Indiana's Fall Creek Gorge

By OldManDan
1
written 7/3/06 7:25 AM, published 7/3/06 7:25 AM
Indiana is certainly not known for its interesting topography, but there are a few areas that present a contrast to the endless corn and bean fields.  I visited one of these areas, Fall Creek Gorge, in June.

After a short drive on a gravel road and a quick walk down a path through the woods, you reach the gorge that gives the area its name. Popup LinkGorge Overview  And a closer view of the Gorge: Popup LinkCloser View

The creekbed that runs through the Gorge has "potholes" that are circular holes worn in the rock by the current and its load of gravel and rocks. Popup LinkPotholes in Creek Bed

Continuing along the creekside trail are ferns, both this year's Popup LinkCreekside Ferns, and last year's Popup LinkLast Year's Ferns, and some interesting fungus Popup LinkFungus on Dead Log  Popup LinkSmall Mushrooms in B&W, and then some more ferns Popup LinkMore Creekside Ferns.

Finally, you reach a small, picturesque waterfall. Popup LinkWaterfall Popup LinkView from the Side Popup LinkAnother View and also a close up view of the falling water Popup LinkClose View of WaterFall

Then it was time to turn around and walk back out.

This area is managed by the Nature Conservancy, and here is a link to their site. http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/indiana/work/art7920.html

Most of the flowing water photos were made with the camera on a tripod using a very slow shutter speed, one half second or more.  This gives the water the smooth silky appearence.  Here are some external links that provide additional information on this technique if you are interested:
http://www.outdoorphoto.com/guides/waterfall_photography.php
http://www.hkwaterfall.net/hk_falls/hkwf_tqu.htm
http://www.outdooradventurecanada.com/photo-v2-1.htm
http://www.hankinslawrenceimages.com/newsletter/articles/waterfall.htm.
It helps a lot to have either a polarizing or neutral density filter to aid in getting the slow shutter speeds necessary during the bright parts of the day.



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