New York: Whetstone Gulf State Park

Back on the road after a delightful stay with Al and Phyllis on the Hudson River.  We crossed the Adirondack Mountains as we headed west towards the next volunteer opportunity.  With several options for the next stop we selected Whetstone Gulf State Park which promised a great canyon.

Whetstone Creek races through the gorge
cooling the area and
providing a fine mist for trees and shrubs.

The State Park literature indicated the park was built in and around a three-mile-long gorge cut into the eastern edge of the Tug Hill Plateau. We can attest to the river cut gorge which made interesting hiking from both the rim and inside the gorge. 

The creek that built the three mile gorge
Somehow it doesn't seem possible

The creek moves rapidly providing a welcome coolness in the gorge, especially after hiking the rim on a still afternoon.  Our first hike was along the gorge rim followed by the cool down walk in the gorge.

The creek pauses to create a swimming hole
which was welcome on such a hot day

Looking towards the rim from the gorge floor

 However it may be a bit exaggerated to say, "The gorge is one of the most spectacular scenic vistas east of the Rocky Mountains."  This was our first hike of the afternoon, we found the trail head and started a steep climb to the rim.  Only, the climb did not stop once we reached the rim, the trail simply leveled a bit before continuing a slower elevation gain.  No matter, it was a well marked trail that spiraled through tall conifers along the rim.  The disappointment was a lack of visibility across or into the gorge due to the lush leaf cover.

Hiking the rim was amazing with the tall trees
and sharp curves near the edge.

Perhaps in the winter when the ridge trees are leafless and you don a pair of snow shoes the other side of the gorge becomes visible.  But in early July it simply isn't the case, all you see are trees, trees, and more trees.  Still, we did enjoy the hikes.

There were not many blossoms but this was a beauty