Weir Dams / South Holston Dam:
It seems I forgot to mention in my last entry about the trip we took to the Weir Dams on South Holston River and the dam on South Holston lake on 7-10-2010. It was just a short day trip but after all it is an interesting area with a nice walking trail around Osceola Island for some exercise and enjoying nature. The Weir Dams were built to oxygenate the water for the fish and other creatures in between times when the dam is not releasing water (generating power). It was a hot and very bright day so getting any fancy pictures was out of the question but I did enjoy being out walking somewhere and did get a few nice shots. You can see more of them in the photo gallery.
Weir Dams on South Holston River
South Holston river as seen from Osceola Island trail
South Holston Lake
Since it was a short trip we got back fairly early, and I was still feeling energetic, so I drove up to Dry Creek and walked by myself up the old forest road above the Green Mile trail about a mile to the shortcut trail I found the week before.
I decided to take it down to see where it came out and if there was anything interesting to be found. It came out right near the beginning of the Green Mile trail but no water was to be found, nothing interesting, only some bear scat and tracks.
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Posted on 27 August '10 by admin, under RATtreks. 1 Comment.
I was lucky enough to go on a second trip this weekend, this one to the Roan Mountain area. After a long scenic drive through Erwin, TN. over Indian Grave Gap, then following 197 for a long ways through some very out of the way places to 226 then back around to Buladean, NC., by way of Bakersville, NC., we went to Hughes Gap Road which leads to the top of the mountain where the Appalachian Trail crosses before it heads down to Roan Mountain State park. We ended up at Carvers Gap around 5 that evening.
The road to the top is now closed and will remain that way until this time next year as it seems some of the ‘stimulus money’ is being used to revamp things up there such as new bathrooms at the old Cloudland Hotel site, improvements to the overlook and area trails along with repaving of the road. It was a hot, dry day but clouds were building which promised to make for some decent sunset pics, so we headed North along the A.T. up and over Round Bald enjoying the newest trail relocation that I had not yet hiked. It is a very nice trail which now goes through the woods on the left side before coming out on the bald.
The Roans
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Posted on 21 July '10 by admin, under RATtreks. No Comments.
Greetings outdoor enthusiasts, waterfall, and blog fans. It has been awhile since my last report to which I apologize. This is due to a dirt bike accident on May 21, 2010 which left me with several busted ribs, damage to my right shoulder, and a knot on my head ! Apparently it takes ribs a long time to heal so I have been unable to do any kind of physical activity until now. I am still in a lot of pain and even sleeping hurts to the point of not getting much rest but I am slowly getting better and look forward to getting back out in the woods again soon.
Trail Daze 2010:
Group Pic at Trail Daze 2010
I did manage to attend Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia the week prior to the accident but I was getting sick with the flu at that time so I still had a lot of chest congestion when I wrecked the motorcycle so coughing with broke ribs has been very painful to say the least. It was really good getting to see all my friends and hiker-trash family again since last years event. There were a couple rain storms but overall the weather was great and everyone had a good time. You can see pics of this years festivities HERE !
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Posted on 9 July '10 by admin, under RATtreks. No Comments.
After my last trip to Elk Falls (Big Falls) and Jones Falls on 4-18-10 without my good camera which ended up with inferior pics, I was determined to go back as soon as I could and hopefully on a cloudy day. That day finally came this past Saturday and although it wasn’t as cloudy as I would have liked it to be, the sun was not as intense as before so I was able to get better pics. It was unusually hot as a major storm front that was causing unprecedented flooding in the Nashville area was pumping the hot gulf air into our area. Bol’Dar did not attend this waterfall frenzy hike so my girlfriend Linda, and Daisy the dog decided to accompany me. After a fairly early start of 10 ish AM, we arrived at Elk River Falls around 11 AM. The first thing we seen was two anglers proudly toting some very nice trout they had caught that morning. Oh how I wish I would be having that for lunch! The next interesting thing we saw was a Copperhead snake hunting around in the flood debris at the base of the falls near some butterflies. It was the same place my son Tyler had walked all over on our last trip !
Elk River Falls (Big Falls)
Elk River Falls (Big Falls)
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Posted on 5 May '10 by admin, under RATtreks. 1 Comment.
I finally found the Green Mile trail. Located on the South side of Cherokee Mountain across from the parking lot for the ORV (Off Road Vehicle) trail (located on the Buffalo mountain side) on Dry Creek road. A short distance behind the gated forest service road (# 53522) you will see it leading off to your left. This used to be an open field that was clear cut over 25 yrs ago. I remember riding motorcycles and bird hunting there. It has grown back into a very nice forest with a great hiking trail.
You can come back out on the paved road (left) or take another trail to the top of the mountain (right) and back to the forest road for a nice loop. I forsee this being my new exercise trail since it is so close to my house.
The Green Mile
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Posted on 2 May '10 by admin, under RATtreks. No Comments.
Unseasonably hot weather and sunny skies found us heading to the most popular waterfall this area has to offer which is Elk River Falls also called Big Falls. Their popularity is not due to their size although they are an impressive 45′ tall with a very large pool at the bottom, but rather for their easy access. You can drive right to them and see the top right from your car. A short 5 minute hike will take you right to the base of the falls. I have seen videos of kayaker’s going right over them which is impressive but there were none there on this Sunday. I also forgot my good camera in the car that my girlfriend drove out of state that morning so had to use my old one which did not take very good pics but on the other hand the sun was way too intense for any good shots anyway so I will definitely be coming back here soon.
Elk River Falls (Big Falls)
Please be aware that there have been injuries and deaths occur here as the strong, unpredictable currents at the base of the falls can be very dangerous not to mention the dangers of jumping in the wrong spot. A young teen lost his life here not long ago when he was swimming (not diving) near the falls and his leg became entangled in some fishing line and he drowned. It took 3 days to recover his body so please use caution at all times.
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Posted on 30 April '10 by admin, under RATtreks. 3 Comments.
I went on a short Saturday afternoon drive down in the country and ended up in the Shelton Church / Mission area and decided to check out the trail head for the Bullen hollow/Spruce Thicket/Margerite falls trails. I haven’t been there in many years and like everywhere else it too has undergone some changes. You can no longer drive in there but rather have to park at a new parking lot and walk past a new gate for about a half mile before you reach the intersection of trails. They also no longer allow motorcycles on the Bullen Hollow trail (much to Tyler’s disappointment). Although we were only .7 miles from Margerite falls it was too late to start that trek but we did walk to the start of the trail and back for some much needed exercise. The bugs were already out and very annoying. We then drove on further to get a view of Viking mountain and Blackstack cliffs before heading home. Was a very nice day for a Saturday drive in the country as lots of things are blooming right now.
Nice Cascades
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Posted on 26 April '10 by admin, under RATtreks. No Comments.
Beauty Spot located on Unaka mountain is one of my favorite places to go around here. Not only because it is fairly easy to access, but it is such a wonderful place to enjoy nature’s beauty. It was a clear day and signs of Spring were abundant so we decided to go there to enjoy the views and hopefully catch an incredible sunset. There were no clouds in the sky which made the bright sun way too intense for quality sunset photos using my camera, but the view from there is worth seeing regardless of the picture quality. I hope you enjoy them.
Sunset from Beauty Spot
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Posted on 24 April '10 by admin, under RATtreks. 1 Comment.
After a busy weekend of going to several waterfalls (see previous blogs) , I decided to take a short trip on Easter Sunday to see the Blue Hole Falls in Carter county. It was another very hot and sunny day making it too bright for quality waterfall pics but I managed to get a few acceptable shots. It was more crowded than I expected but we did have a good time as it is a great place to be with several really nice waterfalls, cliffs, and cascades. I am sure I will be going back soon to get some better photos. Until then, enjoy these !
Blue Hole Falls
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Posted on 20 April '10 by admin, under RATtreks. No Comments.
After a scouting trip on 2-20-2010 by my son Tyler, and myself, at which time we located the lower Simmons Branch falls (frozen at that time) and the best route around them, I have been itching to go back and continue on to find the middle and upper falls that I have heard about. We finally got the opportunity, so another record breaking hot, early Spring day found us heading up the trail by a little after 11 am on a fine Saturday morning. Due to turkey hunting season and the warm weather, the gates are now open so there were plenty of people in the woods however none to be found in the Simmons Branch hollow. We did encounter a vast swarm of sweat bees the entire day that were very annoying. Perhaps they were as excited (and hungry) to see Spring finally here as we were ? It did not take long to make it to the lower falls (35 ft) (which were not frozen this time) and still had plenty of water flowing from them. Bol’Dar had not been here before so this was an exciting trip for him as the middle and upper falls were to be for all of us.
Simmons Branch Falls (lower)
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Posted on 20 April '10 by admin, under RATtreks. 1 Comment.
My name is 'RAT' and I love the mountains and waterfalls of the East TN. area where I live and I hope you enjoy this blog about my outdoor adventures.
