Cowanshannock Creek
I left this morning to run a few errands prior to strolling along the Cowanshannock Creek trail. The trail parallels the creek heading to an area known locally as Buttermilk Falls. I left the trail to follow the actual waters. The beauty of this creek always mesmerized me. The features are rocks and lots of them. Some of the boulders are bigger than trucks. Crawling around and over these features can be interesting as well as dangerous.
The rocks in the morning hours are usually slippy to walk on due to the dew of the early morning hours. The waters are some of the most beautiful in Armstrong County. I noticed a number of fish while hiking along the creek. I saw carp; suckers ranging in the 15 to 18 inch range. I, also, saw some bass here and there darting along in search of minnows.
Buttermilk Falls
On a sad note, much vandalism occurs in the area. Rocks are carved into. Others yield satanic and perverted symbols. Beer cans cover any areas where ATVs can get into. Trash can be discovered along the stream from high- water times. This “stuff” washes down from miles upstream and settles along the trees and rocks.
However, the landscape, as a whole, still is beautiful. There are big, towering trees; hemlocks and rhododendrons make for dark green contrasts against the fall foliage. The colors should peak in a couple of weeks.
The acorns and beech are everywhere this year. the food supply will be long-lasting for the many critters that feed on them. I did see one turkey and several squirrels on this hike. 
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
Leave a Reply