The approach is from the top of the falls and then you scurry down the hillside through the mountain laurel to reach the base.
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Sunday, May 15, 2011
Wolf Creek Falls
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These falls are hidden away in the mountains of eastern Tennessee in Cocke County -- about 15 miles or so beyond Max Patch in Madison County, North Carolina. It's a lot of driving on gravel roads, but the falls, themselves, are just a quarter mile off the dirt road.
The approach is from the top of the falls and then you scurry down the hillside through the mountain laurel to reach the base.
I actually prefer reaching the falls from the base. There is something magical about hiking along and suddenly hearing the water and then seeing bits and pieces of the falls through the undergrowth -- then suddenly -- there they are!
It was growing dark so we didn't stay long. This definitely requires a return trip -- on a hot day -- just to sample the pool -- and stand under those falls.
The approach is from the top of the falls and then you scurry down the hillside through the mountain laurel to reach the base.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Snake Crossing
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I encountered this beautiful critter as I drove down Meadow Fork Road near Spring Creek, North Carolina. He stopped and posed for the shot and then, hopefully, made it all the way across the road.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Wildflowers and Plants in Eastern Tennessee
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After the short hike to Red Fork Falls (see previous posting), I took a drive along Forest Service Road 230 aka Unaka Mountain Road -- and spotted early spring in the higher elevations.
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| Trillium |
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| Wild Strawberry |
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| May Apple |
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| The Appalachian Trail runs just behind this fence at a place called Beauty Spot. It certainly is! |
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| Berries and Plant Life at Red Fork Falls |
Red Fork Falls
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These falls are not the easiest to find.
There are no markings.
It is definitely worth the effort to seek them out. They are among the most beautiful that I have seen in the last few weeks. The falls ride down steps of stones with bright green moss along the edges. The falls are about 75 or so feet high.
The trip to the base of the falls is a bit treacherous because of the slippery rocks. Bushes and trees come in handy to ease the trip up and down.
At the base of the falls, there's a small pool, although, I am not sure it would be safe to climb in since small stones do come over the falls; however, it was tempting to climb in because of the 81 degree heat today. Just above the pool is a large rock that is perfect to lie on. The mist and cool breeze feel absolutely terrific.
Red Fork Falls are in Eastern Tennessee near Erwin and just off Unaka Mountain Road. When you see the big orange circle painted on a tree by the road, you've reached the pull out!
These falls are not the easiest to find.
There are no markings.
It is definitely worth the effort to seek them out. They are among the most beautiful that I have seen in the last few weeks. The falls ride down steps of stones with bright green moss along the edges. The falls are about 75 or so feet high.
The trip to the base of the falls is a bit treacherous because of the slippery rocks. Bushes and trees come in handy to ease the trip up and down.
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| The scramble to the bottom of the falls via a rough trail. |
At the base of the falls, there's a small pool, although, I am not sure it would be safe to climb in since small stones do come over the falls; however, it was tempting to climb in because of the 81 degree heat today. Just above the pool is a large rock that is perfect to lie on. The mist and cool breeze feel absolutely terrific.
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| The pool at the base was very tempting! |
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| About a quarter of the way down |
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| Top of the Falls |
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Jerry Miller Trail
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The Jerry Miller Trail is in the Shelton Laurel Back Country area of Madison County, North Carolina and offers quite a variety -- hardwoods, lots of rhododendron, a slick rock waterfall and a beautiful little meadow that was filled with wildflowers and plants.
I spotted a variety of plants, lizards and snails along the way and snapped them with my camera.
The Jerry Miller Trail is in the Shelton Laurel Back Country area of Madison County, North Carolina and offers quite a variety -- hardwoods, lots of rhododendron, a slick rock waterfall and a beautiful little meadow that was filled with wildflowers and plants.
I spotted a variety of plants, lizards and snails along the way and snapped them with my camera.
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| I love this "natural" design! |
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| Another hiker I encountered this morning. |
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| Waterfall along the Jerry Miller Trail |
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| This guy looks cozy surrounded by ferns and other green life. |
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| Blackberries in the meadow along the Jerry Miller Trail. |
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day 2011
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Some up close blossoms from the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mount Pisgah and from my dad's orchard.
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Blueberries in the Orchard
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| Blueberry Blossoms |
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| Mulberry |
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| Currant |
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| Peaches |
Thursday, May 5, 2011
White Oak Trail
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Another feast for the eyes and ears as I hiked a stretch of the White Oak Trail in the Shelton Laurel Backcountry Area of Madison County, North Carolina.
As I hiked up the hillside through a hardwood forest, a creek down in the valley could be heard roaring over round rocks covered with moss. The birds were out early -- providing a symphony of forest music.
The trail was in pretty good shape, even though it doesn't look like it gets much use. Trees and bushes had been cut out of the trail. The wildflowers weren't so numerous on this trail, although I did spot some interesting looking mushrooms -- not sure what they are, but they do resemble Morels.
Here are some other photos taken along the way.
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| White Oak Trail |
As I hiked up the hillside through a hardwood forest, a creek down in the valley could be heard roaring over round rocks covered with moss. The birds were out early -- providing a symphony of forest music.
The trail was in pretty good shape, even though it doesn't look like it gets much use. Trees and bushes had been cut out of the trail. The wildflowers weren't so numerous on this trail, although I did spot some interesting looking mushrooms -- not sure what they are, but they do resemble Morels.
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| Unidentified Mushrooms |
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| Bark |
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| Snake Skin |
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| Moss |
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