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.
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.
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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!
Located near Spencer, Tennessee, the Rock Island State Park has 883-acres along the Caney Fork, Collins and Rocky Rivers. It also features the rugged beauty of an expansive Caney Fork Gorge.
On my first visit to the park, I learned that, in order to access the base of Great Falls, a 30-foot horseshoe cascading waterfall, one should expect to get wet. Most folks in the gorge on the south side of the Caney Fork River near the waterfall are there to swim in a large plunge pool, sporting water shoes and swim attire. Keeping dry can be difficult and entails carefully navigating a very slippery, narrow and moss-covered non-flat surface.
Recalling my previous experience, I decided that, this time, I’d attempt to access the area via a trail originating from across the river, near the Twin Falls parking area. There were several signs along the way stating, ‘No Access Above Falls’, indicating that I was probably headed in the right direction. Beyond a pond and across a forested hillside, I was able to traverse a series of rocks in the river, which led me to the base of the waterfalls – and, I stayed dry!
Photographs 1 & 2 were taken looking back at the trail which I had hiked moments earlier.
Photographs
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.
I hope that you find something to purchase and enjoy for years to come. Thanks for visiting!
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Located near Old Fort, North Carolina, only 26 miles east of Asheville, the 100-foot tall Catawba Falls highlights the scenic beauty of the Pisgah National Forest. Following a well maintained trail along a mossy riverbed on the Catawba River, the sounds of rushing water over many small cascades accompany visitors on this slightly uphill, family-friendly 2.5 mile out and back hike.
This is a popular tourist destination with a large parking lot, restrooms and an informational placard at the trailhead. Accordingly, visitors should plan upon an early arrival if wishing to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, absent crowds – mine was the second car parked onsite, though an estimated 80 vehicles were observed at the time of my departure.
Under a shaded forest canopy, hikers will cross the river on two footbridges and encounter remnants of an early 1900’s hydroelectric dam…
There are also several interesting side trails leading to picturesque spots aside Catawba River…
Prints
If you enjoy the great outdoors – especially waterfalls – then I’m certain that you’d be pleased with a purchase of any of the many print types available in my gallery at Fine Art America.
Framed / Canvas / Art / Poster / Metal / Wood / Acrylic / Tapestry
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If you’d like to extend your hiking adventure by undertaking a strenuous and difficult climb, another 1/2 mile trek leads to the beautiful Upper Catawba Falls. Warning: this is potentially a dangerous area if you’re not skilled at climbing rocks and steep mountainsides, and hikers must ascend a 25-foot rock face using a secured rope for assistance. Here are a few photographs along the trail…
The sound of falling water continued to intensify, until, finally, I could see Upper Catawba Falls through the trees! Standing approx. 60-feet tall, this isolated, picturesque waterfall features a broad plunge pool with large rocks scattered to the side, useful as seating. With a snack and water, I enjoyed the sights & sounds of this setting, uninterrupted over the course of my 45-minute stay.
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Located in the Tremont section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Cades Cove in Tennessee, the scenic Spruce Flats Falls stands 30-feet tall and can be enjoyed by hiking a moderately difficult trail measuring two miles out and back.
There are several changes in elevation and rocky areas to traverse along the well-marked trail, so good hiking shoes are a must. Bears are sometimes present, though less so than crowds of people – it’s a popular spot to visit, so arrive early if you’d like to enjoy the area in a tranquil setting.
Presently, due to concerns regarding COVID-19, the park office and restroom remain closed. So too is the parking area, though a gravel lot directly across the bridge is convenient. Also, the plunge pool beneath the falls provides a nice spot to cool off – great for kids!
Prints
If you’d be interested in a print for your home or office, you can visit my gallery to purchase any of the following photographs. Each product is manufactured at one of 16 global production facilities and delivered “ready-to-hang” with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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If you’ve been considering adding something to a wall in your home or office, then consider adding something in black and white – such as these cascades from above Soco Falls (North Carolina). Visit my gallery at Fine Art America to see more.
I photographed this scenic and remote waterfall while exploring Paine Creek on the Cumberland Plateau, near Dayton, Tennessee. You can enjoy its beauty everyday – on a wall in your home – by visiting my gallery at Fine Art America. Thanks for stopping by!
Despite low water levels, this photograph of a waterfall along Paine Creek – on the Cumberland Plateau, near Dayton, Tennessee – would look great on a wall in your home. Visit my gallery at Fine Art America today and review a variety of print types available. Thanks!
This magical spot is known as City Lake Falls, located in Cookeville, Tennessee, 8 miles from the highway and only a 1/4 mile hike into the forest. See more.
Here’s another photograph of the wonderful waterfall located at or near the top of Paine Creek. Guests are encouraged to visit my shop to see more & enjoy the great outdoors!
