http://www.michaelmccumber.com/rss/ Pictures of various locations including the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Arizona. en-us http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/munds-mountain-morning-light-schnebly-hill-road/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/munds-mountain-morning-light-schnebly-hill-road/ Munds Mountain's six thousand plus feet is seen prominently in the left side of the picture with a far off view of Mingus Mountain that towers over Jerome, Arizona in the distance. It's peak is lit by the morning sun while the valley still remains in shadow of the Mogollon Rim. Picture was taken from a high point on Schnebly Hill Road, perhaps one of the most scenic roads in the nation. Munds Mountain's Coconino Sanstone is lit a beautiful gold by the morning rays of sunshine and leads down to the Camel Head and Snoopy Rock feature that acts as a wall in this picture/ Tue, November 19, 2011 07:24:19 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/salt-rivers-theodore-roosevelt-dam-from-alchesay-canyon/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/salt-rivers-theodore-roosevelt-dam-from-alchesay-canyon/ Holding back the waters of a large reservoir is the 357 foot high Theodore Roosevelt Dam that has tamed the Salt River and provides water storage. Construction started in 1903 and completed in 1911 when it was the world's largest masonry dam and artificial lake. An overlook and picnic area is provided to view impressive dam. Picture was taken in the late afternoon in May of 2009. Tue, October 15, 2011 10:47:00 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/fall-foliage-youghiogheny-river-cedar-creek-park-westmoreland-county-pa/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/fall-foliage-youghiogheny-river-cedar-creek-park-westmoreland-county-pa/ Photograph of fall foliage and some reflections in the waters of the Youghiogheny River during sunset at Cedar Creek Park in Westmoreland County of western Pennsylvania. The park has some scenic frontage along the Yough – as locals call the river and is popular for fishing and boating recreation. Picture was taken at sunset and pointing towards the light making the sky extremely bright compared to the Youghiogheny River Gorge featuring the fall color. Sun, October 13, 2011 08:58:08 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/laurel-hill-state-park-brilliant-fall-reflections/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/laurel-hill-state-park-brilliant-fall-reflections/ The calm waters of Lake Trent, or Laurel Hill Lake as it is known today, played the part of a mirror for a beautify bounty of rich fall foliage brought alive by the warm light of an evening sun in Laurel Hill State Park in western Somerset County, Pennsylvania. In shadow are some wetland vegetation with a purplish hue to offset the bright colors of the lake and trees. The autumn of 2007 brought color to seemingly every tree at once in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands leaving time the only challenge to capturing some fantastic scenery. A heavy rain and wind storm blew though the area early the next day, thus this was the last possible picture of brilliant autumn color for the year. Tue, October 4, 2011 19:42:29 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/oak-creek-canyon-vista-south-flagstaff/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/oak-creek-canyon-vista-south-flagstaff/ Oak Creek Canyon Vista sits at the edge of the Colorado Plateau not far south of Flagstaff, Arizona along Route 89A and offers a gorgeous view of the Oak Creek Canyon that leads down towards the Red Rock country of Sedona, Arizona. The winding road of 89A can be seen in the right side of the picture and far off on the left side is Munds Mountain. The scenic overlook is over 6400 feet in elevation and considerably cooler and wetter than Sedona, Arizona a short 16 mile drive away that is around 4200 feet in elevation. Tue, October 4, 2011 19:29:54 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/lindy-point-rocks-gap-blackwater-river/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/lindy-point-rocks-gap-blackwater-river/ Featured is a gap in the Lindy Point Rock serving almost like a window to look down at the base of the canyon and Blackwater River almost 1800 feet below. The forest canyon of the Monongahela National Forest is seen sporting fall foliage color in mid October of 2009. While no signs of man are visible from Lindy Point Overlook that is under threat as a land dispute may have condos going up all across the rim of the canyon. Fri, September 28, 2011 20:57:44 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/capitol-butte-thunder-mountain-following-sunset/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/capitol-butte-thunder-mountain-following-sunset/ Picture taken from the Mini Mesa Vortex Vista and looking out over the city of Sedona, Arizona with Capitol Butte, apart of the Thunder Mountain, towering in the background. The red Schnebly Hill Sandstone face of the butte capped by a white Coconino Sandstone are what makes Sedona one of the most scenic cities in the nation. The city's lights sprawl across the valley while the sky is still lit from an afterglow of the recently set sun. Mon, September 21, 2011 23:11:51 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/oh/ottawa-rivers-spring-flooding-woodlands/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/oh/ottawa-rivers-spring-flooding-woodlands/ Some hardwood trees can be seen flooded by water from the Ottawa River from the boardwalk along the appropriately named Floodplain Trail in Wildwood Preserve Metropark in Toledo, Ohio. Severe flooding plagued many parts of northwest Ohio during the last part of May due to relentless rains. Mon, September 21, 2011 23:01:43 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/oh/wildwood-covered-bridge-with-fresh-spring-greenery/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/oh/wildwood-covered-bridge-with-fresh-spring-greenery/ The Wildwood Covered Bridge is seen in the distance with a long curvy wooden deck leading the way to it as it crosses over the Ottawa River in Toledo, Ohio. The forest surrounding the bridge's fresh green leaves of late May are beautifully saturated on this cloudy spring day. This covered bridge isn't a preserved relic of the past, but a fairly young landmark within the Wildwood Preserve Metropark. That detail doesn't dissuade its many visitors from walking to it. Mon, September 21, 2011 22:42:32 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/oh/rhododendron-flower-bud-wildwood-preserve-metropark/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/oh/rhododendron-flower-bud-wildwood-preserve-metropark/ Yes, another photograph of a Rhododendron Flower Bud but this time not taken in the mountains of West Virginia or Pennsylvania, but the flat lands of Northwest Ohio. While Toledo, Ohio may be one of the most financially depressed cities in the country their residents can still enjoy a park system that is simply outstanding. Beautiful gardens are scattered about their Metroparks that the city of Pittsburgh (near my home) lacks completely. Picture was taken at the Wildwood Manor House Garden in late May of 2011. Mon, September 21, 2011 22:29:27 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/oh/white-picket-fence-before-marblehead-lighthouse/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/oh/white-picket-fence-before-marblehead-lighthouse/ Pictured is one of Ohio's most photogenic of Lake Erie Lights -- the fifty foot tall Marblehead Lighthouse that is featured in the distance with a shaded white picket fence in the foreground and the light keeper's house that is now a museum. The lighthouse grounds are now an Ohio state park comprising of only 9 acres. Cedar Point Amusement Park can be seen across the bay along with some several islands from the state park's shoreline. Mon, September 21, 2011 22:01:00 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/full-moon-rising-over-munds-mountain-sedona/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/full-moon-rising-over-munds-mountain-sedona/ Picture features a full Moon rising over the formidable walls of the Munds Mountain apart of the Mogollon Rim — a sheer wall of rock some 2,500 feet high. The impressive face of rock is lit an amber red by the sunset taking place directly to its west. The photograph was captured using a telephoto lens from Mini Mesa Vortex while I was surrounded by people praying to either the beautiful sunset, the moon, or the very red rock we all stood upon. It was probably my most surreal experience while photographing — only in Sedona! Wed, September 20, 2011 21:11:15 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/falcon-cliff-on-north-fork-mountain-wv-with-fall-color/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/falcon-cliff-on-north-fork-mountain-wv-with-fall-color/ The several hundred foot tall walls of Falcon Cliff can be seen during a late afternoon autumn day along the western top of North Fork Mountain in the Monongahela National Forest. The enormity of the cliffs can be judged by the mature Red Pine trees that are dwarfed by the Tuscarora Sandstone cliff faces. Raging gusts of wind were non-stop on the western edge of the summit this day, but a mere few yards away from the edge the wind was completely calm. The distant ridge in the background is the Dolly Sods area of Allegheny Front that is nearly two thousand feet higher than North Fork Mountain. Mon, September 12, 2011 19:28:08 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/youghiogheny-river-sunset-gold-near-connellsville-pa/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/youghiogheny-river-sunset-gold-near-connellsville-pa/ This strange scene caught me in disbelief as I crossed an old run down Railroad Bridge couple miles north of Connellsville, PA. While a beautiful sunset with warm light on a hazy evening predictably turned the trees on the hillside above the river orange in color, a stand of trees lining the river remained in shadow. This had the effect of making some of the trees appearing green and others an almost orange, both of which reflected beautifully in the largely still waters in the Youghiogheny River. I was able to access this beautiful portion of the river via the Youghiogheny River Trail (now part of the Great Allegheny Passage Trail). Sun, September 9, 2011 06:23:27 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/thunderhead-mogollon-rim-courthouse-butte-sedona-az/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/thunderhead-mogollon-rim-courthouse-butte-sedona-az/ Picture taken during evening near Sedona, Arizona featuring a Thunderhead rising up from behind the distant Mogollon Rim and a shoulder of Courthouse Butte (that makes a near perfect arch), and even the red Schnebly Hill Sandstone foot of Cathedral Rock. Thunderstorms were firing all along the higher elevations on top of the Mogollon Rim this evening, but the lower elevations surrounding Sedona were spared of any rain. Sat, September 7, 2011 18:40:31 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/casparis-lookout-point-on-chestnut-ridge-fall/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/casparis-lookout-point-on-chestnut-ridge-fall/ Picture taken at the Casparis Lookout Point that is perched over twelve hundred feet above the Youghiogheny River at the Chestnut Ridge water gap. Lookout Point, as locals refer to it, is one of the most scenic overlooks in Fayette County and accessible via some rough dirt roads within PA State Game Land 51 and not far from the former Casparis mine that is the area's namesake. The overlook is clear from trees thanks to a several hundred foot cliff that is topped by the rock in the lower left part of the picture. In the far distance can be seen the top of Laurel Ridge that was blistered red with fall foliage. Tue, August 31, 2011 19:44:17 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/fall-foliage-reflected-pendleton-lakes-misty-water/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/fall-foliage-reflected-pendleton-lakes-misty-water/ A stunning display of fall foliage lit by the light of a morning sun is seen reflecting in the misty waters of Pendleton Lake on a frosty early October morning. The mist was blowing and the long photo capture recorded it as a white smear giving the water and icy look. Behind the hardwood trees with autumn color is a stand of Red Spruce trees providing a dark green back drop to scene. Pendleton Lake is a reservoir of water above Pendleton Falls that tumbles hundreds of feet into the Blackwater Canyon in the high country of West Virginia. Tue, August 25, 2011 20:03:34 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/schnebly-hill-road-scenery-above-mitten-ridge/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/schnebly-hill-road-scenery-above-mitten-ridge/ This scene taken from Schnebly Hill Road features many Sedona, Arizona landmarks including the Capitol Butte (top center) that is apart of Thunder Mountain, the southwestern shoulder of Wilson Mountain (upper right), Steamboat Rock (partially obscured by shadow) and numerous other stone monoliths of red rock capped by a white layer. Getting to this point along the road required a five mile rough drive and an additional three mile hike. The phenomenal view made it worthwhile! Additionally, in the foreground is a portion of Mitten Ridge. Fri, August 21, 2011 16:06:45 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/mcconnells-mill-covered-bridge-over-slippery-rock-creek/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/mcconnells-mill-covered-bridge-over-slippery-rock-creek/ A picture of McConnells Mill Covered Bridge taken from downstream along Slippery Rock Creek on a very sultry August evening. The bridge was built in 1874 and is a Howe Truss type resting on two stone foundations. The covered bridge and mill that is obscured from view are the focal points for most visitors to this scenic state park in western Pennsylvania. Sat, August 15, 2011 18:57:25 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/red-pine-tree-cliffs-above-north-fork-valley/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/red-pine-tree-cliffs-above-north-fork-valley/ Looking down from a wall of cliffs running along the western summit of North Fork Mountain past a Red Pine tree towards the North Fork Valley nearly two thousand feet below. Also seen are the bottom slopes of Allegheny Front Mountain. The Red Pine prefers dry soil and North Fork Mountain, said to be the driest mountain in the Allegheny Mountains, has an abundance of them. North Fork is special in hosting a small pocket of Red Pine as it is normally found several hundred miles to the north in southern Canada and the northern Great Lakes. Mon, June 12, 2011 22:26:10 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/west-fork-oak-creek-water-reflections/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/west-fork-oak-creek-water-reflections/ A West Fork Trail hike requires many crossings of the West Fork of Oak Creek, but rewards with some of the most stunning scenery I've encountered. Here is a scene captured while crossing the creek and looking at a sunlit West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon wall that is a mix of red, orange, and creamy white colors yielding a perfect reflection in the creek's water. Lush green vegetation offers a nice contrast to the sandstone rock formations. Tue, May 8, 2011 22:47:49 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/spruce-forest-atlantic-ocean-view-on-pemetic-mountain/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/spruce-forest-atlantic-ocean-view-on-pemetic-mountain/ The bald granite top of Pemetic Mountain gives way to a forest of White and Red Spruce before a distant view of Bar Harbor, Maine and small islands along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Pemetic Mountain offers one of the nicest views in multiple directions on Mount Desert Island within Acadia National Park. Mon, May 8, 2011 19:42:53 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/four-peaks-mountain-viewed-from-superstition-mountain/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/four-peaks-mountain-viewed-from-superstition-mountain/ Photograph taken from the base of Superstition Mountain looking northeast approximately twenty miles to the 7657 foot tall Four Peaks Mountain. Four Peaks is the highest elevation in Maricopa County and occasionally offers Phoenix a glimpse of snow gracing its peaks. The mountain is one of many Arizona sky islands providing an oasis of cooler wetter climates surrounded by a scorching desert. As seen in the picture, the base is typical desert that gives way to grass land and shrubs while higher up and along some sheltered slopes the thick pine forests begin. The portion near the top of the mountain contains poor soil and solid rock that is sparse with vegetation. Brown's Peak is the highest of the four. Tue, May 2, 2011 20:53:38 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/swamp-rose-mallow-wildflower-with-morning-dew/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/swamp-rose-mallow-wildflower-with-morning-dew/ A wetland in Cranberry Township came alive in early to mid August filled with extremely large flowers up to six inches wide belonging to the Hibiscus Moscheutos species. Featured is the Swamp Rose-Mallow with morning dew drops, but intertwined with it were is close relative the Crimson-Eyed Rose-Mallow. The entire wetland had been colonized with this wet loving large perennial plant that thousands of these large flowers filled the entire swampy marsh. Sat, April 22, 2011 11:06:40 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/finn-rocks-view-wilson-mountain/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/finn-rocks-view-wilson-mountain/ The appropriately named Finn Rock, with its beautiful red sandstone, rises a dramatic 800 feet from Mitten Ridge. In the picture is featured a break in the tall rock face with the towering Wilson Mountain that is over 7000 feet tall and nearly three miles distant peering through. Photograph was taken from a rocky outcrop along scenic Schnebly Hill Road several miles beyond the paved section near Sedona, Arizona on a late September morning. Sat, April 10, 2011 02:14:43 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/dormant-ash-tree-shrouded-with-winters-snow/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/dormant-ash-tree-shrouded-with-winters-snow/ A heavy wet snow sticks to the branches of a dormant Ash Tree while back dropped by snow encased pine trees under the gaze of a vibrant blue sky following one of the largest snow storms to hit Cranberry Township and the Pittsburgh area in many years. Twenty-one inches of heavy wet snow fell in a short period of time, leaving the entire region with an abundance of white. Wed, April 9, 2011 12:44:52 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/fall-afternoon-on-north-fork-mountain-west-virginia/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/fall-afternoon-on-north-fork-mountain-west-virginia/ Rays of a late afternoon sun penetrate the mostly cloudy skies lighting up a portion of the North Fork Valley below and the distant slopes of Allegheny Front ridge. In the foreground are the peculiar and ancient Tuscarora Sandstone rocks that line the western edge of North Fork Mountain like a wall perched high in the sky. Picture was taken during an all day hike to the top of North Fork Mountain on October 13, 2009. Fri, April 3, 2011 23:28:24 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/ohiopyle-falls-on-the-youghiogheny-river-sunset/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/ohiopyle-falls-on-the-youghiogheny-river-sunset/ A wall of fall foliage on Ferncliff Peninsula provides the backdrop for this picture taken at sunset from a rock ledge that jets out into the Youghiogheny River of the Ohiopyle Falls. The river is reflecting the golden hue of a beautiful sunset sky. I utilized a 200 millimeter lens to make this close up view of the falls possible from a distance downstream. River rafters and kayakers take to the Yough, as the river is often referred, just below this twenty five foot waterfall. Sun, March 26, 2011 06:54:43 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/bridges-crossing-the-allegheny-river-with-point-fountain/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/bridges-crossing-the-allegheny-river-with-point-fountain/ Featured is the very point where the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers meet to form the Ohio at the Point State Park fountain. The Allegheny River can be seen bending around with plenty of bridges crossing its water. The bridge closest in view is the Fort Duquesne Bridge. Photograph was taken from Mount Washington along Grandview Avenue. Fri, March 16, 2011 19:17:54 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/distant-view-sedonas-cathedral-rock-company/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/distant-view-sedonas-cathedral-rock-company/ Towering over the hills before it is the red monolith known as Cathedral Rock, one of the iconic red rock buttes surrounding the city of Sedona, Arizona. In the background to the left is the Courthouse Butte, and to the right is a portion of Castle Rock. Photograph was taken, during the evening, from a parking area on Red Rock Loop Road while looking east toward the Oak Creek valley that is nestled below and before Cathedral Rock. Wed, February 16, 2011 19:45:39 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/pink-granite-rock-slab-surrounded-by-atlantic-ocean/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/pink-granite-rock-slab-surrounded-by-atlantic-ocean/ Rough rocky coastline of Mt Desert Island is edged in pink granite rock slabs such as the one featured that is surrounded by the roaring waters of the Atlantic Ocean. A fog bank and one of the numerous islands can be seen in the distant background with an ocean buoy. Sun, February 5, 2011 10:10:05 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/looking-down-from-north-forks-chimney-top-rock/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/looking-down-from-north-forks-chimney-top-rock/ Standing upon a tall pillar of North Fork Mountain's Chimney Top Rock and looking west toward the slopes of Allegheny Front rising from the North Fork Valley below. Picture was taken during a seven hour hike to the top of North Fork in the middle of October. The enormous Tuscarora Sandstone rock formations along its western ridgeline are some of the most impressive I've seen in the Allegheny Mountains. Fri, January 14, 2011 19:23:42 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/laurel-hill-lake-dam-causeway-autumn/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/laurel-hill-lake-dam-causeway-autumn/ Green grass, fence, and road displays a cool color of shade offset by the vibrant background of fall foliage lit by an evening sun and reflecting in the waters of Laurel Hill Lake. Picture was snapped from halfway down the causeway that leads to the dam where Laurel Hill Creek overflows out of the lake. The high elevation lake is nestled among the eastern slopes of Laurel Ridge. Wed, January 6, 2011 18:43:22 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/coopers-rock-scenic-overlook-rustic-guardrails/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/coopers-rock-scenic-overlook-rustic-guardrails/ Pictured is a portion of the Coopers Rock Overlook featuring the rustic guardrails that makes the overlook fit in with the natural landscape that can be seen in all directions. Down below is the Cheat River that carved a deep gorge in Chestnut Ridge where the overlook is located. Sat, December 6, 2010 21:36:31 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/kildoo-trail-slippery-rock-creek-august/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/kildoo-trail-slippery-rock-creek-august/ Featured is the well treaded Kildoo Trail along Slippery Rock Creek within McConnells Mill State Park, Pennsylvania. The trail meanders amongst Eastern Hemlocks and large moss covered rock formations with the sound of rapids roaring in the background. Mon, December 2, 2010 17:52:17 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/dead-tree-leaning-against-cooper-rocks/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/dead-tree-leaning-against-cooper-rocks/ Featured is a captured scene from the base of the giant Cooper Rocks formation featuring a long dead tree leaning against a portion of the rock, and a darkened forest floor. The rock formation rests along the top of Chestnut Ridge offers stellar views of the point where the Cheat River carved a water gap. Thu, November 23, 2010 18:45:20 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/sunset-shining-youghiogheny-river-connellsville/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/sunset-shining-youghiogheny-river-connellsville/ Featured is an August scene with the last rays of a sunset shining against the waters of the Youghiogheny River a few miles north of Connellsville, Pennsylvania as taken from an old abandoned railroad bridge. The sky, not featured, was an eerie red hue. Mon, October 29, 2010 15:07:26 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/unknown-johnstown-pa-flood-victims-grandview-cemetery/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/unknown-johnstown-pa-flood-victims-grandview-cemetery/ A full moon with the last light of an already set sun sets the atmosphere in this Halloween scene featuring tombs dedicated to the unknown dead from the Great Johnstown Flood from May 31, 1889 -- when 2,200 people lost their life. Tue, October 20, 2010 20:40:28 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/balsam-swamp-overlook-tapestry-fall-color/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/balsam-swamp-overlook-tapestry-fall-color/ Picture was taken from the Balsam Swamp Overlook in Canaan Valley, West Virginia and looks out over a portion of Balsam Swamp with a rich tapestry of fall foliage. The meadow in the bottom of the picture contains goldenrods with their white spent flowers and other plants broken by a small stand of young spruce trees before the base of Canaan Mountain with its rich hues of autumn. Wed, September 30, 2010 17:50:57 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/looking-over-the-precipice-middle-falls/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/looking-over-the-precipice-middle-falls/ Looking over the point the Genesee River begins its 105 foot descent over Letchworth State Park's Middle Falls. Rich green ivy fed by a constant rain of spray cloud mist surrounds parts of the dramatic waterfall. The steep shale canyon walls in the distant are turned pinkish by the light of a sunset. Wed, August 29, 2010 18:17:23 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/north-fork-the-potomac-rivers-water-gap/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/north-fork-the-potomac-rivers-water-gap/ Distant is the bubbly northern segment of North Fork Mountain photographed from the top of the southern segment as North Fork of the Potomac River has sliced through the mountain. The northern segment is sometimes referred to as New Creek Mountain and rises nearly 2900 feet. Impressive outcroppings and cliffs of Tuscarora Sandstone can be found rampant on both parts of the mountain. Mon, August 21, 2010 08:16:45 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/chestnut-ridge-shadow-from-coopers-rock/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/chestnut-ridge-shadow-from-coopers-rock/ Chestnut Ridge casts an enormous shadow against its own mountain side at the Cheat River water gap as seen from Coopers Rock Overlook, the surrounding state forest's namesake rock formation. Picture was taken, in early July, within minutes of sunset and features the thirteen hundred foot deep water gap with a rustic balcony at the rock cliff's edge. Sun, August 1, 2010 06:53:11 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/towers-superstition-mountain-rock-dusk/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/towers-superstition-mountain-rock-dusk/ The warm glow of a setting sun provides a nice lighting against the rocky face of Superstition Mountain in this December 26, 2009 picture. While the hoodoos and rock faces shown only reach up to about a thousand feet higher than the terrain, obscured from view are the higher parts of the mountain that peaks out over 4700 feet in elevation. My day hiking took me to the white grassy slope leading up to the solid rock face, just got close enough to touch it. Fri, July 24, 2010 06:57:13 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/storm-clearing-out-blackwater-canyon/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/storm-clearing-out-blackwater-canyon/ Picture features clouds and fog lifting from the walls of Blackwater Canyon on this early September day in 2006. A giant sandstone rock, at Pendleton Point, perched high above the Blackwater River below serves as the anchor point for this wide angle view of West Virginia's high country. The deep and steep canyon is one of West Virginia's many stunning spectacles. Tue, July 17, 2010 14:47:29 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/oblong-eagle-lake-from-pemetic-mountain-summit/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/oblong-eagle-lake-from-pemetic-mountain-summit/ Eagle Lake is pictured as viewed from the bald summit of Pemetic Mountain within Acadia National Park, Maine. Picture was taken around noon in late July at about a 1200 foot elevation. Eagle Lake is one of several glacier carved bodies of fresh water on Mount Desert Island. Fri, July 13, 2010 19:25:06 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/silver-chollas-seemingly-dance-before-superstition-mountain/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/silver-chollas-seemingly-dance-before-superstition-mountain/ Picture was taken around sunset of a trio of Silver Cholla cacti seemingly dancing in a circle before the background rocky face of Superstition Mountain. Photograph from the Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona taken on December 26, 2009. Wed, July 8, 2010 22:28:24 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/summer-greenery-gentle-trail-overlook/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/summer-greenery-gentle-trail-overlook/ Featured is a distant picture of Blackwater Falls on a drizzly early September day in 2006 as taken from the Gentle Trail Overlook. Large Red Spruce trees abound throughout the scene with some fog lifting off the Blackwater Canyon walls. Mon, July 6, 2010 23:08:19 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/cranberry-glad-lake-autumn-with-windmills/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/cranberry-glad-lake-autumn-with-windmills/ Cranberry Glade Lake is featured with rich autumn hues and Laurel Ridge windmills in this afternoon picture from October 21, 2009. Picture was taken while navigating through a maze of solid ground in a marsh of aquatic grasses. This is one of the highest elevation lakes in Pennsylvania as it rests below a 2750 foot summit of Laurel Ridge. Most of the lake is surrounded by PA State Game Land 111. Tue, June 27, 2010 03:20:45 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/white-cliffs-genesee-river-gorge-big-bend/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/white-cliffs-genesee-river-gorge-big-bend/ I climbed over the great wall of Letchworth State Park, NY to take this picture of the Genesee River rounding Big Bend with its tall and steep white cliffs. Picture was taken at evening on September 1, 2009. The absurdly tall walls in the park ruin most of the breathtaking scenes, but with no park personnel or people around I was able to actually see and photograph the river by leaping the wall. Mon, June 19, 2010 08:20:11 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/fall-reflections-somerset-historical-center-pond/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/fall-reflections-somerset-historical-center-pond/ Pond algae and scum surrounds an open window of calm water that reflects beautifully the vibrant fall color on the opposite side of the pond. Several hardwood trees display red, orange, and yellow hues with green pines making up the background. The pond is located at the Somerset Historical Center where frontier log cabins and several other historical buildings have been preserved into a sprawling outdoor museum. Fri, June 18, 2010 22:52:52 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/milk-weed-blowing-before-blurred-red-fall-foliage/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/milk-weed-blowing-before-blurred-red-fall-foliage/ Intensely red hues light afire the background while I focused on a stand of Milk Weed seeds spreading open from their capsules while blowing in the wind. Picture was taken not far from some Gas Wells on top of Chestnut Ridge in South Union Township, Pennsylvania on Forbes State Forest land. Sun, June 17, 2010 19:25:35 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/snag-tree-close-up-canaan-valley-bog/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/snag-tree-close-up-canaan-valley-bog/ A long dead snag tree trunk stands up out of the Canaan Valley Bog with the calm waters of the Blackwater River reflecting a warmly lit cloudy sky in this October 12, 2009 picture. Waterproof boots are a requirement for hiking through these wet marshlands. Fri, June 15, 2010 20:38:10 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/three-iconic-pittsburgh-skyscrapers/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/three-iconic-pittsburgh-skyscrapers/ The US Steel Building, PPG Place, and Mellon Building are seen basking in a sunset glow on a September evening. The US Steel Building is Pittsburgh's tallest skyscraper. Fri, June 12, 2010 22:37:36 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/camelback-mountain-psalm-trees-from-papago/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/camelback-mountain-psalm-trees-from-papago/ Featured is a picture of Camelback Mountain, though doesn't feature the mountain in its entirety, taken from the Phoenix Zoo in Papago Park on a late December afternoon. One of the most prominent landforms in Phoenix, the mountain rises to 2706 feet or 1334 feet above the valley floor. Thu, June 6, 2010 03:16:01 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/fallen-moss-covered-log-with-tree-trunk/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/fallen-moss-covered-log-with-tree-trunk/ Hiking in Forbes State Forest and along a maintenance road for gas wells on top of Chestnut Ridge in South Union Township I stumbled across this small but interesting scene of a moss covered log with a large hardwood tree still standing in the background. Freshly fallen autumn leaves partially covered the log. The gas well maintenance roads slope down from the ridge's summit all along Skyline Drive above Uniontown, PA. Thu, May 31, 2010 09:55:59 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/storms-approaching-cadillac-mountain-acadia/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/storms-approaching-cadillac-mountain-acadia/ Photograph snapped from a bald granite angled slope on Cadillac Mountain and looking out over the ocean and islands near Bar Harbor, Maine. A rain shower can be seen dropping from some of the dark storm clouds, while the summit of the mountain remained for the time being in sunshine. Sat, May 28, 2010 20:44:27 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/north-fork-mountain-cliffs-with-distant-dolly-sods/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/north-fork-mountain-cliffs-with-distant-dolly-sods/ Picture taken in the evening after a long hike up to the top of North Fork Mountain's wall of cliffs that features tremendous autumn foliage in the steep slopes leading up to the mountain's top. The Chimney Rocks formation can be seen as the distant most cliff and towers nearly 100 feet up in the air. Back splashed behind this mountain scene is the distant Dolly Sods wilderness area on top of Allegheny Front also scarred with red hues of autumn color. Wed, May 20, 2010 09:31:03 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/fort-williams-park-portland-head-light/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/fort-williams-park-portland-head-light/ Picture taken from behind the lighthouse and looking out past its rocky foundation at the Portland Head Light and in the distant ocean can be seen yet another on a small island. Cape Elizabeth, Maine's Fort Williams Park contains ruins of an old fort, but its most famous feature is this most photographed lighthouse. This picture was taken shortly before sunset in late July giving the lighthouse and its buildings an almost painted look. Mon, May 15, 2010 07:11:18 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/genesee-river-gorge-cliffs-middle-falls/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/genesee-river-gorge-cliffs-middle-falls/ A ray of sunshine pierces the gorge and lights up a wall of shell rock with the 105 foot tall Middle Falls in the distant background. The tall vertical cliffs help frame this picture of Letchworth State Park's largest waterfall. Picture was taken later in the evening on September 2, 2009 from the park's Inspiration Point using a telephoto lens. Fri, May 14, 2010 22:03:05 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/log-cabin-house-old-bedford-village/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/log-cabin-house-old-bedford-village/ Pictured is just one of thirty log cabins and period buildings from history located in the Old Bedford Village, Pennsylvania. The sprawling museum features reenactments, and tradesmen from a bygone spanning Bedford, Pennsylvania's history from the French and Indian War through the early twentieth century. Unfortunately, rain cut my visit to the village short. Fri, May 11, 2010 20:27:03 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/old-fishing-shack-hereford-manor-lake-autumn/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/old-fishing-shack-hereford-manor-lake-autumn/ Fall foliage is lit brilliantly by the side lighting of a setting sun and forms a nice back drop for this scene of an old boarded up fishing shack along the dam for the Lower Hereford Manor Lake in eastern Beaver County, Pennsylvania. The tapestry of autumn color is reflected in the lake's still waters. Fri, May 8, 2010 22:07:58 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/gila-valley-vista-south-mountain-park-evening/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/gila-valley-vista-south-mountain-park-evening/ One of the largest municipal parks in the country is South Mountain Park in Phoenix Arizona. The mountain range rises to 2400 feet in elevation above the surrounding desert, and contains an unbroken view of Phoenix with numerous trails and overlooks. This picture was taken looking southeast while a beautiful bounty of clouds was lit by a soon to be setting sun. Thu, May 8, 2010 07:58:28 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/middle-falls-genesee-river-105-feet-tall/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/middle-falls-genesee-river-105-feet-tall/ Pictured is the Genesee River at Letchworth State Park in New York tumbling 105 feet over Middle Falls, the largest of the three waterfalls in the park. Getting a picture of the entire waterfall is a challenging task given the tall walls Letchworth has guarding visitors against seeing much of the scenic beauty contained within the park. To get this capture, I placed my tripod over the wall. Unfortunately, visitors to the park would have to be eight feet tall to see such a view or stand on the wall which is strictly forbidden. Sat, May 5, 2010 20:31:50 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/canaan-valley-bog-with-blackwater-river-autumn/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/canaan-valley-bog-with-blackwater-river-autumn/ Fall foliage sets the mood for this picture of the bog within Canaan Valley along split by the Blackwater River. In the distance is the base of Canaan Mountain. The entire forest surrounding Davis, West Virginia was aflame with autumn color when I photographed this picture on October 12, 2009. Dreary cloudy, fog, and drizzle conditions really helped me to get some intimate shots of the bog that day. Fri, May 2, 2010 12:05:25 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/autumn-surrounds-eastern-white-pines-ferncliff-peninsula/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/autumn-surrounds-eastern-white-pines-ferncliff-peninsula/ Whitewater rapids of the Youghiogheny River are rounding Ferncliff Peninsula that features a stand of old and very tall Eastern White Pine trees green contrast to the advanced autumn forest canopy surrounding them. Picture was taken on October 25, 2006 where Cucumber Run empties into the river. The 2006 autumn was one of Ohiopyle's best in many years, featuring an impressive fall foliage show that engulfed the entire forest at the same time. Sun, May 1, 2010 08:33:04 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/pemetic-mountain-trail-markers-overlooking-the-atlantic/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/pemetic-mountain-trail-markers-overlooking-the-atlantic/ The bald granite top of Pemetic Mountain with rock trail markers can be seen with a sweeping view of Acadia National Park's coastline and islands in the Atlantic Ocean making up the background. Hiking up the Pemetic Mountain Trail from Jordan Pond begins in a forest of spruce that eventually yields to the bald rocky top for the upper fourth of the mountain top. Picture was taken during a late July early afternoon. Mon, April 29, 2010 21:58:01 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/green-moss-around-upper-falls-letchworth/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/green-moss-around-upper-falls-letchworth/ Upper Falls on the Genesee River at Letchworth State Park, New York can be seen with an Irish green growth of moss and moisture loving vegetation fed by the waterfall's constant spray cloud. This long exposure picture was taken after sunset. The shell rock cliffs and formations carved by the waterfall eons ago offer a dramatic lead in for this picture of the falls. Sat, April 27, 2010 23:25:02 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/west-end-overlooks-view-pittsburgh-sunset/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/west-end-overlooks-view-pittsburgh-sunset/ An August evening at the West End Overlook during a Steelers' Game yielded this nice shot of the city of Pittsburgh lit in warm hues by the last light of a setting sun, while one of the Gateway Clipper Fleet is docked on the North Shore delivering passengers to Heinz Field. The city's West End Overlook and Park offers a nice head on view of the three rivers joining and Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle. Mon, April 26, 2010 20:44:13 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/observation-post-wall-before-letchworths-middle-falls/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/observation-post-wall-before-letchworths-middle-falls/ The Great Wall of Letchworth State Park, New York can be seen leading down to an observation post with the 105 foot tall Middle Falls in the background shortly before sunset. The wall that is almost continuous for the whole length of the sprawling park bounds visitors from seeing most of the worthy views the whole western side of the Genesee River Gorge. In my 18 years of traveling photography I have never found myself as frustrated by park infrastructure as I have at Letchworth. The park's nanny protectionist mentality ruins the unique natural beauty found here. Fri, April 24, 2010 11:05:37 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/smoke-hole-canyon-shack-dwarfed-by-cave-mountain/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/smoke-hole-canyon-shack-dwarfed-by-cave-mountain/ A shack on a farmer's pasture can be seen in the foreground with a background of the steep sided Cave Mountain rising abruptly above Smoke Hole Canyon in the Monongahela National Forest of West Virginia. The line of cliffs on the upper slopes of Cave Mountain are a characteristic found on its neighboring mountains such as North Folk that parallels to the west. Fri, April 24, 2010 08:05:52 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/parrots-the-phoenix-zoo/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/parrots-the-phoenix-zoo/ Two beautifully colored parrots are seen perched on branches in a nice shady grove of trees in the Phoenix Zoo. No cage was necessary to keep these birds in place as their wings were clipped to block their escape. Wed, April 22, 2010 16:41:51 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/fall-foliage-west-virginia-mountains/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/fall-foliage-west-virginia-mountains/ The deep Blackwater Canyon is blistered by various hues of autumn color in early October 2009 in the high country of Tucker County, West Virginia. Photograph was taken from Lindy Point Overlook while looking northeast shortly before sunset. In the high country of West Virginia, autumn scars all trees at once with fantastic fall foliage color as far as the eye can see. Only evergreens were spared from sporting gold, yellow, and red color. Fri, April 18, 2010 09:07:44 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/foggy-acadia-coastline-with-white-spruce-granite/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/foggy-acadia-coastline-with-white-spruce-granite/ Large granite ledges of rock line the coast of Acadia National Park are featured with the backdrop of salt tolerant White Spruce trees. Picture was taken after a fog bank rolled beyond me along the coast, but still enshrouded the distant peninsula. Visibility can rapidly diminish down to only feet in a short time along the park's rocky coastline. Tue, April 14, 2010 20:55:56 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/silver-cholla-cactus-below-superstition-mountain/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/silver-cholla-cactus-below-superstition-mountain/ Some hoodoos at the base of Superstition Mountain, with sunset lit clouds, make up the background with the foreground a close crop of a Silver Cholla cactus in the plain leading up to the mountain's rugged terrain. Visitors to Lost Dutchmen State Park are treated to a venerable garden of Sonoran Desert Cacti of different kinds, among them the Silver Cholla. Beyond the obvious favorite (Saguaro), Silver Cholla is my favorite cactus. Another photo shot on this same day (December 26, 2009) has three Silver Chollas in the appearance of a dance like Indian warriors of a bygone era. They have a lot of character, and are much lusher looking than other desert cacti. Tue, April 11, 2010 12:22:32 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/easter-flower-tulips-cherry-blossoms/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/easter-flower-tulips-cherry-blossoms/ A young Cherry Tree is full of blossoms in the background with red tulips in the foreground. Picture was taken from my Grandmother's garden in South Connellsville, Pennsylvania on Easter. Thu, April 10, 2010 15:43:18 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/ocotillo-branches-superstition-mountain-sunset/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/ocotillo-branches-superstition-mountain-sunset/ An Ocotillo Cactus is in the foreground with the rock face of Superstition Mountain Towering in the background while it is lit warmly by a setting December 26 sun. Various cacti can be seen in the plain leading up to the mountain's bottom most slopes that are strangely devoid of most cacti. In the distant in the left side of the picture can be seen several tall hoodoos, some of which are referred to as Praying Hands. Superstition Mountain is nearly forty miles east of Phoenix but is a prominent part of the city's skyline. The distinct mountain's rock cliff "The Flatiron" (not in picture) towers at 4,861 feet in elevation. Wed, April 5, 2010 21:20:56 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/letchworth-gorge-trail-middle-falls/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/letchworth-gorge-trail-middle-falls/ A curtain of water makes the back drop for this scene featuring a walkway running parallel to the Genesee River and a lamp post with a hill top covered in an assortment of wild flowers. Picture was taken shortly after sunset and not far from the Glen Iris Inn. The massive Middle Falls drops 105 feet and features a constant spray and mist cloud. Letchworth State Park, NY competes with China for walls. The four foot tall wall featured runs almost the entire length of the park all along the steep gorge drop offs, making photography a real challenge. Sun, April 3, 2010 09:04:28 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/red-pines-hereford-manor-lake/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/red-pines-hereford-manor-lake/ Warm glow of a setting October Sun enhances the color of a large stand of Red Pines clustered thickly and reflecting in the waters of Lower Hereford Manor Lake in easternmost Beaver County, Pennsylvania. This PA Fish and Game Commission park is an oasis of great natural beauty in an area largely devoid of it. The aged dam holding back the waters of this lake can be seen at the shoreline in the picture's right. This was one of the last pictures I took after several hours of photographing the lakes in peak autumn condition. Wed, March 27, 2010 16:52:11 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/peaceful-snowfall-scene-february-fury-wake/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/peaceful-snowfall-scene-february-fury-wake/ A freshly fallen twenty-one inches of snow weighs down branches of Colorado Blue Spruce and other pine trees in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania hours after the snow ended on February 6, 2010. Snowapocalypse, as the storm was also referred to, buried a huge swath of the Mid-Atlantic in two or more feet of snow. The heavy wet snow brought down power lines and tree branches. Just a few days after this one cleared a fresh nine or ten inches of snow fell, yielding some of the deepest snow pack we've seen in decades. Sat, March 23, 2010 20:30:01 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/morning-bubble-pond-acadia-national-park/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/morning-bubble-pond-acadia-national-park/ Summer time greenery is reflected in the waters of Bubble Pond on a cool misty July morning within Acadia National Park. The oblong pond is flanked by two tall mountains, Pemetic Mountain to the west and Cadillac Mountain to the east. On the other side of Pemetic is a similar pond, Jordan Pond. Acadia has carousel trails, friendly for bike riding, which connects some of the park's most scenic features. This picture was taken not far from one of those Carousel trails. Wed, March 21, 2010 10:28:05 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/window-tuscarora-sandstone-on-north-fork-mountain/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/window-tuscarora-sandstone-on-north-fork-mountain/ Peering down, through a gap in the Tuscarora Sandstone columns of rock formations near Chimney Top on North Fork Mountain, to the intense fall foliage slopes of the mountain leading down to the valley along the North Fork River over two thousand feet below. On this October 13, 2009 day the fall foliage was noticeably more vibrant higher on the slopes and gives way to green along the valley floor. Wind was the most difficult hardship when taking this picture, being on the westward top of the mountain entailed being battered constantly by extremely gusty winds while a walk of only yards back from the edge gave way to perfectly calm conditions. Fri, March 20, 2010 06:27:16 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/spring-foliage-laurel-ridge-slope-youghiogheny-river/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/spring-foliage-laurel-ridge-slope-youghiogheny-river/ Fresh spring green leaves and budding trees intermingle into a nice tapestry of color and texture on a slope of Laurel Ridge that leads down to the Youghiogheny River. The Youghiogheny River Gorge in this area is nearly two thousand feet deep. Picture was taken along the picturesque Youghiogheny River Trail nearly four miles southeast of Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania across the river from the Flats Peninsula at the base of the Laurel Ridge water gap. Tue, March 16, 2010 21:20:06 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/rainbow-over-upper-falls-genesee-river/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/rainbow-over-upper-falls-genesee-river/ With the sun at my back and the precipice of the forty foot tall Upper Falls in Letchworth State Park directly forward from my position, a most vibrant rainbow from the rising mist was captured. For this shot I had to remove my Singh Ray Gold-N-Blue Polarizer filter as it rendered the rainbow almost invisible. Picture was taken from a trail bridge at the base of the Portage Viaduct that towers over Upper Falls. Irish green vegetation can be seen below the rainbow along the rocky cliff that receives a constant battering of rain from the waterfall's misty sprays. Sat, March 14, 2010 13:54:36 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/second-elakala-falls-eerie-sunset-color/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/second-elakala-falls-eerie-sunset-color/ The water level of Elakala Falls was too high to get a proper photograph following a just clearing major storm. The first and most visited of the falls was a crashing curtain of water that featured a heavy mist cloud that actually down poured water on the trail bridge above it. So instead I climbed around Shay Run and setup to photograph the second falls where there was still some definition despite the heavy water flow. I planned to photograph the falls at my favorite time of day to do that, dusk. While I was picture taking I noticed everything got a strange hue cast to it, and when I peered through the tree tops I seen the most brilliant sunset sky I may ever have witnessed. The entire sky was an eerie orange and red, as if it were on fire. That sky provided some beautiful color to this picture. Photo was taken on October 10, 2009, following a few more shots I raced to the Blackwater Lodge where I snapped some pictures of the last of that amazing sunset. Mon, March 13, 2010 06:43:02 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/laurel-summit-road-fall-foliage/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/laurel-summit-road-fall-foliage/ Vibrant fall foliage abounds just east of Linn Run State Park along Laurel Summit Road in Forbes State Forest, Pennsylvania. Laurel Summit Road is surrounded by some of the nicest scenery in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania as it rises from Linn Run to the summit of Laurel Ridge. Several overlooks can be accessed from the road, and the entire area is covered by a maturing hardwood forest that provides for some stunning autumn color, as featured. Sun, March 11, 2010 19:41:12 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/inspiration-point-view-genesee-river-gorge/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/inspiration-point-view-genesee-river-gorge/ An evening sun can be seen lighting up daisies, a distant mist cloud rising above Middle Falls, and one of the cliff faces that Letchworth State Park is so famous for. Inspiration Point offers a gorgeous view of the Genesee River Gorge and two of its large waterfalls. The largest of the falls, Middle Falls (105 feet tall), is featured prominently while mostly obscured from view in the distance is Upper Falls. Picture was taken just shortly before sunset and what was unfortunately a very, very, sunny day. Sunshine and mostly white cliffs proved more contrast than I cared for, but the magic hours of early morning and near dusk delivered some great photographs from my visit to Letchworth. Wed, March 10, 2010 21:41:38 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/wildflowers-letchworth-middle-genesee-falls/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/ny/wildflowers-letchworth-middle-genesee-falls/ Goldenrods and other wildflowers can be seen before the crashing waters of the Genesee River tumbling 105 feet at Middle Falls. Pictured is a tiny portion of the falls, but one of the more interesting as some large rock ledges interrupt the continuous flow of water adding some visual interest. Picture was taken towards evening along Letchworth State Park's Gorge Trail near the Glen Iris Inn. This waterfall particularly reminded me of Niagara Falls and features an enormous mist cloud that spawns numerous rainbows. Wed, March 10, 2010 21:21:18 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/allegheny-river-portion-pittsburgh-skyline/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/allegheny-river-portion-pittsburgh-skyline/ Pictured is an after sunset view of Pittsburgh taken from the West End Overlook that features the northern half of the city's downtown area, along with the Allegheny River's merge into the Ohio River. A Gateway Clipper fleet boat is docked on the North Shore delivering passengers to Heinz Stadium for a Steeler Game. Fri, March 9, 2010 21:35:57 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/gentle-trail-overlook-red-spruce-fall-color/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/gentle-trail-overlook-red-spruce-fall-color/ A tapestry of color abounds in the first half of October from the heights of Gentle Trail Overlook in Blackwater Falls State Park, WV. Red Spruce pine helped to moderate the fall color that is aflame to just about every deciduous tree in the high country of West Virginia. Picture looks down on the beginning of the Blackwater Canyon and in the distance can be seen half of Blackwater Falls. Gentle Trail leads to the overlook that is a wooden balcony at the canyon's rim, making it a popular feature (read crowded), unless you're early in the morning as an early October weekend requires. Tue, March 7, 2010 09:29:16 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/pristine-forest-great-allegheny-passage-trail/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/pristine-forest-great-allegheny-passage-trail/ Pictured is a scene taken about five miles south of Connellsville and features a matured forest past the point where Chestnut Ridge is cut by the Youghiogheny River along with the Great Allegheny Trail (this segment known as the Youghiogheny River Trail). In the distance a jogger can be seen as a blur approaching in early September of 2007. Between Connellsville and Ohiopyle is unbroken natural beauty without interruption for nearly 18 miles, making this one of the longest tracts of the Great Allegheny Passage without any civilization to interrupt Mother Nature's handy work. This particular section of the trail always reminded me of a garden with a variety of wildflowers and other plants almost placed by design. Tue, March 7, 2010 08:52:48 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/sunset-cadillac-mountain-otter-cove/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/sunset-cadillac-mountain-otter-cove/ Pictured is a sunset behind the bald 1,528 foot high Cadillac Mountain reflected in the waters of Otter Cove on the Atlantic Ocean in Acadia National Park, Maine. Cadillac Mountain is the highest mountain within 25 miles of the coastline in the Eastern United States. The United State's first rays of sun during sun rise hit the top of Cadillac Mountain, for this reason a popular activity is driving up in the predawn darkness to catch the first glimpse of the sun. Fri, March 6, 2010 19:05:35 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/lake-side-theodore-roosevelt-dam-arizona/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/lake-side-theodore-roosevelt-dam-arizona/ Picture taken from an overlook that peers down on the waters of Theodore Roosevelt Lake and the water side of the dam with the same name built on the Salt River approximately 70 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona. With the dam's original construction completed in 1911, the lake became the largest man made reservoir in the world. Further expansion on the dam was undertaken in the late 1980s that completed in 1996. Lake Roosevelt is popular for boating and fishing. Picture was taken late in May and towards evening after a rain system was clearing out. Fri, March 6, 2010 18:52:41 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/pase-point-overlook-rock-fall-foliage/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/pase-point-overlook-rock-fall-foliage/ Rhododendron leaves help frame this picture that looks out over a flat cliff ledge with a large six foot tall rock resting on it, and back dropped by the distant Blackwater Canyon wall covered in rich fall foliage color. The Pase Point Overlook is at the edge of Blackwater Falls State Park, and only accessible via a 3 mile hike from the nearest parking spot. It offers a worthwhile view of Blackwater Canyon and several deep gorges that join the main canyon. Fri, March 3, 2010 19:27:43 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/saguaro-cactus-san-tan-mountains/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/saguaro-cactus-san-tan-mountains/ Hiking the trails of the San Tan Mountain Regional Park in southeastern Maricopa County (near Queen Creek, AZ) yielded this picture of a Saguaro Cactus standing tall with the rocky 2500 foot San Tan Mountain peaks in the background. A dormant Ocotillo Cactus branches can be seen in the immediate foreground. Picture was taken on December 20, 2008 as I enjoyed a nice reprieve from a PA winter hiking in 70 degree weather. Mon, March 2, 2010 20:53:07 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/slippery-rock-creek-august-morning/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/slippery-rock-creek-august-morning/ A warm and humid August morning with plenty of fog provided the back drop for this moody scene along a serenely still Slippery Rock Creek in McConnells Mill State Park, Pennsylvania. Large sandstone rocks border the creek that is popular for anglers and kayaks, and Eastern Hemlock tree branches can be seen also reflected in the waters of the creek. Picture was taken along Kildoo Trail on August 3, 2007. Mon, March 2, 2010 19:14:28 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/cole-run-falls-forbes-state-forest/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/cole-run-falls-forbes-state-forest/ Cole Run Falls, located on the slopes of Laurel Ridge in western Somerset County, Pennsylvania, is featured in this October 21, 2009 picture. Freshly fallen leaves can be seen covering much of the rocky landscape along the base of the falls as this area of the Laurel Highlands had already passed their peak of autumn. The waterfall was light on water when I photographed it in October, and I hope to return after a rainier period to capture its true potential. This area of Forbes State Forest is quite beautiful with fast flowing streams and trails scattered in the mountainous country on the east side of Laurel Ridge. Wed, March 1, 2010 20:54:32 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/pink-granite-rock-acadia-me-coast-fog/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/pink-granite-rock-acadia-me-coast-fog/ Pink granite along the rough rocky coastline of Acadia National Park, Maine can be seen with crashing waves and a heavy sea fog obscuring any distant view of islands common in this area. Picture was taken shortly before sunset near the small community of Bass Harbor, Maine during a climb through this labyrinth of rock amid crashing ocean waves. I took an artistic approach with this photograph including a close up of some pink granite that shows some of its rich texture. Mon, February 27, 2010 21:24:14 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/ohiopyle-falls-fall-foliage-sunset/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/ohiopyle-falls-fall-foliage-sunset/ Incredible hues of a pink, purple, and yellow sunset lit up the sky and reflected upon the fast moving waters of the Youghiogheny River as seen downstream from the Ohiopyle Falls at the peak of autumn. The distant bottom slopes of Laurel Ridge are seen lit with plenty of fall color of their own. Picture was taken from a massive rock jetting far out into the river about a hundred yards south of the waterfall and just north of where Meadow Run empties into the Youghiogheny. Sat, February 27, 2010 06:35:19 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/mists-rising-from-pendleton-lake/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/mists-rising-from-pendleton-lake/ A forest of red spruce serves as a backdrop for this scene featuring some hardwood color above mists rolling across the waters of Pendleton Lake in Blackwater Falls State Park, WV on a frosty morning in October. In the immediate foreground is meadow vegetation such as spent goldenrods that line much of the lake. Picture was taken soon after sunrise on October 6, 2008 in the high country of Tucker County. Sat, February 21, 2010 02:44:34 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/fishing-dock-shawnee-lake-sunrise/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/fishing-dock-shawnee-lake-sunrise/ Clouds and a fishing dock are lit by the rays of a fresh morning sun, and reflected upon the waters of Shawnee Lake near Schellsburg in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Picture was taken at the beginning of an expedition to tour and photograph many of Bedford's iconic Covered Bridges. The clouds featured eventually thickened throughout the day giving many of those scenes a moody quality. Sat, February 21, 2010 01:48:43 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/maine-portland-head-light/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/maine-portland-head-light/ A setting sun's light is cast against the full profile of Maine's most famous lighthouse, the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. Picture was taken following a round of torrential rains earlier in the day that gave way to a beautiful evening in Fort Williams Park. The lighthouse stands at 101 feet high and is constructed of rubble stone with brick lining. George Washington signed off on construction of the original that was first lit in 1791. Tue, February 18, 2010 19:50:28 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/fort-duquesne-bridge-allegheny-river-pittsburgh/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/fort-duquesne-bridge-allegheny-river-pittsburgh/ Pittsburgh's buildings were lit in gold by the evening light of a setting sun while the city was in anticipation for a Steelers Game. Prominently displayed is the Fort Duquesne Bridge spanning the Allegheny River, and a Gateway Clipper boat — Majestic — delivering passengers to the city's North Shore. Picture was taken using a telephoto lens from the West End Overlook, a small park perched high above the Ohio River with a perfectly centered view of Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle. Wed, February 14, 2010 11:04:54 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/chimney-top-rock-north-fork-mountain/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/chimney-top-rock-north-fork-mountain/ Back splashed by autumn color on the distant Allegheny Front and Dolly Sods area is the incredibly large rock formations known as Chimney Top on the northern end of North Fork Mountain near Cabins, WV within the Monongahela National Forest. Picture was taken shortly before evening and soon after I climbed down and away from the Tuscarora Sandstone columns of rock. To gain a perspective on how large this formation is, look at the trees on its top. While North Fork Mountain doesn't break any elevation records in this area (Allegheny Front is 1000 feet higher here), its unusual cliff formations appear as walls perched in the sky that inspired my hike this past autumn. Next year I'll be sure to venture further south to explore and document in photograph this unusual mountain. Fri, February 13, 2010 07:44:37 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/hereford-manor-lake-fall-color/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/hereford-manor-lake-fall-color/ Fall color is reflected in the waters of Lower Hereford Manor Lake shortly after sunset in eastern Beaver County, Pennsylvania on October 25, 2009. Hereford Manor was enjoying the peak of autumn color when I visited it and spent four hours photographing and hiking the trails around its picturesque lakes. A purple and pink sky following the setting of the sun added an unusual hue to this picture, and nearly calm winds aided in an almost perfect reflection of the hardwood trees aflame with autumn color. Fri, February 11, 2010 20:34:21 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/whitetail-doe-canaan-valley/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/whitetail-doe-canaan-valley/ A lone female Canaan Valley Whitetail Deer stares into the camera from probably 20 yards away with saturated hues of autumn in the background. I stumbled across her browsing the forest floor while I was photographing along Blackwater River in the Canaan Valley bog. The deer in this area are surprisingly tolerant of people and show little fear. I probably would have ventured closer to this deer if it weren't for an arm of the bog separating me from her, but thankfully my 200 mm lens delivered this fine shot. Sat, February 7, 2010 07:14:59 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/purple-rhododendron-flowers/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/purple-rhododendron-flowers/ Rhododendron flower buds have their greatest saturation of color prior to actually opening up, after which their purple becomes a softer light violet. Pictured are the waxy green leaves and beautiful flower buds of a Rhododendron plant taken during mid-May in my Grandparents' garden in South Connellsville, PA. The Rhododendron is quite common in the forests throughout the Laurel Highlands with its ever green leaves finding their way into about any picture taken in the outdoors there. Wed, January 30, 2010 02:34:37 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/yellow-fall-foliage-meadow-run/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/yellow-fall-foliage-meadow-run/ The fast flowing waters of Meadow Run are smoothed out by this long exposure that also features an impressive display of yellow fall foliage near to Ohiopyle State Park's fall foliage peak of 2006. Photograph was taken shortly before sunset along Meadow Run Trail after what had been a very long (and successful) day of photography in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Sat, January 29, 2010 09:26:12 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/acadias-coast-pink-granite-rock/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/acadias-coast-pink-granite-rock/ Large pink granite slabs of rock and boulders line the coast of Acadia National Park in Maine, and give way to a forest of White Spruce trees that are safely out of reach from the ocean's crashing waves. Picture was taken during the evening and just after a thick fog bank had cleared leaving this beautiful scene of ocean, rock, and spruce in its wake. Wed, January 25, 2010 17:26:04 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/golden-rock-san-tan-mountains/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/golden-rock-san-tan-mountains/ An oddly shaped pinnacle of rock stands along Goldmine Trail in the San Tan Mountain Regional Park near Queen Creek, AZ with the San Tan Mountain range in the distant background during a hazy winter afternoon. Picture was taken from a mountain at just over 2000 feet while the San Tan Mountain range in the distance peaks at over 3000 feet. Wed, January 25, 2010 15:43:15 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/acadia-national-park-sunset-coastline/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/acadia-national-park-sunset-coastline/ Atlantic Ocean's roaring waters appear turquoise during a sunset along the rocky coast of Acadia National Park in Maine. The coast's pink granite gives way to white spruce trees, and leftover clouds from a clearing storm reflect the setting sun's light in the sky. Sat, January 24, 2010 18:39:05 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/jordan-pond-granite-boulders/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/jordan-pond-granite-boulders/ Pink granite boulders are sparkling in the evening sun along Jordan Pond's shore in Acadia National Park, Maine with the Bubbles seen in the distant background. Picturesque ponds, pink granite rock, and sea side mountains make for a captivating experience for outdoor enthusiasts and are what drew me to Acadia. I took this photograph after descending down Pemetic Mountain that can be seen in the photo's right side. Hikers receive a great reward in scenery at Acadia National Park, with its bald mountains yielding an unforgettable view of the distant mountains, ponds, islands, coastline, and the ocean. Sat, January 24, 2010 18:38:59 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/youghiogheny-river-autumn-reflection/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/youghiogheny-river-autumn-reflection/ The Youghiogheny River in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania typically is fast flowing with plenty of whitewater rapids, but this portion of the river is normally quite calm and serene allowing for mirror like reflections in its water. This picture was taken during the evening hours as the river and base of Chestnut Ridge was in shadow while the sun lit up vegetation above the picture's frame, but some of the lit vegetation be seen as bright yellow in the reflection on the river. A coal gondola train led by Chessie System locomotives and large limestone rocks also add their own contribution to the river's reflection. Sat, January 24, 2010 18:38:52 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/mount-lemmon-rock-formations-vista/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/mount-lemmon-rock-formations-vista/ Picture taken along the Catalina Highway leading to the top of Mount Lemmon featuring rock formations and a vista of the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, AZ. The forty minute drive from Tucson to the top of Mount Lemmon is quite a tour through many climate zones beginning with desert cacti then continuing through savanna like grass lands, shrubs, pine trees, to finally alpine conditions at the top. The elevation on this drive ranges from 2,500 feet to over 9,000 feet (Mount Lemmon peaks at 9,157). Temperatures at the top of Mount Lemmon are normally about 30 degrees cooler than the Tucson valley. Sat, January 24, 2010 18:38:41 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/mount-lemmon-az-aspen-vista/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/az/mount-lemmon-az-aspen-vista/ A dead Ponderosa Pine tree still standing five years after the damaging Aspen fire that ravaged Summerhaven, Arizona in 2003 divides this incredible view from Mount Lemmon near the Aspen Vista. Photograph was taken at an elevation nearly 8000 feet high and looking down on the San Manuel Valley that drops to 2800 feet along the San Pedro River. The distant snow capped peaks are the Galiuro Mountains that are roughly fifty miles east of Mount Lemmon. Sat, January 24, 2010 18:38:32 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/blackwater-falls-west-virginia/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/blackwater-falls-west-virginia/ Photograph taken along the frothy Blackwater River at the base of the canyon and features the roaring waters of West Virginia's most famous waterfall, Blackwater Falls. Circumventing house size boulders, a steep downhill climb, and rough terrain were required to be in this spot in the wilds of West Virginia. The opposite shore contains a more visitor friendly boardwalk and deck to enjoy the waterfall. Blackwater Falls contains water drained from Canaan Valley and plunges 62 feet into the beginning of the impressive Blackwater Canyon. Mon, January 23, 2010 21:33:40 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/rocky-base-cucumber-falls-gorge/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/rocky-base-cucumber-falls-gorge/ Large rocks are the norm along the bottom of Cucumber Gorge. Picture features the bottom portion of Cucumber Falls and several moss covered rocks with the water of Cucumber Run flowing out from the waterfall's base. Recent heavy spring rains made for an unusually wide flow of water over the thirty plus foot tall falls. Mon, January 23, 2010 21:23:24 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/portland-head-light-lighthouse-atlantic-ocean/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/me/portland-head-light-lighthouse-atlantic-ocean/ The crashing waters of the Atlantic Ocean roar continuously around the point of rock the Portland Head Light stands upon, bellowing around the two inlets that surround it. Picture was taken toward evening from Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine and features the golden light of an evening sun cast against the lighthouse and a rock island with the blue and turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean frothing below. This lighthouse is one of North America's most photogenic and photographed. Mon, January 23, 2010 18:33:40 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/lindy-point-overlook-rock-fall-foliage/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/lindy-point-overlook-rock-fall-foliage/ A singular pier of rock stands before the wide vista of Blackwater Canyon surrounded by an impressive display of Monongahela National Forest fall foliage color in the high country of West Virginia. Photograph was taken while pointing below the sun as it was near to setting on October 10, 2009. The setting sun's light can be seen reflected in the distant Blackwater River far below in the valley. Mon, January 23, 2010 16:33:40 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/sunset-light-against-pittsburghs-skyline/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/sunset-light-against-pittsburghs-skyline/ Photograph taken, during an October sunset, from Pittsburgh's North Shore looking past both the Allegheny River and one of the "three sisters" bridges toward a portion of Pittsburgh's skyline. The North Shore has enjoyed redevelopment in recent years that was tastefully done with some architecture and even art along its popular waterfront trail. Wed, January 22, 2010 18:32:37 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/linn-run-fallen-autumn-leaves/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/linn-run-fallen-autumn-leaves/ Freshly fallen red and yellow autumn leaves surround the smooth flowing water of Linn Run in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania. As each leaf would land upon Linn Run its waters would guide it downstream or to the edge of the stream, leaving the only open area the stream itself. Picture was taken in the stream's namesake park, Linn Run State Park, PA. Mon, January 20, 2010 18:45:40 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/ohiopyle-cucumber-falls/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/ohiopyle-cucumber-falls/ Cucumber Falls plunges thirty some feet over a sandstone ledge into a cucumber shaped ravine near the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania. Branches of Eastern Hemlock, Rhododendron, and Mountain Laurel surround one of western Pennsylvania's most picturesque waterfalls. This photograph was taken during the peak of autumn in 2006 after sunset. Mon, January 20, 2010 18:32:37 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/youghiogheny-river-rock-spring-foliage/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/youghiogheny-river-rock-spring-foliage/ A Youghiogheny River shoreline boulder anchors the picture that features the river rounding the Flats peninsula below the bottom slopes of Laurel Ridge in the eastern part of Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania. The fresh green leaves and sprouts of early May provide a beautiful textured look to the hardwood forest surrounding the Youghiogheny in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. Thu, January 19, 2010 18:33:40 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/autumn-color-ohiopyle-meadow-run/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/autumn-color-ohiopyle-meadow-run/ A large rock along Meadow Run made for the visual anchor for this beautiful autumn scene along Meadow Run Trail. This was a typical scene on this cloudy October 25, 2006 day -- fiery red and orange fall foliage in contrast to the deep green of Eastern Hemlocks and Rhododendrons along the fast flowing waters of Ohiopyle State Park's Meadow Run. Tue, January 17, 2010 18:33:40 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/north-park-boathouse-reflection/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/north-park-boathouse-reflection/ Featured is a picture perfect view of the North Park Boathouse with a beautiful reflection in the waters of North Park Lake, in northern Allegheny County of Pennsylvania. This picture was a successful use of GPS to determine the perfect time to obtain the best sun angle to generate a lengthy and prominent reflection. A view of the building is partly obscured by branches of an Eastern White Pine tree. The building's stonework offers a contrast against the past peak fall foliage in early November. Mon, November 30, 2008 09:06:30 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/north-park-lake-boathouse/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/north-park-lake-boathouse/ The hills surrounding the North Park Lake and Boathouse are scarred red and gold with the hues of autumn, though many of the trees are now empty of foliage in this early November picture featuring North Park Lake. The boathouse reflects beautifully along with a brilliant tree late to change color on the lake's water. Wed, November 29, 2008 09:15:01 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/autumn-train-reflection-yough-river/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/pa/autumn-train-reflection-yough-river/ Optimal conditions were in place for a reflection of this Chessie System freight train along with the brilliant fall foliage — at peak — south of Connellsville, Pennsylvania in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania. The Youghiogheny River, uncharacteristically calm in this section, was already in shadow while the river bank, railroad, and the bottom slopes of Chestnut Ridge were lit brightly by an evening sun. Picture was taken on October 30, 2007 after I had just completed a long bike ride along the Youghiogheny River. While riding back to Connellsville I heard the train on the opposite side of the river stopping, and I then raced to this spot where I knew the best chance of capturing a beautiful reflection of it would be possible. Sat, November 25, 2007 09:17:45 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/blackwater-canyon-wv-fall-foliage/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/blackwater-canyon-wv-fall-foliage/ The steep sided Blackwater Canyon's slopes have plenty of autumn color despite a rough storm just a day prior to this picture that was taken October 8, 2006. The Blackwater River's frothy rapids gleam a white against the surrounding forest canopy. The saturated hues of autumn were only interrupted by the green of Red Spruce trees scattered about the wild canyon's slopes. Sat, November 7, 2006 23:22:32 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/blackwater-falls-from-observation-platform/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/blackwater-falls-from-observation-platform/ Pictured is the Blackwater Falls waterfall from an observation platform near the 63 foot tall waterfall. The Blackwater River has carved a magnificent canyon from the 3200 foot plateau above — the cataract featured is only the beginning of the river's deep rapid descent. The wooden deck this picture was taken from is not just a favorite of tourists but also of black bears, which have been known to frequent the area particularly early in the morning. Fri, September 17, 2006 23:31:13 EDT http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/elakala-falls-moss-covered-rock/ http://www.michaelmccumber.com/wv/elakala-falls-moss-covered-rock/ Arguably Blackwater Falls State Park, WV's most photogenic waterfall is the Falls of Elakala, within a short walk of the park's lodge. The thirty to thirty five foot waterfall featured is only the first of many waterfalls Shay Run performs tumbling almost 350 feet down into the steep Blackwater Canyon, nor is it the most impressive of the cascades — judging from the opposite canyon rim's overlook. This is the only Elakala waterfall with easy access, all others requiring a dangerous climb down into rough terrain, for some perspective on the steep decline -- it falls 350 feet in only 1200 feet of aerial distance (an average grade of roughly 29% and over 50% following the first waterfall). Sun, September 16, 2006 23:11:12 EDT