Not only is Bridal Veil Falls the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, it has an intriguing history that includes a power plant that has sat atop the falls for more than 100 years.

Located near the mountain town of Telluride, Bridal Veil Falls is 365 feet tall. The hike to the waterfall is about two miles. According to Visit Telluride, visitors can either hike up the road or up the Bridal Veil Falls Trail (which features two other waterfalls). It’s also possible to drive to Bridal Veil Falls, but the road is 4WD and requires a high-clearance vehicle.

Once hikers reach the waterfall, they’ll find a piece of Colorado history that still supplies energy for Telluride. Perched on the edge of a 400-foot cliff above Bridal Veil Falls is the Smuggler-Union Hydroelectric Plant. The plant was built in 1907, according to Colorado Encyclopedia, to power the Smuggler-Union Mining Company’s mines and mills. Smuggler-Union Mining Company was one of the state’s most important mineral producers in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century.

The plant generated power for the company’s mines until the 1950s. Eric Jacobson repaired and reopened the plant in 1991. Today, it supplies renewable energy that’s used by Telluride and the San Miguel Power Association.

Today, hikers can enjoy a scenic trek up to the stunning waterfall and discover a piece of Colorado history once they reach the top.

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