Photo courtesy of rubyfalls.com
Ever wondered what mysteries lie below the earth's surface? There's plenty of water down there, and a lot of it forms sometimes breathtaking waterscapes that go completely hidden from view because they are located underground. Whether ebbing below a seabed or flowing through a cave, they have built the foundations of several destinations across the globe. If you're a bit intrigued, then a visit the following waterscapes will be worth getting wet over.
Tennessee: Ruby Falls
By the early 1900s, Lookout Mountain Cave was no longer a public attraction, although it had gained fame for its beautiful channels and chambers. That was until Leo Lambert, who was known for his enthusiasm for caves, decided to build an elevator shaft that would allow public access to the mountain from another location. Still, he and his crew were in for a great surprise on December 28, 1928, when his excavation led to the discovery of a new cave that concealed an assortment of natural wonders, including the waterfall, which Lambert named after his wife Ruby. Towering at a height of 145 feet and submerged over 1,100 feet below the earth's surface, this underground waterfall is not only the tallest of its kind in the U.S., but Chattanooga's most prized possession.
Texas: Hamilton Pool Reserve
Hamilton Pool Reserve is another American attraction that exists below your feet, but you will have to take a trip to Texas in order to soak in its natural splendor. A little over 20 miles west of Austin sits an ancient oasis that came in existence when erosion caused the dome of an underwater river to collapse. Even though this event occurred centuries ago, what remains to this day is the emerald tint of the pool that lures plenty of swimmers when the weather permits. Along with its many splashing opportunities, visitors often find themselves craving the mist of the pool's waterfall.
Mexico: Undersea Brine Lake
Mother Nature does a great job surprising us with her awe-inspiring sights, and the same can be said about the Undersea Brine Lake, a lake found beneath the Gulf of Mexico. Even its discovery seemed a bit unnatural after scientists noticed that its briny water stood out among the ocean's blue depths, which was possibly the result of the tectonic shift of salt occurring centuries ago. It takes a dive of more than 600 feet off the Yucatan Peninsula to witness the Undersea Brine Lake, but those who have seen it say this extraordinary lake is worth rediscovering it over and over again.
Israel: Pool of Arches
There is no doubt that the Pool of Arches is historically stunning, but what is most impressive is its huge arches are knee-deep in water. When this underground cistern was constructed in 789 AD, it was intended to provide a constant flow of water to the city of Ramla. Despite its many years of existence and damages caused by earthquakes, the Pool of Arches remains a major attraction in the city, especially since making its movie debut in the film, "Hasamba and the Lost Youths." There are also small boats located here which allows visitors to majestically sail into the Pool of Arches' rich past.
Philippines: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River has gained world fame since it is the longest underground river which visitors can navigate along, but the views of stalactites as well as flora and fauna decorating the cave it passes under makes this aquatic adventure an experience of a lifetime. Situated in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which doubles as a UNESCO Heritage site, this is one of the best places on earth to get a dose of history and natural beauty. So hop onboard a boat and let the light at the end of the extensive cave guide you along the way, before the emerald water of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River empties into the South China Sea.
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