While visiting the Twin Arches in Tennessee, I explored this small cave featuring a gap at that back that allowed light to stream inside. I’ve added this photograph to my gallery at Pixels, where many prints are available to select – so, check it out…
Part 2
See Part One: Twin Arches At Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Time and weather permitting, you’ll have a great time hiking the Twin Arches! Here’s a short video from under the North Arch…
I also shot several photographs of this interesting geological destination, which are now available as prints in my gallery at Pixels. Here are a few examples –
Hope to see you soon. In the meantime…
Enjoy the great outdoors!
Part One
I recently visited the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, which encompasses 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau – in both Kentucky and Tennessee – and boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs.
With many sights to see, I decided to hike the Twin Arches, described as “the most impressive rock arches in the eastern United States”. The North Arch has a clearance of 51 feet, a span of 93 feet and its top deck is 62 feet high, while the South Arch has a clearance of 70 feet, a span of 135 feet and its top deck is 103 feet high.
Here’s a video taken at the South Arch…
A sign at the park provided this description as to how these arches were formed:
Weaker layers of sandstone form the base of the nearly vertical walls of this narrow ridge. The weathering of these erosion-susceptible layers caused sections of the wall to fall away, forming shallow rock shelters on both sides of the ridge.
The collapse and shelter enlarging process continued until two “windows” in the narrow ridge were formed. This opening enlarged until it reached the stronger and more erosion-resistant sandstone layer of rim rock that caps the Twin Arches.
A cave was situated under one end of the South Arch, so I entered to discover that there was an exit at the back, albeit a narrow passage at approx. 18″ wide. Footprint-impressions in the sand from hikers provided some assurance that the cave was empty – no bats or bears. But, watch your step & don’t bump your head!
Here’s a short video as I entered the cave…
The top of the arches are one contiguous surface area, accessible by stairs, though the South Arch has additional areas visitors may ascend so as to attain the best view:
At the pinnacle, scenic views were truly spectacular on this fine day – unique walls of eroded sandstone, mountains and valleys lined with trees, and an interesting cap-rock area to walkabout. Here are a few examples:
Here’s a video of the surrounding environment –
The only complaint I had while visiting the Twin Arches is Divide Road. As soon as you leave TN-154, you can expect to travel for nearly 5 miles along a gravel road which is narrow with frequent & deep potholes, many hidden by shadows from trees lining the road. So, to be safe, I drove this stretch at less than 10 m.p.h..
Keep in mind, however, that the most impressive sights to see at the Twin Arches are at ground level. So, stay tuned for Part Two…
This fashionable courier bag is made by Rickshaw Bagworks in San Francisco, California, and is available in 4 sizes. It’s both water resistant & extra durable (machine-washable) – a powerhouse of versatility, perfect as a workday commuter, overnight attaché, or travel bag. It features several storage compartments, and the colors (interior binding) can be customized to your liking. Enjoy!
Located along Little River Gorge Road (State Highway 73) in the Smoky Mountains near Townsend, Tennessee, is The Sinks, a popular roadside waterfall. Parking is available, though limited – so plan to arrive early.
This is the trailhead for Meigs Creek Trail, which, at a distance of 2 miles, features the picturesque 18′ Upper Meigs Falls –
Along the hike, it’s necessary to cross the creek several times, stepping on stones and walking across logs to keep dry. So, you’ll probably want to carry (or locate) a walking stick to use for balance. Caution: damp surfaces and moss may be slippery.
Here’s a video taken at the base of Upper Meigs Falls –
Enjoy the great outdoors!
Leaving dawn behind, sunlight filters across the mountain and through trees to illuminate the trail before me. If you’d like some nature in your home or office, this picture is available in my gallery at Fine Art America on a variety of print types.
This landscape photograph features a rocky outcropping on House Mountain, located near Knoxville, Tennessee. The mountain stands 1000′ above the surrounding valley. It has two different trails to the top, leading to a 1.5 mile ridge extending from end to end, which offers wonderful panoramic-views. The scene here is located along the White Trail which finishes at the West Overlook.
If you’d be interested in a print, then visit my gallery at Fine Art America. Enjoy!
This thermal tumbler has double-walled construction to keep your warm beverages warm and your cool beverages cold, all while keeping your hands comfortable. The low profile lid snaps tight to help prevent spills and the padded bottom gives extra grip so you can sip safely. It holds 12 oz. of liquid in a sleek cylindrical shape, with a stainless steel body and plastic lid. Fits most standard cup holders.
Enjoy!
On the horizon is a space portal, a worm hole in time. What’s on the other side remains a mystery, unless one should choose to visit my gallery at Redbubble. There, visitors can discover a wide array of interesting items available print on demand. Enjoy!
Bring your luggage and hop aboard this traveling yellow van for a road trip! This whimsical graphic imagery can be enjoyed on a variety of interesting product types available through my galleries at Redbubble and Fine Art America.
Hope to see you soon!
Pondering an opportunity to audition for a new season and armor-clad with shield, this knight traveled a long distance to the set of an adventure program without viewership or color…time to hire a new agent!
You won’t have to travel very far, however, to enjoy this black and white collage. Simply visit my galleries at Fine Art America, Redbubble and/or Zazzle.
A desert highway leads towards distant mountains with a mysterious glowing light illuminating the heavens. Visitors may enjoy this fun collage in my gallery at Zazzle, on a variety of product types.
Here are a few samples:
This digital artwork features a father and son cautiously walking along the water’s edge of a lake, with their pant-cuffs rolled up to keep dry. Based on a photograph from unsplash.com. See more in my gallery at Fine Art America. Thanks for stopping by.
Enjoy this 6 1/2″ by 8 3/4″ spiral note book, featuring a star-filled cosmos glowing in the background of a mysterious, icy planet. This notebook is a great way to show off your personal style and keep track of important notes and appointments all at once. And, it makes a great gift for the young student in your family! Contains 80 black & white lined pages, college ruled.
Enjoy this textural ocean photograph of an adventurous sailboat traveling into a sunset among scattered islands. Guests may review a variety of prints available in my gallery at Fine Art America. Perfect for your home, office, cafeteria or lobby!
Enjoy this digital artwork featuring a sailboat leaving the harbor for an open-seas adventure! Based on a photograph. Guests are encouraged to visit my galleries at Society 6, Redbubble and/or Zazzle for great gifts and apparel with this image, including these samples:
Printed in the USA, this Case-Mate Tough Xtreme iPhone 6/6s Case is military-spec tested to protect against wind/rain, shock/drop, sand/dust, and vibration. It provides an impact resistant PolyCore exterior with shock-absorbing DouFlex liner, and has a built-in screen protector to prevent screen scratches and cracking. With a protective covering on all ports, controls & sensors, and a textured exterior for added grip, it’s the perfect case for your daily activities or wilderness adventures!
Enter this transport chamber to travel through time – a portal to the stars through space, it’s faster than a rocket and seat belts are optional! For individuals seeking to retain their terrestrial status, simply visit my gallery at Society 6 to discover a wide range of interesting items available featuring this design. Thanks for stopping by.
Welcome to another world, a science fiction landscape of jagged mountain peaks and a mysterious turquoise sphere reflecting in the distance. Guests are welcome to journey to my galleries at Society 6, Redbubble and/or Pixels, to discover a wide assortment of original gifts and apparel available print on demand. Thanks for stopping by.
