Whether you like taking a slow or brisk walk along the roadway, hiking up mountain trails, or perhaps a bit more adventurous, scaling rocks along Buttermilk Falls just step out the back door of the Sundown Country Retreat, and you are on your way to another world. All of these pictures were taken last summer (2002) and are within three miles or so of the Sundown Country Retreat.
Joe is resting along Peekamoose Road and admiring the waterfalls across the way.
On his way to the waterfalls, he took a short path to the "Balancing Rock", just about a mile and half up the road from the Sundown Country Retreat.
He passes the path to the Blue Hole and decides to stop there for a while and maybe even take a quick swim.
The Blue Hole is one of Nature's phenomena. It is about 16 feet deep and crystal clear. Its icy blue color speaks for itself!
Despite the "cold" the Blue Hole attracts swimmers. Here you can see someone taking the plunge from the rope. It is one way to get cooled off quickly on a hot day.
The Blue Hole is hard to describe in words. In fact, even pictures do not serve justice to its beauty.
We took a few different angles hoping that you can imagine this natural wonder.
No wonder artists, writers and poets have sought refuge in this area for the past few centuries.
Just up the road from the Blue Hole is Buttermilk Falls.
It too has a grace of its own.
For the adventure seeker, there are paths up to the top of the falls. When you get to the top the view is magnificent.
Across the road from the falls, a fisherman enjoying his world.
There are many short trails leading to picturesque spots like this rock ledge that hangs over the "Green Hole".
The Green Hole is not quite as deep or wide as the Blue Hole, but holds an emerald treasure that is breathtaking!
Joe follows the stream for awhile checking out the trout that are swimming around.
There are many clearly marked paths for hikers.
No matter where you go, it seems there is always something beautiful to look at.
And it is all on 47,500 acres of New York State Forest Preserve Land that is within walking distance of the Sundown Country Retreat. The State welcomes hikers and swimmers to enjoy Nature's bounty -and there is no fee.