Tag: hike

Abrams Falls in Cades Cove, TN

Abrams Falls at Cades Cove, TN

Nature, Photography April 22, 2019

Sometimes it takes longer than expected to reach your destination, as it’s difficult not to stop to enjoy nature. Such was my experience recently while driving to Cades Cove in Tennessee, pausing to view this random roadside waterfall:

Once in Cades Cove, you’ll drive along an 11-mile road that’s a one-way loop through a valley surrounded by mountains. After crossing Abrams Creek, turn right on the gravel road (see Red Star) leading to the trailhead. Restrooms are available.

To beat the crowds – it’s one of the most popular areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – arrive early. I began my hike at 9:00 a.m. and encountered only three people returning on the trail, with three more taking photographs at Abrams Falls. By the time I left, dozens of people were en route.

Considered moderate in difficulty, hikers can expect to take 3-4 hours on the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abrams Falls, which traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock-rhododendron forest along the river. The sound of running water remains constant along the trail, though elevations vary by several hundred feet.

Named for a Cherokee chief whose village once stood several miles downstream, Abrams Falls are only 20 feet high but account for a substantial volume of water.

Here’s a short video –

Gallery

Here are some beautiful landscape photographs I took while hiking in Cades Cove, along the trail to Abrams Falls…

If you’d be interested in owning a print, I’ve included select photographs in my gallery at Pixels. Each is available on a variety of different print types – framed, canvas, art, wood, metal and acrylic.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hiking the great state of Tennessee

Concave Sandstone Bluff

Nature, Photography April 21, 2019

I photographed this interesting sandstone bluff at Twin Arches in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, in Tennessee. The concave structure provided a ceiling, of sorts, extending perhaps 30 feet. Now, you can enjoy this geological structure in your home or office, available on a variety of different print-types to suit your wishes. See my gallery at Pixels for more!

Hiking the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Top of South Arch

Nature, Photography April 20, 2019

While hiking at the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, in Tennessee, I climbed to the top of South Arch to shoot this photograph. If you’d be interested in a print, then visit my gallery at Pixels. Many print types are available for your review, as are customization options to make it your own!

Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frozen Head State Park

Frozen Head State Park

Nature, Photography April 4, 2019
Map of Frozen Head State Park

Frozen Head State Park is situated in the beautiful Cumberland Mountains of Eastern Tennessee. The mountainous terrain varies from an elevation of 1,340 feet to over 3,000 feet on 16 different mountain peaks, with 13,122 acres of relatively undisturbed forest containing some of the richest wildflower areas in the state (better viewed during summer months).

A short 45-minute drive from Knoxville, Tennessee, I recently visited the park to hike the Chimney Top Trail, a steep, rugged trail with giant sandstone caprock and natural vista. It’s a 3.5 mile trek to the top with a total gain in elevation of 3,460 feet, as hikers ascend two separate mountains along the trail. Total time: 6 hours.

Here’s part of the Frozen Head State Park map featuring the Chimney Top Trail:

Map of Frozen Head State Park

There were several points of interest along the hike, including the following:

Moss-covered Rocks
Flowing Creek
Sandstone Outcropping
Layers of Sandstone
Rocks Near Top

The challenges to this hike were several. First, the distance: 3.5 miles each way. Second, the mind – that is, after hiking up a mountain for 50 minutes, it’s somewhat discouraging to then be faced with having to hike down the backside, losing gains in elevation, only to then be greeted by an even taller mountain. Lastly, the finish: towards the top, hikers encounter the trail’s only flat surface along a ridge; however, this is short-lived, as the final stretch is by far the most difficult.

During this final stretch, glimpses on the rocky top can be seen through the forest:

Hikers must climb the sandstone caprock using one of several pathways, in order to enjoy the wonderful view from the peak of Chimney Top Mountain – seen here:

Rock Ledge
Moss-covered Plateau
Chimney Top Mountain
View of Bird Mountain
Elevation Marker

This is a topographic computer simulation of Bird Mountain, as seen from the top of Chimney Top Mountain, provided in the park map:

Finally, I shot this panoramic video with my iPhone as I walked across the caprock:

Make sure you carry a walking stick, and…

Enjoy the Cumberland Mountains!

Upper Meigs Falls

Upper Meigs Falls

Nature, Photography March 28, 2019

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.

The Sinks

This is the trailhead for Meigs Creek Trail, which, at a distance of 2 miles, features the picturesque 18′ Upper Meigs Falls –

Upper Meigs Falls
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 –

Upper Meigs Falls

Enjoy the great outdoors!

Above The Frost Line

Above The Frost Line

Nature, Photography March 23, 2019

This frost-covered mountain was photographed during a recent hike to Rainbow Falls on Mount Le Conte, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Despite it being Spring, and with Knoxville (1.5 hours away) temperatures forecast in the mid-50’s, higher elevations in the mountains remained freezing. My advice to hikers during this time of year is to pack extra clothes…and bring a pair of gloves!

At the 2.7 mile marker, this short video features the 80′ waterfalls –

Enjoy the great outdoors!

Boulders Along The Trail

Boulders Along The Trail

Nature, Photography February 2, 2019

During my 1-mile hike along a trail at House Mountain, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, an increased frequency of larger boulders became more commonplace. Looking uphill, I photographed this picturesque setting of several such boulders. If you’d be interested in a print for your home, office, or as a gift for family or friends, then visit my gallery at Fine Art America. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Snow In The Woods

Nature, Photography November 18, 2018

Although falling snow can sometimes serve as an impediment for good photographs – large, blurred streaks – my walk today in the snow covered forest was a pleasant excursion into nature, where I found several nice winter scenes along the way. The trail I followed is located at Island Drive Park in Ann Arbor, Michigan, meandering aside the Huron River near the soccer fields of Fuller Park.