Taughannock Falls State Park

Rockfall at Taughannock Park

The background image was taken several years ago from the bridge at the top of Taughannock Falls State Park. I thought it looked like a great example of when eroded shale left sturdier Sherburne sandstone above unsupported and vulnerable to breaking and falling. But when would the substantial overhang of stone finally break free?

Well, this morning, I got my answer. It was very recent, likely within the last day or so. Here's how it looked during my run this morning.

From the bridge at the top of Taughannock

From the bridge at the top of Taughannock

Zooming in, you can see the large void where rock once perched.

The right half of the rock ledge collapsed

The right half of the rock ledge collapsed

All of that rock must have made a spectacular sound as it crashed to the gorge floor. I wonder if anyone was around to see or hear it in the last few days?

Rock now litters the gorge floor

Rock now litters the gorge floor