This morning I visited the Great Falls park on the Maryland side of the Potomac river. Not one of my best days photographically speaking, but a wonderful outing nonetheless. The first signs autumn are definitely noticeable.  A few leaves here and there are starting to change color. If not for that, it would be hard to tell it is already September. At 5:30 AM today, the temperatures in the park were in the mid to upper 80's and it was very humid. Felt more like late July or August. That will probably change soon....

The image below was taken at Olmsted Island, which is perched in the middle of the Potomac River. Access to the island is very easy. There is a short trail right off the towpath, near the visitor center. The island has one of the most diverse habitats within the whole National Park system. The powerful Potomac River floods constantly change the island by brining piles of debris from miles up the stream and a variety of new seeds. The island is heavily covered by vegetation despite its rocky landscape. There is a designated trail path which takes the visitors to the edge of the island and a nice overlook of the Great Falls. I took the image below from one of bridge crossings on path. 

Olmsted Island on the Potomac River, Chesapeake and Ohio National Park Great Falls MarylandPotomac river flowing through the rocks of Olmsted Island.

Olmsted Island on the Potomac River, C&O National Park Great Falls, MD

Canon 5D MK II, Canon 24-105mm @28mm, f/11 , 4.0sec, ISO 200