Balanced Rock Falls & Leatherwood Creek

From Magnolia Falls, I rushed down the mountain into Boxley Valley in an attempt to see a few more waterfalls while there was still some good conditions for taking pictures. I parked and crossed the river at the Ponca low-water bridge and then headed off into the woods following a small trail that runs alongside Leatherwood Creek.

I have been in this area countless times but have never really noticed this creek, which flows into the Buffalo River by the low-water bridge. The creek is very scenic, with several small waterfalls along its run.



The creek also forms a few shallow pools, like in this spot where the water was perfectly still and created some nice reflections.



Further upstream was this birch tree and its extensive roots, towering over the water.



And one more little waterfall, taken as the sun began to break through the clouds (much to my dismay).



From here it was a steep little ascent up a muddy hill to Balanced Rock Falls, which isn't all that tall (maybe 15 feet?). But it is definitely unique, with a massive boulder perched precariously above the falls. It looks like if you were to mess with any ancient relic nearby, the rock would dislodge and start rolling towards you like in an Indiana Jones movie.



I slid back down the hill to Leatherwood Creek, and managed to see one more little waterfall before the sun was fully out...