Hanging Rock Multi-Falls EarthCache
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This is a multi-earthcache that will require you to visit and
classify each of the 5 waterfalls in Hanging Rock State Park. As
always, observe all park regulations and practice leave no trace
ethics.
Hanging Rock State Park is home to no less than 5 waterfalls. The
posted coordinates will take you to the visitor’s center
parking area. Additional waypoints are included for other parking
areas.
One of the most easterly mountain ranges in the state, the
Sauratown Mountains are often called "the mountains away from the
mountains" because they are separated from the nearby Blue Ridge
Mountains. Prominent peaks in the Sauratown range rise from 1,700
feet to more than 2,500 feet in elevation and stand in bold
contrast to the surrounding countryside, which averages only 800
feet in elevation.
Named for the Saura Indians who were early inhabitants of the
region, the Sauratown Mountains are the remnants of a once-mighty
range of peaks. Over many millions of years, wind, water and other
forces wore down the lofty peaks. What remains of these ancient
mountains is the erosion-resistant quartzite, which now supports
scenic ridges and knobs, including Moore's Knob, Moore's Wall,
Cook's Wall, Devil's Chimney, Wolf Rock and Hanging Rock.
As the mountains eroded, the high mountain streams either lost
their flow paths or wore out large ravines and gorges into the
rock. Where these extreme cases of erosion occurred, waterfalls
were left behind. A waterfall is formed whenever water drops
vertically, either over a cliff or down a steep slope. How far it
must drop, or how steep the slope in order to be classified a
waterfall is often debated but ultimately left up to the observer.
There are many different types of waterfalls and often one will fit
into more than one category.
Types of Waterfalls:
That remain in contact with the underlying
rock:
Cascade: generally water that flows down in small
steps or stages.
Chute: A violent section of water that is forced
through a narrow passage due to cliff walls or large rocks.
Fan: falls through a relatively narrow crest and
spreads out and becomes wider as it descends.
Horsetail: descends down remaining in contact with
the surface most of the time.
Scree/Talus: flowing over a chaotic mix of rock
debris on a slope usually found at the base of a cliff or steep
incline.
Slide: glides over a single slab of rock
maintaining smooth continuous contact.
That are separate from the underlying
rock:
Block/Sheet: drops over a ledge forming what
appears to be a "sheet" of water - usually not broken into segments
and it is wider than it is tall.
Cataract: waterfall that is large, very powerful
and rushes down with force.
Classical: similar to Block, but roughly equal in
height and width
Curtain: similar to Block, but typically taller
than wide.
Plunge: descends vertically without contacting the
underlying surface.
Punchbowl: falls through a constricted area and
descends down into a pool of water.
Veil: falls over rocks creating a thin layer of
water that just barely covers it's surface.
Other Descriptive Types:
Parallel: falls are side-by-side and fall similar
to each other.
Ribbon: descends in a narrow strip significantly
taller than it is wide.
Segmented: Pieces of land segment the river (same
watercourse) causing the water to fall in sections.
Slot/Keyhole: pushes through a narrow area before
falling.
Tiered: Separate waterfalls falling consecutively
and in close proximity so generally they can be seen together. Any
type of falls can be tiered.
Twin: side-by-side but do not have to be similar
in type. (Triple and more can exist as well)
To claim credit for this earthcache:
1. Using the above classification system, classify each of the 5
falls in Hanging Rock State Park and email me the answers. Please
do not post these answers in your logs.
2. Post a picture of you or your group with your GPS with at least
one of the falls in the background. (optional)
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
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