cumberlandgal

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"And come I may, but go I must, And if men ask you why, You may put the blame on the stars and the sun, And the white road and the sky."~~Gerald Gould, Wander Thirst

Featured Galleries

Wilson Falls : Sunday April 13, 2014 Dana & Kenny Koogler, Marlene Denton, Dwayne Allen and Mike Gourley hiked 11 miles from Mt. Collins down to Elkmont. It was a challenging off trail adventure to visit Wilson Falls. It was awesome. This was my comeback hike from being debilitated by Miller Fisher Syndrome. I am healed! Thanks be to God!

Wilson Falls

Sunday April 13, 2014 Dana & Kenny Koogler, Marlene Denton, Dwayne All ...

Updated: May 05, 2014 5:56am PST

Bent Arm Manway : Sunday April 20, 2014 David & Betsy Lee, Dana Koogler, Curtis & Cheryl Travis hiked 13 miles. David led us on the old Bent Arm Manway. It used to be an official, maintained trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN. It has not been maintained in decades. It still has the old rock cribbing built by the CCC back in the 1930s. It was very beautiful. It goes from Cucumber Gap, up and across Bent Arm Ridge. It then meets Miry Ridge Trail. We followed Miry Ridge Trail out to Jakes Creek Trail and back to the cars.

Bent Arm Manway

Sunday April 20, 2014 David & Betsy Lee, Dana Koogler, Curtis & Cheryl ...

Updated: May 05, 2014 6:16am PST

Galleries

Carolinas : Trips in North and South Carolina over the years

Carolinas

Trips in North and South Carolina over the years

Updated: Jul 21, 2014 2:03pm PST

The Hangover Hike-- Knees to the Shoulders :

The Hangover Hike-- Knees to the Shoulders

Updated: Jul 10, 2014 6:21pm PST

Panthertown :

Panthertown

Updated: Jul 10, 2014 4:56am PST

Gregory Bald : One of my favorite places of all time is atop Gregory Bald. A wide open meadow with beautiful scenery and azaleas in June!

Gregory Bald

One of my favorite places of all time is atop Gregory Bald. A wide ope ...

Updated: Jul 08, 2014 5:18pm PST

Cherohala Skyway : The Cherohala Skyway is 52 miles of scenic drive and hiking opportunities running from Tellico Plains on the TN side to Robbinsville, NC on the other side. The name is derived from Cherokee National Forest on the Tennessee half and Nantahala National Forest on the North Carolina half. The area sees much less traffic and lighter use than the Smokies, but has lots of beautiful scenery and recreation opportunities. The gallery of photos was created to include area hikes and/or drives over time. Here is a link with some info: http://www.cherohala.org/

Cherohala Skyway

The Cherohala Skyway is 52 miles of scenic drive and hiking opportunit ...

Updated: Jul 02, 2014 6:39pm PST

Tennessee Trips : Trips to waterfalls and other lovely locations around Tennessee

Tennessee Trips

Trips to waterfalls and other lovely locations around Tennessee

Updated: Jul 02, 2014 12:26pm PST

Great Smoky Mountains : Assorted photos of all the different things I've seen in the Smokies.

Great Smoky Mountains

Assorted photos of all the different things I've seen in the Smokies.

Updated: Jul 02, 2014 11:35am PST

Balsam Mountain : Wildflowers and what is to see in the Balsam Mountain and Blue Ridge Parkway Area through the seasons. Includes photos from Blue Ridge Parkway segment from Oconaluftee to Waterrock Knob, Balsam Mountain spur, and Heintooga.

Balsam Mountain

Wildflowers and what is to see in the Balsam Mountain and Blue Ridge P ...

Updated: Jul 02, 2014 11:16am PST

Blue Ridge Georgia :

Blue Ridge Georgia

Updated: Jun 23, 2014 5:56pm PST

Little Greenbrier Trail : One of the boundary trails at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Tennessee side. A beautiful hike in any season.

Little Greenbrier Trail

One of the boundary trails at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains Na ...

Updated: Jun 17, 2014 6:40pm PST

Andrews Bald :

Andrews Bald

Updated: Jun 06, 2014 6:35pm PST

Smokemont Loop :

Smokemont Loop

Updated: Jun 05, 2014 8:19pm PST

Grotto Falls :

Grotto Falls

Updated: Jun 05, 2014 2:38pm PST

Fork Ridge :

Fork Ridge

Updated: May 28, 2014 6:45pm PST

Tackett Creek : Combination of two trips. An ATV Trip to visit an area near the TN/KY borderline. We saw Sand Cave & Falls, Hells Canyon, 2 magnificent overlooks into TN, Woodson Arch and No Business Holler. Too many small un-named cascades to count.

Tackett Creek

Combination of two trips. An ATV Trip to visit an area near the TN/KY ...

Updated: May 19, 2014 10:21am PST

Jamestown Camping Trip :

Jamestown Camping Trip

Updated: May 07, 2014 1:41pm PST

Bent Arm Manway : Sunday April 20, 2014 David & Betsy Lee, Dana Koogler, Curtis & Cheryl Travis hiked 13 miles. David led us on the old Bent Arm Manway. It used to be an official, maintained trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN. It has not been maintained in decades. It still has the old rock cribbing built by the CCC back in the 1930s. It was very beautiful. It goes from Cucumber Gap, up and across Bent Arm Ridge. It then meets Miry Ridge Trail. We followed Miry Ridge Trail out to Jakes Creek Trail and back to the cars.

Bent Arm Manway

Sunday April 20, 2014 David & Betsy Lee, Dana Koogler, Curtis & Cheryl ...

Updated: May 05, 2014 6:16am PST

Wilson Falls : Sunday April 13, 2014 Dana & Kenny Koogler, Marlene Denton, Dwayne Allen and Mike Gourley hiked 11 miles from Mt. Collins down to Elkmont. It was a challenging off trail adventure to visit Wilson Falls. It was awesome. This was my comeback hike from being debilitated by Miller Fisher Syndrome. I am healed! Thanks be to God!

Wilson Falls

Sunday April 13, 2014 Dana & Kenny Koogler, Marlene Denton, Dwayne All ...

Updated: May 05, 2014 5:56am PST

Saturday in the Park :

Saturday in the Park

Updated: Apr 15, 2014 1:13pm PST

Around Home :

Around Home

Updated: Apr 14, 2014 12:10pm PST

Fentress County :

Fentress County

Updated: Apr 14, 2014 8:05am PST

Baby Michael :

Baby Michael

Updated: Mar 20, 2014 6:45am PST

Snow in Townsend :

Snow in Townsend

Updated: Mar 20, 2014 3:54am PST

Tessa :

Tessa

Updated: Feb 25, 2014 6:27am PST

Black Mountain : The Cumberland Plateau has some amazing geology and unbeatable scenery.

Black Mountain

The Cumberland Plateau has some amazing geology and unbeatable scenery ...

Updated: Feb 12, 2014 9:04am PST

Skinner Mountain& King Mountain :

Skinner Mountain& King Mountain

Updated: Oct 30, 2013 7:59am PST

Frozen Head State Park :

Frozen Head State Park

Updated: Oct 16, 2013 12:51pm PST

Kentucky Trips :

Kentucky Trips

Updated: Oct 05, 2013 12:23pm PST

Falling Water State Natural Area : Waterfall adventure trip to Crystal Falls and then on to Falling Water State Natural Area on Signal Mountain TN

Falling Water State Natural Area

Waterfall adventure trip to Crystal Falls and then on to Falling Water ...

Updated: Sep 12, 2013 7:08am PST

Pisgah Forest : A camping trip to Adventure Village in Cherryfield, NC near Pisgah Forest. The hikes this trip were pretty much all in Pisgah National Forest, NC. Working on completion of the Carolina Mountain Club's Waterfall 100 Challenge. After this camping trip I only lack 22 to be done. Crossed off the list this time were Dill Falls, Upper Dill Falls, High Falls, waterfall on tributary of Laurel Fork, and Moore Cove Falls.

Pisgah Forest

A camping trip to Adventure Village in Cherryfield, NC near Pisgah For ...

Updated: Sep 05, 2013 8:42am PST

Dismal Falls :

Dismal Falls

Updated: Jun 17, 2013 2:41am PST

Royal Blue : Four Wheelin Fun and Exploration as we learn our way around the tens of thousands of acres that make up the Royal Blue WMA.

Royal Blue

Four Wheelin Fun and Exploration as we learn our way around the tens o ...

Updated: May 29, 2013 10:18am PST

Max Patch : Saturday Sept.2, 2007 Kenny and I visited Max Patch for the very first time! We truly enjoyed it and agreed it will be a place we make return visits through various seasons. It is a wonderous place that far exceeded our expectations for beauty, ease and fun. I will add photos to this gallery in the future.UPDATE: May 10, 2008 Went to Max Patch for a Spring Picnic, waterfall visit, and Spring wildflowers. Lovely day. Still thought the Summer visit was prettier.

Max Patch

Saturday Sept.2, 2007 Kenny and I visited Max Patch for the very first ...

Updated: May 26, 2013 5:22pm PST

Twentymile :

Twentymile

Updated: May 03, 2013 5:39am PST

Spruce Flats & Honey Cove :

Spruce Flats & Honey Cove

Updated: Apr 30, 2013 9:50am PST

Lost Cane :

Lost Cane

Updated: Apr 24, 2013 9:56am PST

Chimney Tops Nature Trail :

Chimney Tops Nature Trail

Updated: Apr 21, 2013 2:48pm PST

Cane Creek Trail :

Cane Creek Trail

Updated: Apr 17, 2013 8:04am PST

Capuchin Creek & Chitwood Mountain :

Capuchin Creek & Chitwood Mountain

Updated: Apr 09, 2013 6:00am PST

Carry Me Back to Ole Virginny : Photos of where I am from. Recent photos of Cypress Falls hike/bushwhack to caves and several waterfalls!

Carry Me Back to Ole Virginny

Photos of where I am from. Recent photos of Cypress Falls hike/bushwha ...

Updated: Apr 05, 2013 2:38pm PST

Woo Hoo Holler : Four-wheelin, exploring, swimming, and great times with friends in the place that's a far piece from home & civilization.

Woo Hoo Holler

Four-wheelin, exploring, swimming, and great times with friends in the ...

Updated: Apr 05, 2013 12:36pm PST

Four Wheelin Fun--Tallassee, TN : First few photos in the gallery were Wind Rock. Majority were taken at Tallassee where we no longer ride, but I hike there!

Four Wheelin Fun--Tallassee, TN

First few photos in the gallery were Wind Rock. Majority were taken at ...

Updated: Apr 03, 2013 5:36pm PST

Fall Creek Falls Camping Trip :

Fall Creek Falls Camping Trip

Updated: Mar 29, 2013 1:52pm PST

Coker Creek :

Coker Creek

Updated: Mar 21, 2013 6:40am PST

Gee Creek Wilderness : Gee Creek Wilderness is located in McMinn County, Tennessee in the community of Delano. It sits at the base of Starr Mountain. It is a relatively small wilderness area coming in at just under 2,500 acres. It was the site of a former copper mining operation and the ruins are visible there in some areas mainly at the beginning of the trail. Will Skelton was responsible for asking the state to designate it as a wilderness to protect it for everyone's enjoyment. It is a beautiful area that I continue to find things to like about. After ten years of hiking there I am still finding nice surprises within this small, but pretty spot on the planet. Starr Mountain is another odd place I feel a special attraction for and continue to enjoy and find wonders.

Gee Creek Wilderness

Gee Creek Wilderness is located in McMinn County, Tennessee in the co ...

Updated: Mar 20, 2013 8:49pm PST

Rock Creek Gorge :

Rock Creek Gorge

Updated: Mar 11, 2013 12:13pm PST

Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness :

Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness

Updated: Sep 23, 2012 3:00pm PST

Southern Fire Towers : I decided to collect all the photos from different fire towers and fire tower sites I've visited and put them in one gallery.

Southern Fire Towers

I decided to collect all the photos from different fire towers and fir ...

Updated: Sep 21, 2012 7:46pm PST

Alarka Laurel Red Spruce Bog, NC : Alarka Laurel Natural Area is a high elevation, flat-bottomed, "hanging" valley. It is the southernmost occurence of red spruce forest and an unusual Southern Appalachian bog community. It is a small piece of Canadian forest in the mountains of Western NC. There are three forest types represented here: Acidic Cove, Montane Oak-Hickory, and Red Spruce. Many plant species more common to northern hemispheres can be found here. I dedicate this album to Walton Smith, without whose stewardship and vision this place would not be possible.

Alarka Laurel Red Spruce Bog, NC

Alarka Laurel Natural Area is a high elevation, flat-bottomed, "hangin ...

Updated: Jul 23, 2012 5:12pm PST

Hoodtown :

Hoodtown

Updated: Jul 12, 2012 8:12pm PST

Monster Jam -ATL 2012 : We took a family trip to Atlanta to watch Monster Jam 2012. It was our first time at Monster Jam and Michael's very first Monster Truck show of any sort. It was for his 3rd birthday! Our sweet grandson.

Monster Jam -ATL 2012

We took a family trip to Atlanta to watch Monster Jam 2012. It was our ...

Updated: Jun 28, 2012 8:31pm PST

Creativity : I have a real artsy-craftsy side and always have. I love to sew, cook, paint, find unique antique items, restore furniture, floral arranging, photography.

Creativity

I have a real artsy-craftsy side and always have. I love to sew, cook, ...

Updated: Jun 28, 2012 3:29pm PST

Flat Creek Falls : Hiked and bushwhacked to the base of Flat Creek Falls during Purple Fringed Orchid season. What a glorious day!

Flat Creek Falls

Hiked and bushwhacked to the base of Flat Creek Falls during Purple Fr ...

Updated: Jun 15, 2012 12:11pm PST

The Lily Barn : The Lily barn in Townsend sells lilies, native wildflowers, and hosts weddings. The grounds are open for taking walks!

The Lily Barn

The Lily barn in Townsend sells lilies, native wildflowers, and hosts ...

Updated: Jun 15, 2012 8:00am PST

Erin's Meadow : Erin's Meadow is at the outskirts of Clinton, TN and is a beautiful herb farm. I have been into cooking with herbs and herb gardening for many years. I am only just finding the best places to shop and enjoy the herb farm culture here in Tennessee. The gardens are wonderful and it is in an area of abundant natural beauty. The gift shop is amazing! Local area artisans work is sold here. They sell organic gardening supplies and their herbs and native wildflowers! It is my kind of place!

Erin's Meadow

Erin's Meadow is at the outskirts of Clinton, TN and is a beautiful he ...

Updated: Apr 18, 2012 3:41am PST

Rural America :

Rural America

Updated: Apr 02, 2012 8:25pm PST

Piney River : I have hiked the Piney River Trail end to end twice before. Once with the Tennessee Trails Association in August. Once in April as the leader of a hike for the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. I had never hiked it solo and had never hiked it in the month of March before. Glad I did as there are different and abundant Spring wildflowers present in March! It is a trail with something for everyone. Located near Spring City, Tennessee at the far eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau.

Piney River

I have hiked the Piney River Trail end to end twice before. Once with ...

Updated: Mar 21, 2012 3:10pm PST

Mill Creek : off trail hiking

Mill Creek

off trail hiking

Updated: Jan 15, 2012 8:51pm PST

Upstate South Carolina :

Upstate South Carolina

Updated: Nov 08, 2011 4:49am PST

Slickrock Creek Area :

Slickrock Creek Area

Updated: Sep 27, 2011 9:28am PST

Cumberland Mountain State Park :

Cumberland Mountain State Park

Updated: Aug 02, 2011 1:44pm PST

Bob Stratton Bald :

Bob Stratton Bald

Updated: Jul 18, 2011 11:28am PST

Raccoon Mountain Camping : We camped at Raccoon Mountain Campground Thursday through Sat. nights. Headed home on Sunday morning. We had two full days of hiking, relaxing and fun. Saw some gorgeous waterfalls and scenery. Toured Raccoon Mountain Caverns Sunday morning before going home. This trip had the right balance of activities and down time. Plenty of time for rest and romance.

Raccoon Mountain Camping

We camped at Raccoon Mountain Campground Thursday through Sat. nights. ...

Updated: Jun 03, 2011 8:50am PST

Savage Gulf : My husband, Kenny, & I went on a long awaited camping trip to visit Savage Gulf. We camped at Fall Creek Falls State Park about 30 miles north because the facilities are so nice. We will have to re-visit Savage Gulf many, many times to see all the glory of this place. We also were unable to resist exploring two recent additions to Fall Creek Falls State Park. We began exploring Cane Creek Gulf at its new access point and Camps Gulf at its access point. We weren't disappointed. This turned out to be a dream come true camping and hiking trip. Weather was glorious!

Savage Gulf

My husband, Kenny, & I went on a long awaited camping trip to visit Sa ...

Updated: Apr 30, 2011 11:30am PST

Botanical Bliss 2007 : The Bloom Report for the current season in the Great Smoky Mountains, Blount County, TN and surrounding areas!

Botanical Bliss 2007

The Bloom Report for the current season in the Great Smoky Mountains, ...

Updated: Aug 08, 2010 8:37pm PST

Brady Mountain : Saturday May 8, 2010 we hiked the Cumberland Trail on Brady Mountain for the first time.

Brady Mountain

Saturday May 8, 2010 we hiked the Cumberland Trail on Brady Mountain f ...

Updated: Aug 08, 2010 8:31pm PST

Standing Stone State Park : Located in Overton County, TN. Our first camping and hiking trip to this park. It is one of the oldest state parks built by the CCC workers. It is an exquisite place for peace and quiet and wildflowers in Spring.

Standing Stone State Park

Located in Overton County, TN. Our first camping and hiking trip to th ...

Updated: May 06, 2010 5:01am PST

Mocockle Falls : Lead me not into temptation. I can find it myself."

Mocockle Falls

Lead me not into temptation. I can find it myself."

Updated: Mar 08, 2010 6:50pm PST

Magic & Madness in the Cumberland Plateau :

Magic & Madness in the Cumberland Plateau

Updated: Feb 20, 2010 6:20am PST

Benton Falls :

Benton Falls

Updated: Feb 03, 2010 8:50am PST

SCONA--Means "Across the river" : Come along and paddle across Chilhowee Lake which used to be the Little Tennessee River prior to the Calderwood Dam's construction. Follow me to the old Scona Lodge and Tallassee Falls. **UPDATE** Nov. 7, 2009 We also found the way to access Citico Creek Wilderness on the far shore of Chilhowee Lake by road. Frame 62 on is Citico Creek Wilderness and Turkey Pen Bluff Area.

SCONA--Means "Across the river"

Come along and paddle across Chilhowee Lake which used to be the Littl ...

Updated: Jan 26, 2010 7:07am PST

Autumn at Indian Boundary :

Autumn at Indian Boundary

Updated: Nov 23, 2009 2:37pm PST

Goshen Prong Backpack Trip :

Goshen Prong Backpack Trip

Updated: Oct 21, 2009 5:27pm PST

Motorcycle Trips :

Motorcycle Trips

Updated: Sep 10, 2009 4:46pm PST

Vacation 2009 : Trip to the mountains of Western NC. Stayed at Grandfather Mountain. Hiked to South Harper Creek Falls in Wilson Creek Wilderness. Went canoeing on the New River. Hiked to the summit of Mt. Jefferson and Luther Rock. Hiked to Upper Creek Falls and gorge. Hiked Grandfather Mtn. Hiked Rough Ridge. Visited Moses Cone Park and Julian Price Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hiked both Table Rock and Hawksbill Mtns on the same day.

Vacation 2009

Trip to the mountains of Western NC. Stayed at Grandfather Mountain. H ...

Updated: Sep 08, 2009 5:35am PST

Smoky Mountain Hiking Club Trips : Various hikes with the SMHC is what this gallery is for. At this time the only one in here is Saturday's hike from Poll's Gap to Purchase Gap and the Ferguson Cabin. 8/8/09 It as attended by 9 members and 3 visitors who lucky for us.. are becoming members! Welcome Lena, and Martha and Dean.

Smoky Mountain Hiking Club Trips

Various hikes with the SMHC is what this gallery is for. At this time ...

Updated: Aug 10, 2009 5:26am PST

Mount LeConte :

Mount LeConte

Updated: Aug 07, 2009 2:24pm PST

Botanical Bliss 2009 :

Botanical Bliss 2009

Updated: Jul 19, 2009 5:22pm PST

Digital Vasculum : Wildflower and Plant Identification Gallery The last 2 pages at the end of the gallery include places for excellent wildflower walks. Beyond that you'll find unfinished entries.

Digital Vasculum

Wildflower and Plant Identification Gallery The last 2 pages at the e ...

Updated: Jul 01, 2009 10:05am PST

Botanical Bliss 2008 : I was hoping for a bloom report of our area and found there was none last year. I decided to do it myself. Welcome to Botanical Bliss--The Bloom Report 2008. This is the second bloom season I've posted this report. I will keep the photojournal and bloom report updated. Get out there and enjoy the great outdoors and see what's blooming! The report focuses on the Great Smoky Mountains, Blount Co, TN, and the surrounding area.

Botanical Bliss 2008

I was hoping for a bloom report of our area and found there was none l ...

Updated: Oct 08, 2008 10:32am PST

Honey Creek Loop : One of the most fun hikes in the Big South Fork and the hardest!

Honey Creek Loop

One of the most fun hikes in the Big South Fork and the hardest!

Updated: Jul 16, 2008 6:42am PST

Museum of Appalachia : We camped at Norris Dam State Park and visited the Museum of Appalachia one day. It was great fun! I'd like to go back in the Fall when they have Homecoming! Here is a link to their website: http://www.museumofappalachia.org/

Museum of Appalachia

We camped at Norris Dam State Park and visited the Museum of Appalachi ...

Updated: Jul 15, 2008 8:20pm PST

Roundtop Trail :

Roundtop Trail

Updated: Apr 28, 2008 10:31am PST

Smokemont Area Hikes : I began this photo gallery to hold photos from the hike Friday March 30, 2007 Bradley Fork Trail to Cabin Flats Trail. This is during a period of time I am trying to complete all 900 Miles of Trails in the Smoky Mountain National Park. I will have numerous other hikes with trip reports and photos to add to this collection. I'm trying something new. I am trying the idea of having a Hub to work out from and add photos from hikes in that area to the hub gallery.

Smokemont Area Hikes

I began this photo gallery to hold photos from the hike Friday March 3 ...

Updated: Mar 14, 2008 12:31pm PST

Sams Creek and Green Camp Gap : Off-trailing it and bushwhacking up Sam's Creek Manway, up the mountain to Green Camp Gap, and down the other side to Lynn Prong. We hit the Middle Prong Trail and then crossed the river to hike the Mark's Creek Manway to the falls. There are many unmaintained trails or manways and old road beds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This hike involved manways which were not that bad and some bushwhacking that was also not near as bad as some I've done.

Sams Creek and Green Camp Gap

Off-trailing it and bushwhacking up Sam's Creek Manway, up the mountai ...

Updated: Oct 24, 2007 6:40am PST

Cataloochee Area Trips :

Cataloochee Area Trips

Updated: Oct 14, 2007 5:26pm PST

Deep Creek Area Hikes : Monday 9/24/07 I completed the entire Deep Creek Trail with Tom Dunigan. We did it as a shuttle hike. 14.2 miles in 7 hours with plenty of goofing off on my part. It was a fun day and a long one. My dogs are barking today behind it! This gallery of photos will be for adding photos of this areas trails.

Deep Creek Area Hikes

Monday 9/24/07 I completed the entire Deep Creek Trail with Tom Duniga ...

Updated: Sep 25, 2007 6:35pm PST

Myrtle Beach : July 2007 Family Vacation. Myrtle Beach, Brookgreene Gardens, Huntington Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach

July 2007 Family Vacation. Myrtle Beach, Brookgreene Gardens, Huntingt ...

Updated: Jul 29, 2007 7:59pm PST

Slippin and Slidin on Greasy Prong :

Slippin and Slidin on Greasy Prong

Updated: Jul 11, 2007 7:54am PST

Standing Indian, NC : Camping trip to Standing Indian, NC. Seeing the surrounding sights such as waterfalls, and great views.

Standing Indian, NC

Camping trip to Standing Indian, NC. Seeing the surrounding sights su ...

Updated: Jun 25, 2007 8:37pm PST

Whiteoak Sink : The area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park known as Whiteoak Sinks is interesting from a geological standpoint. It is a "fenster" or geologic window looking down into younger rock. The limestone forms here are younger than the metcalf phyllite found higher above this area along Scott Mountain Trail. The metcalf phyllite is an older, softer, more easily eroding and fracturing rock. The limestone forms in Whiteoak Sinks give way to cliffs, monadnocks, and sinkholes. The sweet, rich soil and low lying elevation of this area makes it a paradise for wildflowers! There are at least four caves here. There are four or five limestone sinks. The waters of Short Creek drop into one cave and disappear into the ground emerging again as Silver Falls which you can see by visiting Tuckaleechee Caverns!

Whiteoak Sink

The area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park known as Whiteoak ...

Updated: Apr 26, 2007 11:19am PST

Defeat Ridge Manway :

Defeat Ridge Manway

Updated: Apr 24, 2007 10:24am PST

Chestnut Top Trail : I hiked 1/2 mile up the Chestnut Top Trail in the Smokies today. What an abundance of Spring wildflowers I saw! The "Doctrine of Signatures" is the idea that God has marked everything He created with a sign (signature). The sign was an indication of the purpose for the creation of the item. The Doctrine states that, by observation, one can determine from the color of the flowers or roots, the shape of the leaves, the place of growing, or other signatures, what the plant's purpose was in God's plan. This idea gained popularity during the 1600's and continued to be used for medicinal cures in Europe and Appalachia into the 1930's and beyond. Though the idea has largely fallen out of favor in the face of modern medicine and science there are still people who practice this although finding a D.S. healer is harder these days. When you see plant and flower names which contain "wort" as part of the name it is a holdover from the past and the Doctrine of Signatures. Wort is an Anglo-Saxon word which means "plant" or "flower".

Chestnut Top Trail

I hiked 1/2 mile up the Chestnut Top Trail in the Smokies today. What ...

Updated: Mar 31, 2007 10:11am PST

Albright Grove :

Albright Grove

Updated: Mar 21, 2007 9:01am PST

Scott Mountain Trail :

Scott Mountain Trail

Updated: Mar 20, 2007 4:29pm PST

Spruce Flats Falls and Honey Cove :

Spruce Flats Falls and Honey Cove

Updated: Mar 11, 2007 2:01pm PST

White Trash Waterfall Trip :

White Trash Waterfall Trip

Updated: Feb 10, 2007 6:44pm PST

Grandfather Mountain :

Grandfather Mountain

Updated: Jan 22, 2007 6:25pm PST

Afton Mountain :

Afton Mountain

Updated: Jan 22, 2007 12:34pm PST

Rock Island State Park Vacation :

Rock Island State Park Vacation

Updated: Jan 20, 2007 4:25pm PST

Sugarland Mountain Trail :

Sugarland Mountain Trail

Updated: Jan 19, 2007 12:45pm PST

Fern Branch Falls in the Snow :

Fern Branch Falls in the Snow

Updated: Jan 18, 2007 8:30pm PST

Forney Creek Backpack Trip :

Forney Creek Backpack Trip

Updated: Jan 18, 2007 11:48am PST

Rocky Top TN :

Rocky Top TN

Updated: Jan 18, 2007 11:19am PST

Savage Gulf :

Savage Gulf

Updated: Jan 18, 2007 9:24am PST

Bumpus Cove, TN :

Bumpus Cove, TN

Updated: Jan 16, 2007 8:19pm PST

Roan Mountain :

Roan Mountain

Updated: Jan 16, 2007 8:24am PST

Buffalo Spring Herb Farm :

Buffalo Spring Herb Farm

Updated: Jan 15, 2007 2:37pm PST

The Cumberland Trail :

The Cumberland Trail

Updated: Jan 14, 2007 9:31pm PST

DeSoto Falls State Park Trip :

DeSoto Falls State Park Trip

Updated: Jan 14, 2007 5:21pm PST

Elkmont to Tremont Hike : Jakes Creek >Blanket Mtn> Panther Creek> Middle Prong route

Elkmont to Tremont Hike

Jakes Creek >Blanket Mtn> Panther Creek> Middle Prong route

Updated: Jan 13, 2007 12:31pm PST

Ramseys Cascade and Beyond :

Ramseys Cascade and Beyond

Updated: Jan 09, 2007 2:37pm PST

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