Category: Lessons From The Trail
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Reflections of Hiking
Having visited the Tremont section in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee a few times this past November – hiking along Lynn Camp Prong, Thunderhead Prong, Little River and Middle Prong Little River – I wasn’t surprised to see seasonally dry conditions during autumn. However, given my interest in long exposure photography, I certainly was looking…
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Upper Potter’s Falls
Prints available. Upper Potter’s Falls stands 18-feet tall and is located in Morgan County along Crooked Fork Creek, a tributary to Emory River, on the Cumberland Plateau, in Wartburg, Tennessee. As visible in the video (above) and photograph (below), there’s a rope swing for folks to enjoy during warm weather. Also, the tree featured is…
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Upper Spruce Flats Falls
It had been quite a while since first I saw another waterfall above Spruce Flats Falls. During autumn of 2021, as leaves fell from the trees, I’d caught a glimpse of whitewater through bare branches as I traversed a mountain trail in the Smoky Mountains. Of course, I had to find a way to access…
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Spruce Flats Falls
After sitting a spell to enjoy a peaceful setting at the base of Spruce Flats Falls, I decided to hike downstream to see what I could find. During summer months, the water is generally lower than otherwise, allowing one to more easily traverse the rock-lined waterway of Spruce Flats Branch. Nevertheless, there are several areas…
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Lessons From the Trail
Chasing Waterfalls By definition, waterfalls are always moving, following gravity. And, at times, falls may disappear – flowing underground, or, with seasonal changes, run dry. Furthermore, though a waterfall may be visible, getting close for a photograph often poses significant challenges. During an early morning visit to Middle Fork Falls, my first time on site,…
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Lessons From The Trail
Watch Your Step Everyone enjoys daydreaming now and then – humorous thoughts, events from earlier in the day or something planned for tomorrow, the face of a beautiful woman… That’s what happened to me on my last hike to Hen Wallow Falls, near Cosby, Tennessee. I was on my way back to the parking area,…
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Lessons From The Trail
Spatial Awareness We walk alone in fields, pass through doorways, stand in crowded elevators and wait in lines. Point being – we’re all familiar with our own presence and girth, in a variety of different settings, and generally don’t give it a second thought. However, to stay safe when hiking, some situations mandate a heightened…
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Lessons From The Trail
Listen To Your Body After hiking all day, it’s finally time to go home. However, the parking area is miles away, and, being impatience, you decide to walk faster in order to arrive at your car sooner. I’ve found myself in similar circumstances several times and have come to understand, that, when I observe myself…
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Lessons From The Trail
Don’t Rush People are always in a hurry. In fact, I would suggest this is more common today than ever. Impatience is a sickness and people can’t wait to be somewhere else – anywhere other than their present location. In many instances, this may be inconsequential. However, patience can be very important in an unfamiliar…
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Lessons From The Trail
The sounds of forest animals, echos of rushing water among mountains, wind through the trees…adventures in hiking and photography contribute to a sense of peace & happiness in my life. Accordingly, in order to enjoy such occasions, it’s important to understand and follow a few simple rules – Lessons From The Trail. Don’t Be Caught…