Beat the Rush to La Mina Falls

La Mina Falls El Yunque National Forrest

A quick image search of La Mina Falls shows why it is one of Puerto Rico's most popular tourist destinations. It doesn't get much better than a waterfall in the middle of a tropical rainforest that is also safe enough to swim! However, most images also show a crowded pool full of people all waiting to get their picture taken in the falls. My wife and I were not interested in fighting crowds or taking part in the group tours of the falls. Our solution was simple; rent a car and arrive early! 

What to Expect
We left our condo in San Juan at 7am and followed Rt 3 until turning right onto PR-191 to the El Yunque National Forrest. There are signs on Rt 3 and PR-191 clearly marking El Yunque National Forest. The visitors center did not open until 9 am, cost $4, and didn't interest us so we skipped it. We instead drove straight up the steep and curvy mountain road to the La Mina Trail parking lot. The entire drive from San Juan to the La Mina parking lot took about an hour.

The 30 minute walk to La Mina Falls was not overly difficult, but I would recommend wearing sturdy shoes. The .7 mile trail has some steep up and downs and was slick with water. It rained off and on the entire time we were there (which is normal considering it is a rainforest). We arrived at La Mina Falls at 8:30am and had the entire area all to ourselves--our own little tropical hideaway! We spend 30 minutes swimming in the pool, snapping photos, and enjoying the falls without another soul in sight. On the hike back we encountered a couple of tour groups headed toward the falls. We had beat the rush!

Trail to La Mina Falls

Just the Basics 

• Location: El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico
• Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/elyunque/home
• Cost: Free ($4 if you go to the visitor's center)
• Advice: Arrive early to avoid the crowds. Wear sturdy footwear for the falls to avoid cutting your foot on a rock in the water. 

Milford Sound

Milford Sound

The Milford Sound is one of New Zealand's most recognized wonders.  Not only is the Milford Sound the country's most photographed attraction, it was also featured in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.  Anyone that has seen the breathtaking beauty of the sound understands why photographers and film makers are drawn to the area.  In 2008, Tripadvisor named the Milford Sound the world's top travel destination!   

Milford Sound cliffs and waterfalls

What to Expect

The Milford Sound is a fjord in the southwest of the South Island.  It runs 15km inland from from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by mountains that reach nearly 5,000 feet.  The sheer cliffs that rise from the water are filled with lush forests and waterfalls.  Milford Sound weather is unpredictable.  Rainfall is a constant threat in the Milford Sound, as it receives more rainfall than any other inhabited place in New Zealand. 

The only drawback to the Milford Sound is getting there.  The nearest major cities, Queenstown and Invercargill, are still a 4 hour drive.   Weather can also create travel havoc on the mountainous roads to and from the Milford Sound.  I had to wait several days to visit because a winter blizzard had shut down all roads to the area.  It's remote location has not discourage to tourism however; nearly one million people visit every year.  Most tour groups leaving from Queenstown reach the Milford Sound around noon, which makes midday is most crowded time to visit.  If possible, lodge overnight near the sound, and take one of the morning tours to avoid the crowds. 

Nearly soaked by a Milford Sound waterfall

The Milford Sound can be explored by boat, airplane, helicopter, kayak, or even foot.  The most popular option is to take a boat cruise; I chose Mitre Peak Cruises for my tour.  Mitre Peak offers tours year-round and advertises itself as the only tour "that goes past St. Anne's lighthouse, and out into the Tasman Sea."  I liked that they had smaller boats to get up close and personal to both wildlife and waterfalls.  Our boat got close enough to one of the waterfalls to soak anyone not inside the cabin!  The entire tour took two hours, which was enough time to get a sense of what makes the area so special.   The meeting of mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, forest, and ocean have made the Milford Sound one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. 

Just the Basics

• Location: A four hour drive from either Queenstown or Invercargill. 
• Cost: Cruise only is $68NZ ($50US).  Transportation from Queenstown is extra.  
• Website: http://www.mitrepeak.com/ 
• Advice: Bring a camera, pack rain gear, and book a morning cruise (to avoid crowds).

Living Waters Waterfalls Balsam Grove

Living Waters Waterfall, Balsam Grove

Transylvania County North Carolina is known for it's many waterfalls.  One easily accessible falls that is often overlooked is just off of Highway 215 in Balsam Grove.  There is a fantastic short hike near the Living Waters Ministry Center in Balsam Grove, North Carolina.  The land is privately owned, but the area is usually busy with hikers and sightseers (who are allowed on the land as long as they are respectful).  The hike from the top waterfall to the bottom falls will only take about ten minutes. You can leave your hiking pack at boots at home for this one, it is easily accessible for even novice hikers.  

Living Waters Waterfall

What to Expect

 
If you are traveling from Brevard or the Blue Ridge Parkway, the road to Balsam Grove is curvy and slow.  There really is not a good route for people that tend to get motion sickness.  

Once you get there, bring your camera and possibly some swim trunks!  There are three to four excellent locations to take photos and a couple of places to take a cool dip.  

The Basics 

• Location: 58 Round House Dr Balsam Grove, NC 28708 
• How to get there: From Brevard, drive West on Hwy 64.  Turn right onto Hwy 215 (where Headwaters Outfitters is located).  Drive North up the mountain for about 15 minutes.  Living waters will be on your left side.   
• Where to Park: Most cars park on the side of the road.  The trail is located 25 meters downriver from Living Waters.   
• Advice: This is a very short hike.  It is best paired with a trip to Devil's Courthouse or one of the other area hikes.