The Gaudiness of Autumn

It seems like a tragedy that the colorful gaudiness of autumn is followed by the monotone of winter, but by the time that autumn is gone it seems that the simple beauty of white snow is a relief from sensory overload--a party that has exhausted itself and happy to end.

This golden view is from the Canyon Rim Road between the town of Douglas and Olson Tower. Big Run cascades down the steep hillside until it eventually reaches the Blackwater River below. You can reach the overlook by hiking or driving down Canyon Rim Road (Public Road 18). I wouldn't recommend driving unless you have a truck. There are some fords and big rocks along the road. We reached the spot by hiking the Canyon Rim trail from Olson Tower. When we intersected with Canyon Rim Road, we turned right (south) and hiked five-minutes to the overlook.