RATtreks

Gentry, Logan, Cobweb, and Lackash Falls – 9-20-2014

On this adventure I had the pleasure of hiking with some new hikertrash friends, John Forbes, Ken Woody, Mark Lackey, and Shane Estep. Our first stop would be Gentry Falls near Laurel Bloomery in Johnson County. It had been since April of 2011 since my last visit to these falls and at that time there was ample water flowing which would not be the case on this trip however, there was still enough to make it a very enjoyable trip. It was a bright, sunny, blue sky day but the light did allow for some usable pictures of the double-decker falls on gentry Creek.

Gentry Creek Falls

The crew at Gentry Creek Falls

Lower part of Gentry Creek Falls

There was some Hillbilly Baptisms that occurred but I opted not to since I knew it was early in the day with many other falls to go to and I did not want to get wet just yet.

Mark Lackey doing a Hillbilly Baptism

Shane Estep doing the Hillbilly Baptism

We all did make the tedious climb up to the upper part of the falls and some of us (John, Shane, and Mark) climbed to the top of those. (click link to see John Forbes’ ‘view from the top‘). I had a similar view looking down at my friend Dave who was all the way at the bottom of the lower part of the falls on my last trip there.

Upper part of Gentry Creek Falls

We all had a great time there but, we eventually had to leave as there would be more falls to see on this day. The hike out is easier as it is downhill so it did not take long to get back to the vehicle. There are a few nice cascades along the way.

Group shot at Gentry Creek Falls (Photo credit to Mark Lackey)

One of the larger cascades found along Gentry Creek

Gentry Creek

From the trail head we lost Shane as he had other obligations so, the remaining crew then went towards Meadowview Virginia where our next stop would be Logan Creek Falls. These falls are located right beside the road but do require a short but steep climb down to get to the base of them. The light was way too bright for any good photos but, that did not stop us from enjoying them and the smaller ones just downstream.

Making our way down the steep roadside bank to get down to the base of Logan Creek Falls

Logan Creek Falls

Smaller falls below Logan Creek Falls

Small part of Logan Creek

Logan Creek Falls

Here are few more pics I took with my smaller pocket cam:

Logan Creek Falls

Mark Lackey getting the shot !

John Forbes getting the shot !

There is another falls below these but, we decided they were not worth the trouble in going down the steep overgrown bank to shoot. Logan Creek empties into the river just after those small falls. From Logan Falls we would continue across the nearby North Fork of the Holston River and around to the trail head for Cobweb and Lackash Falls where we would end our day. It is a short walk beside the river after crossing a swinging bridge before you round the corner to see the heavenly falls appropriately named Cobweb Falls. (Don’t forget to say hello to the resident billy goats there)

Cobweb Falls

Ken was so absorbed by the beauty of these falls, that he had to sit down !

Cobweb Falls. If you look closely you will see John getting in touch with his ancient ninja ancestors and becoming one with the falls

Mark proudly giving some scale to the falls

Cobweb Falls in all her gorgeous glory

Ken getting the shot !

Each section of these falls is unique in itself. Can you see the Mother Mary and the baby Jesus ?

Now can you see it ???

The water flow was lower than usual but, these falls are always awesome. From there we climbed around them and continued upstream about a half mile or more to reach Lackash Falls. These falls are better with more flow but, it being my first time seeing them, I was not disappointed at all. Mark mutated into Waterfall Squid Man and spent time clearing the falls of all limbs and debris to make its beauty even better.

Lackash Falls

John making his way up the left side of Lackash Falls

John atop Lackash Falls (complete with a swirly !)

John`s view of Mark Lackey and myself from the top of Lackash Falls (Photo by John Forbes)

Lackash Falls as seen from the old log road above

The sun was dropping quickly so we made our way back out to the car, relishing in the thoughts of all the beautiful waterfalls we had seen that day and already looking forward to the next adventure. We did stop again at Cobweb Falls long enough for some more Hillbilly Baptisms !