LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk | First Look PHINNEY DESIGN GROUP ARCHITECTURE | INTERIOR DESIGN CONSTRUCTION mANAGEmENT GREEN BUILDING CONSULTING OK Slip Falls By Anne Brewer We have seen it! It really does exist, and its cascading water, stunning views, and precious flora are all worth the wait. As a new member of the Adirondack media group, LOCALadk was recently invited to join the DEC, the Nature Conservancy, and other media professionals on a hike to the site of a waterfall that lies in a section of the newly acquired tract of state land located outside of North River. We were told where to meet, to dress for black flies, to prepare for mud, and to pack a bag lunch. We were there to learn more about this specific tract of land that New York state state purchased from the Nature Conservancy in April 2013. It is made up of 2,800 acres, including 2.1 miles of undeveloped shoreline deep within the Hudson River Gorge, and a gorgeous section called OK Slip Falls-Blue Ledges. The waterfall was our destination, as most of us were eager to see the falls and especially to photograph it. The company was great, the bugs took mercy on us, and we had renowned Adirondack photographer Carl Heilman, who found the perfect vantage point to set up a tripod. As you can see from the photos, it truly is a beautiful and impressive waterfall. The state is eager to let the public see this spectacular 250 foot waterfall but we are going to have to be a little patient and allow them the time they need to build a safe trail, create signage, and establish a proper parking facility. Hiking distance for the public will most likely be between a 2-3 mile hike depending on the location of the parking area. The state hopes to have something in place by late summer. The geology of this area is also something quite remarkable. It is made up of one billion year old marble called Grenville marble. This particular marble is rich in calcium and remains both wet and cold during the entire year. The marble and bedrock combined create a piece of arctic mountain. It is a haven for some of the more rare and significant Serving clients throughout the Adirondacks and Capital Region PHINNEYDESIGN.COm (518) 587-7120 142 Grand Avenue | Saratoga Springs, NY facebook.com / phinneydesigngroup 6 LOCALadk Magazine Summer 2013 northern plants, mosses and even liverworts (a flat, branching, ribbonshaped plant) more than any other location within the Adirondack Park, OK Slip Falls has been found to contain over 69 mosses and liverworts. For now enjoy our photos and know it won't be long before you are there taking your own unique shots. Thank you to the Nature Conservancy, New York State, and the DEC. R

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