People often ask whether I keep any “secret” waterfalls—places I know about but choose not to include in my books or on this website.

Sure, I have secrets. I leave out certain waterfalls for several reasons, especially when they are on private property. I include private waterfalls only if they are already named, marked, or otherwise likely to be known, or if they add something meaningful to our waterfall knowledge. For example, some named waterfalls appear on USGS topo maps but are not open to the public. I list those so people know they can’t legally visit them. An unmarked private waterfall, however, stays off the site unless there is a compelling reason to include it.

I also withhold information when the area around a waterfall is too fragile for even limited visitation. Other reasons exist as well, and I don’t feel obligated to explain all of them.

I’ve included a few waterfalls on this site while intentionally withholding their locations, even if some people might learn about them elsewhere. Some are on public land. I include them for various reasons, most often because they have historical or cultural significance that gives them educational value. And, admittedly, sometimes I include them simply because I want to.

I list these waterfalls as Undisclosed F1, Undisclosed F2, and so on. Not very flattering names, I admit, but what else would you suggest? For some of them, even sharing the real name would reveal too much about where to find them.

Think of it this way: I’m offering the ultimate challenge—figuring out where these waterfalls are without giving you any clues. Anyone who succeeds under those conditions is someone I trust to respect the spirit behind keeping the locations secret. If not, remember that some of these waterfalls are on private property, and I’m the least of your concerns.