Chasing Waterfalls

I visited Niagara Falls in April 2014. It's more a walk than a hike, but nonetheless, one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls.  

Earlier this year I listed my hiking resolutions for the year.  One of my goals was to hike to five new waterfalls.  Here is the January 2014 blog post, "Looking to the Future," in case you missed it. 

Here are the five waterfalls:

Located an hour north of Chattanooga in Rhea County, this state natural area is about five miles west of Spring City, Tennessee on Highway 68. 

Stinging Fork Falls is a 30-foot waterfall located within the Stinging Fork Gorge. The creek flows over the fan-shaped falls, then quickly slips through chutes and tumbles over cascades below the falls.  Here is more information on the Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area including trail descriptions and driving directions. (Photograph courtesy of Don Deakins.) 

Horsepound Falls is located in the Savage Gulf State Natural Area, part of the South Cumberland Recreation area near Monteagle, Tennessee. 

Horsepound Falls is on the Collins River. Half the flow of the river sinks underground in the pool below the falls. Here is more information on Savage Gulf and access to a map of the area.

When I hiked the Fiery Gizzard Trail in August, I marked off a waterfall as well as No. 4 on my "Looking to the Future" hiking resolution list.  Anderson Falls is a 80-foot double drop located just off the Fiery Gizzard Trail between Raven Point and Laurel Gorge.  Here is more information on Fiery Gizzard.   

Grotto Falls is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Trillium Gap Trail.  It's the only waterfall in the park you can actually walk behind.  It's also a popular tourist destination because of the short hiking distance (1.6 miles one way) and short drive from downtown Gatlinburg.  Here is more information including driving directions. 

Indian Flats Falls is located off the Middle Prong Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  According to hikinginthesmokies.com,  "Middle Prong is hands down the best waterfall hike in the Smokies. The trail passes three major waterfalls, in addition to numerous smaller falls, cataracts, and cascades."  Directions to the trailhead and falls are provided on the website. 

Below are links to a few blogs and websites you waterfall fans might enjoy:

Appalachian Treks

Romantic Asheville (featuring DuPont State Forest Waterfalls tour)

Waterfalls - Great Smoky Mountains National Park 

Explore Asheville - waterfalls in the Asheville area

Waterfalls and Backroads of North Georgia 

Although I've reached my earlier goal, there are still many more waterfalls to discover. Isn't discovery what hiking is all about? So put on your boots, grab your trekking poles, and "Keep On Hiking."

Special thanks to all my hiking buddies who helped me chase these waterfalls! 

Polar Vortex Creates Winter Wonderland

Why would anyone go hiking in the January 2014 polar vortex?  It seemed a once-in-a-lifetime chance since it hasn't been this cold in the southeastern United States for 20 years. It was also an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful winter wonderland in the Grundy Forest State Natural Area near Tracy City, Tennessee with elevations high enough to receive a beautiful dusting of snow.

It also helped there were 16 other hikers who were willing to brave the frigid cold temperatures, so misery enjoys company, right?  Actually it wasn't miserable at all if you're dressed for the temperature.  In case you're wondering what I wore, here we go from head to toe: Patagonia toboggan or beanie, ear muffs (LL Bean has some good ones), scarf to wrap around my neck and face (if necessary), UniQlo Heattech turtleneck (first layer), North Face crew neck base layer (second layer), Omni-Heat Reflective Columbia jacket, LL Bean Baxter State gloves, Cuddle Duds leggings, Champion sweat pants, two pairs of socks (SmartWool crew socks and SmartWool hiking socks), and Keen hiking boots.

The Grundy Forest State Natural Area is about an hour's drive (48 miles) north of Chattanooga. It is part of the South Cumberland Recreation area which is a group of ten separate park areas managed as a single park.  Totaling over 16,000 acres, the units are located throughout a 100-square-mile region within Grundy, Sequatchie, Franklin, and Marion counties.   Here is more information.

It was a slow paced, 3.6-mile hike which included the Grundy Forest Day Loop, Sycamore Falls, and the Dog Hole Trail. Here is a map and description of these trails.

Even in the snow, the first mile was very easy terrain since it traverses the flat plateau top.

At 1.3 miles, a bridge will take you across Little Fiery Gizzard Creek.

Crossing the bridge takes you to the the main Fiery Gizzard Trail, Sycamore Falls, and the Dog Hole Trail.

Little Fiery Gizzard Creek

The Little and Big Fiery Gizzard Creeks merge and cut a cascade which is known as the Black Canyon because of the organic stain on the rocks. 

More of the Black Canyon

Sycamore Falls 

(Photograph courtesy of John Rowland)

Because of the millions of rocks, the Fiery Gizzard Trail is one of the most rugged and difficult trails in Tennessee.

There are several legends surrounding the Fiery Gizzard name.  One legend includes Davy Crockett and a turkey gizzard.  I'll let you be the judge based on the various legends discussed here.

Blue Hole Falls 

After venturing off on the Fiery Gizzard Trail to Sycamore Falls and the Dog Hole Trail, it was back to the Grundy Forest Day Loop with the final stunning scenery of the day at Blue Hole Falls.  

Before the next winter wonderland hike, I plan to purchase Anti-Slip Ice Snow Crampon Cleats and Silicone Rubber Shoe Covers (pictured below) so I can "Keep On Hiking."