I was looking for a new spot to take pictures, and looking for nice spot to catch the last bits of the Milky Way that we will see this year. I pulled up my light pollution map, and found a nice spot south of Deep Creek Maryland. My trip took me into Maryland, and then over to the border of West Virginia to the Jennings Randolph Lake/North Branch of the Potomac River (depending on which state you are in). The trip was all around gorgeous, and it since it is only an hour and a half from home it was a perfect day excursion.
On the way out, I managed to make it to the overlook on RT 40 near Ohiopyle during sunset.
Sunset at the RT 40 Overlook
RT 40 Overlook 2
Uniontown from RT 40
For my night trip I visited the north boat ramp for the Savage River Branch, and I visited Bear Run State Park.
Milky Way Bear Run
Bear Run Milky Way 2
Savage River Milky Way
Savage River Night
Savage River Night 2
The next morning we headed back to the north boat ramp, and to Bear Run State Park.
Savage River North Boat Ramp 1
Savage River North Boat Ramp 2
Savage River North Boat Ramp 3
With a fire pit available and the sound of the creek running into the Savage River, I could have spent my entire day sitting in Bear Run State Park.
Bear Run State Park Savage River
Bear Run Creek Feeding Savage River
Bear Run State Park Creek Feeding Savage River
Over the One Lane Bridge
After we left Bear Run State Park we headed for West Virginia to visit the Jennings Randolph Lake/North Branch of the Potomac. The trip there was absolutely amazing. I stopped along to the way to get some pictures.
Icy Spring 2
Trout Fishing Creek
Fishing Hut on the Creek
Mountain Laurel Jungle
Stream From the Fishing Hut
There was a park in West Virginia, but most of it was closed for the season. We were able to access one location to get some nice shots. I also saw the first signs of snow this year while I was there. (It was 19F degrees the night before when I was shooting the sky. By the time we reached West Virginia it had gotten into the high 30s F.)
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It was an all around wonderful trip, and I look forward to repeating it in the spring!
