financial investments are being made through the National Park Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and other local organizations, to ensure these falls stay untouched, protecting hundreds of species of flora and fauna in the process.
The beauty of Turtleback Falls and Big Falls can never be replicated by human engineering, and the importance of these sites must not be overlooked. As two of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, they stand as beacons of nature, boasting beauty and complexity that is admired by visitors and locals alike.
Environmental Effects
The presence of a waterfall presents unique opportunities for the environment. As the water cascades from the top of the falls, it creates an area of increased oxygen supplied to streambeds, promoting healthier habitats for aquatic life. Turtles, fish, amphibians, and other marine species are generally found to thrive near the waterfalls due to this enrichment.
The flow of water over the rocks can also erode the terrains, forming unique landscapes and structures that further improves the habitat of local species. A study from the University of Massachusetts has suggested that the presence of a waterfall can decrease waterborne diseases, while increasing the chances of seasonal reproduction.
The presence of Turtleback Falls and Big Falls also serves a role in watering agriculture, through the limited generation of hydroelectric power and potable water sources. The rivers, fed by the two waterfalls, flow downstream, increasing funding and resources for local farms.
Conclusion
Turtleback Falls and Big Falls are two giants east of the Mississippi River, standing as pillars of nature that must be admired. From the ecological and educational opportunities, to the economic impact that the sites bring, these areas prove the importance of conserving natural habitats and sources of water.
Their presence serves for many purposes, from watering agriculture, to providing unique habitats for species. The power of nature never ceases to amaze, and the two waterfalls of the east make this clear.
