The Trail Blazers
trail·blaz·er /also known as DTF Sources/
ˈtrālˌblāzər
noun
noun: trailblazer; plural noun: trailblazers; noun: trail-blazer; plural noun: trail-blazers
Edward M. Smathers –
Co-Author (w/ Ensminger and Schriver) and principle photographer of Waterfalls of New York State!
Edward M. Smathers is not only the founder of Dig The Falls, but has also contributed greatly to the growth of the waterfalls list for Dig The Falls. As a full-time photographer, his work focuses on the pure essence of New York’s natural surroundings. With an emphasis on the deliberate use of technical skill matched with an artistic eye to capture images that most accurately depict New York nature at it’s finest.
You didn’t know we published a book?? – Purchase ‘Waterfalls of New York State’ on Amazon.com!!
Western New York Waterfall Survey –
The most comprehensive waterfall survey of Western and Central New York!
Scott A. Ensminger has a special interest in caves and waterfalls. He has authored books and articles about both subjects.
In 1987 the Niagara County Historical Society published his book “The Caves of Niagara County, New York”. He is a contributor to the book “Our Romantic Niagara — A Geological History of the River and Falls,” published in 1988 by The Niagara Falls Heritage Foundation (Canada).
In 1991 Mr. Ensminger initiated the Western New York Waterfall Survey. Its purpose is to catalog all of the waterfalls found in the western half of New York State. As of October 05, 2006 the total of known waterfalls was 986. Also in 1991, he published “A Waterfall Guide to Letchworth State Park,” which was co-authored with park naturalist Douglas K. Bassett. A second edition of the Guide was published in 1996 by the Glen Iris Inn, which is located in the park. A third edition was published by him in 2016.
– More about Scott A. Ensminger
Russell Dunn and Barbara Delaney –
Authors of dozens of waterfall and paddle guides!
Russell Dunn and his wife Barbara Delaney have been an inspiration to me and countless other waterfallers in and around New York State for some time. If not for Russell there might not have been a Dig The Falls to begin with. His books have been the key note to the finding of many beautiful untouched waterfalls that you will find on our site. Much of the information on the waterfalls in the Eastern part of New York that are listed or photographed herein originated from one of his books. Please, take the time to look over his collection. We have purchased every one of them and have not been disappointed!
Steve Young and his wife Laura Lehtonen –
Avid hikers and waterfallers who began cataloging New York’s waterfalls in the 90’s!
Steve and his wife Laura lived in Houston before moving to NY State in 1990. Before the move they were in the process of documenting all of the fountains in Houston, of which there are many, and producing a poster. They decided to move north before they were able to finish, though.
Lucky for us, once in New York they turned their interests from fountains to waterfalls! Steve and Laura started by looking at all of the NY topo maps and picked out the waterfalls that were listed, and also places where they thought there might be waterfalls because of the topography. By working up a datasheet for each location that they visited, they eventually accumulated enough data for a book. Life had another plan and their son Alex was born.
Almost 20 years later, they are back on the trail and ready to pick up where they left off!
Jan and Christy Butler –
Authors and photographers located in the Berkshires
Christy and Jan have been amazing contributors to our collection of waterfall photos. Christy’s truly unique style lends considerably to our content and we could not be happier to have both of them as friends. Please take the time to visit Berkshire Photos website. While you are there you may want to pay special attention to the collection of posters they have available for purchase.
John Haywood
You can find all of John’s books on Amazon.
John specializes in the ADK region of New York and has been an invaluable asset in finding and correcting many of the locations we have listed in the region.
Bobbies Waterfalls –
One of the most accomplished waterfallers in the region. Check out her site!
A site created by Bobbie to share all the waterfalls and unique places she has visited throughout the North East and beyond! Bobbie has contributed to the addition of dozens of locations as well as heavily cleaning up duplicates and other issues that had previously been missed on our waterfall list. over 25 years of experience has come with some really great information and the ability to find the proverbial needle in a haystack, when it come to locating waterfalls!
Some of our favorite resources
In no particular order, because we love them all 🙂
Adirondack Botanical Society –
To date Steve Young (also mention in our Trail Blazers area) of the Adirondack Botanical Society has been able to provide complete information about many of the waterfalls all over the state of New York. In his work with the New York Natural Heritage Program Steve was able to personally visit and verify hundreds of waterfalls while mapping some of the most unique natural areas in the state.
Raymond Chippa –
Waterfalls Located in Pennsylvania!
Raymond shares many of the same ideals as DTF’s founder and has become very familiar with our site’s content and offers his experience wherever possible. His unbeatable drive to provide content for all persons interested in waterfalls and nature is inspiring and has only added to fuel to the already blazing fire that is Dig The Falls. For further information on waterfalls in Pennsylvania, please visit his website
Aaron Campbell and Chris Campbell –
“…One of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania. This large park is composed of 13,050 acres in Luzerne, Sullivan and Columbia counties.” Aaron and Chris have created the Ricketts Glen State Park website to showcase the park’s natural beauty and significance to this amazing area of Pennsylvania. **In addition to the site above, Aaron has created a photo blog collaboration that shares “A collective of fellow Pennsylvania waterfall enthusiasts sharing their love of waterfalls (in their ‘back yards’) with the internet.” – PA Waterfalls