Colton Point Overlook
Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania · 1,684 ft
The quieter west rim sits 142 feet lower than Leonard Harrison and looks east across the gorge at the promontory the crowds are standing on. Evening light hits the east wall square, and the CCC stone overlooks give a built foreground.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Oct 6 – Oct 14
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunset
Classic view faces ENE (75°)
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
From US 6 at Ansonia take Colton Road south about five miles to the picnic loop; the stone overlooks are steps from the road.
What turns here
- sugar maple
- black cherry
- eastern hemlock
- red oak
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 10Typical color progression for Colton Point Overlook. No change from Sep 2 to Sep 19. First color from Sep 19 to Sep 28. Approaching peak from Sep 28 to Oct 6. Peak from Oct 6 to Oct 14. Past peak from Oct 14 to Oct 24. Bare from Oct 24 to Nov 7.
Colton Point Overlook is typically at no change on this date.
Light at peak
Colton Point Overlook on October 10, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:48 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 98° | 7:16 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 37 min of low, warm light | 7:53 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:56 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 37 min before sunset | 6:00 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 262° | 6:37 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:05 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 11h 21m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sunrise: backlit
Sun behind the canopy — leaves glow translucent. The shot most people are after. Expect flare; a hood or a hand helps.
Sunset: front-lit
Sun behind you. Flat, even light — accurate color, little drama. Good for wide valley scenes, weak for single trees.
Based on the classic composition here facing ENE (75°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.