After a night of rain and wind, a morning fog lingers with golden leaves floating in water. Photographed at Indian Flats Falls, along the Middle Prong Trail in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
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Change of Seasons
Tag: Middle Prong Trail
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Upper Lynn Camp Falls
This beautiful autumn scenery was photographed along the Middle Prong Trail in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, featuring Upper Lynn Camp Falls. Prints are available for you to enjoy in your home for all seasons, with many format selections to choose.
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Indian Flats Falls
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
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Small Waterfall
I photographed this small waterfall along the side of a gravel road in the Tremont section of the Smoky Mountains, in Tennessee. See more.
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Black And White Fog On River
These black and white morning photographs highlight fog on the Middle Prong Little River, located in the Tremont section of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. See more.
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Splashing Waterfall
This small waterfall was photographed in the Tremont section of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, along the Middle Prong Trail. See my gallery for more.
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Water Running Over Rocky Ledge
Having rained the previous evening, the river was full when I shot this photograph along the Middle Prong Trail. This is the top edge of Lower Lynn Camp Falls, located in the Tremont section of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
You can visit my gallery at Pixels to see a nice variety of print types – and more!
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Lower Indian Flats Falls
This picture features Lower Indian Flats Falls in the foreground, with Upper Indian Flats Falls in the background. I took this photograph while hiking the Middle Prong Trail in the Tremont section of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Stop by my gallery at Pixels to select from a variety of available print types – framed, canvas, art, metal, wood and acrylic.
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Black And White Waterfall
This black and white photograph features the Upper Indian Flats Falls, as seen along Middle Prong Trail in the Tremont section of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. It’s now available on prints in my gallery at Pixels.
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Middle Prong Trail
Introduction
Located in the Tremont section of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, the Middle Prong Trail is 8.2 miles roundtrip, with Indian Flats Falls at the 4.1 mile mark. It then becomes the Greenbrier Ridge Trail, which leads to the Appalachian Trail.
Turning on Tremont Road, the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is 2.2 miles at the stop sign, providing restrooms and a small gift shop (maps, t-shirts, hats, etc.). Continue another 3.1 miles along a gravel road to reach the trailhead.
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, in operation for 38 years until 1939, with 150 miles of railroad. Visitors can find more information available at the Little River Railroad Museum web site.
“Best waterfall hike in the Smokies”
Having read this quote at hikinginthesmokies.com, I was encouraged to organize my gear and hike the area. Also, recent rainfall boded well for active streams. Following my adventure, I concur with the aforementioned sentiment!
Immediately after crossing a footbridge over the river, the trail forks – stay to the left to follow the river. Over the next 4.1 miles, elevation gain is 1140′ along a trail that I would rate as moderate in difficulty – some of the trail includes rocky terrain, and watch out for horse droppings (equestrians allowed).
Present for the entire hike were the pleasant sounds of running water echoing through the forest, from the river as well as several smaller waterfalls – including:
Lynn Camp Falls
Lower Lynn Camp Falls
Lower Lynn Camp Falls was spectacular! At approx. 1/2 mile from the trailhead, this 35′ waterfall sends water crashing downward along a multi-tiered mountainside. While cognizant of safety concerns, one may traverse its ledges for a closer view.
Without further adieu, here’s a short video of Lower Lynn Camp Falls:
If you’d be interested in prints featuring photographs of Lower Lynn Camp Falls, then please visit my gallery at Pixels to see more. Select from these options: framed, canvas, art, wood, metal or acrylic.
Here are a few examples of what you’ll find:
Upper Lynn Camp Falls
Back on the trail for less than 100 yards, hikers encounter the Upper Lynn Camp Falls. Though not as tall, this picturesque waterfall features interesting rock structures channeling the scenic Lynn Camp Prong. It’s also possible to climb near the falls, but please be aware of prevailing – potentially hazardous – surface conditions.
Here’s a short video of Upper Lynn Camp Falls:
A variety of prints featuring photographs of Upper Lynn Camp Falls are available in my gallery at Pixels.
Enjoy the outdoors → inside your home:
Back On The Trail
Returning to my trek, it wasn’t easy to stop marveling at the abundant beauty of the river, though I did enjoy additional points of interest along the way.
Sights along the trail:
Indian Flats Falls
Following several switchbacks and an increase in elevation, I observed an offshoot of the trail tucked behind a leafy-bush. It certainly wasn’t obvious and there were no signs to follow, but I knew that I must be close to Indian Flats Falls, so I turned right and proceeded into the forest. This was a much more difficult, albeit brief, section of the trail. If you make the hike, prepare to climb over and under downed trees, and exercise caution moving across larger, moss-covered rocks.
Upper & Lower Indian Flats Falls
When I arrived at Indian Flats Falls, I was the only person on site for the next 1/2 hour. This allowed me the leisure of taking several photographs, as well as finding a seat to enjoy my packed-lunch (peanut butter sandwich, banana, energy bar, h2o).
Indian Flats Falls actually has three sections; however, the bottom section was not accessible – and, the Lower Indian Flats Falls does require a rather difficult descent.
Here’s a short video of both Upper & Lower Indian Flats Falls:
Several prints of Indian Flats Falls are available in my gallery at Pixels – with customization options, allowing you to make it your own!
Here are some examples:
Conclusion
I hope that you’ve enjoyed this post highlighting the beauty of nature, as found along the Middle Prong Trail. It certainly was a wonderful experience, and I’d recommend it to anyone in the area interested in hiking.
Thanks for stopping by ~ enjoy the great outdoors!
