The soothing sights and sounds of a waterfall are pleasing to the mind and body. The rushing water can improve mental health, inspire you to hike and explore, and get your creative juices flowing. Waterfalls are also important for the ecosystem, helping to keep plants, animals, and humans alive. Here are some of the benefits waterfalls provide.
Waterfalls Promote Good Health
Waterfalls generate negative ions. They have a positive effect on the air quality and our personal health. These ions help us to feel calm, reduce stress and depression, and boost our immune system. There’s also evidence negative ions regulate sleep patterns and mood, and they also increase energy and alertness.
Waterfalls Purify Water
Waterfalls purify the water as it flows into different rivers. This provides oxygen to aquatic life. Without it, there would be no fish to eat. Waterfalls also break down waste into nutrients to help plants grow.
Waterfalls Benefit the Ecosystem
If a waterfall has a healthy flow of water, it will support the life that surrounds it. As a result, wildlife is abundant and reptiles are plentiful, thanks to the lush greenery. Life will not survive by a stream that has an interrupted water flow and becomes dry. This is often due to manmade activities like a dam, Global Warming, or pollution.
Top MD Waterfalls to Visit
Experience the pleasure of a waterfall for yourself. Here are some top picks in Maryland worth checking out.
Cunningham Falls
This gem is located in Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont. The 78-foot falls is the tallest waterfall in the state. There are also many smaller falls located throughout the park for you to enjoy. Take a short stroll or venture out on a longer hike to explore and get some fresh air.
Muddy Creek Falls
This beautiful and serene spot is in Swallow Falls State Park in Oakland. This impressive 54-foot waterfall is the largest in the park. It’s also the highest free-falling waterfall in the state. There are many other gorgeous and unique waterfalls along a three-mile hiking trail loop. The falls are definitely worth seeing.
Kilgore Falls
This gem is also known as Falling Branch Falls. It can be found in Rocks State Park in Harford County. The falls are about 17-feet high and cascade over a rocky outcropping into a large pool below.
Great Falls
These beautiful falls are in Montgomery County. The Great Falls of the Potomac are a series of 20-foot cascading waterfalls, plunging 76 feet in total. It’s the second largest waterfall on the Eastern Seaboard, after Niagara Falls.
Raven Rock Falls
This 25-foot cascading waterfall is in Gunpowder Falls State Park. The best time to see this waterfall is after it rains.
Being outdoors in fresh air is an awesome, rewarding experience. Take time for a trail hike, a short nature walk, or just soak in the scenery. Visiting one of Maryland’s many beautiful waterfalls is the perfect way to take the stress away and improve your health, too.
Freshen Your Indoor Air
Speaking of fresh air, your indoor air quality is also a key factor in your health and wellness. Will Air is a high-quality, residential, and light commercial heating and cooling company in Central Maryland. We specialize in HVAC systems, duct cleaning, and preventive planned maintenance. We service residential properties with the best equipment at the most affordable prices. Call us today at 410-549-9300 or visit us online to request a free estimate.