Large diagonal boulders frame the flow of water at The Sinks, a scenic waterfall located on Little River, in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Prints and other items are available in my galleries at Fine Art America and Society 6. Stop by for a visit, sometime…
Such a beautiful place deserves more attention, and so here is another photograph of Cummins Falls – in Cookeville, Tennessee. If you’d be interested in a print for your home or office – lobby, cafeteria, hospital, etc. – then visit my shop at Fine Art America. A variety of museum quality prints are available to enjoy over time.
Enjoy this black and white photograph of Clear Creek with a morning fog lingering over the forest. Taken at the Obed Wild And Scenic River National Park, in Tennessee. Prints available.
Located in the Tremont section of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, the Middle Prong Trail to Indian Flats Falls is 8.2 miles out and back.
Driving 3 miles beyond the Tremont Institute, which features a small gift shop and restroom, the gravel road dead ends at a parking area by the trailhead. Crossing a footbridge over the river, the trail forks to the left and parallels Lynn Camp Prong.
Hikers will enjoy the sound of running water over the course of a 1140-foot elevation gain en route to Indian Flats Falls. At approx. 1/2 mile, the impressive 35-foot tall Lynn Camp Falls can be viewed from the trail.
History
The Middle Prong Trail was originally a railroad bed used by the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company, based in Townsend, Tennessee, which was one of the largest commercial logging operations in southern Appalachia, operating for 38 years until 1939, with 150 miles of railroad. Visitors can find more information available at the Little River Railroad Museum.
Along the way, hikers will observe vestiges from that era, including limited glimpses of railroad tracks and other steel remnants, a toppled chimney and an abandoned 1920’s Cadillac taxi. Other encounters may include horses – equestrians allowed, so watch your step – and bears, common to the area.
The Hike
Over the course of the trail, hikers should expect an increase in grade and quantity of scattered small-to-medium sized rocks. There are two bridges to cross, as well as two small creek beds, easily traversed by stepping on rocks to keep dry.
After hiking 4 miles up a mountainside, one might expect to see a sign pointing to Indian Flats Falls. Alas, there are no signs. Instead, following several turns and an increase in elevation, the path broadens substantially at a switchback. Rather than continuing left, hikers will see a path to the right, tucked behind a large bush near a rock face. Turning right is a short, moderately difficult path over some rocks and under a few downed trees – then, the falls!
The Falls
Emerging from the path, visitors are greeted with a wonderful view of the 20-foot tall top section of Indian Flats Falls. There is plenty of room for several people to gather, though hikers should remain weary of slippery conditions on what would otherwise appear as flat rock surfaces.
This waterfall actually has four-tiers, for a total height of 60-feet, though access to these lower areas isn’t easy, requiring one to get dirty foraging through the brush, descending shallow rock ledges, and wading knee-deep through a plunge pool at the base.
If you’re prepared to sustain a few scratches and get muddy, the views are definitely worth the effort.
Photographs
Fine quality prints are available in my gallery at Fine Art America.
The following photography presents Indian Flats Falls, top-down:
If you enjoy the great outdoors, then I’d highly recommend the hike to Indian Flats Falls. And, plan to spend more time than you might otherwise expect, as you’ll often find yourself stopping to enjoy scenery along the river.
Video
Thanks for stopping by!
This long exposure photograph of white water rapids was taken near Nemo Bridge, in Tennessee, digitally enhanced to emphasize detail. Prints available.
This is 75-foot tall Cummins Falls, located on the Cumberland Plateau in Cookeville, Tennessee. It’s a beautiful waterfall and popular statewide tourist destination, providing visitors a scenic 1.5 mile hike through the gorge, along Blackburn Fork River.
You don’t have to travel to enjoy this picturesque landscape, however. Simply visit my shop at Fine Art America and select a museum quality print to enjoy on a wall in your home, office, lobby, cafeteria, etc.. Several print types are available to suit your wishes.
This black and white photograph features a terraced rock base below Cummins Falls, located on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. It would make a fine accent for an empty space on a wall in your home, and many print types are available.
An artwork of science fiction with abstract metallic rings reflecting a mysterious source of light. Somewhat futuristic, and very much available on products in my shop at Society 6 – so, check it out…
Songs that I’m listening to this morning while working with photography and/or creating designs…
Modified photo from unsplash.com
Following sunrise at Luftee Overlook, I decided to take the long way home – a scenic drive along Little River Gorge Road. At a point beyond Laurel Falls, I happened to observe two small waterfalls, barely visible through the trees. So, I pulled over and parked.
After a short hike through the woods, I arrived at the edge of Little River and found a spot to take a few photographs. Doing so, I noticed a taller waterfall through the trees in the distance. Later, I would learn the name – Mannis Branch Falls.
So, I thought, can I safely cross the river, and, if so, where to begin?
The current was strong, and, each time I stepped, pressure from the power of moving water would force my foot and leg away from me, downstream. This meant that I needed to be certain that my back foot was securely planted before stepping – which first entailed determining where I could safely step, and that I should expect to have my balance tested during the process. Carrying a heavy backpack was also a consideration. In addition, the riverbed posed issues. It wasn’t easy to see through the white water. When possible, the darker areas represented larger rocks, and were very slippery. Lighter areas were safer footholds, though less common, consisting mostly of small rocks and sand. I found myself constantly trying to avoid having a foot slip between the rocks. During the crossing, I was grateful that I’d found a walking stick to help maintain my balance – and, I used two walking sticks on my return! Live and learn.
Photography
If you’d like to accent a wall in your home or office with a print featuring my photography, you can visit my gallery at Fine Art America to select the print type which best suits your interests.
Video
What made this experience most fun was the fact that I just happened to stumble upon this particular waterfall. If you look at my hiking page, you’ll see that I’ve visited many falls in the area. In each instance, I’ve researched and planned in advance. On this day, I winged it – good weather, there was water flowing, the falls were accessible, I took some nice photographs and I didn’t fall. Success!
I recently enjoyed a sunrise from the Luftee Overlook, located along US-441 South, in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.
Only one mile beyond Clingman’s Dome, this overlook faces due east. I arrived 1/2 hour before sunrise and was greeted by several photographers with tripods, set up on the sidewalk and waiting.
If you’d be interested in a print, please visit my gallery at Fine Art America to select the print type which best suits your wishes – framed, canvas, art, poster, metal, acrylic or wood.
I’ve also made a variety of other products available with this photograph, in my shop at Redbubble – check it out.
Have a nice day!
