Photographer's Journal

Autumn, The Golden Time

August 19, 2022

With roughly one month of the summer left to go, I find myself already thinking about the Fall. I've already stacked all my wood for the colder weather, in piles taller than me in my shed. I'm anxious for the cooler weather, lighting the fire in my wood stove, and of course, the autumn foliage. There's just nothing like the myriad of color on the trees when Fall hits its peak. So, with all things pumpkin in the offing- from Pumpkin Spice lattes, to pumpkin beer served in pine glasses with cinnamon on the rims, to pumpkin pie and bread- I thought I'd share some of my favorite Autumn locations.

A canopy of autumn foliage arches over Kaaterskill Creek near Hunter, New York. — Kaaterskill Creek

This stunning photo of Kaaterskill Creek allows you to experience the beauty of autumn in the Catskill Mountains all year long. Taken at dawn, the mist creates a magical aura around the glowing creek surrounded by lush trees displaying their autumn foliage. A silent canopy of color looms over the creek, while the water flows through the rocky creek bed. Kaaterskill Creek is located in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York, on the north side of Kaaterskill Clove, between the hamlets of Haines Falls and Palenville in Greene County's Town of Hunter.

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Katterskill Falls, Hunter, NY

Nestled in The Catskills, Kaaterskill Falls has long been a popular subject for photographers and painters. I've visited several times over the years, trying to time my visits just right with the peak color. The hike up the falls from Route 23A isn't overly difficult, and on a crisp fall day is just beautiful. I like to start early in the morning before the sunlight makes its way into the gorge, providing soft color and a peaceful setting to take photos, or just enjoy the peace.

A walnut tree on a misty morning in Cades Cove. — Autumn Glow

A walnut tree basks in the early morning mist and sunlight in Cades Cove, part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.

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Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The 11-mile loop through Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a wide variety of views, with plenty of opportunity to see some beautiful foliage, often with historic old cabins and buildings nestled beneath the boughs of majestic trees. Catch it early in the morning when the mist is often hanging in the valley. The loop road is open from sunrise to sunset year round. There is plenty of opportunity to see wildlife as well.

A covered bridge in northern Maine on a misty autumn morning. — Autumn at Bennet Bean Bridge

A cool mist hangs in the mountains near Wilsons Mill, Maine at Bennett Bean Bridge. Bennett Bean Bridge is a Paddleford truss bridge built in 1898 across the Magalloway River.

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Northwestern Maine

Way up in the northwestern corner of Maine lies an area of quiet beauty. Here lies Rangeley and the Carrabassett Valley. There are old barns, covered bridges, waterfalls, and lakes, all of which make beautiful subjects during the fall foliage season. There's Smalls Falls, Bennett Bean Bridge, Flagstaff Lake, Rangeley Lake, and Mooselookmeguntick Lake, among others. Worth a few days of exploration for sure.

Vermont

Yes, I know that's a bit vague, but the fact is, there's just so much in Vermont that's beautiful in the Fall. Hillside Acres Farm in Barnet, offers a stunning view of a New England farm with the valley spread out below. The owners, at least when I was last there, offered a hay bale and blanket, inviting visitors to sit and enjoy the view. A short ride away is the village of Peacham, offering a quintessential New England village to stroll through. Jenne Farm, in Reading, Vermont has often been seen in movies and TV commercials, and is simply stunning when the foliage goes from green to reds, yellows, and oranges.

Glade Creek Grist Mill on an autumn day in West Virginia. — Glade Creek Grist Mill

Standing as a monument to other West Virginia mills that once dotted the area, Glad Creek Grist Mill was constructed from parts of three other grist mills, and completed in 1976. The vivid autumn reds, oranges and yellows of the surrounding trees frame the picturesque mill, giving it an air of warmth and mystery. Sitting atop the hill, the mill is a striking sight, its rustic structure recalling days long past in the morning light. With the creek gently rolling by, the scenery is completed with a gentle, soothing murmur of the falls.

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Babcock State Park, West Virginia

Babcock State Park is home to the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a recreation of the original grist mills that once dotted this area of Appalachia. The mill was made from the remnants of existing mills and built in its current location in 1976. In the Fall, the surrounding trees turn a riot of red, orange, and yellow. Be prepared, this is a popular spot with photographers, but its well worth fighting for the elbow room to get a view of this rustic setting.

The sun shines through a grove of aspen trees on a fall morning in Colorado. — Dance of the Aspens II

Weighted by heavy snows as saplings, these aspens, glowing as the sun ignites their dazzling golden foliage, now appear to be dancing in unison due to their curved trunks. One can almost hear the songs they sway to on this crisp autumn morning in the Rockies Colorado, the music provided by songbirds and the light breeze whistling through the trees.

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The San Juan Mountains, Colorado

It's hard to find anyplace more beautiful. Wherever you go, in the Fall, the aspens are a beautiful canopy of gold, filtering the sunlight. It's amazing to see. There are several scenic drives worth taking to take in the views, including Last Dollar Road, Kebler Pass, and the Million Dollar Highway. Be aware, not all of these are paved, and some may at the very least recommend a vehicle capable of off-roading. The town of Ouray is a great stop for food, or just to walk around and see an old Colorado mining town.

Huge waves crash against Otter Cliff in Acadia National Park, Maine. — Tempest

**Limited Edition**

Enormous waves, driven by a passing nor'easter, pound the iconic Otter Cliff as dark, ominous clouds fill the sky in Acadia National Park. Spruce and pine trees stand quietly atop the majestic cliff, in stark contrast to the tumultuous ocean fury below. Otter Cliff is one of the most popular and recognizable locations within the park, standing at 108 feet tall. **Fine Art Limited Edition of 100 prints.**

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Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine

Acadia has long been a favorite of mine, which you probably know if you've followed my work at all. In October, it turns just a bit more magical. The coastal pines remain vibrant and green, but the overall feeling changes. The deciduous trees sport their best reds and oranges, and the many carriage trails become wonderlands of color. The nor'easters that can be more likely at that time of year can also churn the Atlantic, making for a fireworks show along the Park Loop Road.

Lower Falls of the Genesee River

The Lower Falls of the Genesee River are flowing strong after a heavy rain in Letchworth State Park in upstate, New York.

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Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY

Letchworth offers stunning views of three large waterfalls, as well as the Genesee River Gorge. In the Fall, the colors lining the gorge and framing the falls are stunning. Check out the view of the Upper and Middle Falls from Inspiration Point, or the Upper Falls from the viewing area. The Lower Falls requires a hike, but it's not a difficult one and worth seeing.

A Few More Of My Favorite Autumn Images