Friday, May 16, 2008

Chimney Bluffs

Chimney Bluffs State Park is a wonderful spot about an hour east of Rochester. It consists of bluffs that rise up to 250 feet above Lake Ontario. The forces of nature have eroded these bluffs into a variety of shapes, including some spectacular razor-sharp pinnacles. This is a place where I intend to paint, but haven't had the opportunity yet. A few weeks ago I did some hiking, scouting out possible painting locations. I didn't take as many photos as I should have, but hopefully the few below will give you some idea of the possibilities. Clicking on the images will bring up full-sized versions.

I drove to the eastern parking area and hiked west along the narrow, rocky coast. It was already early afternoon, and the sun had shifted far enough that I couldn't really take good pictures looking to the west. These views would be best in the morning.

As I returned eastward along the coast I took this picture, which shows some of the dramatic formations. There are hiking trails atop the bluffs (see pictures below), if you look carefully at the large version of this picture you can see a couple of people standing on the right-most bluff.

This view is a little further along the coast, still looking east - back toward the parking area. I think this spot would make a good afternoon painting.



I then hiked up to the top of the bluffs. There are some spectacular views. However, it is a difficult hike from the eastern parking lot, very steep and not really a trail. I'm not sure whether it could be done with all my painting supplies! You can also hike in from the western parking area, it's a longer trail (over 1/2 mile), but it may be a less strenuous climb...I've never done it, so cannot say.

This is one of those razor-sharp pinnacles, viewed from the bluff trail.









This is my favorite picture. That's a mature, full-sized tree clinging to the top of the left-most pinnacle! I don't think it's alive at this point, but it's still quite a sight!



A view from the bluff trail, looking west across some of the bluffs.

1 comment:

Jen said...

Love this place- very good photos! I want to go back!