Baatara Gorge Waterfall – A Hidden Paradise In Lebanon
Baatara Gorge Waterfall, also known as the Three Bridges Chasm, is nestled in the heart of Tannourine, Lebanon.
This breathtaking natural wonder is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
With its cascading waterfall and unique geological features, the waterfall offers a mesmerizing experience that feels like stepping into a fairytale.
The Baatara Gorge Waterfall and Its Formation
The Baatara Gorge Waterfall plunges an impressive 255 meters (837 feet) into the Baatara Pothole, a cave formed from Jurassic limestone.
This hidden paradise is a result of karst topography, which shapes landscapes through the dissolution of soluble rocks, such as limestone.
Over millions of years, this natural process has created a unique and awe-inspiring formation.
The Three Bridges Chasm
This name comes from the three natural bridges that span the chasm, each rising above the other and offering a stunning visual spectacle.
In the spring, when the snow melts, a 90 to 100-meter (300 to 330-foot) cascade flows behind these bridges and down into the 240-meter (790-foot) chasm.
A Worth-Sharing Discovery
Though the Baatara Gorge Waterfall has been known to local communities for generations, it was first brought to the attention of the Western world in 1952 by French bio-speleologist Henri Coiffait.
The waterfall and sinkhole were fully mapped in the 1980s by the Spéléo Club du Liban, revealing the intricate details of this natural wonder.
In 1988, a fluorescent dye test confirmed that the water from the waterfall emerged at the spring of Dalleh in Mgharet al-Ghaouaghir, near Balaa.
