Palm trees & oceanside hotels await visitors at this abstract southern destination. Take a trip to my shop at Pixels to see more!
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Southern Destination
Tag: tourism
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Return To Benton Falls
Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee, inside the Cherokee National Forest, the Chilhowee Recreation Area is home to Benton Falls.
Driving 7 miles up the mountain along Oswald Road, several scenic overlooks provide excellent morning views –
It’s $3 parking for a day pass, where visitors can enjoy bicycling, camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and water activities. And, there are picnic tables, drinking water and toilets available. Dogs allowed.
From the trailhead, hikers can enjoy views of the scenic 7-acre Lake McCamy, including a quiet beach and clean water for swimming.
Continuing to Benton Falls, it’s a 3 mile out and back hike along a heavily trafficked trail of mostly hard-pack sand, with some rocks.
Benton Falls
If you’d be interested in a print of any kind, visit my shop at Pixels.
Framed / Canvas / Art / Poster / Metal / Wood / Acrylic / Tapestry
When it was time to depart, I once again enjoyed expansive views along the drive down the mountain –
Thanks For Stopping By
Also: see my first visit to Benton Falls.
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City Lake Falls
Located in Cookeville, Tennessee, City Lake Falls is a small waterfall which can be enjoyed following a 1/4-mile hike along a paved surface through the woods.
There’s ample parking, picnic area, lake for fishing and/or water sports & a wooden viewing platform at the falls – no restrooms.
The Waterfall
If you’d be interested in a print of any kind, visit my shop at Pixels.
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Cummins Falls
Cummins Falls is a popular & scenic waterfall located along the Blackburn Fork River near Cookeville, Tennessee. I shot this photograph while visiting in 2019, and have formatted this black and white picture in a style similar to the technique used by the famous photographer Ansel Adams.
This is not a limited print, and prints are available in my gallery at Pixels. Select from framed, canvas, art, poster, metal, wood, acrylic and tapestry options.
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The Sinks On Little River
Located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee along the Little River, a scenic waterfall known as The Sinks is an easy-access sightseeing destination for visitors of all ages. From your vehicle in the parking area, it’s only a 50-foot walk to a viewing platform! Here are some photographs I’ve made available as prints in my gallery at Pixels…
Thanks for stopping by!
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Return To Northrup Falls
Located on the Cumberland Plateau in the Colditz Cove State Natural Area, is one of Tennessee’s most stunning waterfalls – Northrup Falls.
It’s an easy hike into the gorge along Big Branch Creek, where visitors pass towering rock cliffs leading to the 65-foot waterfall with turquoise plunge pool. The trail meanders through an old-growth forest of large hemlocks and white pines, some of which are over 200 years old, before splitting left or right along the top edge of the gorge. There, the trail becomes a loop and either direction leads to the base of (and behind) the falls. However, traveling left provides an earlier view of several interesting geological sights.
Note: shallow, open cave-like structures – a.k.a., “rock houses” – line the creek gorge. These shelters were used by cliff-dwelling Woodland Indians over 3,000 years ago.
Recent Photographs
This was my second time visiting Northrup Falls, and I did so during a period of a few hours, between (several days of) rain and an oncoming thunderstorm. Hence, everything was wet – muddy trail, slippery rocks – with complete cloud cover. Nevertheless, beautiful scenery!
My First Visit
I first visited Northrup Falls last summer during the month of July, when I enjoyed warm weather, vibrant colors of nature and dry conditions. Here are a few photographs from that hike…
Prints
You can enjoy these beautiful scenes of the great outdoors year-round with the purchase of a print from my shop at Pixels. Select among these options: framed, canvas, art, metal, wood and/or acrylic. And, framed prints may also be customized to suit your wishes (size, frame, mat, paper and finish). Whether as home decor, at the office, in a lobby or cafeteria setting, waterfalls serve as an appealing, refreshing addition to your living spaces. Enjoy!
Video
Thanks for stopping by!
Located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee near Gatlinburg, the trail to Rainbow Falls (80 feet) ascends the northern slopes of Mount LeConte (6,593 feet). Despite being rated as a difficult hike, the 2.75 mile trail to the falls is heavily trafficked with a constant incline over sometimes rugged terrain. With many switchbacks, it has an elevation gain of 1,653 feet and is one of six separate routes up the mountain. During warm weather, hikers should consider arriving early to secure a parking space, as the lot fills quickly.
If hiking during winter months, come prepared with proper clothing – the falls are above the frost line and temperatures can be quite cold. Here’s a photograph from my hike in March, 2019:
Photographs
Fortunately, the weather was wonderful during my recent visit, as evident in the following scenes…
Prints
Interested in a print for your home or office? If so, then visit my shop at Pixels to select from a variety of available print types, including: framed, canvas, art, metal, acrylic and wood. Other items, also.
Thanks for stopping by!
Video
Here’s a video of Rainbow Falls…
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Small Falls On Cane Creek
This small waterfall was photographed in the Fall Creek Falls State Park, along Cane Creek. Prints and more are available in my gallery at Pixels. Check it out…
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Piney Falls
Located in Tennessee within the Fall Creek Falls State Park, Piney Falls stands 95 feet tall and offers scenic views from an overlook near the parking area. Unfortunately, there are no unobstructed views from the canyon rim. Also, the suspension bridge near the falls is currently closed for repairs. However, there is a difficult trail to the base of the gorge which provides a better view. During winter months, hikers should be weary of slippery ice near the falls.
Prints Available
Framed. Canvas. Art. Metal. Wood. Acrylic. Also, customizable. Visit my gallery to see more.
Thanks for stopping by!
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The Tipton Place At Cades Cove
The Tipton Place is located along the scenic 11-mile drive in Cades Cove near Townsend, Tennessee. A homestead originally settled by Revolutionary War Veteran William “Fighting Billy” Tipton in the 1820’s, descendant Hamp Tipton later built the two-story timber-framed house in 1878. The grounds contain several rustic buildings, of which visitors may enjoy exploring – as seen below:
Photographs
Prints
Visit my gallery to select a print for your home, office, lobby or cafeteria!
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John Oliver Cabin At Cades Cove
Related Post: see also – Elijah Oliver Place at Cades Cove
One of the most popular tourist destinations located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is just a short drive from Townsend, Tennessee. Wonderful views of mountains, valleys, wildlife and historical structures are featured along an 11-mile loop through the area. Along the drive, visitors will encounter the John Oliver Cabin.
The cabin was built in 1822 by John and Lucretia Oliver, the cove’s first permanent European settlers, one of many structures that followed – several of which remain, today. By 1850, the population of Cades Cove tallied 671.
Photographs
A beautiful landscape –
And, the cabin –
Prints
Visit my gallery at Pixels to see fine quality prints available for purchase.
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Chimney Tops In Smoky Mountains
Driving along route US-441 S from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, there are several parking areas which provide scenic views of the pinnacles.
One such location has an information-placard posted, which reads:
The Cherokees called the mountain Duniskwalguni, meaning ‘forked antlers’.
The half-billion-year-old Chimney Tops, made of slates, schists, and phyllites, sit atop even older rock – Thunderhead sandstone, a tough, erosion resistant rock. The chimney rock (Anakeesta Formation) is softer than the sandstone, allowing rain, hail, and ice – over hundreds of millions of years – to fashion its chimney-shaped likeness.
The rugged Chimney Tops pierce the forest that cloaks most of the Great Smoky Mountain ridges. The bare rock offers scant soil for plants. Only shallow-rooted shrubs and trees like rhododendron, mountain laurel, red spruce, and eastern hemlock thrive here.
The Hike
One of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Chimney Tops trail gains 1400 feet over 2 miles – a steep climb! So, wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
With only one seating area along the trail, I would recommend that hikers carry a walking-stick or trekking-poles, either of which makes resting easier by supporting ones’ weight, when necessary.
The trail crosses rushing streams on three occasions, prior to ascending the side of the mountain. Though principally hard-packed dirt with light gravel, both stone & wooden steps located periodically along the trail serve to facilitate an easier hiking-experience.
On my visit, I arrived early and was the third car parked and the second hiker to reach the top. Pictured below is a wood & dirt structure where visitors may rest and enjoy a wonderful view of the Smokies.
Photographs
The best place to see the Chimney Tops, however, is located to the left, another 50 feet along the trail. Here, looking towards the northwest, the bright morning sun highlighted the front-face of the pinnacles for stunning views! For hikers continuing beyond this point, be careful – a narrow trail, fallen trees, slippery rocks and substantial height along this steep mountain entails cautious deliberation.
Video
At 18-seconds, you’ll see a circular gap within the trees along the ridge (right side); this is the observation area – see black and white photograph, above.
Prints
Several of these photographs are available in my galleries at Pixels and/or Fine Art America, and more will be added in the days ahead – so, stop by for a visit! Enjoy selecting your choice of framed, canvas, art, metal, acrylic and/or wood prints. Tapestries & other items, too.
Perspective
For a better sense of height from the pinnacles, here are two photographs highlighting the scenic view parking areas (see photograph at beginning), the later with zoom magnification:
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Andrews Bald
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina near the border with Tennessee, Andrews Bald is a high elevation grassy meadow which can be reached by hiking 1.8 miles along the Forney Ridge Trail. Named for Andres Thompson, a cattle herder who used the area in the 1840’s, it has the distinction of being the highest bald in the Great Smoky Mountains.
The trailhead begins near the end of the parking area by the paved trail to Clingman’s Dome, a very popular tourist destination. By contrast, Andrews Bald is much less traveled, with a 1200-foot change in elevation.
Here are some photographs –
Prints
Prints are available in my galleries at Pixels and/or Fine Art America. Thanks!
In the style of a digital painting, this standard 5″ x 7″ greeting card features a sailboat moving into the sunset. One envelope included. Select either matte or semi-gloss paper type. Printed in USA.
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Photographs From Twin Falls, TN
I recently had the opportunity to revisit Twin Falls, at Rock Island State Park in Tennessee, as my previous outing – which also included both Burgess Falls State Park and Rock Island State Park – had exhausted me beyond my capacity to fully appreciate the 80′ waterfalls.
The water source of Twin Falls is the Collins River, which, after merging with the Caney Fork River, is dammed. As a result, the river expanded with greater pressure, subsequently causing water to seep through limestone embankments; hence, the waterfalls emerge through the cliff, rather than over the edge.
Here are some photographs I took –
Following recent rains, the volume of water flowing was significant. If you’re able, I’d recommend hiking down along the rocks in front of Twin Falls to sit and enjoy the scenery. Despite wind and spray generated by falling water, and though the sound may be loud, the views are stunning!
Prints Available
Enjoy this scenery in your home of office year-round by selecting a print from my online shop at Pixels! Choose the following print types: framed, canvas, art, metal, wood or acrylic.
Video of Twin Falls
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Northrup Falls At Colditz Cove
Welcome!
Northrup Falls are located in the Colditz Cove State Natural Area, approximately two miles east of Allardt, Tennessee. Off the beaten trail, it’s an easy hike to enjoy the 65′ waterfall, as well as massive cliffs in a horseshoe-shaped gorge, recessed caves and a turquoise plunge pool. You’ll also enjoy an old-growth forest of large hemlocks and white pines, some of which are over 200 years old!
Here’s a map to the park:
Come prepared with good hiking shoes, as some surfaces – such as around and behind the waterfall – can be slick. Bring water, your camera, and, if you enjoy the water, proper attire for swimming.
The trail begins at the left end of the parking area, where there’s a billboard with information about the park. Or, if you’d prefer, there’s also a quicker start – a shorter 50′ connector route to the trail, found at the right side of the parking area. Either way, the path leads hikers to the front edge of the gorge, where the trail splits to loop in a circle. Turning left, you’ll encounter more rocks, cliffs and caves along the way, though both directions lead to the base of the waterfall. You’ll probably want to see the full loop.
This is a quiet, peaceful area without many visitors. I hiked the park on a weekend during the morning, and saw only a total of eight people – and a dog – in three small groups.
Here’s some of what you’ll see:
Prints
I hope that you’ve enjoyed these images of Northrup Falls. If you might be interested in purchasing a print, several are available in my gallery at Pixels. A nice addition for your home, work – or, as a gift. Thanks for stopping by!
Video
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Bald River Falls In Tennessee
Located in the Cherokee National Forest of the Southern Appalachian Mountains of east Tennessee, Bald River Falls is where the Bald River, a major tributary, empties into the Tellico River. With an elevation of 90 feet, the falls are visible from the scenic Tellico River Road (Forest Service Road 210), which was built on an old logging railroad bed.
Hiking with my camera, I’m always interested in a variety of perspectives from which to photograph subject matter. In this case, I wanted a view from the top of the waterfall. So, at 55 years old, weighing 235 lbs. and carrying a heavy backpack, I scaled steep, damp surfaces covered with slippery moss, clinging for stability to small trees, roots and fissures in rocks. It was, at times, a challenging climb, only to discover that, once at the top, there was an easier way – an established trail. D’oh!
Following a few days of rain, the Bald River Falls were heavy with water and rumbled loudly through the gorge, splashing mist into the air to cast a rainbow over the plunge pool and road. As such, I repeatedly needed to dry the lens of my camera.
Photographs
Prints
A variety of prints (framed, canvas, art, metal, wood, acrylic) – and other fine items – featuring these photographs are available in my gallery at Pixels. Stop by for a visit…
I recently had the privilege of enjoying lunch at McCloud Mountain Restaurant, located atop the Cumberland Mountains at an elevation of 2700 feet. See the menu.
Contact 423-562-3282 for reservations.
Address: 1220 McClouds Trail – Duff, TN 37729
The food is delicious, though it’s really the view that draws patrons to visit McCloud Mountain. Here are some photographs from the restaurant, and the Skywalk –
Enjoy your meal!
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies.
National Park Service
History
Though archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements, it is believed that Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove for hundreds of years before the first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821.
As the population of this Tennessee settlement increased, so too did the number and variety of structures, many historic buildings of which remain to the present day – including three churches, a working grist mill, barns and log houses.
Elijah Oliver Place
Traveling along an 11-mile, one-way loop road which circles the cove, visitors have an opportunity to sightsee at a leisurely pace, enjoying scenic views, abundant wildlife and preserved homesteads.
A short 1/2 mile from the road, the Elijah Oliver Place dates back to 1866. Elijah was the son of John and Lucretia Oliver, the cove’s first permanent European settlers, and the homestead includes a dog-trot cabin, a chicken coop, a corn crib, a spring house, and a crude stable.
Photography
Here are some photographs I shot while visiting the Elijah Oliver Place –
Prints
For prints (and more), visit my gallery at Pixels.
Related Post: see also – John Oliver Cabin At Cades Cove
I recently visited Clingmans Dome in the Smoky Mountains. Located along the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina, it’s the highest point in Tennessee at 6,643 feet, as well as the highest point in the Smoky Mountains National Park.
It’s a very popular tourist destination, so visitors should arrive early if they don’t wish to walk long distances. There’s also a 1/2 mile paved path leading up a steep grade to an observation tower, which offers spectacular 360-degree views! Along the way are many seating areas, and a gift shop. A restroom is also available.
Here are a few photographs –
Walking to the top, one encounters the Appalachian Trail crossing Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along the 2,144 miles from Georgia to Maine.
Here’s a short video taken from the observation tower –
Prints
Visit my gallery at Pixels for prints of Clingmans Dome!
