Highlands and Waterfalls
These are images from several visits to the Allegheny Highlands of Eastern West Virginia as well as two brief trips to the New River area further south. A trip to the Canaan Valley and the highlands of nearby Dolly Sods Wilderness with their sphagnum-filled mountain bogs, stands of aspen and wind-sculpted red spruce, stands of heath and cranberry, and even northern animal species like snowshoe hares and fishers can make it feel if one has traveled much further north.
While the wind and often harsh, cold weather present challenges, the rugged highland landscape of exposed rock and gnarled trees combined with the rivers and waterfalls, wildlife refuges and state parks, and picturesque settlements of the valley below make for wonderful photo opportunities.
My time exploring the New River-Greenbrier Valley region further south has been limited, but I've been impressed by the range of photographic possibilities the rivers, valleys and numerous waterfalls of this area offer. I look forward to more trips to this area and to return trips to the Highlands.