Rockbridge State Nature Preserve

Did you know that the town of Rockbridge (and Rockbridge State Nature Preserve) is named after a natural geological arch (bridge) feature located right in the backyard of Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. This bridge, made out of "Black Hand Sandstone" is the largest natural bridge in Ohio.

Rockbridge is just under 100 feet long and varies from 10 to 20 feet wide. You can actually walk across the bridge, but if you're afraid of heights (like me!) it may raise some hairs on the back of your neck. Local folklore says that the farmer who originally owned the land would lose an average of one head of cattle per year to the heights of the arch.

This view was taken from underneath the Rockbridge, looking up.

Another "less than successful" attempt to capture Rockbridge!

The "ledge" behind the bridge creates a dramatic waterfall most months of the year.

Rockbridge was formed millions of years ago when much of the midwest was covered by an in-land sea. The geological process that formed the rock bridge is very interesting... you can read about it here. There are 12 such arches/bridges in Ohio—you can read about all 12 here.

The runoff from the stream/waterfall is welcomed by the scenic Hocking River.

 
My favorite time to visit Rockbridge (the bridge) is in the winter, when its relatively unobstructed by foliage. I get a little frustrated every time I try to photograph Rockbridge, because it's impossible for even the best photographer to capture the essence of Rockbridge "in-camera". Not just due to the shear size of Rockbridge, but because no artist can begin to capture the "majesty" of such a place.

This is an angle of the bridge that would be impossible to see during the "foliage" months.

 

© 2014 Dan Eckel

Nature's Ice Art!

This is a continuation of my last blog, showcasing the winter artistry of mother nature. 

The Hocking Hills Canopy Tours property, like all of Hocking Hills is a wonderland for any photographer with a discriminating eye. One of my favorite things to do is to simply hike all around the property and photograph anything that captures my attention...my only limitation being that of "time". 

A view of the Hocking River from a Hocking Hills Canopy zip line perspective.

Hocking Hills Canopy Tours has many recessed caves on the property.
This one measures 22 feet tall, and is a waterfall most months of the year.

Our DragonFly Zipline Adventure for KIDS is perched on a very scenic hillside.

My photographic compositions typically consist of rolling landscapes, rock formations, old growth trees, meandering rivers...not to mention, of course anything zipline related (during the months that we're open)! Sometimes I'm lucky enough to be entertained by the local animal life... a fawn, an owl, wood pecker, beaver, turkey, coyote, etc... but not on this latest outing. 

This landscape features a hidden cave. (see below)

This recessed cave is a hidden gem, boasting a 14 foot waterfall.

As much as I like to photograph the "life-sized" world, my passion lies in capturing images of things that most people may miss. Little, insignificant things that whisper to me for attention. Sometimes these "macro" sized subjects turn out to be rather boring, but other times they turn out to be little visual "gems". I enjoy finding and sharing these tiny visual "nuggets"—but my enthusiasm is often times squashed by the reaction from people who just "don't get it". 

...Reminds me of one of my favorite poems:

To see a world in a grain of sand,

and a heaven in a wild flower.

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,

and eternity in an hour.

                                                             - William Blake 

A tiny ice sculpture.

An ice "stalagmite" inside one of the caves.

An icy hybernation.

© 2014 Dan Eckel

Hocking Hills Canopy Tours in the Snow and Ice

Hocking Hills Canopy Tours is closed in the winter so unfortunately our guests don't get to enjoy the snow and ice covered artistry that mother nature bestows on us. The big problem, however is that I, personally don't have nearly enough photographic expertise to capture the immense beauty of nature!

Not to be intimidated by the wind chill or my limited photographic skills, I made an attempt to bring you a glimpse of the winter splendor of the Hocking Hills Canopy Tours property. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed the sights, smells and yes, the multi-flora rose stickers of a Hocking Hills winter wonderland.

More photos to come...

(all photos © Dan Eckel 2014)

Maintaining Hocking Hills Canopy Tours is an all year-round job.

The porous black-hand sandstone creates spectacular icicles.

One of the waterfalls that exists on the property. This one measures approx.12 feet tall.

The SuperZip tower looming in the wintery background.

Looking down the barrel of the SuperZip!

A landscape view of the rolling hills .... can you locate our SuperZip tower?

The mighty "Rock Bridge" in which the town of "Rock Bridge" is named.