Elakala Falls in Autumn Color No. 2

The Story:      As Shay’s Run flows to the Blackwater River, it cuts through the carboniferous sandstone of Blackwater Falls State Park.  The stream forms a series of pretty waterfalls called Elakala Falls. This scene captures the first of four which is known for its consistent eddy or whirlpool.  The falls draw their name from a Massawomee Indian warrior, named Elakala.  The various Native American legends entail young love ending in tragedy.

The Rest of the Story:  This was my first visit to Blackwater Falls State Park.  Fall color maps indicated that my trip was past peak color.  Although the leaves were past peak in the broad open valleys, I found in deeper gorges were full of prime autumn color.  In capturing this pretty whirlpool, I used a one-minute exposure which revealed the circular path of the pool’s bubbles.    If you’d like to see more waterfalls, be sure to see my gallery of waterfall art prints.

Sublocation:   Blackwater Falls State Park

City, State:      Davis, West Virginia

Year:                2022