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…
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.
Welcome to a mysterious land on an alien planet covered with terraced rock ledges and a distant sun. This digital art was created using Adobe Photoshop, Bryce and Affinity Photo software. Guests may discover a variety of items available by visiting my galleries at Fine Art America and Redbubble…
It’s out of sight!
Beyond the moon’s horizon lies the planet earth and a distant, glowing cosmos. This digital space scene can be yours on a variety of items available print on demand in my galleries at Redbubble, Society 6 and Fine Art America. So, why not stop by for a visit and explore…
One of these stairways leads outside, beyond the window and into the city. The other set of stairs brings you right back to where you started from, stuck inside this grungy haunted house. Whichever path you may choose, make sure to stop in for a visit to my galleries at Redbubble, Society 6, Fine Art America and/or Zazzle. A variety of fun products are available featuring this black and white, labyrinth-style design! To find your way out, don’t forget to bring some breadcrumbs…
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.
That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. But, watch that first step – it’s a doozie! Enjoy this wall tapestry, highlighting the famous quote of Neil Armstrong from the Apollo 11 space mission to the moon. Available in three sizes (shown here, large measures 104″ by 88″), it’s made of 100% lightweight polyester with hand-sewn finished edges. Durable enough for both indoor and outdoor use.
This terraced, sci-fi landscape featuring sedimentary canyon walls and a winding river would make an excellent addition to the walls in your home, or at your dormitory! Visit my gallery at Redbubble for a great selection of print types – posters, canvas, photographic, art, framed and metal. Wall tapestries are also available. Enjoy!
After traveling for what felt like hours, I finally reached the crest of a hilltop which seemed familiar, like a place that I may have played as a child. Yet something was different, puzzling me…where had my friends gone, and the tree that I so enjoyed climbing in my youth? I closed my eyes for a moment to imagine what those days were like, and in my mind I returned home…
Available in these galleries ▸ Fine Art America, Redbubble, Zazzle, Society 6
