Uchan-su, Natural waterfall near Yalta, Crimea
Uchan-su is a waterfall located in the mountains near Yalta on Crimea's southern coast, dropping 98 meters and ranking as the highest waterfall in the Crimean range. The water plunges from a steep cliff face and is surrounded by forest, creating a dramatic natural feature visible from several vantage points.
The waterfall received protection as a natural monument in 1947 and later became integrated into the Yalta Mountain Forest Nature Reserve in 1973. These conservation designations reflected growing efforts to safeguard significant natural features in the region.
The name Uchan-su comes from the Crimean Tatar language and means "flying water," reflecting how locals described the cascade pouring down the mountainside. This naming reveals how the indigenous community understood and connected with this natural feature.
The waterfall's flow is strongest in spring when snow melts from the mountains and after heavy rainfall, while summer typically brings much lower water levels. Plan your visit after rainy periods or during spring if you want to see the cascade at its most powerful.
During winter, the falling water freezes and forms towering columns of ice that attract experienced climbers seeking to ascend the frozen cascade. This seasonal transformation turns the location into a destination for those who chase extreme natural phenomena.
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