A Hanging Valley is a geological feature formed when a smaller valley is carved by a glacier and meets a larger valley. The smaller valley is often elevated above the main valley floor, creating a dramatic drop-off. This occurs because the larger valley has been eroded more deeply by glacial activity over time. Hanging valleys are commonly found in mountainous regions, particularly in areas shaped by past glaciation, such as the Rocky Mountains or the Alps. They often contain waterfalls, as streams from the hanging valley flow over the edge into the deeper valley below, creating picturesque landscapes.