These photographs of Buttermilk Falls range through the seasons,
from spring to winter.Many visitors to the park don't realize that
there is much more to Buttermilk Falls State Part than just the big
waterfall and swimming pool. There are many smaller, but easily as
dramatic, waterfalls that churn through Buttermilk Falls Gorge above
the large waterfall.

Buttermilk Falls Itself

The first photograph above shows Buttermilk Falls in early summer
before the weather warms enough for the influx of swimmers. The
top row center gives an autumn view. The next photo shows
Buttermilk Falls and the swimming pool from the crest of the large
waterfall. In the bottom row you can see Buttermilk Falls in the
depth of winter. It took me several years to capture a winter
photograph of this waterfall that would please me. And the next
view is of the beautiful daylilies that crowd the bottom of the falls.

 

Buttermilk Falls Gorge

The remaining photographs were taken along the gorge above
Buttermilk Falls. This is one of my favorite hikes and always yields
beautiful surprises. The light is filtered into the gorge through
overhanging branches of hemlock and hardwoods and gives a
cooling dappled effect. It takes careful planning, and lots of
patience, but a photographer can take advantage of what might
be considered poor lighting conditions.

Buttermilk Falls Journal

 

An exploratory visit to Buttermilk Falls yielded this
photograph of a brooding waterfall tumbling
toward it's destination. The overcast day infused
a sense of mystery which I hadn't experienced
on earlier visits to Buttermilk Falls - at least at the
lower waterfall. Buttermilk Falls Gorge above the
swimming hole always gives that sense of mystery,
even on sunny days. I'm eager for spring!