With terrain difficult to traverse by either surface-rover or foot, an aerial transport is required to visit this mysterious Land of The Golden Orb. I used Bryce to create this science fiction landscape, as well as Adobe Photoshop for finishing details.
Visit my galleries at Pixels and/or Zazzle to discover some really far-out stuff!
As part of my House Mountain in Knoxville, TN series…
Part Four: Conclusion
It was a great day hiking House Mountain, and I certainly would recommend this as a day-trip for anyone in the area wishing to enjoy the great outdoors! Bring the proper clothing, water and camera – and prepare to rest along the way to fully enjoy the scenery. And, expect to be sore the next day!
Following 4 miles of hiking up the Mountain Trail (blue trail) and back-and-forth along the Crest Trail, I began the 1-mile decent down the mountain. Here are some photographs I took along the way…
It’s difficult to see, but if you look closely at Photograph 3 & Photograph 4, you’ll observe that the trail turns abruptly at times, usually associated with steep, rocky terrain. In a few instances, I had to pack my camera in order to free both hands for a safe descent around such turns on the trail. So, be careful!
Visiting House Mountain –
If you’d like to review my collection of House Mountain photographs as prints, then stop by my gallery at Fine Art America to have a look around! Thanks.
I plan to return to the mountain for another hike, probably along a different (red) trail…so, see you then!
Part One: The Ascent
House Mountain is located in Corryton, Tennessee, just 10 miles northeast of Knoxville, and, at 2,110 feet above sea level, it’s the highest elevation in Knox County. The actual mountain stands 1,000 feet above the surrounding valley floor, with a few different trails available for hikers to select. I chose the Mountain Trail (blue trail), which is 1 mile long.
The following photographs are available as prints in my gallery at Fine Art America, and provide a fair representation (in sequence) of the challenging terrain along the trail.
Despite a strenuous climb lasting for approximately 1 hour until I reached the 1-mile marker on the trail, the views along the way were wonderful! Huge boulders were strewn along the mountainside and, looking up, it sometimes appeared to be impossibly steep, where the mountain seemed to be leaning uncomfortably forward – a dizzying view!
The Crest Trail sign shown above reads as follows –
The Crest Trail traverses the top of the mountain and is 1.5-miles long from overlook to overlook, winding along the top of the ridge partly on public and partly on private land. At each end of the Crest Trail you can enjoy a splendid view. The approach to the East End Overlook winds through many large boulders. The East End Overlook provides a view of Clinch Mountain, the parent of House Mountain, and the ridge and valley toward Blaine and Rutledge. The West End Overlook provides a great view of Knoxville, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Cumberland Mountains out toward Oak Ridge.
I first headed toward the West Overlook, took in the sights and then returned. Next, I hiked to the East Overlook – which, in my opinion and despite the aforementioned accolades, is a much more scenic & preferred location – before descending the Mountain Trail (blue trail) back to the car. Altogether, it was a 5-mile hike at a level of exertion certain to leave me sore by morning!
The hike was a slow process, with matters of proper footing a real concern along the way. Steep drops in close proximity to the trail were a good reminder to always remain cautious. Rocks and roots served as steps in many areas, and wet spots from a few different springs were observed. In a few instances, trails diverted to skirt around large fallen trees, though most of the hiking was ‘obstacle-free’.
In the days ahead, I’ll provide more photographs from this outing – so, stay tuned…
UPDATE: Additional links regarding House Mountain in Knoxville, TN –
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!
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.
This macro photography features a textural view of a predominantly quartz, conglomerate rock surface. If you’d like to add a new picture to a wall in your home, or at your place of work, then please stop by my gallery at Fine Art America. Many selections available, such as the framed print:
Framed Print 36″ x 27″
Enjoy this close up photography of an interesting textural and colorful rock surface. Select one of several available print types – framed, canvas, art, metal, wood, acrylic – in my gallery at Fine Art America. Customization options, too.
Enjoy this three dimensional desert landscape, with stars at dawn and light reflecting on a large moon in the sky. I used both Adobe Photoshop and Bryce to create this science fiction scene, which has been added to my galleries at Redbubble, Society 6 and Fine Art America. If you’re looking for some great gift ideas, or something for yourself, then stop by and have a look around…
This contemporary art features a three dimensional design created using a close-up photograph of a flagstone wall. Great for the home, office or dormitory setting. Available on a wide assortment of items in my galleries at Redbubble and Fine Art America. I used Bryce and Adobe Photoshop creative software. Check it out…
Like the lyrics from Donald Fagen’s 1982 song, The Nightfly, this mountain landscape featuring “Mt. Belzoni” also incorporates the fictitious. Nonetheless, you can have this expansive scene in your home or office on a wide variety of print types, by visiting my gallery at Fine Art America. Thanks for stopping by.
Light bends through narrow canyon walls, casting reflections across a shallow blue river. Decorate your bathroom with this surreal artwork on a shower curtain, made from 100% polyester and printed in the USA. It features a 12 button-hole top for simple hanging and allows machine wash and dry maintenance for easy care. Dimensions are 71″ by 74″. Curtain rod, shower curtain liner and hooks not included. Enjoy!
Amidst the jagged edges of a roughed landscape terrain, a brilliant reflecting blue sphere sits perched for discovery. These gray peaks were created using a fractal image which I imported into three dimensional space, providing a contrast with the smooth, colorful sphere. You can enjoy this framed print in your home or at the office, by visiting my gallery at Society 6. Several different frames to select. Enjoy!
Welcome to an alien world with reflecting silver spikes and a mysterious blue orb. It’s quite cold, so visitors are encouraged to dress accordingly. This science fiction landscape design is available as a framed print with options to customize the size, frame, mat, paper and finish. Many other items to select, as well. Enjoy!
Let your imagination wander along the curving waterways between mysterious terraced mountains, as you enjoy this decorative wall tapestry in your home or dormitory room. Made of 100% lightweight polyester with hand-sewn finished edges and available in three sizes; shown here, large (88″ by 104″). Durable enough for both indoor and outdoor use. Enjoy!
Enjoy this three dimensional digital landscape of a frozen, ice covered body of water with a chain of several islands leading toward the horizon. If you’re considering adding some new art to your home or office, please visit my gallery at Pixels to discover a wide variety of different print types, such as: framed, canvas, metal, acrylic, prints and posters.
Welcome to an alien world of reflective blue peaks and a mysterious orb. There’s a village with a visitors center beyond the horizon – just be careful where you step. Available in three sizes, this fantasy landscape wall tapestry would look great in your home or dormitory! Made of 100% lightweight polyester with hand-sewn finished edges.
How’s the weather on Mercury? Well, hot. Enjoy this fun landscape design featuring the planet of our solar system closest to the sun. Visit my gallery at Pixels to discover several different items available featuring this image, such as: prints, greeting cards, device cases, throw pillows, duvet covers, shower curtains, tote bags and t-shirts.
