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Red Rock Canyon NCA, Las Vegas, NV
I’ve already touched on the amazing geology found over at Valley of Fire, but if you need a nature fix a bit closer to Sin City, you’re in luck. A very short drive from The Strip is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and you definitely should not miss it when in Vegas. For hikers, there are a wide variety of trails; for those who were over served the night before, there is a scenic driving loop. The dramatic red outcroppings can be seen from almost every window in town, but to truly appreciate the dramatic rock formations you must visit the park. Red Rock Canyon is located only 20…
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Watkins Glen State Park- Watkins Glen, NY
I am conflicted about Watkins Glen. Without question, it is absolutely stunning. It is an absolute embarrassment of natural beauty; the geology and hydrology is fascinating. It is also obscenely crowded. Quite possibly the most crowded park I have ever visited, including the big national parks that everyone complains about being overcrowded. We arrived at opening, which did not help much. A crushing river of people, working their way up and down slippery steps, through dark tunnels. It was a very slow moving mass of humanity. That said, the park has 19 waterfalls, and is a geologic wonder, so you should absolutely still visit. The gorge trail is by far…
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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…
