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Robert H. Treman State Park- Ithaca, NY
As discussed in previous posts, Ithaca is truly and absolutely gorges. A town filled with seriously beautiful, stunning gorges, and hundreds of waterfalls. No exaggeration. Robert H. Treman State Park is home to a handful of these beauties, as well as some of the most dramatic scenery you will see in the United States. Again, no exaggeration. Robert H. Treman was born into a prominent Ithaca family in 1858, and of course went on to attend Cornell University. After graduation, he joined the family hardware business, growing it from a small regional company to a large corporation. The family also owned several other businesses, including an iron foundry, water works,…
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Fall Creek Gorge- Ithaca, NY
As already discussed, Ithaca is gorges. Plural. After exploring Cascadilla Gorge, and the architectural gems of Cornell’s campus, you are ready to follow the dramatic flow of water down Fall Creek Gorge, as it works its way to Cayuga Lake.
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Cascadilla Gorge Trail- Ithaca, NY
Ithaca is in fact gorges. Really. It is not just a popular marketing pun; it is truly gorgeous. There are few places in the world bestowed with the natural beauty found in Ithaca. Gouged by glaciers and eroded by streams, Ithaca’s gorges are a testament to the awesome forces of nature. It is impossible not to be impressed, and with over 150 waterfalls in the area, there is bound to be one to suit you. Cascadilla Gorge Trail is the perfect place to start your Ithaca exploration. The 1.5 mile trail ascends 400 feet from Court Street in Ithaca to Cornell’s Campus, and includes 6 major waterfalls. It is surprisingly…
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Hanauma Bay- Honolulu, HI
Hanauma Bay is without a doubt one of the most stunningly scenic locations on earth. A place that lives up to its reputation, and is even more beautiful in person than in pictures. No Instagram filters required. A place whose mere memory will get you through the coldest of winter days.
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Valley of Fire State Park- Overton, NV
Valley of Fire State Park is every bit as stunning as its National counterparts. So named for its dramatic red sandstone formations, it is nirvana for fans of western landscapes. Diverse hikes reveal sweeping scenery, zoomorphic rock formations, CCC cabins, and 3000 year old petroglyphs. Plus, its only an hour outside Las Vegas, so you can finish off your day with some debauchery and a show. Formed over 150 million years ago from great shifting sand dunes, uplift and extensive erosion created today’s landscape. Iron oxide provides the intense red color, which is occasionally overlain by a black desert varnish, composed of manganese. Frequently when you see the desert varnish,…
