“Anthracite Falls”

(Last Updated On: September 22, 2014)

Last week, I sporadically decided to do some exploring. I’d seen the trail a few times before. But, it wasn’t really a trail. There was no trail sign. No official parking lot. Just a pull out on the road. Still, the beaten down dirt leading slightly to the right and upward into the forest revealed that others had been there. Though, this path was not heavily traveled.

I found myself wandering through a beautiful moist forest full of mushrooms.
forest near Crested Butte

The forest then emerged into a meadow, where the trail disappeared for awhile.
Meadow near Anthracite Falls near Crested Butte

Where is the path going? Is it going up the mountain? Or is it going to this waterfall?

I kept going on the trail, admiring the myriad of fall colors.
fall colors in Crested Butte

And then the path led here, to a wonderful waterfall.
Anthracite Falls near Crested Butte
I do not know of a name for this place, even after asking other locals. Most people just shook their heads and said, “There’s a waterfall back there?” I am sure this special spot has a name, or maybe even a dozen names. But, I have decided to call it Anthracite Falls.

On my way back I found myself following a diversion of my original path. This path also came to an abrupt end. But, when it did, I found myself wandering around in a wonderfully colorful aspen forest blanketed with knee-high fall-colored ferns.
aspen forest near Crested Butte

fern and aspen forest near Anthracite Falls near Crested Butte

I b-lined slightly leftward, in the direction where I thought my car would be. As I emerged from the forest curtain, my car was before me.

I didn’t have to travel far to see these wonderful places. All I needed was an appetite for exploration and a reminder that sometimes the best places aren’t even on the map.

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things,Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate 🙂 Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things, Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate :) Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

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