The Crabtree Falls: Crabtree Meadows

The Blue Ridge Parkway 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 Crabtree Meadows. Crabtree Falls 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.

In Constant Turmoil

You can reach the trailhead to this waterfall by taking the Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 339 in North Carolina (there is also a Crabtree Falls in Virginia). You will find a camp ground 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.

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.

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 tributaries. 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.

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.

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.

Tags: Crabtree Falls, Crabtree Meadows, Blue Ridge Parkway, Cascades

The Blue Ridge Parkway: Rough Ridge Overlook

Waterfall Walkway Photo Copyright © 2007 G. Kiser

As far as I know this waterfall is unnamed, if anyone can help me find a name for this waterfall, I will be very grateful.

Located at milepost 302.8 along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina is the Rough Ridge Overlook. If you are not looking for this spot, you are likely to drive right past without noticing what this small section of the Parkway has to offer. As you are driving South towards the Linn 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.

Directly in front of the parking area you will see a rocky slope that is home to a very small water slide 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 water flow 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.

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 Linn Cove Viaduct from a boardwalk built along the side of the mountain. The hike is moderate to easy, but well worth the time.

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.

Tags: Rough Ridge, Blue Ridge Parkway, Waterfalls

Linville Falls: From Erwin's View

The Linville Falls area is just North of the Linville Gorge 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.

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.

 Erupting from the Forest

Froth and Foliage

Seasonal Shift

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.

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.

Rocky Layers

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.

Water Carvings

 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.

Spilling From the Rocks Photo Copyright © 2007 G. Kiser

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.

 Impressive from a Distance

This trail is by far better than the Plunge Basin Trail on the other side of the falls. To really get up close and personal with the Linville Falls you need to take the trail all the way to the base of the falls.

Tags: Linville Falls, Erwin's View, Upper Falls, hiking, Linville Gorge, waterfall, photography

aoljurlAdd, aoljurlAdd_1

Waterfall on North Deep Creek: Shore-Styers Mill Nature Park

Water Colors Photo Copyright © 2007 G. Kiser

Tucked away near East Bend, NC, in Yadkin 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 Shacktown 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 Shacktown Rd. After only 0.3 of a mile you will come to Styers 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.

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.

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.

What Lies Beneath

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.

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. Yadkin County has purchased the land and has made it a historical park. You can read more about the Shore-Styers Mill Nature Park at http://www.shore-styers-mill.org/.

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.

Waterfalls Along Anthony Creek

Anthony Creek Tributary Photo Copyright © 2006 G. Kiser

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.

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.

According to Kevin Adams, 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.

Under the Arch Photo Copyright © 2006 G. Kiser

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.

This is to the left...

Water Slalom Photo Copyright © 2006 G. Kiser

and this is to the right...

Rushing Past the Rocks Photo Copyright © 2006 G. Kiser

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.

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.

Linville Falls: From the Plunge Basin Overlook

Enter the Basin

The Linville Falls area is just North of the Linville Gorge 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.

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.

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.

• Update 07-11-2007--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 here.

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.

The Cascades at E. B. Jeffress Park

Shrouded in Greenery

E. B. Jeffress Park 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.

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.

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.

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 brainer.  Just be very careful of your footing as the rocks are slick, and you won't recover from this fall.

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.

Old Mossy Log Photo Copyright © 2006 G. Kiser

Update: 07-06-2008

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 recent death of a child at Chimney Rock State Park, 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.

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 merits. Depending on the water flow 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 water slide portion.

The Origin

Update: 11-20-2016

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.

Tranquility

As you can see, by filling the frame with a 70-200mm lens, you can get some striking photos

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.

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.

Dugger's Creek Falls: Linville Falls

Serenity Cove

The Linville Falls area is just North of the Linville Gorge 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.

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.

Hope Springs Eternal

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.

aoljurlAdd, aoljurlAdd_2

Stone Mountain Falls: Stone Mt State Park

Stone Mountain Falls Photo Copyright © 2006 G. Kiser

Stone Mountain State Park 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 web site. For those coming from Hwy 421, you would want to exit onto I-77 North to Elkin. After you pass Elkin, you need to branch off to the left onto US 21. The next turn will be a left onto Traphill Rd (SR 1002), followed by a right onto John P. Frank Parkway. The Parkway will take you into the park.

Once to the park gate, you will follow the main road to the first parking area to the left. There will be a marked trail that winds its way along a small stream and through a field. Of interesting note, there are often deer along this field. They don't seem to be too apprehensive about people, but they sure don't like the sound of a camera bag opening. Anyway, you continue along the trail until you come to a split. On the right will be the Stone Mountain Loop Trail, a strenuous hike, but with a wonderful view of the summit. To the left you will find a trail leading to the falls. After a short distance you will come upon several warning signs advising of the dangers of the rocks, and that there have been deaths in the past from accidents. Do be careful, as the rock floor is not the best surface to walk on.

You have made it to the top of Stone Mountain Falls. You can see the water pouring down the rocky slope and then disapearing below. This is only the beginning, to really see the falls for what they are, you must climb down around 300 steep steps along the side of the water slide. According to Kevin Adams in his book North Carolina Waterfalls, A hiking and photography guide, the steps were built over several months at a cost of $100,000. After climbing up and down these steps, I think the smarter decision would have been to put in an escalator, or elevator for a few dollars more. These steps are a necessary evil as they provide a safe passage from top to bottom of the falls.

I would suggest an alternative route, however.  To avoid the hellish stair climber feature, I would suggest going to the main parking area/trailhead.  From here you will follow the marked trail for the Stone Mountain Loop Trail.  The signage is a little confusing, but you are going for the middle trail ultimately.  You will start off by taking the right fork going toward Wolf Rock Trail.  You will follow the access road leading the Hutchinson Homestead for a ways.  You can also see the rock outcropping for which the park is named.  Continue on this trail and you will come to another split.  Take the left split this time...away from Wolf Rock.  You will pass the Cedar Rock Loop Trail as well as the trail to the Lower and Middle Falls.  You will end up at the base of the Stone Mountain Falls.

Stone Mountain Falls, is classified as a water slide, because the water just flows down a very steep slope. Towards the bottom, there is some diversions to its path which add a little interest, but for the most part this is a very plain waterfall. It is also very difficult to get a full shot of the location because you are shooting up into the sky. As I quickly discovered the trip down the steps was not a wasted trip by any stretch. As in most of the locations I shoot, there is usually something else in the area that is oftentimes overlooked.

 Rocky Seat Photo Copyright © 2006 G. Kiser

Just a short distance downstream from the Stone Mountain Falls you will find sections of the stream that I think are much more interesting than the main falls. This is a very active stream with lots of rocks in the path of the water creating white water effects. Access to the stream is very simple and for the most part, you are walking right along side of it while on the trail.

This is a visit once type of waterfall though.  It is impressive for its size, but lacks a lot of character that can be found in most other waterfalls in the state.

***UPDATE, 12-04-2010***

Stone Mountain Falls

After putting off a return trip to this waterfall for some time, I finally decided to give it another try.  One thing that I would like to start out by saying is beginning the hike at the main trailhead in the lower lot is the way to go.  It is a rather simple hike from this direction and doesn't include nearly as many steps as coming from the other side.  I happened to visit in the winter and had a surprise snow event which worked out great for photographs.  I also applied another waterfall techniqe to this waterfall which worked very well.  I picked out a segment and isolated it.  As you can tell from the 2006 photograph, most of this waterfall is just a straight drop with no real drama.  Add to that the fact that you have to include the sky and it is not a pretty waterfall to photograph.  However, if you isolate the bottom section, you will have a change in direction, as well as some foreground interest.  In this case, the snow covered trees and rocks gave the perfect setting for the image.

While I still am not all that fond of the waterfall, under the right conditions, and with the right frame of mind a decent photograph can be taken here.

Widow's Creek Falls: Stone Mt. State Park

Widow's Creek Falls

Stone Mountain State Park 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 web site. For those coming from Hwy 421, you would want to exit onto I-77 North to Elkin. After you pass Elkin, you need to branch off to the left onto US 21. The next turn will be a left onto Traphill Rd (SR 1002), followed by a right onto John P. Frank Parkway. The Parkway will take you into the park.

To get to Widow's Creek Falls, enter the park and continue on the main road. You will pass the main parking for the Stone Mountain trail head on your left. Start to pay attention to the pull off parking on the right because you are almost there. The gravel parking area is small, but marked with a sign for the falls.  There is room for about three to four cars which give you an idea of how many people actually visit this waterfall.  After parking you will need to follow a short and level path for about 120 feet until you can see the Widow's Creek Falls.  Actually, if you are visiting in the winter months, you can just about see the falls from the parking pad.

This waterfall comes from a small watershed, so the best times to view it are after significant rainfall. This is a very serene waterfall with outcroppings of rock all around. There are several locations by which you can view this waterfall. The closer you get, the more dangerous the conditions are. Please keep in mind that the smooth rock that you will be walking on can be slippery at times and can change without warning. Be sure to wear very good boots for traction and ankle support.  I have had a few moments here where I understood how the waterfall received its name.  I wouldn't recommend doing your own personal research into the matter.

This waterfall is of particular interest because of what looks to be caves in both the face of the waterfall, and in the rock wall to the left of the falls. From certain angles, the face of the waterfall looks very much like a....well, face. It is interesting to me how the water splits into two cascades which run parallel down the rocks into a very still pool of water. From here the water flows over the smooth rocky floor down a slope, into a larger pool. This waterfall has many facets to explore.

For those wanting to photograph this waterfall, you will find that exposures can be a bit on the tricky side.  The rocks are bleached and very bright against the wet sections which appear a good deal darker.  Your best bet on these falls would be to go on a deeply overcast day, while it is misting, or has just finished raining.  Having the rocks wet will improve your chances for a good photograph.  Don't be afraid to try compositions from both sides of the falls as the flow of your photograph will change significantly from one side to the next.

 Bullhead Creek

When you have finished your exploration of the Widow's Creek Falls, don't be too eager to pack up and head to the next stop. Be sure to cross the road and check out the stream which runs along the side of the road. It is a very typical mountain stream with rocky obstructions that cause sections of white water to appear. This stream continues for a very long distance and there are several places in which you can find some very pretty rapids. The photograph above is about a half mile from the waterfall.

Update 02-05-2008

I have now been to Stone Mountain several times and have seen all of the waterfalls in the park. Widow's Creek Falls is by no means the biggest, or a central attraction in the park, but I would have to say if you could only see one waterfall here, this would be it. Ironically, it is the easiest to get to, and requires the least amount of work to enjoy. Another benefit is I have rarely seen more than two or three people there at a time. In the summer months, there are likely to be dozens...even hundreds at the Stone Mountain Falls, and a good many sunning themselfs at the other two in the park. For just simple enjoyment of nature, Widow's Creek Falls is the one to visit.

Tags: Stone Mountain, Widow's Creek Falls, waterfalls, landscape photography

aoljurlAdd, aoljurlAdd_1