Backcountry Notes

We live on the western edge of the Ridge and Valley Province of the Appalachian Mountains.  The landscape is defined by long ridge mountains, with coves nestled in higher elevations and river valleys in the limestone and shale formations below. 

The Autumn turning of the leaves this year has been slow, giving us a long season of fall color.  The images in this article are from the past week. There is still color developing and even when the maples have yellowed out the oaks will endure.

NOTE: Click on any image below for a larger view.

Mountain lane in Autumn

Fall color on Rich Mountain

Maples turning yellow-goldThe clouds arching overhead seemed to mirror the shapes of the trees.

Field of sere corn

Rich Mountain near Tazewell, VirginiaAbove: the darker colors on the flatirons extending from the mountain appeared to me to be like smoke rising out of a fire below.

Gratton community from Rich Mountain

Pasture surrounded by fall colorsAgain, the look of smoke billowing up from a fire.

The trees in the foreground, already barren of leaves, and the grey farm building contrast with a background of color.

Contrasting colors against a sky with exploding clouds

Buckhorn MountainThe westernmost peak of Buckhorn Mountain.

Fall color on mountain slopesClear Fork Valley

Garden Mountain, from Little Creek ValleyFramed by russet-toned oaks is Garden Mountain, enclosing Burke's Garden, a high mountain cove.

Garden Mountain, again from the Little Creek sideFarmstead in Little Creek Valley

Hayfield framed by fall colorsGarden Mountain, from the interior of Burke's GardenFarmstead in Burke's GardenPasture with Garden Mountain behind and Autumn sky aboveFarm in Burke's GardenAnother view of a Burke's Garden farm, with fall color behind.