Hanging Rock Falls
Hanging Rock Falls is a three-tiered cascade dropping roughly 100 feet down a rocky gorge just outside Ellenville, and the layered drops give you plenty of compositional options to work with. Position yourself low and close to the base of the lower tier to emphasize the height and get foreground texture from the wet rocks and moss, or step back to capture all three tiers in a single frame with a wider lens in the 16-24mm range. Overcast days are ideal here since the forest canopy creates harsh contrast in direct sun, and the diffused light lets you push shutter speed long enough for silky water without blowing out the highlights. The pull-off on Ulster Heights Road is easy to miss and has room for just a few cars; arrive early to get the spot to yourself. The short trail to the falls can be slippery, so sturdy footwear is worth it. (Ellenville, New York, United States)
