Diamond Falls





I used this picture in original size format to show you just how big this waterfall really is.





Some of the most magnificent waterfalls in our county can be found around Fredericktown. There are some located on private property bordering the state nature preserve. Probably one of the most famous waterfalls in that area is known today as Diamond falls. It was known as Stewart falls a very long time ago but with the help of a book named "The Enchanted Village" by Regis Scharf and Gary Winterburn we can learn how the name change came about.

According to the book the legend states that the Stewart family lived in a stone house near the falls and had a daughter named Margaret. Margaret fell in love with a young man but he died unexpectedly at a young age. She continued to live with her parents until she met a young union officer. They spent their courting time at the top of the falls in the cool shades of the pines. He proposed to her at the top of the falls and gave her a diamond ring. He then returned to action and was killed in Virginia later that year. Devastated she went to the top of the falls and tossed her engagement ring over the 80 foot plunge. She remained a widow the rest of her days. The falls have been called Diamond falls ever since.



Today the falls are about a 45 to 50 foot drop due to the rail line that went through in the early 30's. Now the falls end above the rail base by at least 15 feet or so and continue as a small stream into Beaver creek. The source of the falls is a spring at the top of the bluff. The falls rarely run unless there is a long period of heavy rain. I was lucky enough to catch the falls running with some volume after a January thaw and days of heavy rain. I did use some pictures from the summer to show how different the area looks from season to season. The falls are located on private property and permission is needed to access the land. I can't stress how very dangerous the area is especially near the very top. There have been a couple of fatalities in the past from falls from the top of the bluff. It drops off very unexpectedly at the top. It is basically a cliff.


I think one of the coolest things around here is the natural beauty of the landscape. I wonder how long some of these falls have been here. Thousands of years or maybe more? I wonder what others have enjoyed them or marveld at their beauty? At least we know some of the history of the falls dating back to the mid 1800's. I just hope that it remains there forever.


Some of the weathered sandstone resembles some sort of animal head.







The bottom of the falls.

You can see how fast the land drops of in this shot.

This is the view of the ridge that leads down to the top of the falls.

This is the top lookout. On the bottom left over the hill is the drop off of the waterfall.

The small spring fed stream washing down the ravine. Notice at the top how the water just disappears off the edge.

The underside of the lookout. You could almost fit two people seated inside that rock shelter.

Another rock seat that has been carved with names over the years. The falls are on the bottom right. The hill is so steep that you can't see them in this shot.

A view of the top from the other side of the ravine.

This is near the top of the spring. You can tell how fast the water drops down. The edge of the falls is down over the hill.



For more pics go to : https://picasaweb.google.com/117748738497939158793/DiamondFalls?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOvKwICy1NjhiQE&feat=directlink

Something new starting this month is a new software program from Dermander allowing me to photograph panoramas in a 360° format. There is a link at the very top of the title. It will take you to a wall of random panoramas from around the local area. Click on the photo and left click and drag your mouse over the photo to move around it. It is best viewed in full screen mode. The software is pretty amazing and will be offering full up, down, right and left capabilities very soon. When possible views from the inside of different local buildings will be posted with the article as well. If you have a suggestion of something you would like to see in a panoramic let me know.

To view go to : http://www.dermandar.com/user/jeffery/