Burney Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Burney Falls |
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![]() The falls in full flow in April
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Location | Shasta County, California, US |
Coordinates | 41°00′39″N 121°39′10″W / 41.0107162°N 121.6527649°W |
Type | Cataract |
Total height | 114 feet (35 m) |
Number of drops | 1 |
Total width | 250 feet (76 m) |
Watercourse | Burney Creek |
Average flow rate |
195.0 cu ft/s (5.52 m3/s) |
Designated: | 1954 |
Burney Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. You can find it in Shasta County, California, in the United States. It's a very special place known for its amazing and constant flow of water.
Discover Burney Falls
This impressive waterfall is about 129 feet (39 meters) tall. What makes Burney Falls unique is that its water comes from underground springs. These springs are located both above and right at the falls. They provide a huge amount of water, about 379 million liters every single day! This means the falls flow strongly all year, even during the dry summer months.
The water from the falls flows into Burney Creek. This creek is a smaller river that eventually joins the Pit River. The Pit River then flows into Lake Britton, which is a reservoir located north of the falls.
How the Falls Formed
Burney Falls is a great example of how water can shape the land. The water flows through cracks and layers of rock underground. When it reaches the surface, it creates these powerful springs. Over a very long time, the water has worn away the softer rock layers beneath harder ones. This process is called "undercutting." It causes the harder rock above to break off, making the waterfall slowly move backward over thousands of years.
A Special Place
Burney Falls is truly a natural wonder. President Theodore Roosevelt once called it "the Eighth Wonder of the World." Because of its unique beauty and geological importance, it was officially named a National Natural Landmark in December 1954. This special title helps protect the falls and its surrounding area for everyone to enjoy.
Visitors to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park can explore trails and enjoy the stunning views of the falls. It's a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and just enjoying nature's beauty.