Angel Falls, also known as Kerepakupai Meru (Venezuelan Spanish: Churun-meru) is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall, with a height of 979 meters. It is located in the Canaima National Park, in the Gran Sabana region of Bolivar State, Venezuela. The falls come down from the summit of Auyantepui Mountain, flowing first through the flat-topped plateau and then off its sheer edge. Angel Falls drops 807 meters free-fallen water over the main cliff, splashing onto a series of steep cascades before dropping another 172 meters to the pool below, which spans approximately 152 meters wide. The surrounding tropical rainforest is extremely dense, making it impossible to reach the base of the falls by foot. During the rainy season, the river swells due to heavy rainfall, allowing boats to travel closer to the falls. However, at other times of the year, the falls can only be viewed from the air. In 1937, the falls were discovered for the first time by American pilot James Crawford Angel, after whom they are named.