JACKSON, Wyo. — The National Park Service is bringing awareness to the risks that waterfalls can pose to unprepared visitors to parks this summer.

Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) and Yellowstone National Park (YNP) offer iconic waterfall viewing opportunities. Popular waterfalls include Hidden Falls, Lewis Falls and the Upper and Lower Falls of Yellowstone.

The NPS cautions visitors to be aware of mist, slippery rocks, steep slopes and undercurrents when walking in the vicinity of a waterfall. Park visitors are recommended to keep a safe distance from the edge of waterfalls, avoid slippery-looking rocks, wear stable shoes, as “flippy floppies may lead to slippy sloppies,” and always watch footing.

Those who choose to enter water features in YNP do so at their own risk. It is illegal to soak/swim in hot springs. Compared to YNP, the public is able to enter most of the water features and lakes in GTNP.

River Stingray is a news reporter with a passion for wildlife, history and local lenses. She holds a Master's degree in environmental archaeology from the University of Cambridge and is also a published poet, dog mom and outdoor enthusiast.