Autumn in the Alleghenies

The deciduous forests covering the Enchanted Mountains create an autumn spectacle. Here are a few views of arguably one of the best fall foliage viewing areas in the country.

Town of Olean

This is a view from the Big Level (aka Rock City Hill) looking west toward the Two Mile Valley.

Town of Olean

The city of Olean is nestled in the Allegheny Valley in the distance. This photo was taken from the Big Level near Hartzfelt Mountain, looking north.

Beaver Flats

Above and below are the remnants of a drained beaver pond near Cuba, New York. Beaver ponds are located throughout the region, and occasionally the dams fail or are drained by farmers.

Beaver Flats

This was the main stream channel.

Olean Conglomerate

Autumn colors frame a large conglomerate stone on the Big Level. Several outcroppings of conglomerate beds from the Pennsylvanian, Mississippian and Devonian periods occur throughout the region. They were formed from 280 to 395 million years ago at the edge of an inland sea. The oldest are the Devonian beds, like the Salamanca conglomerate at Little Rock City. The youngest are Mississippian beds like the Knapp Creek conglomerate at Flat Iron Rock. The most famous outcropping is the Pennsylvanian Olean conglomerate at Rock City Park. Some photos from Rock City Park will be posted at a later date.