tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46292097643744710112024-02-02T14:56:59.206-05:00The Call of the WaterfallA directory of waterfalls in North Carolina.
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-63369721523875919582019-02-20T13:17:00.002-05:002019-02-20T13:18:35.964-05:00Soco Falls: Maggie Valley<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHku9RoLL04NzhHqS9n7ON9dvpelHyHdEKvT0JObwn5yQSb6H6GCvfzdKYYd0ot77fRZudSOU8X5_l4umnerQi9_ZnOUusYJVxOWWPKr407Wo64x0_LR0V_8H29GXBg9v3PdEJ_rMXNkm/s1600/Two-Lives-Unite-1024x498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="1024" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHku9RoLL04NzhHqS9n7ON9dvpelHyHdEKvT0JObwn5yQSb6H6GCvfzdKYYd0ot77fRZudSOU8X5_l4umnerQi9_ZnOUusYJVxOWWPKr407Wo64x0_LR0V_8H29GXBg9v3PdEJ_rMXNkm/s640/Two-Lives-Unite-1024x498.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Two Lives Unite</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I first visited Soco Falls in mid February of 2019, and honestly, I can't tell you why it took so long for me to come here. I have seen plenty of pictures of this waterfall and the unique fact that it is actually two different cascades side by side. The drop on the left is reported to be from Soco Creek, while the one on the right is a tributary. They both come together to form a single creek that continues on from here. Unfortunately, this waterfall is right at three hours away from me which had a lot to do with why I haven't been here before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The drive out to it is really simple and isn't far off of I40. You will take exit 27 towards US-19, and after 4 miles take exit 103 which will put you on Us 19 toward Maggie Valley. You will stay on US 19 for about 13 miles and will find yourself climbing a mountain out of Maggie Valley and taking a turn around that mountain before coming up to the parking area on the left of the roadway. It is gravel and has a crash barrier on the edge with a small cutout leading to the trail. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From the parking area, you will go through the cut and follow a well groomed, but steep and winding path for a short distance. You will then see an observation deck that will allow a decent view of the falls, but with the trees growing, the visibility is getting less clear than it was years ago I'm sure. For optimal viewing, you will need to go down a scramble path which is easily seen right before the viewing platform.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeU_PBtK4vrC8SWtpIUuC-jWVojkxB3ZpaPkcSXPn9E25P-HAdawkg77qN9-F9CZohxuNH_KbD5mFshGp1ibMZbY8AKSETn6bA6f4e8GoDvSS40UroLXzKwSiIuaBO_c8MuSefBczoW93/s1600/Soco-Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="571" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeU_PBtK4vrC8SWtpIUuC-jWVojkxB3ZpaPkcSXPn9E25P-HAdawkg77qN9-F9CZohxuNH_KbD5mFshGp1ibMZbY8AKSETn6bA6f4e8GoDvSS40UroLXzKwSiIuaBO_c8MuSefBczoW93/s640/Soco-Falls.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Soco Falls</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For those who want to see the waterfall in all of their glory, the scramble path is the way to go. I will warn you though, this is an unmaintained path that is very steep and not easily navigated. Fortunately, there have been ropes left by other hikers that are very useful for navigating this hill. The footing is questionable after any significant rain which is when this waterfall will look the best.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You will find some very dramatic compositions downstream, but I will caution you that if the water flow is like the photographs here, you will have a difficult time capturing any pictures. The spray from these two waterfalls will blow right downstream to where the best compositions are. I found that it was impossible to keep the lens clear enough to get any pictures from this location.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the shots here, I found a place on the scramble path about half way back up that I could get set up at. This avoided most of the spray, and gave some great views of both waterfalls. You are close to them, so a wide angle lens is a good idea for this, and don't discount panoramic shots as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you enjoy waterfalls, but don't really like the long hikes associated with them, this is a decent option for you. It does take some work to get to, but there is not much time invested at all in getting to the water. You can walk right up to the falls as well. I've heard that there used to be a lot of trash around this one, but I am very happy to say that I saw very little trash around it, and the only real visual hurdle to get over was the ropes that are rather beneficial to getting down to the falls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Overall, this is one of my favorite locations and I would visit it more often if it were closer. Something else that I would like to mention about this. If you are not able to go on a cloudy day, if you get there in the early morning, the sun rises on the other side of the mountain, so you will find yourself in the shadows for the first 2 hours or so of the day. Clouds are your best chance to get the colors right though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-17610723928205332482018-10-03T15:02:00.001-04:002018-10-03T15:02:59.568-04:00Graveyard Fields: Second Falls<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSRyxpv5QiqKaCf8ulC_JMF99TNLMFnaVWUI1hgP6V04zUeqwoLLn-H3-0S-YYN3GIBm8V8HxSLWc07-DQ6xldJWIy_nzezztkTD9e26cfBJakllIPtMgRnC5vwzGaEVLKw0C19SWwZmo/s1600/Second+Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="640" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSRyxpv5QiqKaCf8ulC_JMF99TNLMFnaVWUI1hgP6V04zUeqwoLLn-H3-0S-YYN3GIBm8V8HxSLWc07-DQ6xldJWIy_nzezztkTD9e26cfBJakllIPtMgRnC5vwzGaEVLKw0C19SWwZmo/s640/Second+Falls.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Second Falls</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Graveyard Field is located at Milepost 418 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Brevard. It is not really known for waterfalls, but there are three of them on the property. They are the Upper Falls, the Lower (Second) Falls, and Yellowstone Falls. From my understanding, the latter is very difficult to get to and I have not attempted it. The Upper Falls is easy enough to get to, but you will be walking for a while, and unless there is a lot of water flowing, you might not be impressed with this waterfall. The Lower Falls, or Second Falls is definitely worth your time to see, and that is the focus of this entry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I mentioned, you will find Graveyard Fields at Milepost 418. It is a great set of trails right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and is usually full throughout the day during all seasons except for winter. It is particularly busy in the early Fall as Graveyard Fields is usually one of the first places to show Fall color. Once you get to the parking lot you will see the restrooms to your right (looking from the Parkway). They are positioned right at the entrance to the hiking trails. After you come down the steps you will find a paved portion of the trail that starts you off. For this waterfall, you will need to stay straight and follow the signs for "Lower Falls". </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_jbgVkx_-i3_ZsyNG8gM3qawfKxbC8mXgvbFiXovYT7THZfYEXaL_3fvcJQ1E6aYddEGRo5LVZ9-Px_5he6ZGYjdD-cKCVjHoOhRtiE8xbqlV7YkCux1I48QWvnT6J_GZ2tUXY6O-ODz/s1600/Autumn-Pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_jbgVkx_-i3_ZsyNG8gM3qawfKxbC8mXgvbFiXovYT7THZfYEXaL_3fvcJQ1E6aYddEGRo5LVZ9-Px_5he6ZGYjdD-cKCVjHoOhRtiE8xbqlV7YkCux1I48QWvnT6J_GZ2tUXY6O-ODz/s640/Autumn-Pool.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Autumn Pool</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You will run out of paved trail and you will find yourself on a more or less familiar surface for a very short amount of time. You will then come to a boardwalk as you start your way down into the valley. At the base of the steps, you will find yourself walking across a pool that has a nice little cascade at the head of it. When I shot this photograph the Fall colors had just started and it all worked together rather nicely for a picture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once you continue past this, you will climb back up a little bit before descending one more time down to the Second Falls It is easy, but there are a lot of steps that you will have to climb to get back up to the trail. I didn't count them, but it is not excessive by waterfall step counts. Once you get to the base of the waterfall, you will see the issue with this particular waterfall.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwQZUzQmIE92pPfJYd7la8F8utBjBn9li_zBHyd6nInMGnIQ2I48b08XtToP4ZV9NNDnFBnZ0ZVZxXproDL0oy_5GTONssEt1V-X4L31o4MEuC5DRGPW2HCcuVWNP-8lsvlPhmameqi8T/s1600/20180928_094847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwQZUzQmIE92pPfJYd7la8F8utBjBn9li_zBHyd6nInMGnIQ2I48b08XtToP4ZV9NNDnFBnZ0ZVZxXproDL0oy_5GTONssEt1V-X4L31o4MEuC5DRGPW2HCcuVWNP-8lsvlPhmameqi8T/s640/20180928_094847.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are a lot of boulders strewn about at the base. They provide a visual obstruction that really prevents most photography from taking place from the viewing platform or directly below it. There are no easy paths to take which will put you in a better position to photograph. The only thing that I can suggest is that you come prepared to wade through the water (which is deeper than my mid calf boots, or do some rock hopping. I opted for the latter and found a path that was workable to get to a higher location among the boulders. It was relatively simple, but I have been rock hopping for years and know how to be really cautious to avoid slipping, or finding myself stepping on a loose rock.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When it comes to photography, after you are able to get in position, this is an impressive waterfall to work with. It works well as a horizontal or a vertical shot. It is also one of the few falls that works when lit by the sun. The trick is to go early in the morning and catch first light on the waterfall. When I went at the end of September, the sun was in the perfect position to light the waterfall evenly. I assume at other times of the year that the sun will move to the left and right causing some shadows which will be very problematic.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnboLvi5PoUgXU0F4x2efdYyXEWLchmNn0D6xsnP0dm69QCHRucWQO681DftWJPj3z-D_l6yRuPT8UsmOxTAlfdKsHXTkFBFgcxW7wiXD4F2K9R_cmNEblBaZWBeHp3wM4LWPwhwV1ZJpY/s1600/Cascades+on+Cascades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnboLvi5PoUgXU0F4x2efdYyXEWLchmNn0D6xsnP0dm69QCHRucWQO681DftWJPj3z-D_l6yRuPT8UsmOxTAlfdKsHXTkFBFgcxW7wiXD4F2K9R_cmNEblBaZWBeHp3wM4LWPwhwV1ZJpY/s640/Cascades+on+Cascades.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Cascades on Cascades</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Keep in mind that most overall shots here will include the sky, so keep that in mind. Some interesting clouds give a nice bit of texture to the sky and might help to diffuse the light hitting the waterfall. In the event of a fully overcast day, isolations will work very well here. I didn't shoot any since the water flow was so heavy. Under more typical conditions, I think that isolations would actually work better than the overall shots of this waterfall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The hike back to the parking lot is just the reverse of getting here. Then entire round trip will be about 2/3 of a mile. The climb up the stairs will get your attention, but can be done relatively easy. If you are wanting more, you can strike out to the right fork when you come to it to view Graveyard Fields, and ultimately the Upper Falls. The trail will loop back to the parking lot after a couple of miles. It makes for a nice day, but be sure to start early as this area fills up really quickly. Also, pay attention to the "No Parking" signs on the Parkway as you will get a ticket if you park on the shoulder through here due to the amount of congestion that is present much of the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Whenever you do go though, be sure to be careful and have a good time. There is a lot to see and do around Graveyard Fields. </span>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-69031966157223911402018-09-29T10:30:00.001-04:002018-09-29T10:30:50.304-04:00Pot Branch Falls<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvr5Z-YHqw14_pluN95PqbruLfqR626cbWs6fOhFpQdF_iCc7_nQ29t9KP_6IL1CCuCCo1MoaSpkaYk0_kqCcfG0wMdV3NTWPMrO3C2fEcVJ19QfmvhCKq-3x4mWMVYgD6CTsLqbQfDqPp/s1600/Scooped+Rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="640" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvr5Z-YHqw14_pluN95PqbruLfqR626cbWs6fOhFpQdF_iCc7_nQ29t9KP_6IL1CCuCCo1MoaSpkaYk0_kqCcfG0wMdV3NTWPMrO3C2fEcVJ19QfmvhCKq-3x4mWMVYgD6CTsLqbQfDqPp/s640/Scooped+Rocks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Scooped Rocks</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This waterfall is probably not on your radar, but I assure you that you need to know about this one. The name is kind of odd, but once you see Pot Branch Falls, the oddness doesn't stop at the name. This is one of those great locations where erosion has really left a fingerprint on the landscape. The three tiered waterfall is located in the South Mountains Game Land near South Mountains State Park. Getting there will take you far off of the beaten path which will likely indicate that you won't be sharing this waterfall with a bunch of other hikers. By Googling the location, your GPS should take you right there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those traveling on I-40, you will take the 103 exit which is for Hwy 64. You will go East for 15 miles before turning on Hwy 226 headed East until you get to Jonestown Rd. You will only be on Jonestown Rd for about a mile before turning left on Melton Rd which goes for about a half mile or so before you will turn onto Old CC Rd which is gravel and not overly well maintained. This will go for about 3.5 miles or so. You will have a small stream crossing, but you should have any problem with that if you have been able to handle the road conditions. Shortly after passing a church (yes, there is a small church down this service road), you will come to a gate. There is ample parking at the gate, and sometimes that first gate is left open. You will need to get to the trailhead at a second gate to the right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From here, you will walk down a very easy trail that used to be a road. There are no markings but you won't have any problems at all finding your way. There are a couple of places where you will need to cross small streams, but they shouldn't be more than ankle deep. There are also rocks there that you can use to stay a little dryer if you choose. The main thing to remember about this trail is that you want to stay to the right when given the option as there are some other spurs that continue on. The entire hike is only about a half mile and is not problem at all.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDq133icjmrfWZmKWQNL2_y6AFsl1aXTfsufLfkWU7risXOMV_Y7vnPuCfBVBbScF2nJAw-UkbXz2vpmj2IPbSbrKA2Kcr3pG5zb794z2kY2299QkASA_qV7QQpy2uixTNra30ME_aip0/s1600/Eroded+Steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="640" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDq133icjmrfWZmKWQNL2_y6AFsl1aXTfsufLfkWU7risXOMV_Y7vnPuCfBVBbScF2nJAw-UkbXz2vpmj2IPbSbrKA2Kcr3pG5zb794z2kY2299QkASA_qV7QQpy2uixTNra30ME_aip0/s640/Eroded+Steps.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Eroded Steps</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This has been my first and only time to this waterfall, and I regret that I don't have any full shots of the main drop which is about 25 feet. There was a tree that had recently fallen and blocked the view. This tree still had green leaves attached, so I'm not sure how long it will remain there. There is a bit of a scramble to get to the bottom of the falls, and it is very much worth it for the view. The main shoot is carved between rocks and snakes down to a small pool below with another set of small cascades below that. I can see both vertical and horizontal compositions working here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I was unable to access the view of the main part of the waterfall, I stuck with the top sections which were actually quite interesting. The photo directly above showcases the upper set of cascades which are less than two feet tall, but the way the rocks have been cut over time makes this really interesting. From here, there is a small pool that then leads to another set of cascades that can be seen in the opening image. This is probably the best part of the upper sections, and until the tree is removed, this view is worth the drive out there. Just past the collection pool at the base of the cascades is the opening for the top of the main drop. A Google search of Pot Branch Falls will show you what this main drop looks like.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BWxt-JpAJE7Nk06A1hGjiP7Lhif2JMqPdNflT_h7A29vV5rEFkYOdR_hhYLxcf3hBfLNYTGumGzF8eJ2tQP6jwtf4XcizIcH3oE2Zo692A2yuF5u0gkVYb_d81qxbvMqG928AVdReEqJ/s1600/With+the+Curve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BWxt-JpAJE7Nk06A1hGjiP7Lhif2JMqPdNflT_h7A29vV5rEFkYOdR_hhYLxcf3hBfLNYTGumGzF8eJ2tQP6jwtf4XcizIcH3oE2Zo692A2yuF5u0gkVYb_d81qxbvMqG928AVdReEqJ/s640/With+the+Curve.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>With the Curve</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From a purely photographic standpoint, there are a lot of options with how to represent this waterfall. My favorite cascade at the top of the waterfall yielded this fantastic vertical image. You can see how the rocks have been eroded away, and there are even pot holes in the surface of the rock. This waterfall is like the English Muffin of waterfalls. You will see all sorts of nooks and crannies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even though I was unable to get to the lower section on this trip, I was still there for about an hour working on different compositions. I could see easily spending two hours here. The nice thing is that at least in the Summer months when the trees are full, there is plenty of shade to work with early in the morning. This is one that direct light will pose some major problems for. I would recommend a fully cloudy day just to make sure that the lighting is consistent. I have a feeling if the trees were not as full, I would have had a hard time with my photographs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not sure if the tree will be removed any time soon. I'm not really sure how this waterfall is maintained. It might just be another natural act that pushes the tree on down stream, but that would take a very long time. I do intend on keeping my ears open to find out when this view will be open again so I can take full advantage of the waterfall which I do believe is quite impressive and visually interesting.</span>Greg Kiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802855619539590923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-20164855109940138712018-09-14T12:17:00.001-04:002018-09-14T12:17:07.511-04:00Catawba Falls: Old Fort, NC<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESwAXfqzszpB8HgiIPXlkuaYmnBUMXJ0qVYZ-Vn41WB4bP4I8s5IcWcc4zSql4EOB_dlyRYIJ20Br_yAA45EAc2BjuOPPycmKeLFX8zI58TE65COP-rCXJ-hLEwmrfTTQJPw39jU-tXU7/s1600/Catawba+Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="560" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESwAXfqzszpB8HgiIPXlkuaYmnBUMXJ0qVYZ-Vn41WB4bP4I8s5IcWcc4zSql4EOB_dlyRYIJ20Br_yAA45EAc2BjuOPPycmKeLFX8zI58TE65COP-rCXJ-hLEwmrfTTQJPw39jU-tXU7/s640/Catawba+Falls.jpg" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Catawba Falls</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the first "new" waterfall that I have visited in many years. I don't know why I haven't done more exploring of different waterfalls, but I seem to be content with my favorites for the most part. However, I've recently seen some pictures of a waterfall that I remember thinking about visiting a long time ago, but never did. The pictures made me really want to give it a try. This is Catawba Falls, which is in the town of Old Fort, NC, and in conveniently located off of I-40 at the Old Fort exit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directions are fairly simple, and you can actually Google them. For simplicity, you would come in on I-40, and take the Old Fort exit from either direction. If you are coming from Westbound 40, you would take a left and cross I-40 before taking the right that is the ramp from Eastbound. Just after entering the ramp, you would take a quick left onto Catawba River Rd. If you are coming Eastbound, you would just turn off of the exit onto Catawba River Rd before coming to the main intersection. At this point, you just follow the road until it ends. You will pass the camp grounds on your left which is an indication that you are almost there. It isn't far at all. The parking area is at the end of the road and is a gravel loop.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhYqaU_81BavXE78-tbXMKN0v7JD5M5vJdFC04oNn_eHwJRJF8qk7mB-yhFUZSvdIIoVBk_G4pSY_u6MzmZ1XKmWrek0UvNAnGti-sFHWHjij81HO0Idi5s1sT5m6fkDE0bC-RY6rMs-E/s1600/Catawba+Cascades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhYqaU_81BavXE78-tbXMKN0v7JD5M5vJdFC04oNn_eHwJRJF8qk7mB-yhFUZSvdIIoVBk_G4pSY_u6MzmZ1XKmWrek0UvNAnGti-sFHWHjij81HO0Idi5s1sT5m6fkDE0bC-RY6rMs-E/s640/Catawba+Cascades.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Catawba Cascades</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once you get parked, the trail head is easily seen by the "information boards". The trail is relatively simple and you should be able to make good time on it. It is a constant incline so you will get tired quickly, but there aren't any real technical sections to work through until the end of the hike. When I went, I made the mistake of not researching the distance of the hike, other than knowing it was not excessive. After I had been moving with a purpose for about 30 minutes, I had to stop and catch my breath and used that time to figure out how long the hike actually was. This is the nice part about a trail being so close to the highway, you actually have Internet connection. I found that it was around 1.5 miles which meant that I should be getting close based on my pace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember when I said that the only technical part came at the end of the trail. Well, I crossed a bridge and the trail turned to the right and it was nothing but rocks. It was not difficult, but there was a little bit of climbing involved to get up the trail, and it almost appears that you are off trail at that point. Just after the rocks, you are there at the base of Catawba Falls. Had I waited about 150 feet to look at the phone, I would have been there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see from the leading image here, Catawba Falls is a rather large waterfall, standing at 100 feet for the main falls. However, unless there has been a tremendous amount of rain, it does not present as a waterfall of this size should. On my visit here, there had been average rainfall recently, and I suppose that this is the "normal" state of the falls with swings in either direction due to water levels.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvEKjWyxIupm-syzJJ41Wc1ZWlHascQG-cioVskuQbpy8I_GmvpKSW1xHx4nsh9KELLSYi1U_swy1JIBIg5LkZ7lzBqDxGvcMf1EPZgYDcBG0RTAzuNWrYl38cHIRFTwVJTVIMdvMXsD7/s1600/Saturated+Moss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvEKjWyxIupm-syzJJ41Wc1ZWlHascQG-cioVskuQbpy8I_GmvpKSW1xHx4nsh9KELLSYi1U_swy1JIBIg5LkZ7lzBqDxGvcMf1EPZgYDcBG0RTAzuNWrYl38cHIRFTwVJTVIMdvMXsD7/s640/Saturated+Moss.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Saturated Moss</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When it comes to photography, you will actually have a great time at this waterfall. There are a lot of different ways to shoot it, and when I was here, I used everything from 16mm to 400mm to capture the images. There are lots of trees which provide cover from the sun, but for the best experience I would suggest going on a cloudy day, with maybe a bit of rain. During the Summer, the moss takes on a very vibrant color which really makes this waterfall stand out when you look at the individual elements.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJjImhYJf7gC8x3B790LhWL3gNs_VkBMlHmo67JVXRumoqjaJug2T3P5NtqoXUewBK1K-dePJg8eUzs0qLYcCF4VNJWMq1JBxQO8XhiPu39tATd08sn_DKZbwQTC2PKDX4Lh37f168i0L/s1600/Water+Cairn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJjImhYJf7gC8x3B790LhWL3gNs_VkBMlHmo67JVXRumoqjaJug2T3P5NtqoXUewBK1K-dePJg8eUzs0qLYcCF4VNJWMq1JBxQO8XhiPu39tATd08sn_DKZbwQTC2PKDX4Lh37f168i0L/s640/Water+Cairn.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Water Cairn</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is one of those waterfalls that you can get up close and personal with. The cairn left by a hiker is evidence of that. For the experience hiker, there is another section about 50 ft up which provides a view of the very top of the waterfall. It is a difficult scramble to get to from what I have read. I have also read that it is not really that worth it, so I haven't made the attempt as of yet. Speaking of other options, there are plenty of features along the trail getting to the waterfall which might interest a photographer. Some are very difficult to get to, and don't appear very safe. I did not risk it for those scenes as the photographic outcome would have been marginal at best. That isn't to say that under different conditions that you might not have better luck.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMS1YHyjrdA1rmbRzqdsQw9oIfws8cwGR4y2s0iE2P0Jz813pBVfY1wlzi9AHcq1Ue8ynqcyRMrAHtq8AIn7ri2RFXHvQLxXiiIhw9PbYVIrl7c3EioLW-YzMWcudoJM3srsZ3PfehUfF/s1600/Foot+of+the+Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMS1YHyjrdA1rmbRzqdsQw9oIfws8cwGR4y2s0iE2P0Jz813pBVfY1wlzi9AHcq1Ue8ynqcyRMrAHtq8AIn7ri2RFXHvQLxXiiIhw9PbYVIrl7c3EioLW-YzMWcudoJM3srsZ3PfehUfF/s640/Foot+of+the+Falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Foot of the Falls</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see from the pictures here, there is a lot to work with when visiting this waterfall. To make the most of it though, you need to keep two things in mind. You will be standing in water that might be up to your shins to get the compositions that you want. Also, you need to get there early in order to miss the crowds. Apparently, this waterfall sees a constant swarm of visitors all year round. This could be due to the fact that it just recently became open to the public, and it might taper off eventually. It pays to get there before the crowds because there isn't much area to work when people start to show up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would say that this waterfall is very worth visiting if for nothing else, it is very pretty, and the hike is really simple to make. Be prepared to shoot a range of focal lengths as the magic of this waterfall is in the details.</span>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-25523293993840653002011-02-08T09:14:00.001-05:002011-02-08T09:17:37.865-05:00Waterfall Hideaway: Hays, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK-hrxPtDix0yStej4TQwOGhNWxv5K7CgwFdIYS618j0DuIDUzToDf6v2NkjxlB7jjl_QKq8hB2n4OhrA7Sp2R_UlI7HYzGN3JSFF1g6viR2irMaG09EAPVxXoZxgpGB6sNAtJs0JkPjC/s1600/WaterfallBehindTheHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK-hrxPtDix0yStej4TQwOGhNWxv5K7CgwFdIYS618j0DuIDUzToDf6v2NkjxlB7jjl_QKq8hB2n4OhrA7Sp2R_UlI7HYzGN3JSFF1g6viR2irMaG09EAPVxXoZxgpGB6sNAtJs0JkPjC/s1600/WaterfallBehindTheHouse.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">While most of the waterfalls in North Carolina are on public lands, there are a few that are on private property which makes them a little more difficult to visit. One of these waterfalls happens to be near Stone Mountain, and is part of the property for a very nice mountain cabin rental. Unlike most of my entries in this waterfall directory, I will not be providing directions to its location in order to protect the privacy of those who stay there. However, I will recommend that you pay the <a href="http://waterfallhideaway.com/index.html">Waterfall Hideaway</a> website a visit and consider booking your own trip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The waterfall itself was not impressive when my wife and I went there in late January 2011. I was suspecting the water to be flowing a bit more forcefully from all the precipitation that we had been experiencing. However, that was just not the case. There was but a trickle coming down over the rocks. The size of the falls is impressive though. It is about 70 feet top to bottom and there are several cascades along its path. I imagine that with proper flow this would be a very nice waterfall to photograph.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The owners of the property have done a great job in showcasing this waterfall. It is directly behind the cabin, and there is a walkway from the back door right to the base of the falls. It is quite literally 40 feet or so from the cabin, and you can walk it bare foot if you are so inclined. They have a nice place to sit by the base as well as a fire pit for warmth or even marshmallows I suppose. At night the cascade portions of the waterfall are lit so this can be enjoyed 24 hours a day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XV1knJFnff4a_iQHoLVkEQbBgmTHYTlx4f-ldrrVkLRJ6_UUMkjUzDu6svAUEA54ri-8cM2lT9Fs6p7Zaz97rq7RMmyqooub_y9cCsZOxfoSuGsWT9sFa46sCy-ohI6S2YDwb-SAVQng/s1600/MountainBungalow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XV1knJFnff4a_iQHoLVkEQbBgmTHYTlx4f-ldrrVkLRJ6_UUMkjUzDu6svAUEA54ri-8cM2lT9Fs6p7Zaz97rq7RMmyqooub_y9cCsZOxfoSuGsWT9sFa46sCy-ohI6S2YDwb-SAVQng/s1600/MountainBungalow.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Mountain Bungalow</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The real story with the Waterfall Hideaway is the cabin itself. It sets in a large secluded lot with no signs of life anywhere around. The community where it was built is a gated community with a long winding gravel road. I would recommend taking a truck or something with good ground clearance in the winter months. While there was no snow or ice on the roads when we went, the road was very soggy and muddy. Four wheel drive is probably recommended in inclement weather. That was actually part of the charm of this quaint cabin, you really get the feeling you are in the middle of nowhere.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Below the cabin you will find a walkway that leads down to a well done man made pond. This pond is stocked with fish, and has a nice picnic table where you and the family can grab a relaxing lunch. A little further down is a hammock with another couple of chairs tucked into the woods. Great place for a nap! Behind the cabin there is the waterfall which is linked to the pond by a short nature trail. As you look to the right of the waterfall, there is a continuation of the trail that winds through the trees to an elevated lookout point. There is a table and two chairs where you can just sit and take in the beauty of the 60 mile view ahead.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While the waterfall might not be the best out there, if you enjoy seeing different cascades, you really should consider staying at the Waterfall Hideaway at least once in your life. The experience isn't something you will soon forget. I am planning several return trips and hope to be able to photograph the waterfall in its full grandeur at some point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-7724376394049119052009-11-13T17:19:00.000-05:002009-11-13T17:19:24.581-05:00Unnamed Waterfall: NC 68, Guilford County<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja88fKXizoivuG6hfcfv6WbXcjlqvSJZEgSvw4taR5z1G6qzN5HAyAkCalGkm_NOJ0Qqi2ZcOCjoPwteVjtlNAIrxhEJs3Ccag2qcXwd1Xn9JK1eWIkos3Mg9Syb-nX87VoAJ3NVRqDCLc/s1600-h/FallsAtGuilfordMill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja88fKXizoivuG6hfcfv6WbXcjlqvSJZEgSvw4taR5z1G6qzN5HAyAkCalGkm_NOJ0Qqi2ZcOCjoPwteVjtlNAIrxhEJs3Ccag2qcXwd1Xn9JK1eWIkos3Mg9Syb-nX87VoAJ3NVRqDCLc/s400/FallsAtGuilfordMill.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>Falls at Guilford Mill</em></strong><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">North Carolina has hundreds of waterfalls throughout the state, only about half of them are named, and a good many of them don't even exist unless there has been a lot of rain recently. The waterfall featured here is unnamed as far as I'm aware and appears to be manmade. I believe it serves as a dam for the <a href="http://www.oldmillofguilford.com/index.htm">Old Mill of Guilford</a> which is located across the street. For most of the year this has a steady flow of water, but nothing all that spectacular. However, after a heavy rain it comes alive and really takes on a different character...one that is worth including in this directory.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The waterfall is located on NC 68 in Guilford County, just north of Greensboro, NC. It is on the West side of the road, and is on private property. You can view it from the roadway, and there is no hike needed. There is not much here for the photographer due to a lot of ground vegetation and trees which obstruct the view. For those that wish to get closer, you will be trespassing, and I'm not so sure that you will be able to safely get closer anyway. The brush is quite thick, and footing is very unstable.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Even though this is not all that great of a waterfall for photography purposes, it is nice to see as you are driving down the road. It also makes for an interesting stop when you are visiting the mill across the street. It is the water from this waterfall that powers the wheel for this still functioning grist mill.<br />
</div>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-27399084994848553292009-10-15T20:26:00.000-04:002009-10-15T20:26:07.993-04:00MP 305, Drainage Waterfall: Blue Ridge Parkway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTn_TP509hfU7HzsL5ZkUSrexywt-O84eYWbNmWfCP1C9Esi5weRcwr1qFGlYlKKVdySvECqBENIJ5RA7fkdK8ZNjpvQbv7I30nwc89tVvlIpr1Nn4FzhqhRO4v1qpN92HzIeWFnCaTjx/s1600-h/rockyrunoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTn_TP509hfU7HzsL5ZkUSrexywt-O84eYWbNmWfCP1C9Esi5weRcwr1qFGlYlKKVdySvECqBENIJ5RA7fkdK8ZNjpvQbv7I30nwc89tVvlIpr1Nn4FzhqhRO4v1qpN92HzIeWFnCaTjx/s400/rockyrunoff.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>Rocky Runoff</em></strong><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's rare that I will include a waterfall such as this one in this directory. It does not have a name, and is not listed as a waterfall in any documentation that I have found. However, I think that under the right circumstances this is one that is worthy of a little attention....and I think that opinion is shared by several people that I saw slam on brakes as they came passed it. You can find this small cascading waterfall right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Linn Cove Viaduct. The exact mile marker is 305, but the cascade is a little past it, but not beyond the intersection with Hwy 221.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While you will not be able to find this waterfall for most of the year, if the conditions are right with a lot of rainfall, you will be richly rewarded from driving past this falls. You can see it from the road, and there is sufficient shoulder room to pull off of the Parkway so you can view it up close. I would recommend pulling off of the road to avoid any rear end collisions. There is no trail to get to this waterfall as it is maybe 20 feet from the roadway.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The one negative to this waterfall is that there is a drainage culvert at the base that collects the water from the waterfall, as well as drainage from the roadway. This is a necessary evil and helps to keep the Parkway safe to travel on by redirecting the water that flows on and around it during the rain.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What makes this waterfall so interesting is that it is full of sediment and minerals from the rocky face of the mountain. This introduces a wonderful brown tint to the water which really is an eye catcher. There is very little interest in the base of this waterfall, so those that choose to photograph it might have a difficult time composing something other than a frame filling shot. That is ok though because there is a lot of visual interest just in the patterns of the water itself.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While this is not a named waterfall, and will likely not even be visible for much of the year, if you happen to be around the area of Rough Ridge and the Linn Cove Viaduct this is worth looking for. There are many of these little falls sporadically placed along the Parkway, but this one is the best one that I have seen. It does need lots of recent rains, and will likely only be active for a few days here and there.<br />
</div>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-57246738935261189362009-10-15T19:54:00.000-04:002018-09-14T12:28:22.102-04:00Upper Creek Falls: Pisgah National Forest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Upper Creek Falls</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The Pisgah National Forest is home to many waterfalls, named and unnamed. There are some that are officially part of the national forest, but are credited with being in the Grandfather Mountain District. The Upper Creek Falls is one of those waterfalls that falls under the Grandfather Mountain Ranger District. I have finally started to explore these waterfalls based on the descriptions from Kevin Adams' </span><strong style="text-align: left;"><em>Waterfalls of North Carolina</em></strong><span style="text-align: left;">.</span></div>
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You can find the waterfall actually quite easily. Since most will be coming from the Blue Ridge Parkway I will describe it from here. You will exit the Parkway at milepost 312 which will take you to NC 181. You will head South for a distance of 5.6 miles and will look for a gravel drive on the left with a Pisgah National Forest sign at the entrance. This will be right at mile marker 22. The sign will say "Upper Creek Falls". Follow the driveway to the gravel lot where you can park. There are two different trail heads from this parking lot which are labeled "Upper Falls" and "Lower Falls". Most will want to take the trail to the North which will take you to the upper cascades and the main falls. This is actually a loop trail so you will see the same sights no matter which side you choose to take.</div>
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At less than half a mile down a fairly easy trail you will come to the upper cascades, and the top of the main falls. As of the time of this writing this is as far as I have gotten here due to really bad weather conditions. I will add more later when I actually finish the hike. The upper cascades, however, are well worth the trip just on their own. It is an unnamed waterfall, and is just considered a part of the Upper Creek Falls. It is not very tall, but there is a lot of white water action as the water spills down over the boulders. There is a pretty good sized pool there that apparently is popular with swimmers and sunbathers in the summer months. Kevin says that if you don't want to be around a lot of people, then you should go early in the morning or in the cooler months.</div>
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To continue down the trail you will need to pass through the water by either wading or rock hopping. My choice would have been to rock hop, but on this first trip, it was raining and the rocks were very slick. It just wasn't worth it to me to continue on this day. Speaking of slick rocks, you can also see the top of the main falls from the upper cascades. There are some flat rocks that look like you might be able to step on them, but due to the location and the steep drop, I would not recommend doing this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDOB29sxKbduLzhrfawYtU2CttCwrqwEtW3N_o1Xe-qNskHiwGI3ddqfxD4QCp6lisIQdALllKzS4YPLFKl6rCv9gRjuvZB88XqoW2hyO5cKfoMKKDzi7AlEo59F-U-A0MJAM-26cChQF/s1600-h/anautumnrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDOB29sxKbduLzhrfawYtU2CttCwrqwEtW3N_o1Xe-qNskHiwGI3ddqfxD4QCp6lisIQdALllKzS4YPLFKl6rCv9gRjuvZB88XqoW2hyO5cKfoMKKDzi7AlEo59F-U-A0MJAM-26cChQF/s400/anautumnrain.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong><em>An Autumn Rain</em></strong></div>
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As you can see from the photo above, even the top of the falls is quite picturesque. I'm looking forward to returning to actually see the falls from the base so I can really soak in what this waterfall has to offer. According to Kevin, the Pisgah National Forest Map has this waterfall on their cover. I believe it is a waterslide, but with a near vertical drop which might make for a very interesting sight.</div>
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As far as photography is concerned, I can't speak for the main falls yet, but there is an open canopy over everything which will make sky conditions very important. I would recommend an overcast day in order to avoid exposure hot spots. There could be compositions that could benefit from a nice blue sky, but I'm afraid that it would be very difficult to balance out the exposure without using some digital trickery such as HDR Photography.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Edit: 09-14-2018</b></span></div>
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I have been back to this waterfall once again and have seen better conditions than the first time out. I did hike down to the bottom of the primary waterfall but found that it was rather nondescript as just a long water slide. It was not worth the effort to hike down and back up again, plus it was very difficult to get a decent composition with the trees all around. I will say that my supposition about the top of the falls being a great place to shoot is absolutely correct. On the recent trek here, I was able to get a great shot of the section that I had first photographed in 2009, and found it to be an outstanding image.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Into the Gorge</i></b></td></tr>
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For this shot, I had originally thought that digital trickery would be necessary but that wasn't needed at all. I was able to get this shot with a circular polarizer and two different ND grads for a total of 5 stops of light reduction in the sky. The clouds definitely helped the final exposure. It can be done, and this is still one of my favorite aspects of this waterfall.</div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-68973769577743077632009-03-27T20:21:00.001-04:002009-09-30T22:58:14.868-04:00High Shoals Falls: South Mountains State Park<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4s0DGKFZi2IcXvZYJedqC4f8kb_ldwef9MHTY7-eWChmzenMNxiDbxXYixq8nosfwJ3MPas1IRC2IK9LDd5mDofsCTUjkJoT-3GKQwT-h1XGXa6EiPYuqNlc4QOwQls8XbbSmnDRm3_p/s1600-h/HighShoalsFalls.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318027965852630290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4s0DGKFZi2IcXvZYJedqC4f8kb_ldwef9MHTY7-eWChmzenMNxiDbxXYixq8nosfwJ3MPas1IRC2IK9LDd5mDofsCTUjkJoT-3GKQwT-h1XGXa6EiPYuqNlc4QOwQls8XbbSmnDRm3_p/s400/HighShoalsFalls.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a> <strong><em>High Shoals Falls</em></strong><br />
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<div align="justify"><a href="http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/somo/main.php">South Mountains State Park </a>is located in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Connelly</span> Springs, NC, just West of Hickory. This is a very large, and recently remodeled park here in NC. It includes elevations up to 3,000 feet, 40 miles of trails, activities such as camping, fishing, and even horseback riding. However, what brought me to the park was the 80 foot waterfall, known as High Shoals Falls. I had read about this waterfall in Kevin Adams' book <strong><em>North Carolina Waterfalls</em></strong>. While I was a little skeptical about the photographic potential of this waterfall, I knew that it was one that needed to be added to this directory.<br />
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<div align="justify">Finding the park is easy enough, and complete directions can be found at the <a href="http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/somo/main.php">official website</a>. I was able to locate the park with no problem following Kevin's directions. From I-40 (near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Morganton</span>), you will exit on Exit 105 which is NC 18. You will travel South on this road for approximately 10.7 miles where you will turn right onto Sugar Loaf Rd (SR 1913). You will stay on this road for about four miles until Sugar Loaf Rd ends at Old NC 18. Here you will turn left and continue on for about two and a half miles where you will turn right onto Ward Rd (SR 1901). After 1.3 miles you will come to a fork in the road just past the bridge over Jacob Fork. Take the right fork, which will lead you to the park's entrance after about a mile. The nice thing about this trip is that there are plenty of signs to point you in the right direction from I-40. You actually don't even need directions to get to this park as long as take the right exit from the highway.<br />
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<div align="justify">Once in the park, you will pass the new visitor's center on the right. I would recommend that you stop and pick up a map of the park, although the trails are well marked. The map contains general information about South Mountains State Park, and provides plenty of information about what is available to you within the property. As you continue down the main road, you will pass camping areas, and equestrian areas. You will stay on the road until it ends in a circular parking lot. As you are locating a parking place, you will see that each of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">trail heads</span> are marked with what trails are accessed at those points, as well as distances for the hikes. At the time of this writing, I have only taken one trail, and that is the last trail head that you come to which is labeled High Shoals Falls Trail, 1.0 miles.<br />
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<div align="justify">You will almost immediately notice that this trail is very well maintained. It is manicured, and has benches at various points. There are also wooden overlooks which can be used to view Jacob Fork River. There are plenty of displays set up to explain things like the difference between Mountain Laurel and Rhododendrons, and what Hemlock is. Like I said, this is a very nice trail, but it is a bit of a love/hate relationship. I personally enjoy trails that are left in their natural state so you don't see the impact of man on the environment. However, there have been many times that I have accidentally wondered off-trail because of the lack of maintenance. There are only a few tricky areas to this trail, and most of that is where you are going over rock, and there just isn't much that can be done to mark the trail.<br />
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<div align="justify">The trail to the waterfall pretty much ends at a very steep staircase that will take a bit of effort to climb. Had it not been for the stairs at the end, this trail would have rated a moderate at worst difficulty rating. The stair climb, however, elevates this trail to strenuous...but it is only for a short time. Once at the mid point on the stairs, you are at the viewing level for the High Shoals Falls. Again the love/hate relationship pops up again. The observation deck is wonderfully constructed, and allows visitors to get close enough to this large waterfall to feel the spray. I imagine that this would be very refreshing to hikers after the climb. However, the observation deck makes it nearly impossible to photograph the waterfall without including at least the railing.<br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318035590066333058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYog2akuMKxqmmAUZ07rzfxQ01WD363w46Ug7hZX1tPBijXm4Qbe94SSzwDSGYlVz-eQ0qfviFRRt4Qyj6VX6IhRhdYKzMMdxGDi2Sngs2lfHpPLGA0El02CVKVhOrDdv4biD59HgPvxT3/s400/JacobForkRiver.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /><strong><em>Jacob Fork River</em></strong><br />
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</div><div align="justify">While the main attraction is a bit of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">disappointment</span> to me as a photographer, the hike along the Jacob Fork more than makes the trip worth it. There are more cascades along this river than I have seen in most parks. If you are making the trip for the purpose of photography, don't feel guilty about spending some time working these areas. I think that you will find that there are many more possibilities for great images in the river than there are at the waterfall. To be fair, on this particular visit, it was starting to rain pretty heavily which forced me to call it a day before I would have normally. I might have missed a composition or two in the rush.<br />
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</div><div align="justify">I will say this...I think that the best compositions are to be had beyond the overlook on several of the boulders near the base. I can see that it would be possible to get to these locations, but with the wet conditions from the rain, I just didn't feel comfortable attempting it. There have been photographers that have fallen to their deaths trying to get a good shot of this waterfall in the past. Honestly, while a very large and powerful waterfall, I don't think that this is a particularly pretty waterfall....<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">definitely</span> not worth getting hurt in order to photograph it. Kevin gives this waterfall a beauty rating, as well as a photo rating of 7. Maybe it was just the conditions on this day, but I would have rated it much lower.<br />
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</div><div align="justify">I imagine that during the warmer months, this park is filled sun-up to sun-down. If you want to have a little peace and quiet to enjoy this waterfall, I would suggest going early in the morning, or in the off season. Even in the rain with 50 degree temperatures, I ran into a total of five other hikers which really surprised me. On a pretty day, I can just imagine how many people can be found on the trails.<br />
</div>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-80304012742818183672008-12-16T00:52:00.001-05:002018-09-11T10:34:26.416-04:00Elk River Falls, Pisgah National Forest<div align="center">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Elk River Falls</i></b></td></tr>
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Located in the far Western part of North Carolina, Elk Park is almost in Tennessee, to the Northwest of Grandfather Mountain. This is a popular destination for not only the locals in the area, but also for the college kids at the various colleges in the Western part of the state. The waterfall is very easy to find as it is located pretty close to main roads. The directions that I had all seemed to start from the intersection of NC 194 and US 19E, which seemed easy enough, but I had no idea where that was. I'll start my directions in Boone, NC which is a standard location for this part of the state.</div>
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From the town of Boone, you need to take Hwy 105 South toward Blowing Rock. You can access this road from either US 421 or US 321. It is a nice little drive through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Foscoe</span> and Seven Devils. You will turn right on US 221 which will change into NC 181 going toward <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Newland</span>. Right before you get to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Newland</span>, you will take a right on NC 194 and go North. The junction with US 19E is a little confusing because your inclination will be to turn left, but you need to continue straight as this road actually becomes US 19E going to Elk Park. There will be a very short street to the right leading to Elk Park that is right before you get to the fire station. You need to turn right, and take an immediate left onto Old Mill Road. You will stay on this road for about four miles when it dead ends in a gravel loop in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pisgah</span> National Forest.<br />
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Since writing this entry some 10 years ago, the advent of GPS is a wonderful thing. I have found that most GPS systems will take you right to the waterfall from wherever you are starting out. On my most recent trip here, I came from Blowing Rock and the route was very simple via GPS after entering "Elk River Falls."</div>
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The trail is very simple, and goes straight from the parking area to the waterfall. It is about a tenth of a mile and very simple to traverse. There are access points at the top of the falls which is seen in the photograph above. This is a very dangerous area so please exercise due caution, and resist the urge to jump from the top. On my first visit here, I didn't really do much with the top of the falls, but on this subsequent visit, I found that there was a lot of character up there and well worth the time to break out the camera.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>With a Quickness</i></b></td></tr>
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For those interested in photographing this waterfall, you will find that it has some unique challenges. The first one is trying to compose with the sky not in the frame. This can only be done from the right side, since as you move to the left there is nothing to block the sky from your field of view. There is a nice long rocky barrier in place that can be walked across with relative ease. There are boulders and some cascades between yet another barrier wall. If you are willing to get wet, there will likely be some interesting compositions using the rocks. To be completely and brutally honest, on my first trip here the photography was terrible. I had a very hard time working on a composition that made sense and didn't include a blown out sky. It left a bad taste in my mouth from this waterfall.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLochxkokxaJl_OZxoSevVvowhr6mgtQvaRQIJZh4BGOf7E9Qt7aY4Ij_cTRBvP4Z9dUitoDqW29IW8fFJNvwv3txMY0hbA9wzSVF7DkE0Tetk2bhupRCWn7wOeVg8MKGfMJhtTiimJ7N/s1600/Without+A+Ripple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLochxkokxaJl_OZxoSevVvowhr6mgtQvaRQIJZh4BGOf7E9Qt7aY4Ij_cTRBvP4Z9dUitoDqW29IW8fFJNvwv3txMY0hbA9wzSVF7DkE0Tetk2bhupRCWn7wOeVg8MKGfMJhtTiimJ7N/s640/Without+A+Ripple.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Without a Ripple</i></b></td></tr>
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When I returned in 2018, I brought with me a new bag of tricks and embraced the sky which had caused me so much heartburn earlier. With a partially cloudy sky, you can actually get a little bit of drama in the sky which adds to the photograph. It is advisable to use a graduated neutral density filter when incorporating the sky in your compositions to keep the exposures to a tolerable level. Early morning is said to be a good time to photograph this waterfall, and I can attest to that. The morning sun will illuminate the woodline to the right and puts a little front light on the waterfall itself. Having the sun covered by clouds is the best case though.</div>
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This is a nice waterfall, and for shear size, it is great bang for your buck. However, be warned that if you go during the warmer months you will have a hard time finding any quiet or privacy from those swimming and sunning <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">themselves</span>. Judging by the bare trees near the cascades, I would imagine that fall would be a good season to visit. Whenever you go, just remember to be careful and watch your step.</div>
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Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-10115424617275804532008-02-13T16:03:00.001-05:002017-12-29T12:36:01.531-05:00Mouse Creek Falls, Great Smokey Mountains National Park<div align="center">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MTNnR2gvh8VrvzX-GI9jGlkIcNjDuVPQG_58WzWmFw-k7GmY4L7t7OtOW-iHykVkaLwYvgXLT75FYnXJnDFvhyphenhyphens1V8v3ldGQPxLBQ_po9_CA5H95g8IyGXA76wPatOeL_erGvhJrGQb4/s1600/FindingYourWay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="560" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MTNnR2gvh8VrvzX-GI9jGlkIcNjDuVPQG_58WzWmFw-k7GmY4L7t7OtOW-iHykVkaLwYvgXLT75FYnXJnDFvhyphenhyphens1V8v3ldGQPxLBQ_po9_CA5H95g8IyGXA76wPatOeL_erGvhJrGQb4/s640/FindingYourWay.jpg" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Finding Your Way</b></i></td></tr>
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Located in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, in the French Broad River Basin, Mouse Creek Falls is a very impressive and beautiful waterfall. With two distinct sections, the waterfall totals about 25 feet before dropping straight into Big Creek. I think that makes this waterfall a bit of a gem, as normally falls will turn into a stream that eventually flows somewhere else. Here, you get not only the cascades of the falls, but the rapids of a swift moving creek. Sharing the same water as <a href="http://ncwaterfalls.blogspot.com/2008/02/midnight-hole-on-big-creek-great-smokey.html">Midnight Hole</a>, you will also find that lovely aqua color in the water here.</div>
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To get to the trail head, you will take I-40 to Exit 451 which is on the Eastern edge of Tennessee. The falls themselves are actually located in North Carolina though. After exiting the interstate, you will continue North on Green Corner Rd which will lead you to <span class="correction"><span class="correction">Waterville</span></span> Rd. Turn left when you <span class="correction">approach</span> a one way ramp (coming at you with "do not enter" signs at the base). You will cross the Pigeon River and turn immediately back to the left heading South. Continue on this road past the Walters Power Plant. The road will guide to the right, and you will cross a narrow bridge. Staying on the road will take you through the community of Mount Sterling. You will come to a four way <span class="correction">intersection</span> where you will see a sign straight ahead for <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/"><span style="color: blue;">The Great Smokey Mountains National Park</span></a>. Continue into the park and stay on the narrow gravel road for about 0.8 mile. You will end your trip in a gravel parking lot.</div>
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To find the trail head, walk back along the driveway that lead you into the parking lot. You will see a gate with a sign for Mouse Creek Falls, and Midnight Hole. The distances are marked 2.0 miles and 1.5 miles respectively. Don't let this discourage you as the hike is an easy one on a well maintained path. Moving with a purpose, I was able to cover the 2 miles back in about 30 minutes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfuYFG4R2s-Kka0bvSpwG_WmMDDq2EECEre3Dyoh97tdEMJVzJa5eHQQw6f0Ew5-ZGV1woHtsTd5gsBDp1THAPbpEHM-dkYvt4uNsqAniJevpfSzr8cLN9ZY4y02_2h1qtWqCM3UJ_0w/s1600/A-Smooth-Embrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfuYFG4R2s-Kka0bvSpwG_WmMDDq2EECEre3Dyoh97tdEMJVzJa5eHQQw6f0Ew5-ZGV1woHtsTd5gsBDp1THAPbpEHM-dkYvt4uNsqAniJevpfSzr8cLN9ZY4y02_2h1qtWqCM3UJ_0w/s1600/A-Smooth-Embrace.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>A Smooth Embrace</i></b></td></tr>
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One thing you will quickly recognize...the Big Creek is just that...a really big creek. There are lots of rocks and boulders, along with elevation drops that provide lots of small cascades and rapids along the way. Much of the way though, the trail is well above the water, making it very difficult to see the water up close. Occasionally though, the creek comes right up to the trail, or maybe I should say that the trail meets the creek in places. It is easy to get distracted looking at these sections and forgetting to look for the actual waterfall.</div>
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What you are looking for is a horse hitch post to the left of the trail in a wide section. If you look through the brush and trees you will find yourself face to face with the waterfall. While the view is great from the trail, you owe it to yourself to scramble down the bank to the creek level. Here you can rock hop on various boulders taking you closer and closer to the waterfall. Keep in mind that the force of the water is strong, and if you leave the rocks, you are likely to be in trouble in the currents. With a good water flow, I was only able to get half way across the creek, but that was plenty close enough to really be able to take in the beauty of this waterfall.</div>
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Having seen many waterfalls in North Carolina, I would have to say that this is one of my favorites to photograph. It is difficult in a way to make a great photograph of this falls because so much is going on. however, if you can isolate just the elements that you want to show, there are many different compositions available to you. Again, as with Midnight Hole, the green water is amazing.</div>
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It should be noted that the trail to both Midnight Hole, and Mouse Creek Falls is a horse trail. Therefore, no pets should be brought on this hike. For those of you with horses, this is a great trip to take. There are sections of the trail that look like they could be accessible to horses, but are clearly marked "No Horses". Looking at these locations, I would think this warning should be adhered to.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Edit 11-20-2016</span></b><br />
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I have just gotten back from a trip out to Big Creek after a month long drought. From my experience with this location, I really didn't expect to see massive drops in the water levels, but I was shocked to see most of the area dried up. I was happily surprised to find that Mouse Creek Falls survived quite well in the drought, and actually showed a bit more character with the reduced water flow.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrkd8tmqdC3DAT90AHRMWfQbyYUprQLePY_haP_2Yi7Ku6n6AIo4ViayzuwzLD_9gK4CdrftHnRdAEX9WpcucKY8fQFVROd0oS3DrZ1mSjX9M8fxSd5XRvbcnYpbPDXgOhyphenhyphenJXZ8ch7bgu/s1600/An-Autumn-Blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrkd8tmqdC3DAT90AHRMWfQbyYUprQLePY_haP_2Yi7Ku6n6AIo4ViayzuwzLD_9gK4CdrftHnRdAEX9WpcucKY8fQFVROd0oS3DrZ1mSjX9M8fxSd5XRvbcnYpbPDXgOhyphenhyphenJXZ8ch7bgu/s640/An-Autumn-Blanket.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">An Autumn Blanket</span></b></i></td></tr>
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Also, it is worth noting that you can continue on the trail past this waterfall, and you are very likely to come across some more really nice scenes. A short distance up, you will cross over the river on a carriage bridge and will start walking along the opposite bank. Most of the sides are too steep to easily access the water, but there are some places that will allow you to scramble down for some closer views such as this...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFO0sZ3KO9mmd-xUWMeOdWUZc9GqccubxfT7esERXzFDdJTBNcrEYLfnFIgvaOvNxJjkt34I8qd8doexkuUHYmebOPV_z9bNNMjGW1IvwGkGiFmUzbZAiRaNO4WRy_gG4BaY2CE5_dPLf/s1600/A-Bit-of-Drama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFO0sZ3KO9mmd-xUWMeOdWUZc9GqccubxfT7esERXzFDdJTBNcrEYLfnFIgvaOvNxJjkt34I8qd8doexkuUHYmebOPV_z9bNNMjGW1IvwGkGiFmUzbZAiRaNO4WRy_gG4BaY2CE5_dPLf/s640/A-Bit-of-Drama.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">A Bit of Drama</span></b></i></td></tr>
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So, it doesn't really matter what the water levels are like here at Big Creek. You can still find plenty to see, and to photograph. Just always be very careful walking on the rocks. They are pretty slick and will surprise you if you take them for granted. With due caution, you should be just fine though.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Edit 12-29-2017</b></span><br />
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Mouse Creek Falls is now one of my favorite waterfalls now that I've seen it with an appropriate amount of water. The newest picture is now at the top of the entry.</div>
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Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Mouse+Creek+Falls" rel="tag" target="_blank">Mouse Creek Falls</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Great+Smokey+Mountains+National+Park" rel="tag" target="_blank">Great Smokey Mountains National Park</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/photography" rel="tag" target="_blank">photography</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/waterfalls" rel="tag" target="_blank">waterfalls</a></div>
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Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-71775445921467384632008-02-13T15:40:00.001-05:002014-04-27T10:30:47.467-04:00Midnight Hole on Big Creek, Great Smokey Mountains National Park<div align="center">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibC8-jH1iHfGWmYel9Sg_1ajZ7UXoDhtX_si4T-1a3zU3c0EhVwE8DL3ntBUdV7Q3DWwNv4OXneQEYLEm4J9xc2wWK988RCeRJY31_7MVw-j6hXjW4kDUxjtZyWoClkbH7z_Zf2gc8ErQ/s1600/Midnight-Hole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibC8-jH1iHfGWmYel9Sg_1ajZ7UXoDhtX_si4T-1a3zU3c0EhVwE8DL3ntBUdV7Q3DWwNv4OXneQEYLEm4J9xc2wWK988RCeRJY31_7MVw-j6hXjW4kDUxjtZyWoClkbH7z_Zf2gc8ErQ/s1600/Midnight-Hole.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Midnight Hole</i></b></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
While only about six feet tall, this named waterfall can be seen along the Pigeon River on Big Creek. The trail to <a href="http://ncwaterfalls.blogspot.com/2008/02/mouse-creek-falls-great-smokey.html">Mouse Creek Falls</a> will take you right past this section of the river. To get to the trail head, you will take I-40 to Exit 451 which is on the Eastern edge of Tennessee. The falls themselves are actually located in North Carolina though. After exiting the interstate, you will continue North on Green Corner Rd which will lead you to <span class="correction">Waterville</span> Rd. Turn left when you <span class="correction">approach</span> a one way ramp (coming at you with "do not enter" signs at the base). You will cross the Pigeon River and turn immediately back to the left heading South. Continue on this road past the Walters Power Plant. The road will guide to the right, and you will cross a narrow bridge. Staying on the road will take you through the community of Mount Sterling. You will come to a four way <span class="correction">intersection</span> where you will see a sign straight ahead for <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/">The Great Smokey Mountains National Park</a>. Continue into the park and stay on the narrow gravel road for about 0.8 mile. You will end your trip in a gravel parking lot.</div>
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To find the trail head, walk back along the driveway that lead you into the parking lot. You will see a gate with a sign for <a href="http://ncwaterfalls.blogspot.com/2008/02/mouse-creek-falls-great-smokey.html">Mouse Creek Falls</a>, and Midnight Hole. The distances are marked 2.0 miles and 1.5 miles respectively. Don't let this discourage you as the hike is an easy one on a well maintained path. Moving with a purpose, I was able to cover the 2 miles back in about 30 minutes.</div>
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One thing you will quickly recognize...the Big Creek is just that...a really big creek. There are lots of rocks and boulders, along with elevation drops that provide lots of small cascades and rapids along the way. Much of the way though, the trail is well above the water, making it very difficult to see the water up close. Occasionally though, the creek comes right up to the trail, or maybe I should say that the trail meets the creek in places.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FxIs7UckzB20DALWqGr7gqg0tFVP9_xotQrpEOTFIb8_r4FR-I4VgCfmPyUGJ4C45MDq0Y54qIh4_OXUXeokBmlH8vN3nhosdm-VnrylhNjDyyiyi63ltDEG4nzBbXsmP7xgoc2IhzU/s1600/Worry-Stones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FxIs7UckzB20DALWqGr7gqg0tFVP9_xotQrpEOTFIb8_r4FR-I4VgCfmPyUGJ4C45MDq0Y54qIh4_OXUXeokBmlH8vN3nhosdm-VnrylhNjDyyiyi63ltDEG4nzBbXsmP7xgoc2IhzU/s1600/Worry-Stones.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Worry Stones</i></b></td></tr>
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The picture above just such a place where the trail and the creek merge. While not a named waterfall, the rapids in this section were just too pretty to resist. Midnight Hole is just a few more yards upstream and as you can tell from the first picture, the personality of the water changes greatly in short amounts of time.</div>
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Midnight Hole is impressive not for the cascading water, which is only about six feet tall. It is impressive (to me) because of the aqua color of the water at the base of the falls. I believe this has something to do with the sediment from the creek bed, but whatever it is, I really like it. Also, you can see how this creek suddenly just calms and forms small lagoons along the way. For the most part, this looks like a river that white water rafters enjoy going down. Personally, I enjoyed this location for the relaxation it provided in its calmness.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsGjiULoQ_JEFiy7lMiIXAJqtHygEUInEASv-EtTf4Bvise6kx6YfLD2ZtAwUBN9w28YXgCrqVrKczM1MVN4Np4ev8Aotxs0MbN48LlIavuUw6W-7tDGy95S-HuP3oE8-GVRvlISUpV4/s1600/Islands-In-the-Stream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsGjiULoQ_JEFiy7lMiIXAJqtHygEUInEASv-EtTf4Bvise6kx6YfLD2ZtAwUBN9w28YXgCrqVrKczM1MVN4Np4ev8Aotxs0MbN48LlIavuUw6W-7tDGy95S-HuP3oE8-GVRvlISUpV4/s1600/Islands-In-the-Stream.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Islands in the Stream</i></b></td></tr>
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It should be noted that the trail to both Midnight Hole, and Mouse Creek Falls is a horse trail. Therefore, no pets should be brought on this hike. For those of you with horses, this is a great trip to take. There are sections of the trail that look like they could be accessible to horses, but are clearly marked "No Horses". Looking at these locations, I would think this warning should be adhered to.</div>
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Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Midnight+Hole" rel="tag" target="_blank">Midnight Hole</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Great+Smokey+Mountain+National+Park" rel="tag" target="_blank">Great Smokey Mountain National Park</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Waterfall" rel="tag" target="_blank">Waterfall</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/photography" rel="tag" target="_blank">photography</a></div>
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Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-73800208367066364962008-02-13T15:12:00.001-05:002009-09-30T22:51:26.699-04:00Waterfall on Little Branch, Pisgah National Forest<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASNJ_PYP_BX6Fk78NlC8bei9lZcowRYDJb_DGp3SUBRspVRH0RB7s432dZ27MoVUqG6vf7M5bx8JqHsP7V0IQLjjAORRVsBXshv4c8ddIs8MNpoiFjhQG5baT3vzIrHQPBx_wsiX3Ip8A/s1600-h/waterfallonlittlebranch.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259638728273285010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASNJ_PYP_BX6Fk78NlC8bei9lZcowRYDJb_DGp3SUBRspVRH0RB7s432dZ27MoVUqG6vf7M5bx8JqHsP7V0IQLjjAORRVsBXshv4c8ddIs8MNpoiFjhQG5baT3vzIrHQPBx_wsiX3Ip8A/s400/waterfallonlittlebranch.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> <strong><em>Waterfall on Little Branch</em></strong><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Located in the <a href="http://ncnatural.com/NCUSFS/Pisgah/"><span class="correction">Pisgah</span> National Forest</a>, along the French Broad River Basin, in Harmon County, this waterfall seems to spring up from nowhere. This 40' waterfall can be found along the Little Fall Branch stream near the Harmon Den Horse Camp. Locating this waterfall is very easy to do, but you need to pay particular attention to the details as there are no actual trails that lead to the falls.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To get to the trail head, you will need to come from I-40 in North Carolina near the <span class="correction">Tennessee</span> boarder. From either direction, you will exit at Exit 7 and head north toward a gravel road. This gravel road is called Cold Springs Creek Road, and is also listed as <span class="correction">FR</span> 148. You can't miss it, as it is visible from the exit ramp from the interstate. After traveling approximately 3.7 miles, you will come across a picnic area and horse camp. There will be a sign for <span class="correction">FR</span> 3526 which you will turn right on. Stay on this road for about three or four tenths of a mile until you come across a gate on the left and one ahead. There is a pull out by the second gate on the right side of the road where you can park. Take care not to block the gates.<br />
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</div><div align="left">Here is where things get interesting. While the hike is no more than 0.3 mile, there is no trail. I'm not an advocate of off-trail hiking, and would not have proceeded here except that there seems to be a clear path that has been used before. As you came past the first gate, you saw a stream crossing which is Fall Branch. It is actually the second one, Little Fall Branch, that you are wanting to find. It crosses right at the gate. You will want to follow this upstream to find the falls. I found that a path of sorts has been cleared along the right side of the stream which is the route I would recommend. Keep sight of the stream so you reach your destination, more importantly....so you can get back to your vehicle.<br />
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</div><div align="left">As you walk along the stream, you will find yourself wondering about this waterfall. The hike is relatively flat, and the stream only has a few elevation drops here and there. I thought I was on the wrong path. However, in a matter of minutes you will find yourself face to face with a near <span class="correction">vertical</span> wall with an impressive waterfall. While this is a very pretty waterfall, photography is limited because of all the surface clutter. It is not uncommon to find large tree trunks at the base of the falls which will restrict any close-up photography. However, good compositions can be found by stepping back from the falls.<br />
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</div><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259638946683494066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAkhhR1n2AM2pnrZ3F3W-gMJ45TITkXYKmTfA35wRyMz2Rh_ErkrirM7lQVGeEVAmK3Lwko-J8KfwpjIFc1NydW7xBCjAQovE0BgqT-1wyVyYsr7t8HTzcZ0iaQ8GB3lqHC-FRXkilU3n/s400/streamobservation.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><strong><em>Stream Observation</em></strong><br />
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</div><div align="left">Also, the stream itself introduces a few nice little jewels for the photographer. With several little cascades here and there, you can find lots of opportunities to trip the shutter. While this is not a great waterfall, it is really worth a stop if you find yourself in the area. The hike is very easy and doesn't take long at all.<br />
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Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Waterfall+on+Little+Branch" rel="tag" target="_blank">Waterfall on Little Branch</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Cascade" rel="tag" target="_blank">Cascade</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/waterfall" rel="tag" target="_blank">waterfall</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/photography" rel="tag" target="_blank">photography</a><br />
</div>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-36497182475729798372007-07-11T01:53:00.001-04:002018-01-29T14:38:43.758-05:00The Linville Falls: From the Gorge Floor<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDzcoQM3LwvqkPoHHIIGwPC8hBkWky7ROT5hsLPAxkRyI7JNEbj41-33ph1lQKif2f8AVh5nVpRUrZjEx37QThwhA99AU0xSdP1OCeYPp7Hx5vclzCfTUawbbpOwfW-XXd6MaUKiICM95/s1600-h/quietreflection.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259637360797618594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDzcoQM3LwvqkPoHHIIGwPC8hBkWky7ROT5hsLPAxkRyI7JNEbj41-33ph1lQKif2f8AVh5nVpRUrZjEx37QThwhA99AU0xSdP1OCeYPp7Hx5vclzCfTUawbbpOwfW-XXd6MaUKiICM95/s400/quietreflection.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> <strong><em>Quiet Reflection </em></strong>Photo Copyright <span style="color: #400040; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 85%;"><strong><em><span style="color: black;">©</span> </em></strong></span>2007 G. <span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction">Kiser</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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The <a href="http://www.brptrails.com/brp3164.htm"><span style="color: blue;"><span class="correction">Linville</span> Falls area</span></a> is just North of the <a href="http://www.northcarolinaoutdoors.com/places/mountains/linvillegorge.html#anchor_summary_linville_gorge"><span class="correction">Linville</span> Gorge</a> along the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can find this attraction at milepost 316.5 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, just South of the Linn Cove Viaduct. A second trailhead can also be found off of <span class="correction">Kistler</span> Memorial Highway (Old NC 105) off of NC 183. To view the <span class="correction">Linville</span> Falls, your best bet would be the former where the visitor's center is.</div>
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This particular view comes from the most strenuous trail in the park, the <span class="correction">Linville</span> Gorge Trail. It is steep, full of rocks, ruts, and tree roots...however, for the best view of the <span class="correction">Linville</span> Falls, up close and personal, there is no better option. While I always recommend hiking attire and <span class="correction">footwear</span>, this is one of those occasions where a good pair of hiking boots will really help you along.</div>
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The <span class="correction">trailhead</span> starts at the visitor's center as the others. To the right of the office, you will find the trail that takes you to <a href="http://ncwaterfalls.blogspot.com/2007/03/linville-falls-from-erwin-view.html">Upper Falls, Chimney View, and Erwin's View</a>. To the left of the office you will find the trails that will take you to <a href="http://ncwaterfalls.blogspot.com/2006/09/dugger-creek-falls-linville-falls.html"><span class="correction">Dugger's</span> Creek Falls</a>, the <a href="http://ncwaterfalls.blogspot.com/2006/09/linville-falls-from-plunge-basin.html">Plunge Basin Overlook</a>, and down to the Gorge itself. Choosing the trailhead to the left is what you want to do for this Trek.</div>
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Quickly after entering the <span class="correction">wood line</span> the trail will fork, take the right fork marked <span class="correction">Linville</span> Gorge. This trail is 0.6 mile and will <span class="correction">probably</span> take about 15 minutes at a good and steady pace. Not too long after starting this trail you will likely come across a very large tree that has fallen and is blocking the path. It has been there for at least the past year and is showing no signs of being removed. You can crawl over it to continue on the trail. You will reach another fork in the trail after 0.2 mile. Continue to follow the sign directions for the Linville Gorge. At this point the trail increases in difficulty as you start your descent. At one point there are 23 wooden stairs to aid in the hike and to protect the ground from sliding boots and shoes.</div>
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When you are finished with the stairs the trail does something rather funny. There is another fork, but there are no signs and there is supposed to be only one trail that proceeds through. The left fork is actually drainage from the mountains, and while it looks like a trail...it is not and will end you up on a very <span class="correction">skinny</span> ledge on the side of a steep slope....don't ask. What you want to do is take the right fork which is a much better trail that actually leads to the bottom of the gorge. It looks like the trail terminates at the river, but if you look closely, you will see it continues along the bank to the right. At this point, you will begin to hear the <span class="correction">mighty</span> <span class="correction">Linville</span> Falls as you get closer. You will make a shallow right turn along the rock wall and there you are...face to face with the <span class="correction">Linville</span> Falls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Downstream</i></b></td></tr>
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Well, not quite fact to face with the falls. There is a row of cascades just downstream of the falls that makes for a great panoramic shot. You can also make out some of the terrain that you will need to traverse to get to the best position for a picture of Linville Falls. There is also a rock to the rear that you can climb on to get another viewpoint if you want to include these cascades.</div>
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You can also get close enough to the falls to actually touch it with just a small bit of wading. Keep in mind that there is no swimming in Parkway Waters. Of course, expect to see lots of people of all ages here in the warmer months as it is a very popular summer destination. If you are like me, and want to enjoy this waterfall in the quiet, you might want to go in the winter months, or early in the morning as the park fills up fast in good weather.</div>
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For those of you who are photographers, this particular waterfall, and specifically from this vantage point, allows you to break one of the steadfast rules of waterfall photography. Due to the wide open canopy, the very fast water flow, and the fact that the sun rises in a perfect position to illuminate the falls very evenly, you can actually photograph this waterfall under a clear sky. There are very few waterfalls where this can be done successfully, so take advantage of this.</div>
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One additional note about the return hike. If you will recall, I mentioned a possible wrong turn you might take earlier. Well, it is pretty easy to avoid on the hike down, but on the hike back to the visitor's center, the chances of you missing a turn are pretty good. This is how I found out the destination of this <span class="correction">impromptu</span> trail. As you are hiking back, keep an eye out to your left. The trail is no better marked or worn than the drainage path, but you will see those 23 steps to your left. After you make this turn, the rest of the trail is easy to follow. There are no blazes, or other markers to keep you on the trail so be mindful of where you are headed.</div>
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This is the last trail at <span class="correction">Linville</span> Falls that I had left to hike. I now feel pretty qualified to make some suggestions for visitors. If you are there for just a short amount of time and are not that interested in a hike, you should go and see <a href="http://ncwaterfalls.blogspot.com/2006/09/dugger-creek-falls-linville-falls.html"><span class="correction">Dugger's</span> Creek Falls</a>. The trail is short and easy. The waterfall itself is the prettiest in the whole park, in my humble opinion. If you just have to see the Linville Falls, but are not in the best of shape, you should Trek up to <a href="http://ncwaterfalls.blogspot.com/2007/03/linville-falls-from-erwin-view.html">Erwin's View</a>. The hike is long, but easy with several stops along the way where you can rest while looking at the falls. The ultimate view, and the ultimate hike are the one in this entry...The Linville Gorge trail will take you right to the base of the most famous waterfall in North Carolina. You might be a bit tired after the hike, but it is well worth the effort.</div>
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Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/The+Linville+Falls" rel="tag" target="_blank">The <span class="correction">Linville</span> Falls</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/the+Linville+Gorge" rel="tag" target="_blank">the <span class="correction">Linville</span> Gorge</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/hiking" rel="tag" target="_blank">hiking</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/waterfalls" rel="tag" target="_blank">waterfalls</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/photography" rel="tag" target="_blank">photography</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Erwin%27s+View" rel="tag" target="_blank">Erwin's View</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Chimney+View" rel="tag" target="_blank">Chimney View</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Upper+Falls" rel="tag" target="_blank">Upper Falls</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Plunge+Basin+Overlook" rel="tag" target="_blank">Plunge Basin Overlook</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Dugger%27s+Creek+Falls" rel="tag" target="_blank"><span class="correction">Dugger's</span> Creek Falls</a></div>
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Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-90067616291984451552007-07-04T02:15:00.001-04:002009-09-30T22:39:18.158-04:00Setrock Creek Falls, Pisgah National Forest<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lcb20BRUeyUWUPtmXoPk9OifFSQeOYfJpnCTN3RBrPrwJORNBT0920VPYi4kRI3pPBx7MIf6vU8D2MqLIVvgEIBCcUKD4KsuZMWpZaod-19Tz57o1z6w0ceWFkSDuFtLh8ValDgEaYnt/s1600-h/setrockcreekfalls.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259636938997633122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lcb20BRUeyUWUPtmXoPk9OifFSQeOYfJpnCTN3RBrPrwJORNBT0920VPYi4kRI3pPBx7MIf6vU8D2MqLIVvgEIBCcUKD4KsuZMWpZaod-19Tz57o1z6w0ceWFkSDuFtLh8ValDgEaYnt/s400/setrockcreekfalls.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> <strong><em><span class="correction">Setrock</span> Creek Falls</em></strong> Photo Copyright <span style="color: #400040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 85%;"><strong><em><span style="color: black;">©</span> </em></strong></span>2007 G. <span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction">Kiser</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction">Setrock</span> Creek Falls is not what I would consider a must see waterfall, however, if you are in the area it is worth a look. For those of you visiting the <a href="http://ncwaterfalls.blogspot.com/2007/07/roaring-fork-falls-pisgah-national.html">Roaring Fork Falls</a>, this is a great secondary destination as it is just a few miles down the road. All this is not to say it is not a very pretty waterfall, just not spectacular. The waterfall itself is primarily a <span class="correction">waterslide</span> with a small cascade at the bottom. It is about 50 feet high, so its not that large of a waterfall either.</span></span></span></span><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction">The directions to this waterfall are a bit involved, but it is not too difficult to get to. As with the Roaring Fork Falls, you will need to exit off of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 344 in Little Switzerland. You will turn North on NC 80 toward the Mount Mitchell Golf Course. Turn left on County Rd 1205 (South Toe River Rd), which will become Forest Road 472. You will follow this road for approximately 0.8 mile where it turns into gravel. Four wheel drive is not needed unless there has been a lot of rain recently which I am sure would wreak havoc with the road bed. At 1.5 miles, you will see picnic tables on the right of the road, and in an additional half mile, you will come to an intersection. You will turn right, which is almost a "U"turn pointing you in the direction you came from. After another half mile or so, you will come to the Black Mountain campground. There is parking for hikers on the left by the information board.</span></span></span></span><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span class="correction"><spanclass=correction></spanclass=correction></spanclass=correction><//spanclass=correction><span class="correction">Once you have parked, the directions become kind of involved, so I will try to simplify what I had. You will cross the bridge into the campground and continue until you see a sign for the Briar Bottom Bike Trail. You will follow this trail along the bank of the South Toe River for approximately 0.2 mile. I caution you not to pay attention to the blazes, as they will change color without warning. After you cross a fairly long wooden bridge, you will come to a "T" intersection. You will turn right and continue on that trail for a little over 200 yards and you will be at <span class="correction">Setrock</span> Creek Falls.</span></span><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction">I am not sure how popular this waterfall is with the campers, but none were at the falls when I visited. It is a rather remote waterfall and is a nice place to collect your thoughts. There are lots of ways one can photograph this waterfall, but I chose to concentrate on the cascade at the bottom. I was surprised at how little water there was flowing considering how much rain we have had lately. I imagine that in a drought (even a minor one), this waterfall would be nearly non-<span class="correction">existent</span>.</span></span></span></span><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction">One positive to this waterfall is that the trees provide a nice closed canopy over the falls. That makes for much easier photography. However, toward the top of the <span class="correction">waterslide</span>, you will need to watch for highlights as any sun will hit the top sections.</span></span></span></span><br />
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Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Setrock+Creek+Falls" rel="tag" target="_blank"><span class="correction">Setrock</span> Creek Falls</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Little+Switzerland" rel="tag" target="_blank">Little Switzerland</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Pisgah+National+Forest" rel="tag" target="_blank"><span class="correction">Pisgah</span> National Forest</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Waterfalls" rel="tag" target="_blank">Waterfalls</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Waterslide" rel="tag" target="_blank"><span class="correction">Waterslide</span></a><br />
</div></div>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-53011177073009497562007-07-04T01:49:00.001-04:002009-09-30T22:36:02.995-04:00Roaring Fork Falls: Pisgah National Forest<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YRqt1xHLxiF5RkfcDwao_ioxdP_70QtBc9_3XGZW5ToBZ4vWe6KCH1TmJHdvI-qqNI3OTXLa5XyyXOBTba7GLPdTJG0mn4o0gGG6s1GEhPP19YsmJpxh8aW4rvSSmczwH4FnvyMPBGKE/s1600-h/Perseverance.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333657770148140546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YRqt1xHLxiF5RkfcDwao_ioxdP_70QtBc9_3XGZW5ToBZ4vWe6KCH1TmJHdvI-qqNI3OTXLa5XyyXOBTba7GLPdTJG0mn4o0gGG6s1GEhPP19YsmJpxh8aW4rvSSmczwH4FnvyMPBGKE/s400/Perseverance.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <strong><em>Perseverance</em></strong><br />
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<div align="center"><div align="left"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction">For those of you searching out waterfalls in and around the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roaring Fork Falls should be on your short list of waterfalls to visit. It is a 45 foot high cascading waterfall that snakes its way through the moss covered rocks to a small pool at the bottom. It is easy to get to, and is a nice way to stretch your legs after being on the Blue Ridge Parkway.</span></span></span><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction">You can find the Roaring Fork Falls in the <span class="correction">Pisgah</span> National Forest in the Appalachian District. The easiest route to take is to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 344 where the Parkway intersects with NC 80 in Little Switzerland. After exiting the Parkway, you will turn to the North on NC 80 and dive about 2.3 miles. You will turn to the left on County Road 1205, which is also named South Toe River Road. You will again turn left at the first road you come to, which is a matter of feet. This road has a sign indicating that the falls, as well as the <span class="correction">Busick</span> Work Center are on this road. The road continues for about 0.2 mile where it dead ends at the work center.</span></span></span><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction">There will be a gravel turn out on the left where you can park your vehicle. From this point your travel will be by foot. On the other side of the road you will see a two track road with a gate closing it off. This is just to keep vehicles out while foot traffic is still allowed. There is a sign stating that the falls are 0.5 mile down the trail. This is an easy path to walk, and is fairly level. You will come to the end of the path and will find a small wooden bridge leading into the woods. This is the route you will want to take to view the falls. The portion of the hike in the woods is short, and very easy to navigate.</span></span></span><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction">It is not uncommon for this waterfall to have lots of visitors in the warmer months due to the ease of the hike. If you are wanting some quite time, be sure to go when its cooler, or maybe just a very cloudy day. There is enough of a pool at the bottom to invite swimming. It is not deep, but would be great for cooling off. For those wanting to photograph the falls, be sure and pick a cloudy day. There is a lot of thick vegetation over the falls, but any sunshine will peek through creating horrible hot spots along the rocks and cascades.</span></span></span><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction">The rocks along this waterfall are a bit deceiving. They look nice and level, inviting you to try to climb alongside for a better view. While I am sure this is possible, be very...very careful. I found the rocks to be particularly slippery, and I chose the safer avenue along the bottom of the falls. There is plenty to be seen from the lower position, and the ground has much more traction.</span></span></span><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span class="correction"><span class="correction"><span class="correction">Also of note, along the path leading to the waterfall, you will see two old structures. At one time, they had "Danger" and "Explosives" warning signs on them. Years ago, the forest service used these buildings to store the explosives used to build the roads through the mountains. That has since been contracted out to private companies.</span></span></span><br />
</div><div align="left" class="tags">Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Roaring+Fork+Falls" rel="tag" target="_blank">Roaring Fork Falls</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Little+Switzerland" rel="tag" target="_blank">Little Switzerland</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Pisgah+National+Forest" rel="tag" target="_blank"><span class="correction">Pisgah</span> National Forest</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Blue+Ridge+Parkway" rel="tag" target="_blank">Blue Ridge Parkway</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/waterfalls" rel="tag" target="_blank">waterfalls</a><br />
</div></div></div>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-20846872248895466872007-06-25T01:32:00.002-04:002014-04-27T10:38:55.935-04:00Lower and Middle Falls, Stone Mt.<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/stmo/home.html"><span style="color: blue;">Stone Mountain State Park</span></a> is located in Roaring Gap, NC and is home to four waterfalls. This park is not too difficult to find thanks to signs from the major roads. Detailed directions can be found at their <a href="http://www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/stmo/home.html"><span style="color: blue;">web site</span></a>. For those coming from Hwy 421, you would want to exit onto I-77 North to <span class="correction">Elkin</span>. After you pass <span class="correction">Elkin</span>, you need to branch off to the left onto US 21. The next turn will be a left onto <span class="correction">Traphill</span> Rd (SR 1002), followed by a right onto John <span class="correction">P</span>. Frank Parkway. The Parkway will take you into the park.</div>
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Once inside of the park you can choose two different routes to get to these two falls. The first one is from the first trailhead that you come to. This is the shortest route, but you will have to contend with over 300 steps at the <a href="http://ncwaterfalls.blogspot.com/2006/09/stone-mountain-falls-stone-mt-state.html">Stone Mountain Falls</a>. I would recommend continuing on the road until you get to the main trailhead. Here you will go past the trail map board and continue on the trail for a short distance. You will come to a fork where you will go right. This will take you toward the Stone Mountain Loop Trail as well as Wolf Rock. You will pass the Hutchinson Homestead and the namesake for the park...a huge granite bald outcropping. Your next fork will be to the left away from Wolf Rock Trail. You will continue here passing the Cedar Rock Trail and eventually coming to the branch that will take you to the Lower and Middle Falls.</div>
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Take the right and follow the trail until you come to your first branch to the right which is to the Middle Falls. This is not an impressive waterfall by any stretch. It is barely worth photographing. There is a nice little cascade just before the waterslide that is the Middle Falls. It is interesting, but only mildly. The Middle Falls is aptly named and suffers from the middle sibling syndrome. It might be fine for spashing in the water, or sunning yourself on the rocks, but that is really just about all this waterfall is good for.<br />
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For the effort of this hike, you should really keep on going to the next waterfall stop at the end of the trail. This is the waterfall that has captured my attention on a number of visits, and greatly benefits from recent rains. If you find that the creek crossings along the trail are easy to navigate without getting your feet wet, you probably won't see much in the way of excitement at the falls. However, if you find yourself more than ankle deep, you might just luck up and see some pretty interesting cascades.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>A Pondering Moment</i></b></td></tr>
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At the end of the trail you will find the Lower Falls which have enough interest to justify some camera work. This is a bit further down the trail, but not too far. I am not exactly sure of the exact distance, but from the split you are looking about 10 minutes worth of hiking. It is a mile total off of the Stone Mountain Loop Trail. Once there, you will find yet another <span class="correction">waterslide</span> that leads down to a swimming/fishing hole. Again, there is nothing particularly beautiful about this waterfall. However, just upstream you will find some small cascades. For us waterfall hunters, this is well worth the trip. Actually, this is the saving grace for all three of the waterfalls along the Stone Mountain Loop Trail.</div>
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The main series of cascades are tucked under some pretty heavy tree cover, so sunny day photography is possible here. This cascade is very easy to get to from the trail and you can actually walk right out into the water. There are several locations from which photography is possible, but keep in mind that many of the compositions will require some serious cloud cover as large portions of the area are <strong>not</strong> in the shade.</div>
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<strong><em>The First Falling</em></strong></div>
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As you see, these cascades do coninue for a good bit downstream. There are three main cascading sections which are represented here in photographs. These do require a cloud cover, and plenty of recent rainfall to keep the water levels up. A word of caution to the photogapher though, the best compositions are found by standing in the water on the rocks and moss. This is not the most stable environment, and your feet will probably get wet. The rocks are slick, and the footing is not the best, but if you are careful and know what you are doing, you can get some beautiful images from these sections prior to the actual waterfall.</div>
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<strong><em>Dramatic Finish</em></strong></div>
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While the cascades to the Lower Falls make this hike worth the trip, they are by no means the most beautiful waterfall in the park. If you only have time to visit one waterfall on a trip, I would say without a doubt, <a href="http://ncwaterfalls.blogspot.com/2006/09/widow-creek-falls-stone-mt-state-park.html">Widow's Creek Falls</a> is the best waterfall in the park, and ironically the easiest to get to.</div>
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If you happened to get here by way of the Stone Mountain Falls side of the loop, you might be thinking that these waterfalls were not that difficult to get to. OK, they really aren't, but remember those 348 steps from earlier? Guess where your car is? This is why I strongly recommend taking the long way which is only about two miles one way in order to avoid the stairs. Your knees will thank me.</div>
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Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Middle" rel="tag" target="_blank">Middle</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Lower+Falls" rel="tag" target="_blank">Lower Falls</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Stone+Mountain" rel="tag" target="_blank">Stone Mountain</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Widow%27s+Creek+Falls" rel="tag" target="_blank">Widow's Creek Falls</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Waterfalls" rel="tag" target="_blank">Waterfalls</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/State+Park" rel="tag" target="_blank">State Park</a></div>
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Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-27757745960005395962007-05-11T00:23:00.001-04:002009-09-30T22:04:47.006-04:00The Crabtree Falls: Crabtree MeadowsThe <a href="http://www.nps.gov/blri/">Blue Ridge Parkway</a> is known for its amazing scenic vistas, but there are also several waterfalls along the 469 mile roadway. One of the larger ones is located in the <span class="correction">Crabtree</span> Meadows. <a href="http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/crabtree1.htm">Crabtree Falls</a> is about 60 feet tall, and is a very large cascading water fall. It is tucked deep within the woods which removes most evidence of it being in the middle of a tourist mecca.<br />
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<div align="center"><strong><em>In Constant Turmoil</em></strong><br />
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</div>You can reach the trailhead to this waterfall by taking the Blue Ridge Parkway to <span class="correction">milepost</span> 339 in North Carolina (there is also a <span class="correction">Crabtree</span> Falls in Virginia). You will find a camp <span class="correction">ground</span> as well as an amphitheater. While you can pick up the trailhead from inside the camp ground, it is probably a good idea to pick up a map at the gift shop at the main parking lot. This map provides a good bit of detail about the falls, and some safety suggestions.<br />
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Once on the trail, plan to hike for a bit over a mile if coming from the main parking area. For the most part this is an easy to moderate hike. Only when you get close to the falls does the hike become a bit strenuous. This is one where you will be doing a lot of steep climbs and descents on loose boulders. There are some rocky stair cases built right at the falls to aid in moving up and down.<br />
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One of the things that I really enjoyed about this hike is that from about half way through the hike, you will join up with one of the waterfalls <span class="correction">tributaries</span>. The sound of the rushing water will really get you excited about seeing this waterfall. For the return trip, you can turn around and go back the same way you came, or you can continue on the loop trail for another 1.6 miles.<br />
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I was really not sure what to expect as I had only seen a couple of pictures of this waterfall previously. In fact, the first visit was completely unplanned, and was based more on the fact that I was nearby and the cloud cover seemed to be cooperating with me. I had no idea that this was going to be as impressive as it was. Trust me...this is one of the waterfalls you must see if you find yourself on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I've now been twice, and will probably go back many more times.<br />
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An interesting bit of information about this area is that in the early 1800's there was a corn mill here that ran on the strong current of the mountain streams. The water wheel was not vertical as most are, this was a tub mill which turned horizontally.<br />
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Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Crabtree+Falls" rel="tag" target="_blank"><span class="correction">Crabtree</span> Falls</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Crabtree+Meadows" rel="tag" target="_blank"><span class="correction">Crabtree</span> Meadows</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Blue+Ridge+Parkway" rel="tag" target="_blank">Blue Ridge Parkway</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Cascades" rel="tag" target="_blank">Cascades</a><br />
</div>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-82302047646958437272007-04-25T14:59:00.001-04:002009-09-30T21:57:54.366-04:00The Blue Ridge Parkway: Rough Ridge Overlook<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFFvlzY7lYKfE9dm0Z-0kTgFloHGPRx4w7U9ElkIuQ2I7pbCp4urOt6j3YaWSMEvf_7XZoBhipWUKuVjUQZHb_lth2qk9FbrWIQwzkMeZ-lKZM7BmxwIwuuZlRobNf4DsMWkT6rFwRPl5/s1600-h/waterfallwalkway.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259634946853333394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFFvlzY7lYKfE9dm0Z-0kTgFloHGPRx4w7U9ElkIuQ2I7pbCp4urOt6j3YaWSMEvf_7XZoBhipWUKuVjUQZHb_lth2qk9FbrWIQwzkMeZ-lKZM7BmxwIwuuZlRobNf4DsMWkT6rFwRPl5/s400/waterfallwalkway.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> <strong><em>Waterfall Walkway </em></strong>Photo Copyright <span style="color: #400040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 85%;"><strong><em>© </em></strong></span>2007 G. <span class="correction">Kiser</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">As far as I know this waterfall is unnamed, if anyone can help me find a name for this waterfall, I will be very <span class="correction">grateful</span>.<br />
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<div align="left">Located at <span class="correction">milepost</span> 302.8 along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina is the <a href="http://www.virtualblueridge.com/parkway_tour/overlooks/00303a.asp">Rough Ridge Overlook</a>. If you are not looking for this spot, you are likely to drive right past <span class="correction">without</span> noticing what this small section of the Parkway has to offer. As you are driving South towards the <span class="correction">Linn</span> Cove Viaduct the overlook will be on your right. To the left is a pretty standard view of the Appalachian Mountains. However, to the right is something (actually several things) worth taking a look at.<br />
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</div><div align="left">Directly in front of the parking area you will see a rocky slope that is home to a very small <span class="correction">water slide</span> that drains below the parking area. At the top of the slope, you will see a bridge that is part of the hiking trails. It may be about 60 feet from the parking area to the bridge. As you can see from the picture above, there is very little <span class="correction">water flow</span> here. This is about as much water as I have seen come down the rocks, and this is just after a recent snow and several rains. The good news is, I've never seen it dry.<br />
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</div><div align="left">While this is not a spectacular waterfall, it is one that is easily accessible, even if you don't want to leave your car. However, since you are here, you might as well get out and stretch your legs for a few minutes. There is a section of stream that provides a bit of white water, although there is nothing particularly photogenic about it. The trail continues up to the top of Rough Ridge where you will get the opportunity to learn about some of the delicate ecosystems of the area and view the <span class="correction">Linn</span> Cove Viaduct from a boardwalk built along the side of the mountain. The hike is moderate to easy, but well worth the time.<br />
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</div><div align="left">A quick side note for this waterfall. As is the case with so many of these natural beauties that I have visited, there is evidence of vandals here. There are several places that have been spray painted. Again, the goal here is to enjoy the waterfalls, and leave no trace that we were ever there.<br />
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Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Rough+Ridge" rel="tag" target="_blank">Rough Ridge</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Blue+Ridge+Parkway" rel="tag" target="_blank">Blue Ridge Parkway</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Waterfalls" rel="tag" target="_blank">Waterfalls</a><br />
</div></div>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-74374645374417744422007-03-15T11:28:00.001-04:002016-10-09T21:27:01.826-04:00Linville Falls: From Erwin's View<div align="left">
The <a href="http://www.brptrails.com/brp3164.htm">Linville Falls area</a> is just North of the <a href="http://www.northcarolinaoutdoors.com/places/mountains/linvillegorge.html#anchor_summary_linville_gorge">Linville Gorge</a> along the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can find this attraction at milepost 316.5 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, just South of the Linn Cove Viaduct. A second trailhead can be found off of Kistler Memorial Highway (Old NC 105) off of NC 183. To view the Linville Falls, your best bet would be the former where the visitor's center is.<br />
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From the visitor's center, you will cross a bridge over a small stream to begin your hike. The trail has been newly reconditioned so it is a very pleasurable hike without having to walk through some rather dense woods. The hike is short, less than a mile, and except for some moderately steep sections, it is an easy one. There are several places along this Hemlock lined path that you will want to take a quick break. The first one that you come to will be a view of the Upper Falls.</div>
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<strong><em>Erupting from the Forest</em></strong> <br />
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From this vantage point, you can get up close and personal with a set of twin falls that feed directly into the massive Linville Falls. There is a fenced in observation area that is just above water level. There are signs that warn you to stay behind the fence...this is for your safety as the currents are very strong leading to the largest waterfall in this part of the country.<br />
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Of particular interest at this location is the rock formations that surround the water. The striations along the rock walls are very interesting and look to be caused by years of the water cutting deeper into the surface. I can't recall the exact numbers, but I have read, somewhere, that the Linville Falls has actually moved a substantial amount over the years. It has reached much harder bedrock now, and its eroding nature has been stalled for a while.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F9W6PTjjW0hJVbpqpfhSRMtX9yMH4SRcnV__rqz5vmzW5wZamqmo5PNIC3MN1VOuCD-m-F67OwM0hMJRB-5Ao-UOM8IM8Dvj30TIjWso2JEP8tqMc5B_3207X0ZQ9pNCeDoZoqT788Mj/s1600/Rocky-Layers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F9W6PTjjW0hJVbpqpfhSRMtX9yMH4SRcnV__rqz5vmzW5wZamqmo5PNIC3MN1VOuCD-m-F67OwM0hMJRB-5Ao-UOM8IM8Dvj30TIjWso2JEP8tqMc5B_3207X0ZQ9pNCeDoZoqT788Mj/s400/Rocky-Layers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Rocky Layers</span></b></i></td></tr>
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As the water cuts through the rock, it eventually winds its way to the crevice that leads to the top of the main falls. The water flows violently at this stage, and I'm sure would be a painful ride if one were to get caught in the flow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCFvA1lMIBYG3epTdtX0Z3Vo0cbyqn7VoBKzDVSforAUa24FvTuVTWzypalXkMJ86WkHkaPbMNMMuRwK_oS03TD0jNGEm7hRnvPV43X8laqgNeLvCv-4ULBTvC7T-jz8qtKb6e0wPY-wD/s1600/Water-Carvings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCFvA1lMIBYG3epTdtX0Z3Vo0cbyqn7VoBKzDVSforAUa24FvTuVTWzypalXkMJ86WkHkaPbMNMMuRwK_oS03TD0jNGEm7hRnvPV43X8laqgNeLvCv-4ULBTvC7T-jz8qtKb6e0wPY-wD/s400/Water-Carvings.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Water Carvings</span></i></b></td></tr>
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From the Upper Falls, you will head back to the trail and continue up to Erwin's View. You will pass a couple of overlooks on the side of the gorge called Chimney View. This vantage point will allow you a view of the Linville Falls which is now on the other side of the gorge from your location. Looking down, you can really get an idea of how far up you actually are.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-Nwt4nha64wIXkJXfdBtytPiNdVyBDdsUl9KWb9sJfVw9xQsah-b1HJlE-A1HyVRkYg219nA61qRhExhmQQGxh8B70_g5ASqFl-ZnSvdwLsLdeGsU61u_K4RC9mrtSHWX0q36Kx8da4z/s1600-h/spillingfromtherocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-Nwt4nha64wIXkJXfdBtytPiNdVyBDdsUl9KWb9sJfVw9xQsah-b1HJlE-A1HyVRkYg219nA61qRhExhmQQGxh8B70_g5ASqFl-ZnSvdwLsLdeGsU61u_K4RC9mrtSHWX0q36Kx8da4z/s400/spillingfromtherocks.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong><em>Spilling From the Rocks </em></strong>Photo Copyright <span style="color: #400040; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 85%;"><strong><em>© </em></strong></span>2007 G. Kiser</div>
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The last point on this trail is just a bit further up, and it is called Erwin's View. From here you have a nearly uninterrupted view of the gorge as well as the main falls. To the rear you can see the river snaking its way through the gorge. It really is an awe inspiring view.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259633653069902930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkT6p3mDmdRyv3gwEab6eZqPCV3-On1gV2HMJOn6VaLYpMJ2d60A_MIkPslkPyWYcnulJ99AHeamZy4P0QDb5O2gZKwY5NAVxGtL1N7tXckJvXBaZ-hu_R_8tNFrPVFgESJfzTH0LUe5k-/s400/impressivefromadistance.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /> <strong><em>Impressive from a Distance</em></strong></div>
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This trail is by far better than the <a href="http://journals.aol.com/radar446/WaterfallTrekking/entries/2006/09/22/linville-falls-from-the-plunge-basin-overlook/537">Plunge Basin Trail</a> on the other side of the falls. To really get up close and personal with the Linville Falls you need to take the trail <a href="http://ncwaterfalls.blogspot.com/2007/07/linville-falls-from-gorge-floor.html">all the way to the base of the falls</a>.<br />
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Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-59311867711246528772006-11-30T00:43:00.001-05:002009-09-30T21:38:54.158-04:00Waterfall on North Deep Creek: Shore-Styers Mill Nature Park<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhwOtES3OfPTJ2vuWcmmkbOcnirQR4Wy-b05pt68whSAyR_yCIwqTmvZ5Zrd-DRw_b50aUz98okkEe8CudgeOsClw8QnCrr7nrybrde5nJ1l_-ATp2ktBMfw8h9NNJvdbwjYO4mCI0Lye/s1600-h/watercolors.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259631142430646034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhwOtES3OfPTJ2vuWcmmkbOcnirQR4Wy-b05pt68whSAyR_yCIwqTmvZ5Zrd-DRw_b50aUz98okkEe8CudgeOsClw8QnCrr7nrybrde5nJ1l_-ATp2ktBMfw8h9NNJvdbwjYO4mCI0Lye/s400/watercolors.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> <strong><em>Water Colors</em></strong> Photo Copyright <span style="color: #400040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 85%;"><strong><em><span style="color: black;">©</span> </em></strong></span>2007 G. <span class="correction">Kiser</span><br />
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<div align="center"><div align="left">Tucked away near East Bend, NC, in <span class="correction">Yadkin</span> County, you will find a very impressive waterfall considering how far East you are. Not too far off of US 421 is the site where several mills used to be located. Finding the location is easy enough. Take the <span class="correction">Shacktown</span> Exit (Exit 253) from US 421 and turn North onto Old Stage Rd. You will quickly come to a "T" intersection where you will turn left onto <span class="correction">Shacktown</span> Rd. After only 0.3 of a mile you will come to <span class="correction">Styers</span> Mill Rd where you will turn right and continue for almost a half a mile. Just before a bridge you will see a gravel parking area. The falls can be seen from the parking area.<br />
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</div><div align="left">This is one of the few waterfalls I have visited where the observation deck gives a very good view of the falls and is a good location for pictures. Even though the falls are only 12 feet high, the amount of water that passes over the rocks is enough to categorize this as a full blown waterfall. The watershed is plentiful, so you should expect good flow any time during the year.<br />
</div><div align="left">Even though the observation deck is well placed, you owe it to yourself to venture down to the falls for a closer look. There are several paths leading down to the banks of the stream. There are plenty of rocks scattered throughout the water, but if you want to cross to the other bank, be prepared to get wet. At the most shallow point, you are looking at knee level water for at least half the trip across. The rocks are not that steady either, so if you are trying to rock hop, beware, you could end up off balance and laying in the stream...not speaking from experience, of course.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLKcJu7Gqr39PkITO9d9Yug4RgPzfAvYpA2cY3uzky6npm6CRcZSzzOb3IqyVt65aeHwwP5QZST8ukXrFzXkh8lkZD_BJn8wZRLb7V5nno3WFAf9XlGZb3F2cKe1DWJASwrkI7Lad5obD/s1600-h/whatliesbeneath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLKcJu7Gqr39PkITO9d9Yug4RgPzfAvYpA2cY3uzky6npm6CRcZSzzOb3IqyVt65aeHwwP5QZST8ukXrFzXkh8lkZD_BJn8wZRLb7V5nno3WFAf9XlGZb3F2cKe1DWJASwrkI7Lad5obD/s400/whatliesbeneath.jpg" /></a><br />
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<strong><em>What Lies Beneath</em></strong><br />
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<div align="left">Once down at stream level, you will unfortunately see the evidence of those that visit here. There are beer cans, water bottles, and believe it or not I've even seen a pair of underwear in the grass. There was also a good amount of graffiti that detracted from the natural beauty. This is a shame and impacts not only the environment, but those trying to enjoy it as well. When you are visiting these amazing natural wonders, please be sure you leave it in the same condition as when you got there.<br />
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</div><div align="left">Once you get past the evidence of littering and vandalism, you might find some rock-wall remains by the falls. These are from the mills that have operated here in the past. There is not much left, but memories and some stone work. <span class="correction">Yadkin</span> County has purchased the land and has made it a historical park. You can read more about the Shore-<span class="correction">Styers</span> Mill Nature Park at <a href="http://www.shore-styers-mill.org/">http://www.shore-styers-mill.org/</a>.<br />
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</div><div align="left">I was skeptical about this waterfall after reading about it, but I must say, this waterfall should be on your must see list. I have been several time now, and each time the vandalism gets a little bit worse, and the trash seems to pile up. However, the waterfall remains worth a visit. It is beautiful! From a photography standpoint, your best bet will be isolations of the different elements of the falls. These will provide more dramatic photographs than the typical "postcard shot" which includes the entire waterfall.<br />
</div></div>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-11764972693676273502006-11-07T23:32:00.001-05:002009-09-30T21:30:16.150-04:00Waterfalls Along Anthony Creek<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2ID50CFmiZgu9WNxIKHn7cJoyY687D4ts2aFxFqctr86GU3zFx9AT4xbguiYrZYd07Nw9gtcnbcfaUEQTG1SeYM1vMJgYYPSHjFA_PbkDQ0xiu_8bB-ddJehhsM-7nPkd_LAjPD4qoS6/s1600-h/anthonycreektributary.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259630855499922978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2ID50CFmiZgu9WNxIKHn7cJoyY687D4ts2aFxFqctr86GU3zFx9AT4xbguiYrZYd07Nw9gtcnbcfaUEQTG1SeYM1vMJgYYPSHjFA_PbkDQ0xiu_8bB-ddJehhsM-7nPkd_LAjPD4qoS6/s400/anthonycreektributary.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> <strong><em>Anthony Creek Tributary</em></strong> Photo Copyright <span style="color: #400040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 85%;"><strong><em><span style="color: black;">©</span> </em></strong></span>2006 G. Kiser<br />
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<div align="center"><div align="left">Nestled in the back country of Caldwell County about 10 miles South of Blowing Rock in Watauga County, there is a small mountain creek that is fed by several small waterfalls. These can be seen along Anthony Creek Rd. Finding this can be a little difficult, or at least it was for me. All my directions were based on the numbered state roads and included directions like, turn at the church. I'll try and simplify these directions here so you may have an easier time locating these waterfalls.<br />
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</div><div align="left">As you leave Boone, NC, towards Blowing Rock, NC, on Hwy 321 you will come to the Shoppes on the Parkway. The light following the entrance is for Main St, where you will take a right. You will wind through Blowing Rock until you come to a very small residential street to the right. Turn onto John's River Rd which becomes an unpaved washboard surface after about a half mile and change names to Globe Rd. For the next eight miles you will continue on this unpaved road (term used loosely). In the first four miles, you will loose nearly 2,000 feet of elevation, so make sure your brakes are working properly, and use low gear. At the end of the road, you will come to a "T" intersection at Globe Rd Baptist Church. You will turn right and continue on Anthony Creek Rd until it too turns to an unpaved surface. Keep your eyes out at this point because there are several small waterfalls to be seen. These really are small, and barely enough to be considered waterfalls.<br />
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</div><div align="left">According to <a href="http://kadamsphoto.com/">Kevin Adams</a>, the waterfall to see, is the one pictured above. It can be found on the right of the road about three miles from when the gravel started. To be quite honest, I was expecting much greater things by his photograph and description. This is about a 50 foot tall slide that ends in a cascade at the base. It is nice, but not worth a special trip to see. The waterfall that caught my eye was about two miles before you even get to this waterfall.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259630084409063458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgij2_qngp1C5Jb-GZeqQsKzxc3XhAhLvvS5eiVcZqCxBlBCJqL3AyyQGpwQHUl25FOziiWLf26WDx04A9-RFY34HO1NqpmGvOYKLzcU4O-Z8pVlO9KNnbP1zWGB1sGTGX9N0Q5qKgi-kwX/s400/underthearch.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /> <strong><em>Under the Arch </em></strong>Photo Copyright <span style="color: #400040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 85%;"><strong><em><span style="color: black;">©</span> </em></strong></span>2006 G. Kiser<br />
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<div align="left">If you are not paying attention, you might pass right by this particular cascade. From the picture, you can see that the water is well hidden among the rocks, but I saw promise in it. With a little hiking up the boulder path, you will come to the top and see two distinct waterfalls side by side along with a few other sizeable cascades.<br />
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</div><div align="left">This is to the left...<br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259630318700111650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8R0s7Z4h3Q_XbTKsXhQFjauxQflYxAhQK_Q8gznUOOhzbGEqGnJ5sPwdRnz8MGfLoyXoPceUrPTj05bwINlcT0TcDEgaKo5JVocuLfaPFok3ANA6nncIFIo5I4G-qA9EXWHLqlJm7I-cJ/s400/waterslalom.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
<strong><em>Water Slalom </em></strong>Photo Copyright <span style="color: #400040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 85%;"><strong><em><span style="color: black;">©</span> </em></strong></span>2006 G. Kiser<br />
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<div align="left">and this is to the right...<br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259630531512599954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiittVgr3cEQFL1NChN140k_Nu96ItRyl9pkjoi6Z6Iw49RlVY5x36tUPisPoT0IoP9TR39feeSNpMG8k-sx-wsch08nQ8MKgpE6LQ4xV0sDYF0YdUkGkYx9MdKuSaWwuXJoDgfEUCbp3Zd/s400/rushingpasttherocks.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
<strong><em>Rushing Past the Rocks </em></strong>Photo Copyright <span style="color: #400040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 85%;"><strong><em><span style="color: black;">©</span> </em></strong></span>2006 G. Kiser<br />
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<div align="left">None of these water features are very large with the tallest single element less than 20 feet tall, however the intricacies of how the water flows around the rocks and other natural barriers is quite interesting. While these waterfalls might not be enough to lure you out into the backwoods, the drive itself is very pleasant. You will pass Christmas Tree Farms, old houses, lots of farm land, and several quaint churches. You are drawn back to a simpler time, but it is best experienced with a good 4WD vehicle with plenty of ground clearance.<br />
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</div><div align="left">There are several other small waterfalls out here that I have not photographed, mainly because of very poor lighting. There are others that are on private property, and I refuse to trespass for the sake of a picture. This entry will be updated as I collect more information on the waterfalls of Anthony Creek.<br />
</div></div></div>Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-2907525782563312412006-09-22T04:11:00.001-04:002018-01-29T14:33:04.795-05:00Linville Falls: From the Plunge Basin Overlook<div align="center">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE37h0KIeMI_2MJ33haZnAB3xuZfkcFwJpVmGPcFuyshuJKu1DaK2GNb0WtF1utyCgQ-765H_ZF1whtJg_2rNXznKGT7ZyCj6QCoxcWxzoLwe_lyDESrYzQMoYHs8iOayXFPGo-biMAMcu/s1600/Enter-the-Basin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="640" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE37h0KIeMI_2MJ33haZnAB3xuZfkcFwJpVmGPcFuyshuJKu1DaK2GNb0WtF1utyCgQ-765H_ZF1whtJg_2rNXznKGT7ZyCj6QCoxcWxzoLwe_lyDESrYzQMoYHs8iOayXFPGo-biMAMcu/s640/Enter-the-Basin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Enter the Basin</b></i></td></tr>
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<div align="left">
<br />The <a href="http://www.brptrails.com/brp3164.htm"><span style="color: blue;">Linville Falls area</span></a> is just North of the <a href="http://www.northcarolinaoutdoors.com/places/mountains/linvillegorge.html#anchor_summary_linville_gorge"><span style="color: blue;">Linville Gorge</span></a> along the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can find this attraction at milepost 316.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, South of the Linn Cove Viaduct. A second trailhead can also be located off of Kistler Memorial Highway (Old NC 105) off of NC 183. To view the Linville Falls, your best bet would be the former which is where the visitor's center is.</div>
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Once in the parking lot, you will find the visitor's center with a map of the park, and some pictures of the waterfalls. You will find the trail head near this building and will hike 0.2 miles before you come to fork in the path. To get an aerial view of the Linville Falls, take the right fork and proceed another 0.3 miles. You will come to a series of steep stairs leading to the stone walled observation deck. From here you are able to look down into the Plunge Basin. While this is not a perfect view of the falls, it really gives you an idea of the magnitude of the land you are currently inhabiting.</div>
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To get closer to the falls, you would need to have taken the left fork, heading to the base of the falls. I have not taken that path as of yet, but will do so in the near future. A separate entry will be made for each of the observation locations of the many falls, and views in the Linville Falls area.</div>
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<ul>
<li><strong><span style="color: red;">Update 07-11-2007</span>--</strong>I have completed all the trails at Linville Falls. For information about the left fork that leads to the bottom of the Gorge, please click <a href="http://ncwaterfalls.blogspot.com/2007/07/linville-falls-from-gorge-floor.html">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
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From a photographer's point of view, this overlook is probably the least productive in the whole park. It is a nice hike, but the end results will likely leave you wanting more. I would suggest taking any of the other trails before you go down this one. It does offer a unique view of the falls, but there is really only one composition available from this point. Oh, and since the trees have grown up a bit, I would suggest that you climb on top of the rocky wall on the side of the overlook. It is wide enough to stand on, and to mount a tripod. It will clear the visual path effectively as well.</div>
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Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-66849418333578557362006-09-20T16:54:00.001-04:002016-11-20T12:55:59.821-05:00The Cascades at E. B. Jeffress Park<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSGV_5e2OrzNEqYJJwDlnbkrC4t4QKnyf7TTyQRu6ShKOQCCnoZ9GRjA5pvwXm8QytFE4JMakpTH_BPBo_eYnGaC0jSwL3etjaBEbrr7U8Bz3AWr-FgQsSqCqfQHNXjzH80JQbHGzrDgh/s1600-h/shroudedingreenery.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259627872524553250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSGV_5e2OrzNEqYJJwDlnbkrC4t4QKnyf7TTyQRu6ShKOQCCnoZ9GRjA5pvwXm8QytFE4JMakpTH_BPBo_eYnGaC0jSwL3etjaBEbrr7U8Bz3AWr-FgQsSqCqfQHNXjzH80JQbHGzrDgh/s400/shroudedingreenery.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> <strong><em>Shrouded in Greenery</em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.virtualblueridge.com/parkway_tour/overlooks/00271.asp">E. B. <span class="correction">Jeffress</span> Park</a> is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina at milepost 271. There is ample parking for the park, and you will also find an overlook with plenty of picnic tables set up. There is a short self guided trail that winds through the woods to a waterfall, known only as the Cascades. There is not much written about this particular waterfall, and few are really impressed with it. I have now been several times and have enjoyed it each time.</div>
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As the trail comes to the falls, you will find an observation deck lined in stone. To their credit, this actually does flow with the surroundings contrary to lots of wooden observation decks that are used. This top deck affords a reasonable view of the top of the waterfall. There is really nothing special about this location. However, if you continue down the stone steps, you will come to another stone lined observation deck. This gives you a splendid view of the main attraction of the falls. From here you can see the water cascading from the upper water slide to the lower one. This is my favorite element by far of this waterfall.</div>
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The observation deck is nice, but to really photograph the falls, the photographer needs to move to a different location. There is a worn trail just off the side of the observation deck that leads down the slope of the falls. Even in the best of conditions, this is a dangerous trail and care should be taken. For a completely unimpeded view, there is a downed tree stretching across the lower water slide. It is worn on top, I'm assuming from spectators sitting. It is a great place to take in the beauty, but I just wasn't that brave, or foolish.</div>
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For photographing the falls, I would suggest a point about a third of the way down from the observation deck. There is a slight opening in the trees where a great shot awaits. The branches naturally frame the important parts of the falls, and composition is almost a no <span class="correction">brainer</span>. Just be very careful of your footing as the rocks are slick, and you won't recover from this fall.</div>
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After getting that perfect shot, don't pack all the gear up. There is still a return hike that goes along the stream that feeds the falls. There are some great views along this stream, and something worth taking your time to explore.</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259628083185397202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyth-BLu7Dmpnu5x9ShygX0WrB-BP8BiR9_GuPvBexddrf2ZBvtFRs4JP-gw-YM0FfnqvDgclQFrMQUW-ajFpt2GmEheKYLCCY6z6p_Cxd9orJUBzFvaW9UN3tAJYl89zwmCfdFiEsEjmC/s400/oldmossylog.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<strong><em>Old Mossy Log</em></strong> Photo Copyright <strong><em><span style="color: #400040; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 85%;">© </span></em></strong>2006 G. <span class="correction">Kiser</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: 130%;"><strong><u>Update: 07-06-2008</u></strong></span></div>
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After completing my third visit to the Cascades I have a few things to report back about. The first and most important change is that the trail to the lower overlook has seen some repairs. In years past, the railings have been missing, allowing the curious hiker the ability to go off-trail along a well worn path. This path, which led to a very nice viewing point, was quite dangerous as I mentioned above. After the <a href="http://outside.in/Charlotte_NC/tags/chimney%20rock%20death">recent death of a child at Chimney Rock State Park</a>, this makeshift trail has been closed off. It is probably for the better as this slope was very steep and the chance of getting hurt was pretty significant.</div>
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The other change that I would like to make to the original entry is that the upper overlook is not that bad after all. While not really showing the major part of the waterfall, it does have its <span class="correction">merits</span>. Depending on the <span class="correction">water flow</span> on the day you visit, you will probably be able to see some very nice small cascades as the water begins its run down the <span class="correction">water slide</span> portion.</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259628443260509026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z75jQxcaIdecTj1BhrILSt5yCiv7Ka7hPQE_DJ5a9Bjgxo_m_wDg-oQSlsmOdeCXbCQPMY55RmHBxyXraIPaOE_N6NNldOCOJfvX9JXE-on5cj99AKF877WzK7BXyuUXzMeJiuUllVEf/s400/theorigin.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<strong><em>The Origin</em></strong><br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Update: 11-20-2016</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have returned to the Cascades after many years away. The lower portion of the trail is still closed off, and has grown over which indicates that most people are following directions. The amount of brush that has developed there would make photography nearly impossible, so it is a good thing that the upper section has some very interesting portions. I have learned that the best pictures of this waterfall do not have to include the entire thing. Actually, that would be rather impossible with how tall the falls are. However, it is so very tempting to try and photograph as much of the waterfall as you can.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jBUxEvhUdOoDqN9VZYSkkT11XbEUegrZctfFVs0nm94BxzYlJ9nhIirWqHwOElmkTndtlrGrkgOn46P_IkIMgqptw1pGzK9lhLBaD3V5PRe90EVs3fpZk-vVRqTKRYZt965_AqJ_CBPL/s1600/Tranquility.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jBUxEvhUdOoDqN9VZYSkkT11XbEUegrZctfFVs0nm94BxzYlJ9nhIirWqHwOElmkTndtlrGrkgOn46P_IkIMgqptw1pGzK9lhLBaD3V5PRe90EVs3fpZk-vVRqTKRYZt965_AqJ_CBPL/s640/Tranquility.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Tranquility</span></b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see, by filling the frame with a 70-200mm lens, you can get some striking photos </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWwUE4blL0OMtRNHrk8nixdnaaYLYGvB53fi-QyefUZopwtvmKfGzG1HjUt1n2Yx_D3nsQ7aKfjvc51y61-ONFxWJNXTTiTrWG2fDeAJyIjfi5oRXxwiIEW1mxey9G_EnB9Ga-HNzU35i/s1600/20161015_093920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWwUE4blL0OMtRNHrk8nixdnaaYLYGvB53fi-QyefUZopwtvmKfGzG1HjUt1n2Yx_D3nsQ7aKfjvc51y61-ONFxWJNXTTiTrWG2fDeAJyIjfi5oRXxwiIEW1mxey9G_EnB9Ga-HNzU35i/s200/20161015_093920.jpg" width="112" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of this waterfall. The flow was kind of low this day, but it really made for a much better picture than if the water was just pouring off the ledge. Getting the angle right is the hardest part. As you can see here, you might be better off using a bean bag to support the camera. I ended up just laying one of my tripod legs over the observation wall while supporting the camera on the remaining two legs. This worked out wonderfully, and allowed me to get that perfect sense of motion in the water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, there are not too many options for compositions, or at least locations for you to shoot. There are two different observations points. and that is really all you have to work with. It is still a well worth it waterfall if for no other reason than it is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and only a very short and easy hike to get to.</span></div>
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Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629209764374471011.post-77968080373096151852006-09-18T14:56:00.002-04:002014-05-24T23:47:31.924-04:00Dugger's Creek Falls: Linville Falls<div align="center">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Serenity Cove</i></b></td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.brptrails.com/brp3164.htm">Linville Falls area</a> is just North of the <a href="http://www.northcarolinaoutdoors.com/places/mountains/linvillegorge.html#anchor_summary_linville_gorge">Linville Gorge</a> along the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can find this attraction at milepost 316.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, South of the Linn Cove Viaduct. A second trail head can be located off of Kistler Memorial Highway (Old NC 105) off of NC 183. To view Dugger's Creek Falls, your best bet would be the former which is where the main visitor's center is.</div>
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Once in the parking lot, you will find the visitor's center with a map of the park, and some pictures of the waterfalls. To see Dugger's Creek Falls, you will just need to follow the edge of the parking lot back to the street. You will come upon a small, marked trailhead to your right. Once you enter the woods, you will follow a very short trail to a bridge over Dugger's Creek. The falls will be to your right. While this is not a large waterfall by any stretch, it is probably one of the most interesting in the park. The way it sits in the woods, it almost begs to be photographed. If you are lucky, and can hold your breath to keep the swinging bridge from moving, you can get some great shots from the bridge itself. There is also a trail going down below for other views of the falls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Hope Springs Eternal</i></b></td></tr>
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When you hear people talk about the Linville Falls, you will rarely hear them mention this particular one. There are much more impressive falls in the park, but none that have the same quaint quality as this one. It is also on the shortest and easiest trail...you have no excuse not to see this one, except for periods of low rainfall. This is one of those that will dry up very quickly. In the drought plagued months this is barely even a trickle. After a good rain however, I would rank this waterfall among the prettiest views in the entire park.</div>
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Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11939897121284775812noreply@blogger.com5