Tennessee Talus ! – 2-27-2018
Finding any form of ‘talus’ East of the Rocky Mountains is a rare thing however, there are a few instances of it found along the Appalachian Mountain chain. Mostly in the Northern sector as it is very seldom found this far South yet, we are lucky to have some fine examples of it right here in our local mountains. The best and largest examples are found on Unaka Mountain but, we do know of a few other sizeable areas of it on some other local slopes as well. This one in particular is equally as large in area but, the size of the rocks are somewhat smaller than the larger sized ones on Unaka. A small part of these could actually be classified as ‘scree’. We have known about these ‘rock fields’ for many years yet, never gave them much thought until a few years ago when we actually set our boots on the massive stones on Unaka which fueled our desire to check out some of the other ones we knew existed. We finally got around to checking out the next largest (in comparison to Unaka) patch of talus and although I will not share the exact location or provide any pics that may give away their home, I will share a few close up shots of the talus fields to show the enormous size of them and just how steep these stacked stones are. I have always been curious as to how these massive stone fields were formed and more so as to how they manage to stay in place on such a steep angle. From a lot of hands on research of all the huge talus fields found on Unaka over several trips there, I have concluded that they used to be cliffs that were destroyed by either earthquakes, fire, freeze and thaw, or all the above. I am not so sure about this new investigation as the stones are smaller and much looser and harder to walk upon. It will always remain a curiosity in my mind until someone of authority can shed more light on these wonderful rock collections that flow down some of the steepest and most rugged of the mountains found around here. Getting to them is as hard a hike as I have ever been on so, fortunately they do protect themselves from being exploited by the masses.
Looking up from the bottom of the main talus field. Although this view shows way over a football field long of talus, this actual field is at least 3 times that in length with at least one more continuing into the tree line at the top !
Tommy ‘Bol’Dar’ Warden stands at the base of the first talus fields of the day. This being the smallest in size and having also the smallest rocks as well. This one I would call ‘scree’ but, it was a large exposed area of it and it was way steeper than it looks although not as steep as the main and larger talus fields in this area.
I am trying to show the steepness of the top of the scree field
Looking up from not even the halfway point of the scree field I can see Tyler making some pack adjustments.
Looking up from the base of the main talus field. You know cameras do not show steepness so use your imagination here !
Bol’Dar takes the lead here as we had to stay spread out due to the loose nature of these rocks and to also get pics that show the scale of this massive area
Closer inspection of this rock shows that this talus field has balls !!!
After a lot of tedious and very tense climbing, we caught up with Bol’Dar and w were not even half way up this main talus field. This angle shows a little more of how steep the grade is. These smaller stones are harder to climb than the much larger ones on Unaka.
After a lot more climbing we could see it just kept going and going. To our surprise even once we reached what we thought would be the top, it continued just as far into the treeline and spread out much wider !
My view of Tyler and Bol’Dar above me. The views from here were breathtaking but, I can not show it as to protect the location.
it is very strenuous to just stand still on this stuff neverless climb up it ! Here Bol’Dar and Tyler`s body positioning shows this !
Some of the largest rocks found were near the top or what we thought was the top ! Bol’Dar takes a much needed break above me.
Tommy is takin` it easy in the talus fields. It was a cold start that morning but, got rather hot as we were exposed in the talus.
After a long break we continued climbing. This talus field just kept going and going.
Not only did the talus keep going up, it got much wider and as you can see here, it got even steeper. How these rocks stay put on such a steep slope is beyond me !
Eventually getting closer to the tree line, the talus just kept going and got higher and even wider.
Once into the trees, the talus was still very thick under our feet. It never really ended. To the right of Tommy you can see one of the few large spines of rock that seem to be part of the original sources of this big pile of rocks.
Bol’Dar leads the way as we check out some of those hidden rock spines as we make our way through this super dense jungle like, trail-less terrain. From here, it`s a long way to the top if you want to Rock And Roll !!
It was a very tough all day hike, mostly all of which was completely off trail over some of the roughest terrain and thickest growth this area has to offer but, I was happy to finally have gotten to explore this very unique and amazing area. I hope to get back here to investigate some of the other talus areas we did not have time for on this trip however, if I never get back here again I will not feel cheated after the success we had on this outing. After a week or more of healing up I will be looking forward to the next trip. Until then,,,
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.
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