Old Stone Fort Waterfall in Autumn Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is a Tennessee State Park including a dam and waterfalls on the Duck River in Manchester, TN.
Radnor Lake and Fall Color When I was a child, I didn't appreciate Radnor Lake as much as I should have. My parents would sometimes find an excuse to drive us down Otter Creek Road. I spent the whole time worried my safe-driving dad would accidentally swerve into the lake. Once I could drive, I never drove down this stretch of Otter Creek Road. Nobody can as it's now closed to cars. I'm guessing it's been that way for three decades. Road maintenance has been quite problematic for the road quite close to the water. Plus, it's better to enjoy the sights and sounds by foot. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radnor_Lake_State_Natural_Area Radnor Lake State Natural Area, also known as Radnor Lake State Park, is a popular state natural area and state park in Oak Hill, Tennessee within Nashville. The 1,368 acre nature preserve lies just outside Nashville. Five miles of unpaved trails wander through the woods surrounding the lake. Otter Creek Road runs through the middle of the park and is now closed to traffic. Visitors to Radnor Lake enjoy wildlife native to Middle Tennessee, including river otters, beavers, mink, muskrat, bobcat, coyote and the white-tailed deer. Radnor Lake was created by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company in 1914, and was initially used for watering steam locomotives and supplying the watering pens for shipped livestock. Afterwards, it became a local sportsman's club for L & N executives and guests. Efforts to preserve the Radnor Lake area began in 1923 when the executive vice president of L&N Railroad declared the site a "Wildlife Sanctuary" at the request of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Executives with the railroad and their friends (The Sportsman's Club) used the sanctuary for fishing, but a reverence for the beauty of the area was present even then among L&N families and neighbors who lived in the surrounding hills. In 1962, the property was sold to be developed but initial work proved to be problematic and public pressure influenced the state to purchase the property in 1973 and create the State's first Natural Area.
Radnor Lake and Otter Creek Road When I was a child, I didn't appreciate Radnor Lake as much as I should have. My parents would sometimes find an excuse to drive us down Otter Creek Road. I spent the whole time worried my safe-driving dad would accidentally swerve into the lake. Once I could drive, I never drove down this stretch of Otter Creek Road. Nobody can as it's now closed to cars. I'm guessing it's been that way for three decades. Road maintenance has been quite problematic for the road quite close to the water. Plus, it's better to enjoy the sights and sounds by foot. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radnor_Lake_State_Natural_Area Radnor Lake State Natural Area, also known as Radnor Lake State Park, is a popular state natural area and state park in Oak Hill, Tennessee within Nashville. The 1,368 acre nature preserve lies just outside Nashville. Five miles of unpaved trails wander through the woods surrounding the lake. Otter Creek Road runs through the middle of the park and is now closed to traffic. Visitors to Radnor Lake enjoy wildlife native to Middle Tennessee, including river otters, beavers, mink, muskrat, bobcat, coyote and the white-tailed deer. Radnor Lake was created by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company in 1914, and was initially used for watering steam locomotives and supplying the watering pens for shipped livestock. Afterwards, it became a local sportsman's club for L & N executives and guests. Efforts to preserve the Radnor Lake area began in 1923 when the executive vice president of L&N Railroad declared the site a "Wildlife Sanctuary" at the request of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Executives with the railroad and their friends (The Sportsman's Club) used the sanctuary for fishing, but a reverence for the beauty of the area was present even then among L&N families and neighbors who lived in the surrounding hills. In 1962, the property was sold to be developed but initial work proved to be problematic and public pressure influenced the state to purchase the property in 1973 and create the State's first Natural Area.
Radnor Lake and a Wildlife Viewing Platform When I was a child, I didn't appreciate Radnor Lake as much as I should have. My parents would sometimes find an excuse to drive us down Otter Creek Road. I spent the whole time worried my safe-driving dad would accidentally swerve into the lake. Once I could drive, I never drove down this stretch of Otter Creek Road. Nobody can as it's now closed to cars. I'm guessing it's been that way for three decades. Road maintenance has been quite problematic for the road quite close to the water. Plus, it's better to enjoy the sights and sounds by foot. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radnor_Lake_State_Natural_Area Radnor Lake State Natural Area, also known as Radnor Lake State Park, is a popular state natural area and state park in Oak Hill, Tennessee within Nashville. The 1,368 acre nature preserve lies just outside Nashville. Five miles of unpaved trails wander through the woods surrounding the lake. Otter Creek Road runs through the middle of the park and is now closed to traffic. Visitors to Radnor Lake enjoy wildlife native to Middle Tennessee, including river otters, beavers, mink, muskrat, bobcat, coyote and the white-tailed deer. Radnor Lake was created by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company in 1914, and was initially used for watering steam locomotives and supplying the watering pens for shipped livestock. Afterwards, it became a local sportsman's club for L & N executives and guests. Efforts to preserve the Radnor Lake area began in 1923 when the executive vice president of L&N Railroad declared the site a "Wildlife Sanctuary" at the request of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Executives with the railroad and their friends (The Sportsman's Club) used the sanctuary for fishing, but a reverence for the beauty of the area was present even then among L&N families and neighbors who lived in the surrounding hills. In 1962, the property was sold to be developed but initial work proved to be problematic and public pressure influenced the state to purchase the property in 1973 and create the State's first Natural Area.
Radnor Lake and the colorblind viewer When I was a child, I didn't appreciate Radnor Lake as much as I should have. My parents would sometimes find an excuse to drive us down Otter Creek Road. I spent the whole time worried my safe-driving dad would accidentally swerve into the lake. Once I could drive, I never drove down this stretch of Otter Creek Road. Nobody can as it's now closed to cars. I'm guessing it's been that way for three decades. Road maintenance has been quite problematic for the road quite close to the water. Plus, it's better to enjoy the sights and sounds by foot. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radnor_Lake_State_Natural_Area Radnor Lake State Natural Area, also known as Radnor Lake State Park, is a popular state natural area and state park in Oak Hill, Tennessee within Nashville. The 1,368 acre nature preserve lies just outside Nashville. Five miles of unpaved trails wander through the woods surrounding the lake. Otter Creek Road runs through the middle of the park and is now closed to traffic. Visitors to Radnor Lake enjoy wildlife native to Middle Tennessee, including river otters, beavers, mink, muskrat, bobcat, coyote and the white-tailed deer. Radnor Lake was created by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company in 1914, and was initially used for watering steam locomotives and supplying the watering pens for shipped livestock. Afterwards, it became a local sportsman's club for L & N executives and guests. Efforts to preserve the Radnor Lake area began in 1923 when the executive vice president of L&N Railroad declared the site a "Wildlife Sanctuary" at the request of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Executives with the railroad and their friends (The Sportsman's Club) used the sanctuary for fishing, but a reverence for the beauty of the area was present even then among L&N families and neighbors who lived in the surrounding hills. In 1962, the property was sold to be developed but initial work proved to be problematic and public pressure influenced the state to purchase the property in 1973 and create the State's first Natural Area.
McBee Rainbow Bridge in the rain (Ferry Landing View) - Mascot, TN The 1931 McBee Bridge (also known as the Rainbow Bridge) carries the road which connects the towns of Mascot and Strawberry Plains (near Knoxville) crossing the Holston River. It is the only Rainbow Bridge in Tennessee, being an all concrete, open-spandrel, through arch. Other than driving over it, there are two spots to get a view, first is at the old McBee Ferry Landing which is now a park and boat ramp. Next is from the road which parallels the river from the north side. As it turns out, there was a a short-lasting but heavy rain storm which passed through while I was here. This rain created a rainbow to the west while I was here, however, there are no vantage spots to the east, so I couldn't get the rainbow and its namesake bridge in the shot at the same time.
Cairo Mississippi River Bridge The city of Cairo is located on the southern end of Illinois Mississippi and Ohio rivers come together. There are two bridges here, one for each river. The view is taken from Fort Defiance State Park which provides views of the river convergence. This bridge connects Illinois on the right to Missouri on the left via highways US60 and 62 although it was closed for repairs in 2024. This is a Cantilevered Warren through truss built in 1929. Here's my video of both bridges but queued to this bridge: youtu.be/aovvTmDC1Dk?si=j_4Ga5pavoVON8_p&t=216
View of Knoxville Downtown from High Bluff Park www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR0WvMDZPtM Here's a video I made about Knoxville's little known park which provides excellent views of the city. It's about a 15 minute walk along an old gravel road. There's a fairly new fence and signs telling visitors to not climb on the actual bluff, but they made where you still can if you want to. Things you can see in this 10X zoomed view: The Tennessee River - Norfolk Southern Train Bridge - Henley Street Bridge - The wide building is the "Knoxville City County Building" - The red brick building is the Andrew Johnson Hotel - Behind that is the 2nd tallest building, the Riverview Tower (now with a Truist logo but formerly a BB&T logo) - The tallest is Plaza Tower, aka First Tennessee Plaza or First Horizon Plaza
View of Knoxville from High Bluff Park www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR0WvMDZPtM Here's a video I made about Knoxville's little known park which provides excellent views of the city. It's about a 15 minute walk along an old gravel road. There's a fairly new fence and signs telling visitors to not climb on the actual bluff, but they made where you still can if you want to. Things you can see in this view with no zooming: The Tennessee River - The Closest bridge is the CSX Railroad Bridge - Sove of the UT campus is on the left, including Thompson-Bolling Arena and the scoreboard for Neyland Stadium - You can see the sphere of the Sunsphere on the left - The area with the Henley Street Bridge and the tallest buildings can be seen from the zoomed in version
CSX Tennessee River Bridge - Knoxville, TN This bridge was built in 1934 by Louisville & Nashville and reconditioned in 1966. The original piers were built in 1892 by Marietta & North Georgia Railroad but had concrete extensions added to raise the height. The main span is a Polygonal Warren through truss with a length of 280 ft and a total length of 1051 ft. This is the most convenient view of the bridge taken from Scottish Pike Park on the south side of the Tennessee River. On the north side, the bridge also crosses Neyland Dr. (US11) and more train tracks. If you look closely Knoxville and Holston River Railroad KXHR 2002 is along those tracks.
Melton Hill Dam Melton Hill Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Clinch River just south of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States. The dam is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which built the dam from 1960-64 to extend the Tennessee Valley's continuous navigation channel up the Clinch as far as Clinton and to increase TVA's overall power-generating capacity. The dam impounds the 5,470-acre Melton Hill Lake, and is the only TVA tributary dam serviced by a navigation lock. The dam and associated infrastructure were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. Melton Hill Dam was named for a knob atop nearby Copper Ridge where the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey installed a triangulation station in 1884 Read more: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melton_Hill_Dam For this photo, I am on the southern side of the river in Loudon County. The other side of the river is Roane County as the county line goes down the river here.
Waterfall Created by Center Hill Dam On the Caney Fork River. Built in 1949 and operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. In January 2007, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers placed Center Hill Dam under a high risk for failure. With all of the force of water pushing onto the dam, sometimes that water finds softer rock or cavities inside the nearby stone. Eventually, the water pushes a path through the stone and creates a new waterfall. The actual dam is about 100 feet to the right.
Old Betsy (Musseling Boat) - Pilot Knob, TN The Pilot Knob Interpretive Center and Nathan B. Forrest State Park in Tennessee has a display on those who made a living gathering mussels in nearby rivers. According to the boat's description in the museum: Betsy was one of the most unique boats ever to be seen on the Tennessee River. Built by Dave Stafford and Charlie Doyle, Betsy is probably the biggest brail boat ever built for the river. To compensate for the large size of the boat, T.J. Whitfield, the boat's designer and owner, has ordered cross ribs for greater stability. On October 9, 1966, T.J. took Betsy on her maiden voyage down river to Eagle Creek. Betsy's winch and brail spreaders were made from T.J.'s old farm equipment. This is characteristic of river life. In building his spreaders and winch, T.J. adapted his farming knowledge to meet his needs on the river. Unlike most musselers, T.J. musseled daily. When he had a load, he lit fires under his cook-out vat near his house and cooked out the meat. In 1974, T.J. moved Betsy to the Cumberland River. Being away from home made it necessary for T.J. to outfit Betsy for river living. He built a bunk house and added windows so he could see the river bank. He built the shanty wide enough to make room for a collapsible army cot. Shelves held a Coleman stove, cooking utensils and food. With these essentials, T.J. was ready to live on the river. Betsy may not have had a refrigerator or air conditioner, but now Betsy was his dream boat. For sixteen years, Betsy floated the river...an extraordinarily long time for a wooden boat. The water-worn bottom and mud-stained deck symbolize the work of a man who sought not to conquer the river but only to work with it. Betsy stands as a reminder of the spirit, determination and adaptability of river folk.
Georgia Queen - Savannah The Georgia Queen is among the largest paddle-wheel Riverboats. It is docked at the Savannah riverfront.
CSX Tellico Lake Railroad Bridge For a through truss bridge, this one is newer than many, as it was built in the 1970s when Tellico Lake was built along the Little Tennessee River. This bridge parallels highway US411 just northeast of Vonore in the corner of Monroe County. You can't stop on the US411 "Niles Ferry" bridge for a photo, so this view comes from the road to the Tellico Blockhouse, although with more powerlines in the view. bridgehunter.com/tn/monroe/bh46022/
I think she said "Yes" I'm not sure who was here earlier, but the rose petals and the empty ring box makes me think she said, "yes." It's a spot where two rivers become one, so well done sir. This overlook is at Camp Jordan in the East Ridge suburb of Chattanooga where the South and West branches of Chickamauga Creek meet.
Fall Leaves at Tims Ford Lake 1 Tims Ford State Rustic Park in Franklin County, TN was created after a TVA Hydroelectric Dam was placed on the Elk River forming Tims Ford Lake. This photo was taken a year ago when peak fall leaves lasted a little later than normal.
Fall Leaves at Tims Ford Lake 3 Tims Ford State Rustic Park in Franklin County, TN was created after a TVA Hydroelectric Dam was placed on the Elk River forming Tims Ford Lake. This photo was taken a year ago when peak fall leaves lasted a little later than normal.
Catoosa Whale on Route 66 On my summer Route 66 Vacation, the Catoosa Whale was my wife's and my favorite stop. We didn't come close to going the full Route, but we stopped here again on the way back home. Although there is now a no swimming policy, the original purpose of the fins was a slide into the lake. Other than a desire to follow the rules, there's no stopping anyone from doing that now - or using the ladder further back. You are still allowed to climb up the ladder to get to the top of the tail. I wonder if people used to dive off of it. There's also a ladder in the middle which lets you climb into an upper level and look out those small round windows. Here's the description on Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Whale_of_Catoosa The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a waterfront structure, just east of the American town of Catoosa, Oklahoma, and it has become one of the most recognizable attractions on old Route 66. Hugh Davis built the Blue Whale in the early 1970s as a surprise anniversary gift to his wife Zelta, who collected whale figurines. The Blue Whale and its pond became a favored swimming hole for both locals and travelers along Route 66 alike. Originally, the pond surrounding the massive Blue Whale was spring fed and intended only for family use. However, as many locals began to come to enjoy its waters, Davis brought in tons of sand, built picnic tables, hired life guards, and opened it to the public. Originally calling it Nature's Acres, Mr. Davis continued to add to the roadside attraction until it eventually included The Fun and Swim Blue Whale and the A.R.K. (Animal Reptile Kingdom). The attraction also featured Hugh's brother-in-law, Indian Chief Wolf-Robe Hunt, a full blooded Acoma Indian, who was famous in his own right for his Indian paintings and as a highly skilled silversmith. Chief Wolf-Robe Hunt once ran the Arrowood Trading post across the highway from the Blue Whale attraction. By 1988, the Davises were not able to continue managing the attraction, so they closed it to the public. Davis died in January 1990, followed by his wife Zelta in 2001. The park soon fell into disrepair, crumbling from neglect and weather. However, after a decade the people of Catoosa and employees of the Hampton Inn launched a fund-raising and volunteer effort to restore the Route 66 landmark. The Blue Whale was restored and repainted to its original brilliant blue. The adjacent picnic area has also been restored. Brent's note: Recently, the place has come under the ownership of the city which has helped it thrive. I believe the creator was also an employee for the nearby Tulsa Zoo, which gave him experience with tourist attractions, animals, and building things out of concrete.
Tims Ford Dam & Spillway Tims Ford Dam was built by the TVA from 1966 to 1970, stands 175 feet high and 1580 feet long at its crest, and impounds the Elk River for an average of 36 megawatts of hydroelectric power. The reservoir has a flood storage capacity of 219,600 acre-feet.
Danville Grain Elevator With TVA's construction of Kentucky Lake, which turned the Tennessee River into Kentucky Lake, most of the city of Danville on the riverbank was submerged. However, this freight elevator, which was perhaps the most important building in town, still rises up out of the water. Today, anyone in a boat can travel up to it to see it. I took this picture while riding the Big Sandy Ferry. (youtu.be/4103gwPCcpQ) For more of the story of this place: www.tnmagazine.org/danville-freight-elevator/
Hooper, Kelly & Bell Bridge Also known as the Bakerville Rd. Bridge, this 1945 Parker Through Truss bridge crosses the Duck River in Humphreys County. This bridge is actually sloped with it taller on the north (left) side and a long approach on the right. This view is from a boat ramp on Paint Rock Road.
Old Walland Bridge Here is an unused bridge near the small Blount County town of Walland, The bridge is easily accessible and can be walked on. It is located next to a Marathon gas station along US321 (TN73). It was replaced by the bridge on Miller's Cove Rd and crosses the Little River. Here is the description from the National Register of historic Places nominating form: npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/89000915 The Walland Bridge is an abandoned concrete arch bridge which spans the Little River at Walland. Erected ca. 1918, this bridge contains three concrete filled arch spans 65', 69' and 64' in length. The curb to curb width is 15.4' and the out-to-out width is 18'. The parapet railing contains incised rectangular and star designs. Each pier has a nosing which terminates at the spring line above which is a pilaster. The bridge is presently abandoned and is located at the Little River at the small community of Walland. The Walland Bridge is significant under criterion C as a notable example of an early 20th century concrete vehicular span bridge built by the Luten Bridge Company. This bridge company was based in Indianapolis, Indiana and constructed bridges throughout East Tennessee. This bridge is regarded by the Tennessee Department of Transportation as one of their finest designs and has been determined eligible for the National Register. The bridge is presently abandoned and is no longer utilized for vehicular traffic. Daniel B. Luten was a civil engineer who taught engineering at Purdue in the late 19th century. In 1901, Luten moved to Indianapolis to specialize in the design and construction of concrete arch bridges and formed the National Bridge Company. The company was later known as the Luten Engineering Company and Luten Bridge Company and was in existence until 1941. During the early 20th century the company specialized in the construction of concrete arch bridges and pioneered new concrete arch designs. The company received a number of patents for their designs and by 1914 were building bridges throughout Tennessee. By 1920, the company had designed and erected over 4,000 concrete arch bridges across the country. By 1915, the company had an office in Knoxville and was listed in the city directories until 1946. Their work in East Tennessee included the construction of this concrete arch bridge at Walland which was built ca. 1918. The bridge was located on the Old Walland Highway and connected the communities of Walland, Townsend and Maryville. The bridge was used for over fifty years until the bridge was deemed too narrow for present use and abandoned. The bridge is the only concrete arch design which has been identified as eligible in Blount County by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and one of only ten concrete arch bridges surveyed in the East Tennessee Development District considered potentially eligible by TDOT and the Tennessee Historical Commission.
Western Railroad of Alabama bridge - Selma, AL Parker through truss swing bridge on the Alabama River in Selma. Once used by L&N - Today used by CSX.
Great Blue Heron catches a fish The Heron was seen wading in the lake at Shelby Park in East Nashville.
L&N Danville Lift Bridge This bridge was built in 1931 and is the successor to two other railroad bridges built at this site. With this bridge, L&N tracks were able to cross the Tennessee River connecting Houston and Benton counties near the town of Danville. With the creation of the TVA dam and Kentucky Lake, the bridge had to be raised in 1941. The tracks also had to be raised above water level and the approaches are easily visible on both sides. The view was taken while riding on the Danville\Big Sandy\TN147 Ferry and the western approach uses the old railbed. When L&N abandoned the line, the lift portion and the structures on the Benton County side were removed. The lift was placed on a barge, floated up the Tennessee River to Bridgeport, AL and assembled there. See it here: flic.kr/p/9Wkhpr Here's a sentence not written too often: Today, this bridge is a private residence. At the far left of the picture, you can see the red roof of a house. Then, you might see the small brick structure on the second segment. I believe this is a tiny house placed on that bridge segment. Next, they added a party deck on top. Finally, they added a final open air metal segment below the tracks, which seems to be an ideal fishing spot.
Mallard hen and ducklings Seen at the lake at East Nashville's Shelby Park spring 2021.
Eva Station Railroad Trail In 1867, NCStL railroad built a bridge to connect the towns of Eva to Johnsonville across the Tennessee River. After the construction of Kentucky Dam (which caused this section of the Tennessee River to also be Kentucky Lake), the water level was higher and wider. The rail line was then owned by L&N and in 1945 they abandoned this bridge and built a new bridge by New Johnsonville to parallel the US70 bridge. Today, this park is an area known as Eva Beach and is under the oversight of Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park. A short interpretive path has been created along the old railroad bed. The path features an old mail post, signal lights, and ends with a segment or railroad bridge. From this spot, several portions of the old bridge are visible where earthworks were built to raise the track. I also recommend the scenic overlook at NBF park to view the entire area of the river and see multiple segments.
Eva Station Railroad Trail - Mail Post In 1867, NCStL railroad built a bridge to connect the towns of Eva to Johnsonville across the Tennessee River. After the construction of Kentucky Dam (which caused this section of the Tennessee River to also be Kentucky Lake), the water level was higher and wider. The rail line was then owned by L&N and in 1945 they abandoned this bridge and built a new bridge by New Johnsonville to parallel the US70 bridge. Today, this park is an area known as Eva Beach and is under the oversight of Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park. A short interpretive path has been created along the old railroad bed. The path features an old mail post, signal lights, and ends with a segment or railroad bridge. From this spot, several portions of the old bridge are visible where earthworks were built to raise the track. I also recommend the scenic overlook at NBF park to view the entire area of the river and see multiple segments.
Elam Mill Dam Elam Mill Dam is built on the Middle Fork of the Stones River in southern Rutherford County. It's a little difficult to get any closer to this dam. At this site to the left, the river crosses over the road. The road was closed on the day I visited as we still recover from heavy rains in late March. There were no physical barriers here, only a street sign saying the road was closed. I'm not sure how often the road is dry enough to be passable. But then, all of the nearby property owners have no parking signs, so it would be difficult to stop here and wade closer, even though it would probably be a nice little swimming hole or fishing spot. See what the area looks like in my video here: youtu.be/vfvKA4JcI-A
Three Memphis Bridges at Sunrise Three bridges cross the Mississippi River near each other in Memphis. The closest bridge is the Harahan Bridge which was completed in 1916; it carries two train tracks, plus an original auto lane is now for pedestrians. The middle bridge is the oldest; the Frisco bridge opened in 1892 with one train track. The furthest is the Memphis and Arkansas Bridge, completed in 1949 for auto traffic, then retrofitted for Interstate 55. This photo was taken from Tom Lee Park.
Little Pigeon River - Sevierville, TN This area is called the Memorial River Greenway and overlooks the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. There are a few parking spaces in the area along US441 between the Shoney's and Landmark Inn.
Hurricane Mills, TN This is the mill of Hurricane Mills. Today, this area is much better known as being part of the Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. This mill, and other historic spots nearby are on the National Register of Historic Places listed as the "Hurricane Mills Rural Historic District." According to a plaque across the river from the mill, this mill and dam were built by James T. Anderson in 1896. "Though wool was carded here, grain processing predominated, corn meal and flour were shipped through the south." In the mid 60's, Loretta and Mooney Lynn purchased the 1876 mansion across the street from the river. Over the next few years, they preserved many of the nearby buildings and commercially opened the area as the dude ranch. Today, you can take a tour of the area, or just walk around some of the places, like I did. The mill's water wheel was removed and placed nearby. Today, the mill serves two purposes. First, it is one of three gift shops on the ranch. Second, it is opened as the "Loretta Lynn Doll and Fan Museum" Unfortunately, the Middle Tennessee May 2010 floods were not kind to Hurricane Mills. Just a few feet downstream from the mill (and would have been viewable in this picture), there was an iron bridge built in 1911 that used to carry highway TN13 (but had been replaced by a newer bridge) was completely washed away. I can't find any confirmation of this, but I suspect the mill suffered much damage as well as it looks like the exterior is almost completely rebuilt with new wood in 2010. (If you find any pre-flood picture, the mill is painted a deep red, and my 2010 photo looks like all new wood then. In this 2020 photo, the wood shows 10 years of age.)
Tanksley Bridge (Old TN13) This bridge was built by Nashville Bridge Co. in 1904 for highway TN13 to cross the Duck River. The Bridge was bypassed in 1980 and the photo is taken from the new bridge. The right span was destroyed in the May 2010 flood. At some point, this road became Old highway 13 as a new TN13 was built from Interstate 40 to 5 miles south of Waverly. The new highway also carries tourism traffic to the Loretta Lynn sites at Hurricane Mills.
Benton-Houston Ferry See a video of a car ride across this ferry! youtu.be/4103gwPCcpQ This Tennessee Ferry connects Benton County and Houston County across the Tennessee River. Also, the ferry connects both sides of highway TN147 to the cities of Big Sandy and Erin. The ferry runs every day of the year unless there is bad weather, and the ride costs $1. One of the things to see during the ride is a partially abandoned railroad bridge and a partially submerged grain elevator. There are only two working Ferries in Tennessee. The other one crosses the Cumberland River in Stewart County, seen here: flic.kr/p/DpgmfS
Sharp Springs Natural Area - 3rd sinkhole This park in Smyrna, TN is home to multiple ponds made from Karst Sinkholes. Underground, the water connects to Percy Priest Lake. The park has three distinct sinkhole ponds. Two of them have docks where you can park right close to them. The third sinkhole requires taking a path off the paved Espey trail. In this video linked below, I take a tour of this area of the park. youtu.be/ISh_ocV-NFU
Sharp Springs Natural Area This park in Smyrna, TN is home to multiple ponds made from Karst Sinkholes. Underground, the water connects to Percy Priest Lake. In this video linked below, I take a tour of this area of the park. youtu.be/ISh_ocV-NFU
Big Four Bridge - Louisville, KY This photo was taken near the Lincoln Memorial at Louisville's Waterfront Park. This bridge now lights up at night for a colorful Photo opportunity. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Four_Bridge The Big Four Bridge is a six-span former railroad truss bridge that crosses the Ohio River, connecting Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. It was completed in 1895, updated in 1929, taken out of rail service in 1968, and converted to bicycle and pedestrian use in 2014. The largest single span is 547 feet, with the entire bridge spanning 2,525 feet. It took its name from the defunct Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway, which was nicknamed the "Big Four Railroad". Access to the Big Four Bridge is limited to pedestrian and bicycle use. A pedestrian ramp on the Kentucky side was opened on February 7, 2013. The original approaches that carried rail traffic onto the main spans were first removed in 1969, earning the Big Four Bridge the nickname "Bridge That Goes Nowhere". The George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge downstream, which carries U.S. 31 across the river, was previously the only bridge allowing bicyclists and pedestrians to travel between Louisville and the neighboring Indiana cities of New Albany, Clarksville, and Jeffersonville. In February 2011, Kentucky and Indiana announced that the two states, along with the City of Jeffersonville, would allocate $22 million in funding to complete the Big Four Bridge project, creating a pedestrian and bicycle path to link Louisville and Jeffersonville. Indiana would spend up to $8 million and the City of Jeffersonville would provide $2 million in matching dollars to pay for construction of a ramp to the Big Four Bridge. Kentucky pledged $12 million to replace the deck on the bridge and connect it to the spiral ramp that was completed in Waterfront Park.
Majestic Show Boat - Cincinnati Note: This photo was taken in March 2019, apparently rather soon before it was relocated. From Wikipedia: The Majestic is a historic riverboat that is moored on the Ohio River near Manchester, Ohio. Built in 1923, she was the last floating theater to be built in the United States, and one of its longest-lived. Declared a National Historic Landmark on December 20, 1989. She is 135 feet (41 m) long, with a beam of 40 feet (12 m) and a draft depth of 5.9 feet (1.8 m). Her wooden hull has been sheathed inside a steel one, and is still visible from within the boat. Its superstructure housing the theater has been little altered since 1969. The last of the original traveling showboats, Majestic was built in 1923 in Pittsburgh, and plied the Ohio River and other portions of its watershed for many years, offering shows at towns along the way. She came as a pair with a tugboat the Attaboy which towed her from venue to venue. Tom Reynolds and his family owned, lived on and ran it until 1959. Reynolds himself was born into an old established showboat family. Tom Reynolds first boat was the Illinois, lost to fire in 1916, which he replaced by building the America. From 1945 to 1959 there was an academic alliance between the Reynolds family and Hiram College, Kent State University, and Indiana University that allowed the schools to present summer theater experiences for students on Majestic. In December 2014, longtime drama professor, Tom Weatherston, produced a documentary about the alliance and life on the showboat. Capt. Tom Reynolds sold the Majestic in August 1959 for $30,000 to the Indiana University. He had piloted the Majestic on the Ohio, Kansas, Mississippi and Kanawha Rivers for 36 years. That December he was working on the tug Attaboy, moored alongside the Majestic, when it is thought the tug's engine kicked back, and Reynolds lost his footing and fell into the Kanawha river and drowned. He was 71 and had lived on or beside the river his whole life. She was forced into dry dock in 1965 by the Safety at Sea Act, which prohibited wooden hulled vessels from transporting cast and crew on overnight journeys, though by that time the condition of her hull was fast deteriorating. The outer steel hull was added at that time, as were other modernizing conveniences, including air conditioning. While in dry dock, the City of Cincinnati purchased Majestic for $13,500 as part of its downtown Cincinnati Central Riverfront show case. She was docked at the Cincinnati Public Landing until March of 2019. She was purchased in a public auction for over 100k even though it’s valued at much less, by Joe and Cortnee Brumley. In December 2019, she will once again be open to the public for public performing art events with the production of "The Majestic Christmas," her first public event since being acquired by from the City of Cincinnati and moved to Manchester, Ohio.
Greenbrier Lake & Dam The park at this dam seemed to be a perfect spot for fishing or a picnic. Several people were sitting atop the sloped earthwork dam while I was there. It was mesmerizing to watch the water go into the hole under the concrete walkway. If this were to fail, there is also a spillway to the left. In the creek below the dam, there were more people fishing and rock-hopping.
Fathers' Memorial & Overlook - Fayetteville, TN Fathers' Memorial & Overlook is a part of Stone Bridge Park in Fayetteville, TN. This area overlooks the Elk River close to where Norris Creek joins. This may be a lesser-known feature of Stone Bridge Park as you have to take a paved trail which goes under the US64 bridge.
Owensboro Bridge The Owensboro Bridge (also known as Glover Cary Bridge) was completed in 1940 Public Works Administration. The bridge crosses the Ohio River to connect Owensboro, KY to Spencer County, Indiana. This bridge used to be highway US231 although that was rerouted to the newer William Natcher bridge to the east in 2002. It is a Cantilevered Warren through truss bridge and 4622 ft. in length. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owensboro_Bridge
Douglas Dam - Sevier County, TN en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Dam Douglas Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the French Broad River in Sevier County, TN. The dam is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which built the dam in record time in the early 1940s to meet emergency energy demands at the height of World War II. Douglas Dam is a straight reinforced concrete gravity-type dam 1705 feet long and 202 feet high, impounding the 28,420-acre Douglas Lake. The dam was named for Douglas Bluff, a cliff overlooking the dam site prior to construction.
View from Forks of the River Park - Sevierville, TM At Forks of the River, a couple of small creeks merge with the west prong of the Little Pigeon River. The park is also home to a cemetery of some of the area's earliest settlers.
Cockspur Island Lighthouse at Sunset Text from the National Park Service: www.nps.gov/fopu/learn/historyculture/cockspur-light.htm Situated on an islet off the southeastern tip of Cockspur Island marking the South Channel of the Savannah River, the Cockspur Lighthouse is stands twelve miles east of the port of Savannah. The islet, often covered by high tide, is comprised of oyster shells, and marsh grass. Documented references suggest the first brick tower, used as a daymark, was built on Cockspur Island between March 1837 and November 1839. In 1848, John Norris, a New York architect, was contracted to supervise construction of an illuminated station. The noted architect designed many of Savannah's grand structures including the U.S. Custom House in downtown Savannah, the Mercer-Wilder House, and the Green-Meldrim House, where General Sherman stayed during the Civil War. Norris's duties were to "repair, alter, and put up lanterns and lights on Cockspur Island...and to erect a suitable keeper's house." This first tower had a focal plane 25' above sea level. The beacon housed a fixed white light emanating from five lamps with 14" reflectors visible for nine miles. Tragedy struck again in 1854 when the structure was destroyed by a hurricane. The tower was rebuilt and enlarged on the same foundation the next year. At the start of the American Civil War, the light was temporarily extinguished. On April 10, 1862, Union forces in eleven batteries stretching along the beach at Tybee Island, started a long range bombardment of Fort Pulaski. Thirty-six guns participated in a thirty-hour siege of the fort with the Cockspur Lighthouse in direct line of fire. Following the surrender of Fort Pulaski on April 11, 1862, the little beacon miraculously only suffered minor damage. Theories abound as to why the tower escaped destruction. One theory suggests to effectively hit the Fort walls approximately 1,500 yards distant, Union artillerists had to fire shots at a high angle, thus passing over the tower. This strategy, coupled with the short duration of battle could explain why the tower was spared. Soon after war's end, April 25, 1866, the beacon was relit and painted white for use as a daymark. Throughout it's life, hurricanes plagued the Cockspur Light. August 27, 1881, a massive storm struck Cockspur Island causing water to rise 23' above sea level. The storm surge filled the lighthouse interior and destroyed the Keeper's residence. Jeremiah Keane, the Assistant Keeper Charles Sisson, and two Fort Pulaski caretakers took refuge inside the Northwest stair tower of the brick fort when the great hurricane of 1893 struck. A two story cottage originally built atop the Fort Pulaski for an Ordnance Sergeant would be used by the light keeper in 1906. Man, not nature, extinguished forever the little light. No longer would this light guide vessels up the shallow South Channel of the Savannah River. To accommodate large freighters, the increasingly busy Savannah port routed vessels to the deep, more navigable North Channel. Effective June 1, 1909, the beacon light was snuffed. As the threat to the beacon by salvage crews and other private interests grew, the National Park Service looked into the acquisition of the light. On August 14, 1958, by presidential proclamation, the Cockspur Lighthouse was transferred from the United States Coast Guard to the National Park Service. The National Park Service is dedicated to the preservation of this historic marker. Due to ongoing preservation efforts, the lighthouse and lighthouse island are closed to the public. However, an overlook trail offers visitors the best chance to get a closer look at the lighthouse today.
Walker Mill Hydroelectric Station - Sevierville, TN I might be the only person who would go to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area and look for a century old spillway. This dam in Sevierville is on the National Register of Historic Places. Here is the text from its 1990 NRHP nomination form: The Walker Mill Hydroelectric Station is located in Sevier County (population 41,418) on the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River at mile 2.5, and just off U.S. Highway 441. The dam is a concrete gravity structure approximately 227 feet long and eleven and five-tenths (11.5) feet high. It features an uncontrolled spillway section 115 feet in length. The steel reinforced concrete powerhouse substructure and brick powerhouse measures forty (40) feet by twenty (20) feet and is located on the dam approximately fifty (50) feet from the right abutment. One tapered concrete pillar extends from the river helping supporting the powerhouse's northwest corner. The intake is an opening in the powerhouse headwall which is controlled by two gates. The water conductor is a simple open flume. The Walker Mill Hydroelectric Station is significant under National Register criterion C for engineering because it represents the kind of hydroelectric engineering projects typical at the time of its construction on the smaller rivers of the State of Tennessee. Its design, while not unique among its class in the Volunteer State, displays the typical vertical emphasis of what can be called "early hydro-style." It, along with another now demolished site, provided the electric needs of the town of Sevierville until 1938 when the TVA acquired the station. It is capable of operation today when the water level is high enough. The Walker Mill Hydroelectric Station is likewise significant under National Register criterion A, as it represents a change in the business of trading, commerce, services and commodities, and the gradual introduction of electricity into everyday human existence during the early twentieth century in Tennessee. Initial interest in a hydroelectric facility was expressed in Sevierville in 1912. On October 28, 1914, the concrete dam was finished, and by November of that year the facility began generating electricity. Local competition flourished and soon there were two hydroelectric stations on the West Prong of Pigeon Forge River, one at the Newport Milling Company site, the other at the Walker Mill site. By 1938 the TVA had purchased both sites and by 1940 sold them back to city of Sevierville which would buy its power from TVA and extend its own system to local rural areas. Only the Walker Mill site is extant and occasionally in operation when the river level is adequately high. Update: This is now gone. www.themountainpress.com/opinion/beason-dam-to-be-removed...
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Abraham Lincoln Bridge near Sunset The Abraham Lincoln Bridge opened in Dec. 2015 for the northbound lanes of I-65 to cross the Ohio River in Louisville. This view was taken from Louisville Waterfront Park.
Big Spring - Athens, AL Over 100 years ago, the people of Athens, AL added concrete blocks around the edge of the spring to create a nice pond. This is the shallow side as the water enters from under the street on the other side.
Landmark: Edmund Pettus Bridge - Selma, AL The Edmund Pettus Bridge was the site of the conflict of Bloody Sunday on March 7, 1965, when armed police attacked Civil Rights Movement demonstrators with billy clubs and tear gas as they were attempting to march to the state capital in Montgomery. The marchers crossed the bridge again on March 21 and successfully walked to the Capitol building. The bridge was declared a National Historic Landmark on March 11, 2013. Read the full story: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Pettus_Bridge www.nps.gov/semo/learn/historyculture/edmund-winston-pett... www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/selma-montgomery-5-things-you...
Lake at Harlinsdale Farm This photo was taken during Franklin Family Fun Day. To learn more about the farm: flic.kr/p/Ge4CJg
Vertical Lift Railroad Bridge - Decatur, AL This is the railroad bridge crossing the Tennessee River at Decatur, AL. CSX owns the bridge but NS uses it as well. (If you look at the Google map view, you can see where the two railroads split seemingly in the middle of Wheeler Lake.) The main segment of the bridge is a vertical-lift drawbridge. While I never saw it while I was at Rhodes Ferry Park, I suspect it lifts often as there isn't much clearance there. A control house is in the middle of the Pennsylvania Pratt Truss main segment. Originally, it was built as a swing bridge. On either side of the lifting segment are Warren Truss spans
Conococheague Aqueduct - C&O Canal The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal operated from 1831 until 1924 along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, MD. The canal's principal cargo was coal from the Allegheny Mountains. Construction on the 184.5-mile canal began in 1828 and ended in 1850 with the completion of a 50-mile stretch to Cumberland. Rising and falling over an elevation change of 605 feet, it required the construction of 74 canal locks, 11 aqueducts to cross major streams, more than 240 culverts to cross smaller streams, and the 3,118 ft Paw Paw Tunnel. The canal way is now maintained as the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, with a trail that follows the old towpath. Aqueduct #5 crosses Conococheague Creek in Williamsport, MD. Work started in 1833, and was completed in November 1835 at a cost of $43,283.78. This aqueduct, made of local limestone, was damaged during the Civil War by Mosby's Raiders. The stonework wall "went out" three times: 1865, 1887, and finally in 1920.
US11 bridge over the Potomac River The Potomac River serves as the border between Maryland and West Virginia. This Stringer bridge with a total length of 1701 ft. was built in 1909 and rehabbed in 1980. The view is from C&O Canal Park in Williamsport.
Bellevue Bench Mark Bellevue Bench Mark is a bench by artist Craig Nutt to honor the the May 2010 flood in the Bellevue, TN community. The blue line on the bench represents the Harpeth River as it winds through the area. This is located at Harpeth Knoll city park.
Elk River Dam The Elk River Dam is part of the Arnold Engineering Development Center near Tullahoma in Franklin County, TN. The United States Air Force constructed the Elk River Dam in 1952 creating Woods Reservoir as a source of cooling water for processes at the AEDC. Getting here was a little tricky as the area is no longer maintained and the road here is closed. from Highway 279, if you take Elk River Dam Rd. to a gravel parking lot, it's a 1/4 mile walk to the bottom. Don't confuse this with the Tims Ford Dam also on the Elk River but on the other side of Winchester.
Steamboat Bill Bridge - Decatur, AL Officially known as the Captain William J Hudson "Steamboat Bill" Memorial Bridge, this allows US31 & Alt US72 to cross the Tennessee River at Decatur AL. This is a 2501 ft. long cantilevered Warren through truss bridge built in 1961. This view was taken from Decatur Harbor.
Gateway Island - Murfreesboro, TN Gateway Island is a new city park in Murfreesboro, TN. At one end is a man-made waterfall which feeds into a lake. With the calm water, it is a popular place to feed the ducks. The island in the middle is a popular wedding venue. Hello to anyone who found this here: or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/murfreesboro-living-tn/ How This Small Tennessee Town Became One Of The Best Places To Live In The U.S.
Lillard's Mill Hydroelectric Station This historic mill on the Duck River is in rural Marshall County, TN and the unincorporated community that was built nearby was known as Milltown. This dam was completed in 1928 and is historically significant as one of three dams on the Duck River to predate TVA. You can read it's entry on the National Register of Historic Places here: npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/89002370 Today, the area is considered a park and popular with the locals. To get here, follow there is a gravel driveway that leads off of Milltown Rd. This driveway leads to a parking lot, and you can then walk the gravel to the Duck River. This is a calm spot in the river 1000 ft past the dam, and it is popular for swimming and rafting. To the east, you can walk along the rocky terrain to get a closer view of the dam. If you take a close look, there are some adventurous teens that have climbed onto it.
Hernando de Soto Bridge The Hernando de Soto Bridge carries Interstate 40 across the Mississippi River and connects Memphis and Arkansas. The through arch bridge opened in 1973 and is a total of 9,432 feet including where it crosses Ark floodplains. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hernando_de_Soto_Bridge
Oostanaula River Bridge - Rome, GA Originally, this swing Warren through truss bridge was built in 1905 by American Bridge Company so the Central of Georgia Railway could cross the Oostanaula River in Rome, GA. After the train line was abandoned, it became a rails-to-trails project and is now part of the Heritage Park Trail renamed as the Robert Redden Footbridge. This pedestrian bridge is now famous for the "Love Locks." To display their undying love, a couple etched their name on a padlock and attached it to the bridge. A few other couples did the same thing and by Valentines Day 2014, the idea had gone viral. Today, the bridge has hundreds of these 'love locks." Read more from the local newspaper article: www.northwestgeorgianews.com/rome/lifestyles/local/local-...
Columbia Hydroelectric Station The construction of the hydroelectric station was completed in 1925. It was designed by Freeland, Roberts and Co. and built by Foster & Creighton for the Southern Cities Corporation. It is one of the remaining hydroelectric stations in Tennessee that predates the TVA. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since February 9, 1990. This view of the dam and the Duck River is easily accessible from Riverwalk Park. focus.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/89002364
Wolf River Monument - LaGrange, TN The Wolf River Monument recognizes donors who joined the campaign to save the "Ghost River" section of the Wolf River from developers. If you look at the photo in full resolution, you can see the names of many people etched into the monument. This was placed in the mid 1990s and is located along Main St. in the small Fayette County town of LaGrange
Steamboat Bill Bridge - Decatur, AL Officially known as the Captain William J Hudson "Steamboat Bill" Memorial Bridge, this allows US31 & Alt US72 to cross the Tennessee River at Decatur AL. This is a 2501 ft. long cantilevered Warren through truss bridge built in 1961.
Vertical Lift Railroad Bridge - Decatur, AL This is the railroad bridge crossing the Tennessee River at Decatur, AL. CSX owns the bridge but NS uses it as well. (If you look at the Google map view, you can see where the two railroads split seemingly in the middle of Wheeler Lake.) The main segmant of the bridge is a vertical-lift drawbridge. While I never saw it while I was at Rhodes Ferry Park, I suspect it lifts often as there isn't much clearance there. A control house is in the middle of the Pennsylvania Pratt Truss main segment. Originally, it was built as a swing bridge. On either side of the lifting segment are Warren Truss spans
Tribute to Blue Angels Capt. Jeff Kuss - Nashville Korean Veterans Bridge Seen here is one of the tributes to Capt. Jeff Kuss who died in a plane crash on June 2, 2016. Capt. Kuss was a pilot for the Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels where he was the Opposite soloist and pilot of plane #6. The Blue Angels were in Smyrna, TN rehearsing for the Great Tennessee Air Show. Capt. Kuss was already a hero based on his years of service in the U.S. Military. Going beyond that, it is believed that he did not eject from his F-16 jet so that he could guide the jet to an empty field in an otherwise densely populated area. That is where the story hits home for me as my family and I live about a half mile from where he crashed and my wife and son were home at the time. There have been multiple tributes to Capt. Kuss. Here are some of the ones that I have seen. On the night of the crash, there was a candlelight vigil for him at nearby Lee Victory Park. The next morning I was able to see the U.S. Flags, candles and flowers brought to the vigil. On this morning, I even saw a gentleman add another flag to the fence. In downtown Nashville, the city has illuminated the Davidson County Courthouse with blue lights on the sides with yellow in the middle. Also, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, which crosses the Cumberland River, was also colored blue on the sides and yellow in the middle of the arches.
Nashville Skyline from East Bank Landing The relatively new East Bank Landing (a.k.a. Riverfront Landing) is on the east bank of the Cumberland River across from downtown. The Landing opened in Sept. 2015 and is adjacent to Cumberland Park, the East Bank Greenway and parking for Nissan Stadium.
Mud Island Riverwalk Delta & Memphis Skyline Located at Mus Island, across the Wolf river Harbor from downtown Memphis, is the famous Riverwalk. This is a scale model of the Mississippi River from its confluence with the Ohio River to it's Delta at the Gulf of Mexico 954 miles away. Thirty inches scales to one mile and one contour ridge equals five feet of vertical depth for a total length of 2,000 feet. There are several highlights along the riverwalk. 20 cities are mapped, including Memphis and its four bridges. Nearly 100 markers point out highlights along the river. The model river empties into a one acre replica of the Gulf of Mexico. There, visitors can rent a swan-shaped paddle boat with the Memphis Skyline in the background.
Mud Island Riverwalk - Memphis Located at Mus Island, across the Wolf river Harbor from downtown Memphis, is the famous Riverwalk. This is a scale model of the Mississippi River from its confluence with the Ohio River to it's Delta at the Gulf of Mexico 954 miles away. Thirty inches scales to one mile and one contour ridge equals five feet of vertical depth for a total length of 2,000 feet. There are several highlights along the riverwalk. 20 cities are mapped, including Memphis and its four bridges. Nearly 100 markers point out highlights along the river. The model river empties into a one acre replica of the Gulf of Mexico. There, visitors can rent a swan-shaped paddle boat with the Memphis Skyline in the background.
Mud Island Riverwalk Fountain - Memphis Located at Mus Island, across the Wolf river Harbor from downtown Memphis, is the famous Riverwalk. This is a scale model of the Mississippi River from its confluence with the Ohio River to it's Delta at the Gulf of Mexico 954 miles away. Thirty inches scales to one mile and one contour ridge equals five feet of vertical depth for a total length of 2,000 feet. There are several highlights along the riverwalk. 20 cities are mapped, including Memphis and its four bridges. Nearly 100 markers point out highlights along the river. The model river empties into a one acre replica of the Gulf of Mexico. There, visitors can rent a swan-shaped paddle boat with the Memphis Skyline in the background.
Mud Island Riverwalk Replica Memphis Located at Mus Island, across the Wolf river Harbor from downtown Memphis, is the famous Riverwalk. This is a scale model of the Mississippi River from its confluence with the Ohio River to it's Delta at the Gulf of Mexico 954 miles away. Thirty inches scales to one mile and one contour ridge equals five feet of vertical depth for a total length of 2,000 feet. There are several highlights along the riverwalk. 20 cities are mapped, including Memphis and its four bridges. Nearly 100 markers point out highlights along the river. The model river empties into a one acre replica of the Gulf of Mexico. There, visitors can rent a swan-shaped paddle boat with the Memphis Skyline in the background.
Mud Island Riverwalk Swan Paddle Boat - Memphis Located at Mus Island, across the Wolf river Harbor from downtown Memphis, is the famous Riverwalk. This is a scale model of the Mississippi River from its confluence with the Ohio River to it's Delta at the Gulf of Mexico 954 miles away. Thirty inches scales to one mile and one contour ridge equals five feet of vertical depth for a total length of 2,000 feet. There are several highlights along the riverwalk. 20 cities are mapped, including Memphis and its four bridges. Nearly 100 markers point out highlights along the river. The model river empties into a one acre replica of the Gulf of Mexico. There, visitors can rent a swan-shaped paddle boat with the Memphis Skyline in the background.
Harold Lambert Overlook - Fort Dickerson Quarry This scenic spot not far from downtown Knoxville might be well known to the locals, but was a surprise for an out-of-towner like me. Several times over the years, I would pass through Knoxville along the Chapman Highway on the way to Gatlinburg. Not far after crossing the Tennessee River, I would see the steep drive on the west side of the road pointing up to Fort Dickerson. I often wondered what was up there, but I always forgot to research it further because I was on my way to Gatlinburg. In recent years, Knoxville, has made the road up there a little less steep, and more inviting. In addition to the actual Civil War Fort Dickerson atop this small mountain, is this scenic overlook to the Fort Dickerson Quarry (aka Lambert Quarry). Now that water has filled into the quarry, it has turned into this emerald green color. Not far from the Fort is Lambert Overlook. All one can do here is take a look as the city has installed some fencing to prevent people from trying to access the water from this side. You may be able to tell there is a road that leads down to the water on the other side. For many years, the locals wanted this to be a swimming hole - a place of calm water so close to downtown. It was illegal for a long time, but a couple of years ago the city made it ok to swim here. However, swimming has it's risks as you choose to swim to the other side and get tired, you have to swim all the way back to where you started as there is only one place to enter and exit. Plus there have been a few people who made poor decisions and lost their life when jumping from the bluffs. This has forced the city to reconsider whether or not swimming should be permitted here.
Carthage, TN lighthouse Near the bank of the Cumberland River in Carthage, TN is this lighthouse. The lighthouse is a masonry tower about 36 ft tall with a spiral staircase leading up to the gallery. I can't find almost any information on this lighthouse, such as the date is was built. It is not listed with the U.S. Coast Guard, which means it never had the purpose of an aid to river navigation. This means that it was built for recreation or decorative purposes. If you know more, please share in the comments. Update: Read the comment from Spew! below for the history. Looking for presents with one of my photos set to a Bible verse? Check out this link to my Zazzle store. Available as Prints, posters or greeting cards. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-lighthouse-roadtrip/ The Lighthouse Road Trip In Tennessee That’s Dreamily Beautiful or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/best-tn-road-trips/ 12 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Tennessee Before You Die
The Big Spring - Huntsville, AL According to Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Spring_Park_(Huntsville,_Alabama) Big Spring Park is named after a large, underground karst spring, referred to by the indigenous Cherokee and Chickasaw as "the big spring". Hearing of the abundant water source and plentiful big game, John Hunt, Huntsville's founder, sought out the spring and settled near it in 1805 on the bluff above, which later became the site of the First National Bank of Huntsville. Isaac and Joseph Criner had previously reached the Big Spring and considered settlement, but due to the presence of bears and mosquitoes left to settle New Market instead. During the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, the spring was Huntsville's water source, due to its massive flow. The Big Spring is the largest limestone spring in North Alabama, with its usual flow between 7 and 20 million US gallons per day, depending on the time of the year. From 1827 to the early 1840s, what would later become the park grounds served as the site of the Fearn Canal, built from 1821 to 1824. The canal was built by the Indian Creek Navigation Company, led by local resident Dr. Thomas Fearn. It linked downtown Huntsville and the spring to the Tennessee River, allowing traders to bypass a costly wagon haul of about 11 miles South to the nearest river port, Ditto's Landing in the town of Whitesburg. The canal eventually became obsolete upon the construction of railroads.
The Big Spring Fountain - Huntsville, AL According to Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Spring_Park_(Huntsville,_Alabama) Big Spring Park is named after a large, underground karst spring, referred to by the indigenous Cherokee and Chickasaw as "the big spring". Hearing of the abundant water source and plentiful big game, John Hunt, Huntsville's founder, sought out the spring and settled near it in 1805 on the bluff above, which later became the site of the First National Bank of Huntsville. Isaac and Joseph Criner had previously reached the Big Spring and considered settlement, but due to the presence of bears and mosquitoes left to settle New Market instead. During the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, the spring was Huntsville's water source, due to its massive flow. The Big Spring is the largest limestone spring in North Alabama, with its usual flow between 7 and 20 million US gallons per day, depending on the time of the year. From 1827 to the early 1840s, what would later become the park grounds served as the site of the Fearn Canal, built from 1821 to 1824. The canal was built by the Indian Creek Navigation Company, led by local resident Dr. Thomas Fearn. It linked downtown Huntsville and the spring to the Tennessee River, allowing traders to bypass a costly wagon haul of about 11 miles South to the nearest river port, Ditto's Landing in the town of Whitesburg. The canal eventually became obsolete upon the construction of railroads.
Big Spring Park - Huntsville, AL According to Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Spring_Park_(Huntsville,_Alabama) Big Spring Park is named after a large, underground karst spring, referred to by the indigenous Cherokee and Chickasaw as "the big spring". Hearing of the abundant water source and plentiful big game, John Hunt, Huntsville's founder, sought out the spring and settled near it in 1805 on the bluff above, which later became the site of the First National Bank of Huntsville. Isaac and Joseph Criner had previously reached the Big Spring and considered settlement, but due to the presence of bears and mosquitoes left to settle New Market instead. During the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, the spring was Huntsville's water source, due to its massive flow. The Big Spring is the largest limestone spring in North Alabama, with its usual flow between 7 and 20 million US gallons per day, depending on the time of the year. From 1827 to the early 1840s, what would later become the park grounds served as the site of the Fearn Canal, built from 1821 to 1824. The canal was built by the Indian Creek Navigation Company, led by local resident Dr. Thomas Fearn. It linked downtown Huntsville and the spring to the Tennessee River, allowing traders to bypass a costly wagon haul of about 11 miles South to the nearest river port, Ditto's Landing in the town of Whitesburg. The canal eventually became obsolete upon the construction of railroads.
Light Meander - Nashville public art This new 2015 artwork from Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan is located at the new extension of Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville. decription taken from here: www.nashville.gov/Arts-Commission/Public-Art/Collection/L... Light Meander, 45 feet tall, three-feet wide and 12-inches thick; Stainless steel plate and tube, hardwood, color-changing LED strip lights, and Acrylic rod The artists drew their inspiration for the Light Meander sculpture from its significant location at the Demonbreun Street terminus, a former tributary to the Cumberland River. A bold and experiential sculpture, the art forms a nexus between the river and downtown Nashville. The sculpture takes advantage of the dynamic views from many nearby vantage points, and its reflectivity and color make it interactive and always changing throughout the day and night.
Light Meander - Nashville public art description taken from here: www.nashville.gov/Arts-Commission/Public-Art/Collection/L... Light Meander, 45 feet tall, three-feet wide and 12-inches thick; Stainless steel plate and tube, hardwood, color-changing LED strip lights, and Acrylic rod The artists drew their inspiration for the Light Meander sculpture from its significant location at the Demonbreun Street terminus, a former tributary to the Cumberland River. A bold and experiential sculpture, the art forms a nexus between the river and downtown Nashville. The sculpture takes advantage of the dynamic views from many nearby vantage points, and its reflectivity and color make it interactive and always changing throughout the day and night.
Cumberland City Ferry As a kid, my mom once took me along on an errand run. Along the way, she took me way out of the way to get where we were going. She had us cross the Cumberland River at the Old Hickory Blvd. Ferry. After we had crossed, she told me, "We came this was so you could ride on the ferry. You may never ride on one again." I wish that I had been old enough to appreciate it. It's tough for a ferry to remain open these days. If the traffic slows down, the ferry goes out of business. If the traffic gets busier, the locals ask the state to build a bridge. I've been to many former ferry sites in Tennessee, but as of now, only two remain. (The other is the Danville Ferry, about 20 miles from here, which crosses the Tennessee River near Big Sandy.) This ferry is located at the town of Cumberland City in Stewart County. The ferry allows highways TN46 & TN233 to cross the Cumberland River seven days a week. A one way ride costs a dollar, but locals get a discount.. Even this ferry "Patience" replaced an older ferry: www.tn.gov/tdot/article/ferryservices-cumberlandcityferry Watch my video of the crossing: www.youtube.com/watch?v=88WjqYPDTGY
Island Queen Riverboat The Island Queen paddlewheel riverboat is one of the most frequently used in downtown Memphis. With the Hernando de Soto Bridge in the background, the riverboat is seen here taking a cruise down the Mississippi River. It was completed in 1983, and the Memphis Riverboats call this one the workhorse of the fleet.
Hiwassee Island - Meigs County, TN Hiwassee Island was the second largest in the Tennessee River until the 1940s when the TVA flooded part of the 781 acre island with the formation of the Chickamauga Dam Lake. The island is located in Meigs County at the confluence where the Hiwassee River meets the Tennessee River. The island has been nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Archaeological artifacts dug from the island dates back to historic and prehistoric tribal peoples that lived on the island dating back to the late Woodland Hamilton phase (ca. A.D. 600-900), early Mississippian Hiwassee (ca. 1000-1300) and late Mississippian (ca 1000-1500). The Cherokees which were the last tribe on the island left in 1818. The island is also called Jolly's Island named for Chief John Jolly. As a young boy Sam Houston lived on the island with the Cherokees. Chief Jolly adopted Sam and gave him an Indian name "The Raven." Possibly, this early influence guided his ambitions to settle the state of Texas. Will Rogers was another person of note that descended from the Rogers Family that lived on the island. Today, the island is the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, serving as the home for many species including eagle and osprey. It is the staging ground for thousands of migrating Sandhill Cranes from November to February. This photo is taken from an observation deck atop a river bluff at the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park. It is a popular observation spot for birdwatchers, especially when the cranes come through. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/unhealthiest-tn-counties/
Knoxville's two Tennessee River railroad bridges In the background is the 1966 CSX bridge: flic.kr/p/tHK8bG In the foreground is the Southern Railroad bridge with piers dating back to 1852, but has been rebuilt several times. flic.kr/p/ph6wep
CSX Tennessee River Bridge - Knoxville This railroad bridge near downtown Knoxville was built in 1966 to cross the Tennessee River and is currently used by CSX (originally L&N). It is a camelback through truss bridge where the main span is a polygonal Warren through truss.
Gateway Bridge AKA Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge Located in downtown Nashville, this bridge carries auto traffic over the Cumberland River. It opened in 2004 as an auto replacement for the older Shelby Street which became pedestrian only. This bridge is a steel arch bridge with a total length of 1,600 ft. This photo was taken in 2015 from the east bank at the new Cumberland Park.
North Fork Little River Bridge - Hopkinsville, KY Located in Downtown Hopkinsville, this dual stone arch bridge built in 1904 carries 7th street over the North Fork of the Little River. The bridge is viewable from Little River Park.
Hernando DeSoto Bridge at Dusk - Memphis This iconic bridge carries Interstate 40 over the Mississippi river near downtown Memphis, TN. Built in 1973, this two span steel through arch bridge has a total length of 1.8 miles. The length of the bridge covered by the arches is 1800 feet. This view is taken from Tom Lee Park.
Fred Hallmark Farm - Warrior, AL This barn and its reflection in Hallmark Lake can be seen from Interstate 65 southbound near exit 280. Fred H. Hallmark owned the local Hallmark Coal Co. He also purchased the steam locomotives from the defunct Petticoat Junction theme park of Panama City, FL. At one time, those locomotives were on this property, but you probably couldn't see it from the interstate.
Upper DeSoto Falls & Dam Located atop Lookout Mountain near Mentone, AL is the easily accessible DeSoto Falls. Downstream from here is the main DeSoto Falls which plunges 104 feet. The upper falls is just a few feet upstream. Beyond that at the top of the photo is the 1920s hydroelectric A.A. Miller Dam.
Chattanooga's Icarus This carved metal statue is located at the Bluff View Arts District in Chattanooga and overlooks the Tennessee River. The statue is by Russell Whiting and you can see his website here: www.whitingsculpture.com/ From Greek Mythology, Icarus with his wings was told to not fly too close to the sun or the wax on the wings would melt, yet did it anyway.
Abandoned Rome, TN Ferry Located at the beginning of Lick Creek, the ferry crossing at Rome, TN in Smith County traversed the Cumberland River dating back to 1830. The ferry seen here was built 65 years ago. In 1949, the "Jere Mitchell" cost $11,000 and would allow four cars to cross the river. Back then, there were 33 ferries that operated in the state, but now there are only two. The ferry ceased operation in 1992 and has been resting and rusting on the southern shore ever since. The ferry was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and you can still get up close to this relic - until vandals do even worse damage. Read the whole story here: www.wilsonlivingmagazine.com/magazine/archives/109-around... Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/abandoned-tn/ 10 Insane Abandoned Spots in Tennessee That May Give You Nightmares
View of Cordell Hull Lake from Tater Knob Tater Knob is a mountain in Smith County. At the top is an observation deck which provides a scenic overlook of Cordell Hull Lake and Dam.
Telephoto View of Cordell Hull Lake from Tater Knob Tater Knob is a mountain in Smith County. At the top is an observation deck which provides a scenic overlook of Cordell Hull Lake and Dam.
Old Stonewall Bridge This is The abandoned Caney Fork River Bridge, also known as Old Stonewall Bridge in Smith County, TN. in 1901, the landowners on either side petitioned the county court to build a bridge here across the Caney Fork River near Trousdale's Ferry. The sold stock in the new Caney Fork Bridge Company to finance the bridge. The court gave them permission to build this bridge, to collect tolls equal to the ferry rate, and then give the county the right to purchase the bridge within 30 years at market price. At a cost of $12,000 the Chicago Bridge Company built the bridge in 1907-08. Then in 1927, it was sold to the county. It was in use along the Lebanon-Cookeville road until 1973 when the state built a new bridge for TN264 (From where this photo was taken). The side of the bridge on the right is upon a bluff and the left side gradually slopes down to ground level. The bridge is a total of 703 feet long with the main 200 foot Camelback through truss seen here. The rest of the bridge to the left is a collection of Pratt truss segments along with Steel I beams forming a 90 degree curve. Following that is another 200 foot segment masonry fill approach. Unfortunately, all of that is on private property and this is about the only view you can get. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-rivers/ There’s Something Incredible About These 12 Rivers In Tennessee
Autumn Morning at the River Confluence This scene is taken from Smith County, TN where Round Lick Creek meets the Cumberland River. At this spot near the small community of Rome was a historic ferry that crossed the Cumberland. I was here on an Autumn morning before all the morning fog had burned off.
Cordell Hull Dam According to Wikipedia: Cordell Hull Lake is a lake in the Cumberland River in north-central Tennessee, about forty miles east of Nashville, in the vicinity of Carthage. It covers approximately 12,000 acres. Cordell Hull Dam impounding the Cumberland River was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers between May 1963 and November 1973 for navigation, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. The dam is concrete and earthen gravity structure, 87 feet high (above streambed), with a generator capacity of 100 megawatts. It impounds 259,100 acre feet at normal maximum pool, with a maximum flood storage of 310,900 acre feet. Both are named for Cordell Hull, former United States Secretary of State.
Cordell Hull Dam (View from Bearwaller Gap Overlook) According to Wikipedia: Cordell Hull Lake is a lake in the Cumberland River in north-central Tennessee, about forty miles east of Nashville, in the vicinity of Carthage. It covers approximately 12,000 acres. Cordell Hull Dam impounding the Cumberland River was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers between May 1963 and November 1973 for navigation, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. The dam is concrete and earthen gravity structure, 87 feet high (above streambed), with a generator capacity of 100 megawatts. It impounds 259,100 acre feet at normal maximum pool, with a maximum flood storage of 310,900 acre feet. Both are named for Cordell Hull, former United States Secretary of State. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-lakes/ These 20 Gorgeous Lakes In Tennessee Are Demanding Your Attention This Summer and reposted here: murfreesboro.com/news/local-news/tn-lakes/6/
Autumn at Couchville Lake Couchville Lake is at Long Hunter State Park in Davidson County, TN. In 1963, Percy Priest Dam was built on the Stones River. In addition to creating Percy Priest Lake, the impoundment of the river forced water to back up through underground channels, leading to the formation of Couchville Lake, the small lake situated near the center of Long Hunter State Park. The park opened in 1978. Today, there is a nature trail that surrounds the lake. For me, the highlight of this trail is a pedestrian bridge that crosses one end of the lake (seen on the left off in the distance). Another highlight is a fishing pier. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-fall-must-visit/ You Must Visit These 10 Awesome Places In Tennessee This Fall or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/nashville/camping-near-... This Amazing Camping Spot Near Nashville Is An Absolute Must-See
Autumn at Couchville Lake's Pier Couchville Lake is at Long Hunter State Park in Davidson County, TN. In 1963, Percy Priest Dam was built on the Stones River. In addition to creating Percy Priest Lake, the impoundment of the river forced water to back up through underground channels, leading to the formation of Couchville Lake, the small lake situated near the center of Long Hunter State Park. The park opened in 1978. Today, there is a nature trail that surrounds the lake. For me, the highlight of this trail is a pedestrian bridge that crosses one end of the lake. Another highlight is a fishing pier. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/healthiest-counties-tn/ These 10 Counties Have The Healthiest People In All Of Tennessee
Fall Morning on the Cumberland River On this morning, there is still a little bit of fog left on this October Autumn morning. This scene is in Rome, TN in Smith County at the site of a historic ferry crossing.
Cheatham Lock & Dam Cheatham Lock & Dam is downstream from Ashland City along the Cumberland River in Cheatham County. From the US Army Corps of Engineers website: www.lrn.usace.army.mil/Locations/NavigationLocks/Cumberla... Cheatham Lock is located at Mile 148.6 on the Cumberland River in Cheatham County, Tennessee and is approximately 10 miles northwest of Ashland City, Tenn. Cheatham Lock is open to pass navigation traffic 24 hours-a-day, 365 days a year. The 67-mile reservoir created by Cheatham Dam provides Nashville and middle Tennessee with a stable water supply and access to the entire Mississippi River system and the Intracoastal Waterway and plays an integral part in various commodities being transported to the region by water. Cheatham Lock and Dam was authorized by Congress in 1946 as a navigation project to enhance the development of the Cumberland River Basin. Construction on the Lock was begun in 1949. Cheatham Lock was opened to navigation traffic on August of 1951. The lock chamber is 800-foot long and 110-foot wide. During normal lake levels, the lock will lift a boat 26-foot from the river below the dam to the lake above the dam. The lock releases over 17 million gallons of water each time is emptied. Due to geological conditions in the area, the site selected for construction presented unique challenges on designing the project. This is the only lock in the Nashville District that was designed to flood; the lock walls had to be built according to the elevations of the surrounding land. Thus, create a design so that flood waters could flow over the structure with minimal damage when waters receded. The lock has been submerged on several occasions, but the historical record-breaking flood of May 2010 submerged the lock and operations building in water almost fifteen feet deep. This far exceeded the designed limits for the structure and caused the Nashville District to perform a complete electrical overhaul and hydraulic rehab of the lock. Temporary repairs and clean-up were made and the lock was able to reopen to navigation traffic under restricted operation approximately 14 days after the waters receded. It was the middle of June 2010 before the lock returned to 24 hour operations.
Norfolk Southern Tennessee River Bridge - Knoxville Located in downtown Knoxville, this railroad bridge now used by Norfolk Southern has elements dating back to the Civil War, but has been rebuilt several times. The stone piers and approaches are the oldest element of the bridge, dating back to the 1850s. Wooden spans were completed in 1867. In 1903, wooden spans were replaced with a steel trestle. It underwent a major rebuild in 1940. A tugboat hit one of the piers in 1993 and that pier was fortified. The center span of the bridge is a Pratt through truss and the other segments are Warren deck trusses. The original builder of the bridge was Knoxville & Charleston Railroad which chartered in 1852. In the 1870s, they became the Knoxville & Augusta Railway. In 1890, they were bought out by East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railway. Then, in 1894 they were bought out by Southern Railway.
Center Hill Lake from TN56 Scenic Overlook Highway TN56 connects Smithville to Cookeville and crosses through the hills around Center Hill Lake. In DeKalb County, TN56 crosses the Lake at Hurricane Bridge, and about a mile north of there has this scenic overlook of the Lake and Caney Fork River. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/nashville/nashville-sum... 5 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Nashville This Summer or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/places-way-out-tn/ 10 Places In Tennessee Way Out In The Boonies But So Worth The Drive
Tracks of the Ocoee River Flume If you've ever driven along US64 where it parallels the Ocoee River, you might look across the river on the other side of the bluff and see a wooden trough way up high. Constructed in 1912, the main part of the flume carries water from Ocoee Dam #2 to the Powerhouse about five miles away. Atop the flume are tracks to help get the TVA employees from one side to the other, but it was also useful for carrying when sections of the flume had to be rebuilt. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ocoee structure is the only flume line in the United States used to produce power. This photo was taken from the dam near where Ocoee rafters get on the water. For the story: www.knoxnews.com/business/flume-repairs-under-way For some video: youtu.be/PjZkDJRA05g
Henley Street Bridge - Now reopened in 2014 This historic bridge over the Tennessee River in downtown Knoxville was closed in 2011 for a complete rebuild. I drove over it on June 21, 2014 a few days after it reopened at a cost of $32 Million. The Open-Spandrel arch bridge originally completed in 1931 carries US441 and is the start of the Chapman Highway to Gatlinburg. For the full story: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henley_Street_Bridge
Nashville Skyline at Dusk 2014 #1 Every time I decide to take a photo of the Nashville Skyline, there seems to be a subtle change. The most notable difference I see is that the CVS/Caremark building is now the Baker Donaldson building. While I was taking this long exposure still photo, I had a second camera setup to take a time lapse video. See it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GT_DhuMkNA Technical details: This photo was taken on 2/1/2014 when sunset at 5:13 pm. This was at 5:58pm, 20sec., f/16, ISO200
Nashville Skyline at Dusk 2014 #4 Every time I decide to take a photo of the Nashville Skyline, there seems to be a subtle change. The most notable difference I see is that the CVS/Caremark building is now the Baker Donaldson building. While I was taking this long exposure still photo, I had a second camera setup to take a time lapse video. See it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GT_DhuMkNA Technical details: This photo was taken on 2/1/2014 when sunset at 5:13 pm. This was at 6:32pm, 5sec., f/16, ISO1600. Also, there was a barge going by during this photo and you can see the barge and its headlight.
Limestone Quarry Cave & Lake #1 - Erin, TN Around 1870, the Lime industry began to flourish in Erin and Houston County. Several Limekilns were built in the area and several still remain. Limestone was loaded into the fire chambers of these kilns and was converted into a fine lime powder. It was the county's biggest industry until the 1940's when the high quality limestone was depleted. The man-made cave you see here is one of the places where the Limestone was excavated. This hill / mountain was quarried for a long time. Then, as they continued to dig, they struck a spring, which caused the cave to flood the way it is today. (The water really is that shade of blue - no photoshopping on my part to get that color!) According to legend, as the water started to fill the cave rapidly, the crew had to get out quickly and left all of their equipment down there. The cave has three openings and two of them are easy to get to. As you drive highway TN49 (Main Street in Erin) look for the Piggly Wiggly, and you can see the lake behind it. Behind the Piggly Wiggly, there are some parking spaces and a picnic table right near one of the cave openings. From these parking spaces, you can already see one cave opening, but it's not the best one to use. (There's a No Trespassing sign at this entrance, probably because of safety concerns. Picture #4 of the series shows the view from behind the sign.) Instead, you'll want to take the path that leads around to the right for the best entrance and view. from the entrance, if you turn around and look across the outside part of the lake, you can see one of the intact limekilns.
Frozen Lake at Bowie Park - Fairview, TN The best place to go in Fairview to get close to nature is Bowie Nature Park. The biggest lake in the park is Lake Van. With the recent Freezing temperatures, the waterfowl have gotten close to the fountain while staying on the ice.
The most photographed boat house in Alabama This is located a tiny bit upstream from DeSoto Falls. Since there is a dam right above the falls, the water on the Little River is quite calm through this area, making it great for boaters. This is seen directly across the river from the parking lot and the contrasting color makes it stand out.
Tom Lee Memorial (Standard View) - Memphis Riverfront Late during the afternoon of May 8, 1925, Tom Lee steered his 28 ft skiff Zev upriver after delivering an official to Helena, Arkansas. Also on the river was a steamboat, the M.E. Norman, carrying members of the Engineers Club of Memphis, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and their families. Lee witnessed the M.E. Norman capsize in the swift current 15 mi (24 km) downriver from Memphis at Cow Island Bend. Although he could not swim, he rescued 32 people with five trips to shore. Lee acted quickly, calmly and with no regard for his own safety, continuing to search after night fell. Because of his efforts, only 23 people died. Today. Tom Lee Park is a city park located to the immediate west of downtown Memphis overlooking the Mississippi River. Encompassing about 30 acres parallel to the river for about one mile, it offers panoramic views of the river and the shores of Arkansas on the opposite side. Tom Lee died of cancer in 1952. Two years later, the park was named in his honor and a granite obelisk was erected. In October 2006, a bronze sculpture by artist David Alan Clark was erected in the park to commemorate the event and to honor the civil hero. The sculpture depicts the rescue of a survivor saved from drowning in the Mississippi River.
Chickasaw State Park in Autumn Located in West Tennessee in Chester County, Chickasaw State Park is built around Lake Placid. The lake was was built as a New Deal project and it features a footbridge which is raised for a section for paddleboats to cross under.
Reelfoot Lake in Autumn Reelfoot Lake is a shallow natural lake located in the northwest portion of Tennessee. Much of it is really more of a swamp, with bayou-like ditches (some natural, some man-made) connecting more open bodies of water called basins, the largest of which is called Blue Basin. Reelfoot Lake is noted for its bald cypress trees and its nesting pairs of bald eagles. It is the site of Reelfoot Lake State Park. Reelfoot Lake was formed when the region subsided during the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811–1812. Several eyewitnesses reported that the Mississippi River flowed backward for 10–24 hours to fill the lake. The earthquakes resulted in several major changes in the landforms over a widespread area with shocks being felt as far away as Quebec. This fall color view of Cypress trees in the lake was taken from a boat ramp near the Air Park area of the State Park. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-lakes-tennessee/8/ or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-summer-lake-excursions/ 15 Amazing Lake Trips You Need To Take In Tennessee This Summer
Reelfoot Lake in Autumn Reelfoot Lake is a shallow natural lake located in the northwest portion of Tennessee. Much of it is really more of a swamp, with bayou-like ditches (some natural, some man-made) connecting more open bodies of water called basins, the largest of which is called Blue Basin. Reelfoot Lake is noted for its bald cypress trees and its nesting pairs of bald eagles. It is the site of Reelfoot Lake State Park. Reelfoot Lake was formed when the region subsided during the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811–1812. Several eyewitnesses reported that the Mississippi River flowed backward for 10–24 hours to fill the lake. The earthquakes resulted in several major changes in the landforms over a widespread area with shocks being felt as far away as Quebec. This fall color view of Cypress trees in the lake was taken from a boat ramp near the Air Park area of the State Park.
Cumberland Mountain State Park Paddleboat House
Cumberland Mountain State Park Stone Arch Bridge View #1 Also known as Byrd Creek Bridge, this concrete stone arch bridge is the centerpiece of the Cumberland Mountain State Park near Crossville, TN. Here, a dam was built on Byrd Creek forming a lake on the southeast side. Highway TN419 carries the seven span bridge which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Cumberland Homesteads Historic District. Byrd Creek Dam is the largest masonry structure ever built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Here is the text of the nearby historic marker: Men of the Civilian Conservation Corps' Company 3464 built this unsuspended bridge between 1935 and 1940, for a 30-acre impoundment of Byrd's Creek. Three thousand five hundred and fifty cubic yards of dirt and rock were excavated and the core, containing 8,000 tons of concrete, is faced with Crab Orchard stone for the 319-foot span. Seven spillways, rising 28 feet above the stream bed, carry the 18-foot roadway approximately 16 feet above water level. This photo has been used with permission by Stonebridge family Counseling: stonebridgefamily.weebly.com/contact-us.html
Desoto Falls A fork of the Little River plunges 104 feet into the pool below at one of Lookout Mountain's most accessible waterfalls. Desoto Falls is named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. De Soto's exploration traveled through the area, likely south of here, but according to legend, some artifacts were found near the falls. According to more folklore, it is suggested that caves in the steep bluff below the falls were part of a fort built by Welsh explorers in 1170, and while most archaeologists and historians find no evidence of this, it's tough to prove something didn't happen that long ago. Today, the waterfall is part of Desoto State Park, which contains several waterfalls. Upper Desoto Falls is just a few feet from here, and an old 1920's hydroelectric dam is just upstream from that. A short paved path leads to the overlook where you can get this view of the falls. Unless you know someone who lives across the canyon, this is the best view most people can get of these falls.
Little River Falls Little River Falls is the highlight of the Little River Canyon National Preserve atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. The Little River flows almost its entire length atop Lookout Mountain. Here, the water drops 45 feet. The most common way to view the waterfall is at the main entrance off of highway AL35 southwest of Ft. Payne. The highway bridge crosses the river not too far behind the waterfall. From the parking lot, it's less than a five minute stroll along a boardwalk to get to the most popular view. On my previous visit in 2006, people would go beyond the end of the boardwalk and walk all around the top of the falls, but signs say this is now prohibited. There's a second view of the falls from an overlook a little over 1000 feet downstream. This view is at an observation deck accessible from the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway (AL176).
Sequoyah Caverns Sequoyah Caverns is closing real soon. Make plans to see it now if you want to ever see it. More details below. The Ellis Family moved to this area of land along the base of Sand Mountain in DeKalb County, AL in 1841 and decendants have lived here ever since. Friends and family explored "Ellis Cave" and over the yeard found several Cherokee artifacts. One of the names inscribed on the interior wall is "Sam Houston, 1830" and while nobody can be certain if it's the famous Sam Houston, he lived with the Cherokee for a while and is said to have married one of Sequoyah's daughters. It is only speculation that Sequoyah ever visited here. The owners of the cave didn't work towards opening the cave commercially until the early 1960's. Clark Byers was the famous Rock City barn painter and after he retired from that, he looked to operate the cave as a tourist attraction. Just as he had done with Rock City, he painted a few barns advertising Sequoyah Caverns. (I have found 8 of them.) Byers spent a year installing walkways, handrails and lighting before they opened in 1964. What sets this cave apart from the others I've been to are the pools of water, along with the lighting. Ranging from the size of puddles to a lake in the center, the water, even though it is usually not very deep, reflects the ceiling to make the cave look even bigger and more spectacular. At one time, the cave was known as "Looking Glass Ceverns." The owner is looking to retire soon. I spoke with him for a bit before taking the tour. The last day they will be open is on Labor Day, September 2, 2013. The cave is not for sale as the owner wants the property to stay with the family. (In fact, someone wanting to buy the cave called while I was there.) As he put it, the only way the cave will ever reopen is if one of the grandkids decide they want to operate it, but they're all about college aged right now and not interested. If this kind of thing interests you, now is your chance to see it.
Hiwassee Union Baptist Church This church building which dates back to 1899 is located along the bank of the Hiwassee River in Reliance, TN. Every other photo I have seen of this building is from the street side, however my photo was taken while I was riding along the Hiwassee River Excursion Train. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Reliance Historic District. Here is the text of the historic marker provided by the Southeast Tennessee Tourism Association from their Religious Heritage Trail: Erected about 1899 through the joint effort of the Hiwassee Union Missionary Baptist Church and the local Masonic Lodge, this two-story, frame structure served as a multi-use community building. The upper floor was for lodge meetings while the first floor served as the church meeting hall. The first floor was also used as a schoolhouse for a brief time. Originally the first floor had a full front porch. The porch was enclosed in 1927 when the church added two small meeting rooms, leaving a narrow entry way into the main hall. The church and the lodge moved to new facilities less than one mile to the east on Highway 30. It was founded on October 8, 1848 as Hiwassee Union Baptist, and then in 1859 as Sweetwater Baptist Association. In 1861 the Ocoee Baptist Association was formed, so they asked to be released from Sweetwater's Association and joined the Ocoee Baptist Association. Hiwassee Union Baptist went on the join Eastanallee Baptist Association in 1871 and finally it joined the Polk Baptist Association in 1921. (One more note about the excursion train: I could have sworn I heard the guide say this place was a filming location for the movie Deliverance, but I can't find any confirmation of that anywhere else. Has anyone else heard that?) Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-facts/ 20 Facts About Tennessee You Never Knew Were True or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/incredible-tn-rivers/ There’s Something Incredible About These 15 Rivers In Tennessee 8) Hiwassee River What a great shot of the Hiwassee Union Baptist Church! Or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/self-respecting-tenness... 11 Things No Self-Respecting Tennessean Would Ever Do Or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/beautiful-east-tn-photos/ 15 Insanely Beautiful Photos Of East Tennessee That Will Make You Want To Visit or here: www.tngenweb.org/
South African Shelduck Adult South African Shelduck have ruddy bodies and wings strikingly marked with black, white and green. The male has a grey head, and the female has a white face and black crown, nape and neck sides. This pair is seen swimming at the lake at the Jackson Zoo.
Ketner's Mill Dam Orphan David Ketner moved to the Sequatchie Valley in 1824 and opened a grist mill in an area today known as Ketner's Cover at the base of Suck Creek Mountain. His son Alexander bought a new site along the Sequatchie River in 1868 and completed the brick grist mill seen here in 1882 where it remained in operation until 1955. A couple of decades later, the Ketner family undertook a new beginning for the mill ushering in a new era. After undergoing a restoration, the mill was reopened in 1977 along with the first annual Ketner Mill Country Fair. That same year, the mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The mill continued to be operated year round until 1992 upon the death of mill operator Clyde Ketner, grandson of David Ketner. The yearly Ketner's Mill Country Arts Fair is still going strong. held every fall, the 2013 event will be the 37th year. Still owned by the same family, now the 5th generation runs the mill, but only for a short period every year to make enough flour to sell at the yearly fair. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/magical-place-in-tennes... The Place In Tennessee That Makes You Feel Like You’ve Stepped Through A Magical Wardrobe
Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge Located in Marion County, TN, Nickajack Cave not only has quite an interesting history but also has an important collection of endangered species. The entrance is 140 feet wide and originally 50 feet high. Originally located on Cherokee Land, the cave was located near the Cherokee city of Nickajack. Beginning in 1800, saltpeter (which is a key ingredient to gunpowder) was mined here, and eventually used for the War of 1812 and then the Civil War. Around the time of the war, the cave was owned by Robert Cravens, who also owned Lookout Mountain Cave and is best known for his Cravens House. Starting around the 1870's, the cave opened commercially. The Shellmound Railroad Station was very close to the cave which operated passenger service to and from Chattanooga daily. Tour guides would take visitors through the cave on boats. By the 1940's, the cave was run by Leo Lambert (who also operated Ruby Falls) under the name Nickajack LaCaverns. By the early 1960's, the cave was closed commercially, but the cave was still accessible by people who were willing to walk a quarter mile in waste-deep water. One part of the lore of the cave happened in 1927 when the cave was being shown by Lawrence S. Ashley, who supposedly disappeared in the cave during exploration. His disappearance was covered by both the local Chattanooga newspapers and the New York Times. After being "lost" from August 15 through August 22, 1927, Ashley reappeared, claiming that he dug his way out through a new entrance located 8 miles away. This entire episode was a hoax designed to gain publicity for the cave and increase the number of tourists visiting the cave. in 1967 with the construction of Nickajack Dam about a mile away, the landscape of the entire area has changed. What used to be an entrance 50 feet high is now half underwater. The old ticket booth and entrance gate are under the water there somewhere. in 1968, Johnny Cash visited the cave with the intention to commit suicide. While there, he had a spiritual experience that caused him to stop his drug use. Environmentally, the cave his home to about 100,000 Gray Bats, which is an endangered species. Every evening, many of the fly out of the cave for about 45 minutes to feed on insects. In 1980. the Tennessee Wildlife Refuge Agency closed off access into the cave and added a fence across the entrance. Also at the cave are Indiana Bats which hibernate here. Cliff swallows nest on the natural rock face above the entrance to the cave. Until the cave was flooded, there were three species that lived only at the cave including a crustacean, a pseudoscorpion and a beetle. From the parking area, the TWRA added a 1,000 foot boardwalk which provides the best view of the entrance and the nightly bat show.
Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge Located in Marion County, TN, Nickajack Cave not only has quite an interesting history but also has an important collection of endangered species. The entrance is 140 feet wide and originally 50 feet high. Originally located on Cherokee Land, the cave was located near the Cherokee city of Nickajack. Beginning in 1800, saltpeter (which is a key ingredient to gunpowder) was mined here, and eventually used for the War of 1812 and then the Civil War. Around the time of the war, the cave was owned by Robert Cravens, who also owned Lookout Mountain Cave and is best known for his Cravens House. Starting around the 1870's, the cave opened commercially. The Shellmound Railroad Station was very close to the cave which operated passenger service to and from Chattanooga daily. Tour guides would take visitors through the cave on boats. By the 1940's, the cave was run by Leo Lambert (who also operated Ruby Falls) under the name Nickajack LaCaverns. By the early 1960's, the cave was closed commercially, but the cave was still accessible by people who were willing to walk a quarter mile in waste-deep water. One part of the lore of the cave happened in 1927 when the cave was being shown by Lawrence S. Ashley, who supposedly disappeared in the cave during exploration. His disappearance was covered by both the local Chattanooga newspapers and the New York Times. After being "lost" from August 15 through August 22, 1927, Ashley reappeared, claiming that he dug his way out through a new entrance located 8 miles away. This entire episode was a hoax designed to gain publicity for the cave and increase the number of tourists visiting the cave. in 1967 with the construction of Nickajack Dam about a mile away, the landscape of the entrice area has changed. What used to be an entrance 50 feet high is now half underwater. The old ticket booth and entrance gate are under the water there somewhere. in 1968, Johnny Cash visited the cave with the intention to commit suicide. While there, he had a spiritual experience that caused him to stop his drug use. Environmentally, the cave his home to about 100,000 Gray Bats, which is an endangered species. Every evening, many of the fly out of the cave for about 45 minutes to feed on insects. In 1980. the Tennessee Wildlife Refuge Agency closed off access into the cave and added a fence across the entrance. Also at the cave are Indiana Bats which hibernate here. Cliff swallows nest on the natural rock face above the entrance to the cave. Until the cave was flooded, there were three species that lived only at the cave including a crustacean, a pseudoscorpion and a beetle. From the parking area, the TWRA added a 1,000 foot boardwalk which provides the best view of the entrance and the nightly bat show. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-caves/ 12 Caves In Tennessee That Are Like Entering Another World
Southern Belle Riverboat at Night Located in downtown Chattanooga, the photo was taken from an observation pier from across the Tennessee River. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/unbelievable-tn-nights/ What Was Photographed At Night In Tennessee Is Almost Unbelievable
Waterfalls at Rock Island At Rock Island State Park, the widest cataract waterfall in TN works it's way over and around bedrock slabs along a 750 foot segment of the Caney Fork River resulting in multiple falls. This is a segment of the area and falls about 20 feet. This view comes from an observation area from the parking lot, however a trail leads below and one can crawl and splash around, depending on the recent rainfall. This was called Horseshoe Falls in the 1800s.
Marion Memorial Bridge & I-24 Bridge over Nickajack Lake Marion Memorial Bridge is the historic bridge in the area to cross the Tennessee River / Nickajack Lake. It has been closed for construction for over a year as a wider bridge is needed at the location. What I don't know yet is how they intend to upgrade the bridge here. Are they going to turn the original bridge into a two-lane eastbound bridge while placing a two-lane westbound bridge next to it? Are they going to put all the lanes on a new bridge and leave the old one just for decoration or pedestrians? Are they going to widen the existing bridge's superstructure (os ir that even possible)? If anyone knows, let me know. Of course, the other bridge in the picture is for Interstate 24, which is probably used by 10x as many people. Also in the picture is Hales Bar Dam. The view is from highway TN156 (Shellmound Rd.) where it crosses the side of a mountain.
Walnut Street Bridge at Night The Walnut Street Bridge is a Six-span through truss bridge over the Tennessee River on Walnut Street. It opened in 1891 and is a length of 2,370 ft. The bridge was closed to auto traffic in 1978, sat in disrepair for about a decade and then was converted into one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges. Now, the bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places. This photo was taken along the North Shore at Coolidge Park.
A Chattanooga Sunset The sun is about to go down behind Signal Mountain with the Tennessee River in the foreground
CSX 5318 Crosses the Nickajack Lake Causeway Nickajack Lake is formed by Nickajack Dam on the Tennessee River in Marion County, TN. This causeway carries one set of tracks as well as highway TN156. The tracks are part of the CSX mainline and every train from Chattanooga to either Nashville or Huntsville passes through here.
Clinch River Bridge - Clinton, TN This 1939 bridge by Bethlehem Steel Co. carries highway US25W over the Clinch River in Anderson County, TN. It is believed to be the only Continuous Warren Camelback Through Truss in the state. Update: This bridge is now scheduled for replacement and demolition by TDOT, although I don't know the timetable. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-bridges/ You’ll Want To Cross These 15 Amazing Bridges In Tennessee 13) We’d go running along that path – look at the view
Chickamauga Dam This Dam which opened in 1940 is one of nine TVA dams on the Tennessee River and is located East/Upstream of downtown Chattanooga. Highway TN153 crosses atop the dam on the Wilkes T. Thrasher Bridge which was completed in 1955. For more info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chickamauga_Dam
Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail Bridge near Sunset The bridge in the photo here does not cross the Cumberland River, but instead is a bridge that's now part of the "Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail" in Cheatham County. Instead, the bridge crosses Sycamore Creek less than a mile before it runs into the Cumberland River. The Parker Through Truss bridge was originally built by the American Bridge Co. in 1901. The railroad bridge was built by Tennessee Central railway as part of their line that connected Nashville to Clarksville. This portion of line has long since been abandoned (although the current short line Nashville & Western uses the line from Nashville to Ashland City). In the Mid to late 1990's, the Ashland City Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the Rails to Trails conservancy to convert the former rail line into a the pedestrian trail. For more info about the trail, insluding directions to the entrance, visit their website here: cumberlandrivertrail.org/
Cincinnati From Above #2: Roebling Bridge For those of us that have a greater love of photography than a fear of heights, there is a popular observation deck in downtown Cincinnati. Carew Tower is a 49 story, 574-foot skyscraper that was the tallest in town until 2010. For a couple of dollars, visitors can take an elevator up to about the 47th floor, then walk to anotehr elevator which goes the last part of the way where you can walk around the roof. From here, on a clear day you can see for miles. This series of 20 photos was taken in 2007 back when my camera had a 10X optical zoom. The historic Cincinnati and Covington Suspension Bridge opened in 1866 to cross the Ohio River. Since then, it's been renamed after its designer John A. Roebling who went on to design the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1983. www.cincinnati-transit.net/suspension.html
Cincinnati From Above #6: Big Mac Bridge For those of us that have a greater love of photography than a fear of heights, there is a popular observation deck in downtown Cincinnati. Carew Tower is a 49 story, 574-foot skyscraper that was the tallest in town until 2010. For a couple of dollars, visitors can take an elevator up to about the 47th floor, then walk to anotehr elevator which goes the last part of the way where you can walk around the roof. From here, on a clear day you can see for miles. This series of 20 photos was taken in 2007 back when my camera had a 10X optical zoom. The Daniel Carter Beard Bridge carries Interstate 471 over the Ohio River. It's nicknamed the Big Mac Bridge since it's under the golden arches. www.cincinnati-transit.net/bigmac.html
Cincinnati From Above #8: Purple People Bridge For those of us that have a greater love of photography than a fear of heights, there is a popular observation deck in downtown Cincinnati. Carew Tower is a 49 story, 574-foot skyscraper that was the tallest in town until 2010. For a couple of dollars, visitors can take an elevator up to about the 47th floor, then walk to anotehr elevator which goes the last part of the way where you can walk around the roof. From here, on a clear day you can see for miles. This series of 20 photos was taken in 2007 back when my camera had a 10X optical zoom. This bridge was completed in 1872 as the Louisville & Nashville Railroad Bridge. Over the years, it has been modified for vehicular traffic. More recently, the tracks and cars are gone and it is a pedestrian bridge, with a purple repaint. You can even take a tour where you walk along the top of it. www.cincinnati-transit.net/ln.html
Cincinnati From Above #11: Clay Wade Bailey and C&O Bridges For those of us that have a greater love of photography than a fear of heights, there is a popular observation deck in downtown Cincinnati. Carew Tower is a 49 story, 574-foot skyscraper that was the tallest in town until 2010. For a couple of dollars, visitors can take an elevator up to about the 47th floor, then walk to anotehr elevator which goes the last part of the way where you can walk around the roof. From here, on a clear day you can see for miles. This series of 20 photos was taken in 2007 back when my camera had a 10X optical zoom. A vehicular Bridge parallels a railroad bridge over the ohio river. www.cincinnati-transit.net/claywade.html
The TVA System of Multipurpose Dams marker Seen at Ocoee Dam 1 along US64/74 in Polk County, TN. This marker must be several decades old, but is still either well built or well maintained. For instance, Hales Bar dam near Chattanooga has long since been replaced by the Nickajack Dam. Still it's interesting to see all of TVA's dams in one place
CSX Cumberland Bypass Bridge This tall and long railroad bridge crosses the Cumberland River to the east and upstream of downtown Nashville. The southern end of the bridge on the right is located next to the Omohundro water filtration plant (an area that is usually off limits to most people.) The northern end runs through Shelby Park as many segments of the trestle can be walked or driven under. It was completed in 1914 by L&N to provide a spur to bypass Union Station. If you're into bridge specifics, here's an article published in the Engineering Record of August 30, 1913: "The Cumberland River Bridge of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad is approximately 3000 ft. long. including a viaduct approach at each end, one 300' and three 200' throughtruss river spans and three 135' deck truss spans, all of which have riveted connections except the pin connected 300' span . The substructure is enterely of concrete, of which there about 1700 yd. which were built in cofferdams of interlocking steel sheet piling, under an average head of about 16' of water. All foundations were carried down to bed rock to a depth of 130' below base of rail. In three of the cofferdams considerabme difficulty was experienced from encountering open conduits leading to the city waterwork pumping station, close to one end of the bridge. The concrete was mixed in a plant on each bank of the river and was carried by hauling engines to the different piers. All of the truss spans are erected on falsework built with an overhead traveling stiffleg derrick. It is expected that the erection will be completed this fall. The steel superstructure was fabricated by the American Bridge Co and erected by the Foster-Creighton-Gould Co, of Nashville, Tenn., wich has also constructed the substructure."
The Lost Sea - Sweetwater, TN Craighead Caverns is an extensive cave system located in Sweetwater, Tennessee. It is best known for containing the United States' largest and the world's second largest non-subglacial underground lake, The Lost Sea. In addition to the lake, the caverns contain an abundance of crystal clusters called anthodites, stalactites, stalagmites and a waterfall. The lake was discovered in 1905 by a thirteen-year-old boy named Ben Sands. As the story goes Sands, who often played in the cave, happened upon a small opening and crawled through. The room was so large he was unable to see the ends of the room with his lantern, so he threw balls of mud in all directions and heard splashes. When he went back home and told people of his discovery they were hesitant to believe him. By the time Ben convinced his father to go back down with him to explore it further, the water level had risen, hiding the cave entrance from them. It was rediscovered by local explorers several years later. The visible surface of the lake measures 800 feet long and 220 feet wide (4.5 acres) at normal "full" capacity. Cave divers have explored several rooms that are completely filled with water, without reaching the end of the cave. This exploration was conducted in the 1970s. For many years The Lost Sea was considered the world's largest underground lake and is still recognized as the world's second largest non-subglacial underground lake after Dragon's Breath Cave, Namibia. Boat tours of the lake are still given and for many people are the highlight of the tour. In times of extreme drought (such as 2007-08) the lake recedes significantly and the management had to extend the walkway and the boat dock in order to be able to provide the boat tours. According to the management of the Lost Sea, the water level in the lake dropped 28 feet below its normal level at the height of the drought. At such times visitors see a much larger cavern above the lake surface. There are also Rainbow Trout in the lake. They aren't native to the Lost Sea, but were added to the lake decades ago in an attempt to see how big the lake was. (It didn't work.) The tour guide has fish food which is thrown to the trout as part of the tour with the glass bottom boat. These fish have also lost much of their color from being in a cave for so long. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.urbanghostsmedia.com/2014/12/10-most-beautiful-bizarr... 10 of the Most Beautiful, Bizarre & Awe-Inspiring Caves on Earth Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-daytrips/ 15 Unique Tennessee Day Trips That You Absolutely Must Take 1) The Lost Sea Craighead Caverns is a neat underwater string of caves that has the largest underground lake in the United States - second largest in the world. Buy a ticket. Take a tour. 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Walnut Street Bridge at Dusk The Walnut Street Bridge is a Six-span through truss bridge over the Tennessee River on Walnut Street. It opened in 1891 and is a length of 2,370 ft. The bridge was closed to auto traffic in 1978, sat in disrepair for about a decade and then was converted into one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges. Now, the bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Walnut Street Bridge at Night The Walnut Street Bridge is a Six-span through truss bridge over the Tennessee River on Walnut Street. It opened in 1891 and is a length of 2,370 ft. The bridge was closed to auto traffic in 1978, sat in disrepair for about a decade and then was converted into one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges. Now, the bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places. This photo was taken from the deck of the Delta Queen. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/unbelievable-tn-nights/ What Was Photographed At Night In Tennessee Is Almost Unbelievable or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-architecture/ These 7 Pieces Of Architectural Brilliance In Tennessee Could WOW Anyone
Walnut Street Bridge at Dusk with a Towboat The Walnut Street Bridge is a Six-span through truss bridge over the Tennessee River on Walnut Street. It opened in 1891 and is a length of 2,370 ft. The bridge was closed to auto traffic in 1978, sat in disrepair for about a decade and then was converted into one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges. Now, the bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places. This photo was taken through a window while eating aboard the Delta Queen.
Blue Boy Pull Toy #1 and Walnut Street Bridge Blue Boy Pull Toy #1 by John Petrey is a large blue Rhino on a pull cart. This is public art is located along the North Shore at Coolidge Park. According to the Public Art Chattanooga website, this was scheduled to be removed in 2011 but I saw it twice in 2012. The Walnut Street Bridge is a Six-span through truss bridge over the Tennessee River on Walnut Street. It opened in 1891 and is a length of 2,370 ft. The bridge was closed to auto traffic in 1978, sat in disrepair for about a decade and then was converted into one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges. Now, the bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Kayaking in the Hiwassee River In Polk County is one on the most popular Kayaking spots in Tennessee. Here, the river is wide, but also shallow. Upon first glance, you'll count four kayaks and four Kayakers (and there's a dog in the pink one.) I didn't notice this when I was taking this photo, but there's a fifth kayak that's overturned and it's owner is standing in the water - it's that shallow. When the weather gets nice, there's several river outfitters hear in the small town of Reliance
Walking along the Delta Queen The Delta Queen is a famous steamboat and is a National Historic Landmark which is now docked in Chattanooga, TN serving as a floating Boutique hotel. The Delta Queen steamboat is 285 feet long, 58 feet wide, and can hold 176 passengers. Its two steam engines can produce 2,000 horsepower for a stern-mounted paddlewheel. The Delta Queen dates back to 1926 where it served passengers between San Fransisco and Sacramento. At the time, it and the sister ship Delta King were the most expensive and lavish steamboat ever commissioned. New highways made the steamboats unneeded in California so during World War II it was requisitioned by the U.S. Navy. Since 1948, it has run passenger service along the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers while changing ownership several times. It was listed on the the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and a National Historic Landmark in 1989. At the end of 2008, all passenger service stopped and was again put up for sale. In Feb. 2009, the steamboat arrived in Chattanooga at Coolidge Park Landing along the Tennessee River across from the downtown area. The Delta Queen hotel officially opened on June 5th of that year. Since then, ownership has changed again, but in the mean time it still operates as a fancy place to spend the night. There's even one room that is said to be haunted by Mary Green, the boat captain in the 40s. for more pictures of the Delta Queen, check out my website's Coolidge Park gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=chattanooga/coolidg...
Chattanooga Landmarks: Market Street Bridge & Chattanooga Aquarium Seen from across the Tennessee River soon before sundown.
Market Street Bridge (Just Before Sundown) The Market Street Bridge in Chattanooga, TN just a couple of years after its extensive renovations were finished. What makes this bridge different that any other bridge I've seen is its a Double-Leaf overhead counterweight Bascule Bridge.
A Wide-Angle View of the Entrance to the Ocoee River If you are a fan of Whitewater rafting, and you're in Tennessee, the Ocoee River is your place. Now, this photo was taken on a weekday in late September, but in the peak summer months, it can be incredibly crowded. I don't get in the water very often, but the one time I did it, it was here back in 1994. On the first time you ever visit here, you're greeted with the site of Ocoee Dam #2, and the thought of travelling over it is either thrilling or daunting, depending on your perspective. In reality, it's illegal to go over the 1913 dam and to enter the river, you actually carry your raft/kayak down a concrete ramp. The entrance to the parking lot is from highway US64, which runs just to the right of this photo.
Rafting on the Ocoee River If you are a fan of Whitewater rafting, and you're in Tennessee, the Ocoee River is your place. Now, this photo was taken on a weekday in late September, but in the peak summer months, it can be incredibly crowded. I don't get in the water very often, but the one time I did it, it was here back in 1994. On the first time you ever visit here, you're greeted with the site of Ocoee Dam #2, and the thought of travelling over it is either thrilling or daunting, depending on your perspective. In reality, it's illegal to go over the 1913 dam and to enter the river, you actually carry your raft/kayak down a concrete ramp.
Marion Memorial Bridge (Fall 2012 Update) This bridge was built in 1929 to cross the Tennessee River for a new alignment of the Dixie Highway. Originally, there were toll booths on either side but they were removed in 1947. In the mid 1960's with the building of Nickajack Dam just downstream, which formed Nickajack Lake, the water level rose. The Bridge was rehabilitated and also hydraulically lifted 21 feet so that barge traffic could still pass below. While not the Dixie Highway anymore, it did carry the Cummings Highway, which is US41, US64 and US72. After Interstate 24 was built near the same place, traffic on this bridge shrank. A friend of mine who lived in the area told me how she always hated driving across this bridge because it is narrow and you fell like you could fall off the side. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Recently, the bridge was determined by the state to be structurally deficient. Early in the year, on Jan. 9, 2012, the bridge was officially closed. In a couple of years, there will be a new, wider bridge at this location. For the full story, read this article: www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/dec/28/tdot-to-close-mar...
Tennessee River Railroad Bridge (South view) - Chattanooga, TN This bridge was built in 1920 and reused piers from an earlier bridge. The bridge was built by Cincinnati Southern Railway, which was owned by the city of Cincinnati. I believe the city still owns this bridge, and over they years they have leased its use to Southern and today Norfolk Southern. The main span is a lift bridge, and has been that way since 1920, but was a swing bridge in a previous time. The bridge is barely downstream from Chickamauga Dam, and while it still can lift, it doesn't happen too often anymore. It is possible to see the bridge from either side of the Tennessee River. On the north side, you can see it while driving along TVA Access Road, although there's nowhere to park. On the south side, there is parking for the end of the Tennessee Riverwalk behind the Chattanooga State Community College
Mist on the Holston River @ Bluff City, TN Bluff City is a town that went through multiple name changes but dates back to 1780 when the Overmountain Men crossed the Holston River here at Choate's Ford. The remains of a railroad bridge can also be seen here, with a stone pier and an abutment with a mural painted on it. Today, this section of the river is also known as Boone Lake. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/rural-small-town-tn/ 11 Small Towns In Rural Tennessee That Are Downright Delightful
Railroad Bridge over Barren Fork - McMinnville, TN I can't find too much information on how old this bridge is, but there was a railroad line that ran from McMinnville to Tullahoma before the Civil War. During the war, the north destroyed every bridge on this line between the two cities, including the one that crossed the Barren Fork River, which I assume is at this same spot. Originally, there were multiple mills up and down the river through here, but in 1902, a hydroelectric dam was built, but is not in use anymore. According to a photo on the historical marker nearby, this bridge was already here when the dam was built. At one time, the bridge was used by NCStL, and then by L&N, and then by CSX. Today, the tracks are used by the short line Caney Fork & Western Railroad, which connects CSX from Tullahoma to Manchester and Sparta. There are a couple of kids sitting on the nearest pier. Can you see them?
Boating in front of Woodrow Wilson Dam - Florence, AL The calm waters of the Tennessee River below the Woodrow Wilson Dam make for a popular boating spot in the Florence/Sheffield/Muscle Shoals area. This picture was taken from the Old Railroad Bridge.
The Old Railroad Bridge View #6 Old Pivot Piers - Florence, AL The Old Railroad Bridge dates back over 140 years as an important crossing of the Tennessee River between Florence and Sheffield in The Shoals area of Alabama. Back in 1840, the first bridge at this location opened. It significantly damaged by tornadoes and storms all through the 1850's and eventually that bridge was destroyed during the Civil War. In 1870, the Memphis & Charlston Railroad decide to build another bridge at this spot. Over the next 120 years, there is quite a lengthy history about who got to use the bridge and changes to the bridges configuration. I'll hit some of the highlights, but below I'll link to a thorough history. Originally, there was not a method for tall ships to go through, so a drawbridge was installed in 1872 along the northern end. A new drawbridge was installed in 1906. In 1948, the drawbridge was replaced with a turn span was installed. (When the bridge was open to tall ship, this span pivoted or rotated counter-clockwise and had stone piers to rest upon.) In 1962, this segment was changed again to a lift bridge, raising to 350 feet of clearence over the water. In 1988, all railroads abandoned the bridge and the lift section was completely removed. This bridge not only carried railroads on the top, but also had a lower deck for vehicular traffic. This closed in 1939 with the opening of the O'Neal Bridge. Other railroads that used this bridge were Virginia & Georgia; Nashville, Florence & Sheffield; L&N; Southern; Around 1903, a streetcar service alsu used the rails to get passengers from one side to the other and it lasted until 1933. The complete history is here: www.oldrailroadbridge.org/index.php?option=com_content&am... In 1990, a preservation society began in an effort to restore the bridge. The old railroad bed leading to the upper portion of the bridge now has a large gate in front of it, so you can look across it, but go no further. Down below, the access area was cleaned up and the wood that had been rotting for over 50 years was replaced. Today, this lower deck is a pedestrian bridge where you can walk about 1500 feet to where the segment is missing, and then you have to turn around. Here are all 9 photos in my set www.flickr.com/photos/brent_nashville/tags/1870railroadbr... Finally, the Library of Congress has some photos of this bridge dating back to 1976 www.loc.gov/pictures/search/?q=Photograph:%20al1320&f...
The Delta Queen The Delta Queen is a famous steamboat and is a National Historic Landmark which is now docked in Chattanooga, TN serving as a floating Boutique hotel. The Delta Queen steamboat is 285 feet long, 58 feet wide, and can hold 176 passengers. Its two steam engines can produce 2,000 horsepower for a stern-mounted paddlewheel. The Delta Queen dates back to 1926 where it served passengers between San Fransisco and Sacramento. At the time, it and the sister ship Delta King were the most expensive and lavish steamboat ever commissioned. New highways made the steamboats unneeded in California so during World War II it was requisitioned by the U.S. Navy. Since 1948, it has run passenger service along the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers while changing ownership several times. It was listed on the the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and a National Historic Landmark in 1989. At the end of 2008, all passenger service stopped and was again put up for sale. In Feb. 2009, the steamboat arrived in Chattanooga at Coolidge Park Landing along the Tennessee River across from the downtown area. The Delta Queen hotel officially opened on June 5th of that year. Since then, ownership has changed again, but in the mean time it still operates as a fancy place to spend the night. There's even one room that is said to be haunted by Mary Green, the boat captain in the 40s. for more pictures of the Delta Queen, check out my website's Coolidge Park gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=chattanooga/coolidg...
O'Neal Bridge - The Shoals, AL (Southern Bluff View) The O'Neal Bridge was built in 1939 to connect automobile traffic between Florence, Al on the north side to Sheffield and Muscle Shoals on the south side. The 2,071 ft. Cantilevered Warren through truss designed bridge crosses the Tennessee River. Highways US43 and US72 use the bridge that connects Lauderdale and Colbert Counties. The bridge was named in honor of Alabama's Father & Son governors Edward A. O'Neal and Emmett O'Neal. When originally designing the bridge, engineers knew the southern side is on a bluff, and the northern side would need to be raised for the deck to be level. Dirt was excavated from the area to the west of bridge site on the north shore to form a hill, and the resulting empty space became Florence Harbor. Also, when the bridge was originally completed, there was a pedestrian lane in the middle. The sidewalk leading to the bridge proceeded down a ramp under the bridge, which then ramped back up to an area between the lanes to the walkway. This walking lane was removed in the 80's during a lane widening project, but the access ramp is still there in the south end, although locked.
O'Neal Bridge - The Shoals, AL (North Shore View) The O'Neal Bridge was built in 1939 to connect automobile traffic between Florence, Al on the north side to Sheffield and Muscle Shoals on the south side. The 2,071 ft. Cantilevered Warren through truss designed bridge crosses the Tennessee River. Highways US43 and US72 use the bridge that connects Lauderdale and Colbert Counties. The bridge was named in honor of Alabama's Father & Son governors Edward A. O'Neal and Emmett O'Neal. When originally designing the bridge, engineers knew the southern side is on a bluff, and the northern side would need to be raised for the deck to be level. Dirt was excavated from the area to the west of bridge site on the north shore to form a hill, and the resulting empty space became Florence Harbor. Also, when the bridge was originally completed, there was a pedstrian lane in the middle. The sidewalk leading to the bridge proceeded down a ramp under the bridge, which then ramped back up to an area between the lanes to the walkway. This waliking lane was removed in the 80's during a lane widening project, but the access ramp is still there in the south end, although locked.
O'Neal Bridge - The Shoals, AL (B/W view from Old Railroad Bridge) The O'Neal Bridge was built in 1939 to connect automobile traffic between Florence, Al on the north side to Sheffield and Muscle Shoals on the south side. The 2,071 ft. Cantilevered Warren through truss designed bridge crosses the Tennessee River. Highways US43 and US72 use the bridge that connects Lauderdale and Colbert Counties. The bridge was named in honor of Alabama's Father & Son governors Edward A. O'Neal and Emmett O'Neal. When originally designing the bridge, engineers knew the southern side is on a bluff, and the northern side would need to be raised for the deck to be level. Dirt was excavated from the area to the west of bridge site on the north shore to form a hill, and the resulting empty space became Florence Harbor. Also, when the bridge was originally completed, there was a pedstrian lane in the middle. The sidewalk leading to the bridge proceeded down a ramp under the bridge, which then ramped back up to an area between the lanes to the walkway. This waliking lane was removed in the 80's during a lane widening project, but the access ramp is still there in the south end, although locked.
Upper Big Falls - Old Stone Fort There's an impressive waterfall just to the right of this photo. Unfortunately, there's nowhere to stand to get a good tripod-mounted view of it. I brought my tripod and by golly I was going to use it! 15 feet upstream from the big falls is this rather tiny 3-5 foot waterfall, but it stretches the entire width of the Duck River here.
Where Forrest Crossed the Tennessee River Here the command of Bedford Forrest twice crossed the river on the first West Tennessee raid - Dec. 1862 - Jan. 1863 This Civil War marker is located in Clifton, TN. The main road through the town used to have a ferry crossing at this spot, but a gate has closed off the road leading to the water for many years.
Trace Creek Falls (Version 2) This waterfall (sometimes called Council Bend Falls), about 5 feet tall and 20 feet wide, is located approx. 5 miles outside of Centerville in Hickman County. It's located at the MTSU WMA, who provides directions here: www.tnwatchablewildlife.org/watchareadetails.cfm?uid=0907... (Their map is not the most direct route that perhaps a GPS would offer. The road drives over the stream using another route, and if your car can't handle that, take their route.)
Trumpeter Swan Seen at a lake at the zoo in Louisville KY
Small waterfall trickles into river This small little drainage creek flows into the Duck River and is seen across the way from the trail at Old Stone Fort park in Manchester, TN
Marion Memorial Bridge This bridge was built in 1929 to cross the Tennessee River for a new alignment of the Dixie Highway. Originally, there were toll booths on either side but they were removed in 1947. In the mid 1960's with the building of Nickajack Dam just downstream, which formed Nickajack Lake, the water level rose. The Bridge was rehabilitated and also hydraulically lifted 21 feet so that barge traffic could still pass below. While not the Dixie Highway anymore, it did carry the Cummings Highway, which is US41, US64 and US72. After Interstate 24 was built near the same place, traffic on this bridge shrank. A friend of mine who lived in the area told me how she always hated driving across this bridge because it is narrow and you fell like you could fall off the side. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Recently, the bridge was determined by the state to be structurally deficient. A couple of months ago, on Jan. 9, 2012, the bridge was officially closed. In a couple of years, there will be a new, wider bridge at this location. For the full story, read this article: www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/dec/28/tdot-to-close-mar...
Downtown Louisville at Night Across the Ohio River, in Clarksville, Indiana, there's a lovely little spot that's a perfect place to sit on a park bench and get a good look at the skyline. On the left, you can see the rather new KFC Yum! Center. The Aegon Center is the tallest with the illuminated dome up top. The Galt House is in front of it. The E.ON U.S. Center is the one on the left with the green light on top. Next to that are the two Waterfront Plaza towers.
Jackson Falls When travelling along the Natchez Trace Parkway in Hickman County, near Milepost 404 is a pull off for Jackson Falls, one of the most scenic spots along the trace. The waterfall is named after Andrew Jackson who while still a general took the Natchez Trace and for all we know could have seen this place. All in all the falls are about 40 feet tall. It is in two parts, with the upper part as a cascade that flows at an angle where the stream makes a left turn and falls over a bluff. from the marker at the top of the trail: A steep trail (concrete sidewalk) 900 feet long takes you to a clear pool at the base of these falls. This trail descends to Jackson Falls a beautifully sculptured cascade that seems ageless but it isn't. For thousands of years before the falls existed Jackson Branch flowed into this high valley isolated from the Duck River below. Then in a classic case of stream piracy, the Duck River captured Jackson Branch. The flooding river and other erosional agents wore away at the bluffs, cutting a new channel through faults in the rock. At the site of Jackson Falls the diverted stream slips down into the Duck River Valley abandoning its former course.
One big measuring stick This measures Kentucky Lake water level relative to the top of the dam. Seen at the Paris Landing Marina in Henry County, TN.
KFC YUM! Center This is Louisville's newest, biggest, and silliest-named concert and sports venue. It's located right on the Ohio river in downtown. The picture was taken across the river in a park that offers great skyline views of the city in Indiana. I do like the idea of having a Taco Bell in the arena, so it's got that going for it. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KFC_Yum!_Center
Marion Memorial Bridge seen from Interstate 24 This bridge was built in 1929 to cross the Tennessee River for a new alignment of the Dixie Highway. Originally, there were toll booths on either side but they were removed in 1947. In the mid 1960's with the building of Nickajack Dam just downstream, which formed Nickajack Lake, the water level rose. The Bridge was rehabilitated and also hydraulically lifted 21 feet so that barge traffic could still pass below. While not the Dixie Highway anymore, it did carry the Cummings Highway, which is US41, US64 and US72. After Interstate 24 was built near the same place, traffic on this bridge shrank. A friend of mine who lived in the area told me how she always hated driving across this bridge because it is narrow and you fell like you could fall off the side. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Recently, the bridge was determined by the state to be structurally deficient. One week ago, on Jan. 9, 2012, the bridge was officially closed. In a couple of years, there will be a new, wider bridge at this location. For the full story, read this article: www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/dec/28/tdot-to-close-mar...
Louisville Waterfowl Seen on a lake at the Louisville Zoo
Falls of the Ohio Park and Bridge The Falls at the "Falls of the Ohio" were a long series of rapids caused by rock outcroppings which caused the river elevation to drop 26 feet over a couple of miles. This made the Ohio rather unmanagable for river traffic. In 1830 a lock and dam was built in the area so that river traffic could navigate the river. Over the years, the lock and dam have gone through modernizations and improvements. As a result, the falls don't fall any more as they are mostly underwater. Instead, there is now calm waters and an area that can be enjoyed as a state park. Large areas of rock bed are exposed and extensive fossil research is done. It's also a great place for viewing various wildlife. Also in the picture is the Falls of the Ohio River Bridge, with downtown Louisville as a backdrop. The bridge was originally built in 1870 to be used by Louisville & Nashville and Jefferson, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad. In 1919, the bridge had to be reconstructed and reopened in 1920. It is wide enough for two tracks but only one is in use today. Today, the bridge is owned by Louisville and Indiana Railroad. The largest span is on the KY side, which is 644 feet long and is a lift bridge. the enitre bridge is 5218 ft. long
Fort Donelson #7185 - Dover, TN During the Civil War, the Confederacy was vulnerable to warships coming down the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. Kentucky declared neutrality during the war, so the Confederates looked for a place near the the border where they could defend the river. About a mile north of Dover and about 10 miles downstream along the Cumberland River from the Kentucky Border was the site of this fort. At this location, the river has a lengthy strait path before a bend and the bluffs above the river provided a great location for a battery to shoot down any Union boat that would try to come through. In Feb. 1862, Union General Ulysses S. Grant led troops to capture this fort so that the Union could send ships through here. When I was in 6th grade, my class visited this spot on the way to an overnight stay at Land Between the Lakes and it's something that has stuck in my mind over two decades later. Today with a dam upstream, the Cumberland River is also Lake Barkley, but the width of the waterway is about the same as it was during the war. Fort Donelson is under the oversight of the National Park Service and is designated a National Battlefield and on the National Register of Historic Places. The lower batteries have been rebuilt and preserved here. The Upper batteries are also preserved and is located around the bend. The cannon shown here has a date of 1846 etched in the side.
Female Wood Duck Seen at a lake in Louisville, KY
O&W Bridge - Big South Fork (black & white) The Oneida & Western Railroad ran from Oneida, TN westward to Jamestown. The primary goal was to haul coal. Despite being a short line, the railroad had many difficult gorges and hollows to navigate. One such construction project was the bridge you see here, which crosses the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River, at a picturesque spot of river rapids. This bridge is a Whipple Through truss built by the Nashville Bridge Co. and placed here in 1915 Railroad Travel was officially abandoned along the line in 1953. Later on, much of the area was encompassed by the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Eventually this bridge became more easily accessible. To get here, start in Oneida and head west. Specifically find O&W road, which out of town becomes a 6 mile long gravel road that is the old O&W railroad bed. The NPS converted this bridge into something you can drive over. With its nice wooden planks, it was scary enough to walk across as it creaks under your feet and you can see the gaps in the wood. I couldn;t imagine driving over it, but a few SUVs and trucks did in the hour I was here. Finally, here's a link to a video of the area: mms.nps.gov/ram/ser/grogefly.wmv Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/urban-legends-tn/ 7 Tennessee Urban Legends That Will Keep You Up At Night and reposted here: murfreesboro.com/news/local-news/urban-legends-tn/3/ or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/incredible-tn-rivers/ There’s Something Incredible About These 15 Rivers In Tennessee 15) Big South Fork of Cumberland River This stunning black and white by Brent Moore should be framed. Talent, right there!
The Sinks The Sinks is a popular roadside waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There is a small parking lot and entrance along the Little River Road which was completed since I was there. While I suppose this is a waterfall, it is better thought of as large rapids. The Sinks gets its name because of the deep plunge pool underneath the base of the falls. Southern folklore says a logging train once derailed falling into the deep water here - so deep that the train disappeared and was never found.
Elk Falls Elk Falls is an impressive waterfall in North Carolina, about a stones throw from Tennessee. In fact, it's so close to the Tennessee border that I first heard of it when it was included in the Waterfalls of Tennessee book by Gregory Plumb. Quite a volume of water plunges 45 feet into the plunge pool below. Getting there is rather easy: Take U.S. Highway 19E to Elk Park, NC. Follow the signs to Elk River Rd and then drive about 4 miles to the entrance of Pisgah National Forest. The road ends at a small paking lot, and from there it's about a 5 minute walk along a well developed trail to this vantage point. Waterfalls do contain an element of risk, and several people have died here over the years, including a man in 2010 who either jumped off or fell off the top, and a teen in 2007. The pool below is quite deep and apparently there is a storng current to pull under there.
The Frozen Shoreline of Percy Priest Lake On a freezing evening, It looks as the water came in to shore, it would splash over the rock and then freeze before it could come down on the other side. A couple of days after a big snow and freeze, when the sun came out I went to Percy Priest Lake by the dam. this has been my favorite place to feed the ducks and is now my favorite place to photograph them. If you like this type of thing, about 50 of my photos from this day have been posted to my website in the gallery "Waterfowl in Winter" seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/waterfowl...
Waterfowl in Winter: Female Mallard in Shallow Water A couple of days after a big snow and freeze, when the sun came out I went to Percy Priest Lake by the dam. this has been my favorite place to feed the ducks and is now my favorite place to photograph them. If you like this type of thing, about 50 of my photos from this day have been posted to my website in the gallery "Waterfowl in Winter" seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/waterfowl-...
Waterfowl in Winter: Duck in flight A couple of days after a big snow and freeze, when the sun came out I went to Percy Priest Lake by the dam. this has been my favorite place to feed the ducks and is now my favorite place to photograph them. If you like this type of thing, about 50 of my photos from this day have been posted to my website in the gallery "Waterfowl in Winter" seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/waterfowl-...
The Still Waters of the Piney River The Piney River runs through Hickman County until it eventually empties into the Duck River. There's a small little area to pull over and look around where highway TN230 crosses the river near Nunnelly
Henley St. Bridge at night Brrrr. it was cold! The Henley St. Bridge is also known as the Chapman Highway bridge. At one time, many people going to Gatlinburg from the west would pass through Knoxville and cross the Tennessee River here. It carries US 441 and TN33. The all concrete bridge opened in 1931 and may need some rehabilitation in the not too distant future. The design has six open-spandrel dual ribbed concrete arches with six concrete deck girder spans, all of which is built on a concrete substructure. It's also the longest open spandrel concrete arch bridge in the state (although I don't fully understand what that means or how many it competes with.) Often, the spans are better lit than they were on this night, but I suppose nobody turned them on. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/unbelievable-tn-nights/ What Was Photographed At Night In Tennessee Is Almost Unbelievable
Doe River Covered Bridge Built in 1882, this is the oldest covered bridge in Tennessee. Constructed at a cost of $3,000 by contractor Dr. E.E. Hunter, George Lindamood and three carpenters, it spans the Doe River for 134 feet, resting on earth and limestone abutments. Hunter hired Colonel Thomas Matson, who had engineered the narrow gauge Tweetsie Railroad, to design the bridge and serve as construction chief. Hunter made a profit of $5 on the bridge, so one of its names is the "Five Dollar Bridge" The original structure was made almost entirely of wood; mainly mountain oak and white pine beams that were hauled down the steep slopes of the mountains by draft horses and mules, weatherboard of mountain poplar, and shingles cleaved by mallet and fro from chestnut. Hand forged steel spikes and hand threaded bolts fastened together the massive pieces of oak flooring. Termed an engineering feat, and listed in the Historic Engineering Record, the Covered Bridge survived numerous floods, including the great May flood of 1901, which destroyed all the other bridges in the county that crossed the Doe River. It is one of two bridges in Tennessee identified by a Tennessee Historical marker and is included on the National Registry of Historic Sites. The Covered Bridge remains the most photographed and most admired historical structure in Carter County. The bridge contains one span and is of Howe Truss design. Inside the bridge is one lane of vehicle traffic, plus a pedestrian walkway, although the bridge is now closed to motor vehicles. Each end of the bridge features a projecting truncated gabled roofline. Two other nicknames of this bridge are "Queen of the South" and "The Kissing Bridge." Every year in June, Elizabethton has a festival called the Covered Bridge Celebration. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-festivals/ 20 Tennessee Summer Festivals You Can’t Miss 5) Elizabethton Covered Bridge Celebration or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/covered-bridge-tn/ There’s A Covered Bridge Trail In Tennessee And It’s Everything You’ve Ever Dreamed Of or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/best-tn-road-trips/ 12 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Tennessee Before You Die
Fall view of Center Hill Lake Seen from high above on highway TN96 (Cove Hollow Rd.) in DeKalb County Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-fall-foliage/ The Fall Foliage At These 10 State Parks In Tennessee Is Stunningly Beautiful
Crane at Dodson Branch Seen from the Dodson Branch Highway, which is TN135. The highway runs parallel to this scenic creek in Jackson County until the creek connects with the Cumberland River just north of Gainesboro.
Watauga Lake Watauga Lake is located in the mountainous region of far East Tennessee. (It is located between the cities of Bristol, Elizabethton and Mountain City) The Lake was formed after the creation of the TVA Watauga Dam in 1948. The entire area is in the Cherokee National Forest. This specific vantage point is at Watauga Point just off highway US 321.
Watauga Lake Watauga Lake is located in the mountainous region of far East Tennessee. (It is located between the cities of Bristol, Elizabethton and Mountain City) The Lake was formed after the creation of the TVA Watauga Dam in 1948. The entire area is in the Cherokee National Forest. This specific vantage point is at Watauga Point just off highway US 321. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/remote-spot-in-tn/ Here Is The Most Remote, Isolated Spot In Tennessee And It’s Positively Breathtaking
Watauga Lake Rowing Watauga Lake is located in the mountainous region of far East Tennessee. (It is located between the cities of Bristol, Elizabethton and Mountain City) The Lake was formed after the creation of the TVA Watauga Dam in 1948. The entire area is in the Cherokee National Forest. This specific vantage point is at Watauga Point just off highway US 321. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/unknown-tn-lake/ or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/places-way-out-tn/ 10 Places In Tennessee Way Out In The Boonies But So Worth The Drive or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/remote-spot-in-tn/ Here Is The Most Remote, Isolated Spot In Tennessee And It’s Positively Breathtaking or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/places-to-go-tn-2017/ The 27 Places You Should Go In Tennessee In 2017 or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/incredible-tn-trips/ 11 Incredible Trips In Tennessee That Will Change Your Life or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/hidden-tn-oases/ Escape To These 10 Hidden Oases In Tennessee To Find Peace And Quiet or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-weekend-trips/ or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/cheap-road-trips-tn/ 10 Inexpensive Road Trip Destinations In Tennessee That Won’t Break The Bank
Watauga Lake Rowing Watauga Lake is located in the mountainous region of far East Tennessee. (It is located between the cities of Bristol, Elizabethton and Mountain City) The Lake was formed after the creation of the TVA Watauga Dam in 1948. The entire area is in the Cherokee National Forest. This specific vantage point is at Watauga Point just off highway US 321.
Watauga Lake Cove Watauga Lake is located in the mountainous region of far East Tennessee. (It is located between the cities of Bristol, Elizabethton and Mountain City) The Lake was formed after the creation of the TVA Watauga Dam in 1948. The entire area is in the Cherokee National Forest. This specific vantage point is at Watauga Point just off highway US 321.
remains of 1801 Old Town Bridge In 1801, the U.S. Government directed the Army to make improvements along the Natchez Trace. By that time, travelers between Nashville and Natchez were utilizing the Trace more and more, and the primitive state of the roadway made each journey a harrowing experience. The army did not complete improvements to the full length of the Trace but did make significant improvements in Middle Tennessee. For most of the improved area, there was eight feet width of smoothed ground for the benefit of horse and foot traffic with an additional eight feet of cleared trees and underbrush. Bridges were built across streams to eliminate the inconvenience of crossing fords. One such bridge was in Williamson County at the crossing of a tributary of the Harpeth River called Brown's Creek (or at the time, known as Donelson's Creek). Browns Creek seen here at one time was a boundary of a prehistoric Indian village in an area today known as Old Town. The entire bridge survived until some time in 1988, but today only the northern limestone abutment remains. This is considered to be the only site on the Natchez Trace in Williamson County that retains historic integrity and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is easy to find today as a spot where the road named Natchez Trace parallels the Harpeth River. Here it is on a map: maps.google.com/maps?q=35.995833,-86.936111(Old+Town+(Fra...
Ransom's Mill Dam This old dam on the Stones River in Murfreesboro is now a nice swimming hole. This area is easily accessible from the Manson Pike Trailhead on the Stones River Greenway system. I don't have any info on the history of the mill. This photo was taken about 3 months ago, but this same spot made the news this week. A couple of days ago, a lightning strike shut off power at a sewer treatmant plant, causing sewage to make it into the river a little upstream from here. So today, and for a short while, there's no swimming here. News story: www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=12921164
Dunbar Cave Lake (Inside the arch) Dunbar Cave is a scenic State Natural Area in the middle of a residential area in Clarksville, but a hundred years ago it was a rural tourist destination. At one time, a resort hotel operated here. More significantly, the opening of the cave became a popular party spot for big bands in the 1930's and 40's. (So popular, that Roy Acuff bought the area in 1948). Caves tend to maintain a nice cool temperature, and having lots of people hang out by the entrance would be a cool place on a hot summer evening, plus the rock formations around the entrance make for a nice bandshell. The springs from the cave were dammed to make the picturesque Swan Lake. The typical picture of the area shows the triple arches of the white concrete. As soon as I got here, I went down there, and there was nothing there. It looks like it should be an entrance, but it isn't. Instead, it's purpose from the big band era was to hold up the concrete dance floor. The reason the arched area was made accessible was so you could walk the nature trail along to the other side of the lake. The actual entrance is of course above the arches. Today, Dunbar Cave is owned by the state and operated by the State Park service. As of right now (July 2010), the actual cave itself is closed while researchers study the white nose syndrome which has been plaguing bats in many caves around the country.
Hurricane Mills, TN This is the mill of Hurricane Mills. Today, this area is much better known as being part of the Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. This mill, and other historic spots nearby are on the National Register of Historic Places listed as the "Hurricane Mills Rural Historic District." According to a plaque across the river from the mill, this mill and dam were built by James T. Anderson in 1896. "Though wool was carded here, grain processing predominated, corn meal and flour were shipped through the south." In the mid 60's, Loretta and Mooney Lynn purchased the 1876 mansion across the street from the river. Over the next few years, they preserved many of the nearby buildings and commercially opened the area as the dude ranch. Today, you can take a tour of the area, or just walk around some of the places, like I did. The mill's water wheel was removed and placed nearby. Today, the mill serves two purposes. First, it is one of three gift shops on the ranch. Second, it is opened as the "Loretta Lynn Doll and Fan Museum" Unfortunately, the Middle Tennessee May floods were not kind to Hurricane Mills. Just a few feet downstream from the mill (and would have been viewable in this picture), there was an iron bridge built in 1911 that used to carry highway TN13 (but had been replaced by a newer bridge) was completely washed away. I can't find any confirmation of this, but I suspect the mill suffered much damage as well as it looks like the exterior is almost completely rebuilt with new wood. (If you find any pre-flood picture, the mill is painted a deep red.) The area was closed for a couple of months after the flood and just reopened July 3.
Hurricane Mills, TN This is the mill of Hurricane Mills. Today, this area is much better known as being part of the Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. This mill, and other historic spots nearby are on the National Register of Historic Places listed as the "Hurricane Mills Rural Historic District." According to a plaque across the river from the mill, this mill and dam were built by James T. Anderson in 1896. "Though wool was carded here, grain processing predominated, corn meal and flour were shipped through the south." In the mid 60's, Loretta and Mooney Lynn purchased the 1876 mansion across the street from the river. Over the next few years, they preserved many of the nearby buildings and commercially opened the area as the dude ranch. Today, you can take a tour of the area, or just walk around some of the places, like I did. The mill's water wheel was removed and placed nearby. Today, the mill serves two purposes. First, it is one of three gift shops on the ranch. Second, it is opened as the "Loretta Lynn Doll and Fan Museum" Unfortunately, the Middle Tennessee May floods were not kind to Hurricane Mills. Just a few feet downstream from the mill, there was an iron bridge built in 1911 that used to carry highway TN13 (but had been replaced by a newer bridge) was completely washed away. I can't find any confirmation of this, but I suspect the mill suffered much damage as well as it looks like the exterior is almost completely rebuilt with new wood. (If you find any pre-flood picture, the mill is painted a deep red.) The area was closed for a couple of months after the flood and just reopened July 3. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/haunted-tn-road-trip/ This Haunted Road Trip Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In Tennessee
Tennessee River from Battery Hill Battery Hill is in Bridgeport, AL and overlooks the Tennessee River. The bridge five miles off in the distance is the Shelby Reinhart Bridge in South Pittsburg, TN. The TN/AL State Line is about halfway between here and the bridge.
CSX Bridge over the Stones River seen from the Stones River Greenway n Murfreesboro at the Manson Pike Trailhead. I waited a while for a train but didn't get lucky. I'm not sure how old the bridge is, but the train line pre-dates the civil war
The Old Mill - Pigeon Forge (version 2) In the early 1800s, this gristmill was built on the Little Pigeon river in what was then a small mountain community of Pigeon Forge. The mill, which was built to make meal and flour for the locals still does that today. The Old Mill even furnished electricity for the town until 1935. In 1830, William Love dammed the Little Pigeon and started construction on the mill using 40' long yellow Poplar logs. In those days, the mill was the hub of local activity and now, 180 years later is one of the most popular tourist spots around the Smoky Mountains. The adjoining restaurant is also one of the most popular in Pigeon Forge. The Old Mill is also on the National Register of Historic Places
Shelby Reinhart Bridge 2 Built in 1981, the Shelby Reinhart Bridge is used to carry highway TN156 across the Tennessee River to connect the towns of South Pittsburg and New Hope in Marion County, Tennessee. Before the bridge, there was a ferry just a few thousand feet south of here. The big blue bridge is a metal through arch bridge and is 1,514 ft. long. This view was taken from a now hard-to-find "Old Jasper Road" which leads out of town.
Shelby Reinhart Bridge 4 Built in 1981, the Shelby Reinhart Bridge is used to carry highway TN156 across the Tennessee River to connect the towns of South Pittsburg and New Hope in Marion County, Tennessee. Before the bridge, there was a ferry just a few thousand feet south of here. The big blue bridge is a metal through arch bridge and is 1,514 ft. long. This view was taken from the now mostly forgotten old ferry road that became obsolete after this bridge was built.
Sharp Springs Natural Area Smyrna, TN The pond is a naturally forming Karst Sinkhole.
Stone Bridge Replica One of the most important spots in the history of Fayetteville, TN was the old Stone Bridge. That bridge was built in 1861 at a length of 450 feet over the Elk River, saved from destruction in the Civil War, but was finally tumbled by flooding in 1969. In 1997, the city established Stone Bridge Memorial Park, and in June, 2000 unveiled this 36 foot replica about 1000 feet from the original. This photo has been used with permission at Stone Bridge Family Counseling: stonebridgefamily.weebly.com/about-us.html
Stone Bridge Replica One of the most important spots in the history of Fayetteville, TN was the old Stone Bridge. That bridge was built in 1861 at a length of 450 feet over the Elk River, saved from destruction in the Civil War, but was finally tumbled by flooding in 1969. In 1997, the city established Stone Bridge Memorial Park, and in June, 2000 unveiled this 36 foot replica about 1000 feet from the original.
Lake Woodhaven Spillway Dam Located inside Montgomery Bell State Park in Dickson County, TN. The Dam was built by the New Deal era Civilian Conservation Corps on Four Mile Creek in the 1930's
Sligo Bridge It carries US70 over center hill lake. This bridge was made necessary by the formation of Center Hill Lake in the late 40's. Old highway 26 crossed this spot when it was just a river, and I have heard that the old span is still down there, below the water. Picture taken from the Sligo marina. UPDATE: This is one of the very last truss bridges built in the state. There are plans to remove and replace this bridge in the future.
Alvin C York Dam Tennessean and hero Alvin C. York was one of the most decorated soldiers in World War I. On Oct. 8, 1918, while leading a small patrol through the Argonne Forest in France, Sgt. York had the assignment to eliminate a flank of opposition machine gun fire that was halting his regiment's advancement. York found himself alone facing a German machine gun unit and he took them on with only a rifle and a pistol. The fight ended with over 20 German soldiers dead and another 132 soldiers surrendering along with their four officers and 35 machine guns. For his efforts he was awarded a dozen medals including the Congressional Medal of Honor. After the War, he returned to his family farm in Pall Mall, nestled in the Tennessee Mountains. York never sought to capitalize on his fame, and instead led a quiet life. York's Family farm, grist mill, and burial site are now maintained by Tennessee as a State Historic Park. The Grist Mill and dam were built on the Wolf River and operated by York until his death in 1964. Since then, the farm has been designated a National Historic Landmark District and has been listed on teh National Register of Historic Places.
Barren River Rapids Bowling Green, KY Also in this photo is the 1930's State Street Bridge. This New Deal era bridge is built of reinforced concrete.
Small Lake at Moraine State Park, PA
Walterhill, TN dam I wonder how many times I've driven past this and not realized it was here, right off of US231 north of Murfreesboro. The area is listed as Walter Hill Day Use Park. I just learned there's a designated State Natural Area close to here, because there's a rare plant that only grows here called the Stones River Bladderpod.
Fishing at the Walter Hill Dam I wonder how many times I've driven past this and not realized it was here, right off of US231 north of Murfreesboro. The area is listed as Walter Hill Day Use Park.
Twin Falls 1 Rock Island was already a scenic location, and home to the Great Falls when a dam was added to the Caney Fork River in 1916. Although the waterfall you see here is not man-made, it is the direct result of human action, and is nature's response. The creation of the Great Falls Dam, caused the Caney Fork and nearby Collins River to rise. This unexpectadly caused water from the Collins River to dig through the rock (perhaps helped by cavs that were already there) to form this waterfall. This "leak" now turns into a 65-to-80 foot segmented cataract. There were early attempts by engineers to plug the hole, but then leaks developed elsewhere. Then, the engineers decided to leave it as is, but still monitor the area to make sure the hill won't collapse. Rock Island was opened as a Tennessee State Park in 1969, and this area is easily accessible by car. (However, the sign pointing to the area seems to be missing often.)
2 waterfowl at Percy Priest Lake near the dam, Nashville, TN
Great Falls At Rock Island State Park, the widest cataract waterfall in TN works it's way over and around bedrock slabs along a 750 foot segment of the Caney Fork River. This is a segment of the area and falls about 20 feet. This view comes from an observation area from the parking lot, however a trail leads below and one can crawl and splash around, depending on the recent rainfall. This was called Horseshoe Falls in the 1800s. This photo has made explore, peaking at #343 Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/beach-camping-tn/ 10 Spectacular Spots In Tennessee Where You Can Camp Right On The Water
Market Street Bridge B The Market Street Bridge in Chattanooga, TN just a couple of months before its exstensive renovations were finished. What makes this bridge different that any other bridge I've seen is its a Double-Leaf overhead counterweight Bascule Bridge. Has anyone ever seen, or ever photographed this bridge in it's "open" position?
A duck I saw at Centennial Park I like waterfowl, but I'm not good at identifying them. :( I'm not sure I had seen a black and white one like this one before. Lake Watauga, Centennial Park, Nashville, TN
upper part of Big Falls - Old Stone Fork Park Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is an American Indian ceremonial site estimated to be 2000 years old. The site is situated between two forks of the Duck River and both forks have several waterfalls. The two waterfalls on the northern fork are easily accessible and are magnificent. a little upstream of the Main section of Big Falls is the first drop of 7 feet in a section of river 90 feet wide.
Fisherman Mural Celina, Tn - just a couple of blocks from the town square. Unless you're going to photograph the courthouse like I did, about the only reason to go to Celina is for Dale Hollow Lake. Even the official county website is DaleHollowLake.org
Cordell Hull Bridge - Carthage, TN It is the old bridge connecting Carthage to South Carthage. On the south side of the river, is just a bluff and an area wide enough for U.S. 70S to pass through. It was built in 1936 and was the second bridge to span the river at this spot. Hull was Secretary of State for FDR for 11 years. This is the view from the newer TN25 bridge.
Northern Shoveler - seen down south A duck, or some other kind of waterfowl, I saw the last time I was at Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville. I don't think I've ever seen one with these colors around here.
Dam on the Duck River - Shelbyville, TN #3
Dam on the Duck River - Shelbyville, TN #2 This dam was listed on the 2009 Ten in Tenn by the Tennessee Preservation Trust as an endangered historic site. www.tennesseepreservationtrust.org/ten-in-tn/2009/?proper...
the western tip of Macllelan Island in the Tennessee river, just a bit upstream from downtown Chattanooga. Until I took this picture, I had no idea that sign was there.
LP Field home of the Tennessee Titans. Picture was taken back in March when the Cumberland River was flooding a little bit. Part of Riverfront Park is underwater
Kayaking in the Chattanooga Fountain Everything at the Chattanooga downtown riverfront has changed since my previous visit three years ago. One of these changes is stair steps that lead down to the Tennessee River and large spray fountains that shoot into the river. It is apparently a popular place to get in your kayak and go through, which a family of four was doing on this afternoon. The daughter in the green kayak is about to go through and the son in the yellow kayak just did. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/outdoor-tn/ 12 Crazy Things You Never Thought About Doing in Tennessee
The U.S. Coast guard protecting Nashville's shore
A Riverboat and a Courthouse In the foreground, Docked along the banks of the Ohio is the Cincinnati Belle Riverboat. In the background, a couple of blocks away, is the Campbell County Courthouse of Newport, Ky.
Cumberland river near the dam on the Cumberland River, at the park on the Hendersonville side.
Chattanooga Aquarium as seen from the Fatcat Ferry on the Tennessee River. The original Freshwater part is on the right and the newer Saltwater part is on the left. I have given permission to the Southeast Tennessee Tourism Association to use this photo on their website: www.southeasttennessee.com/www/docs/744.3319/self-guided-... Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-facts/ 20 Facts About Tennessee You Never Knew Were True
The closest I've come to a Heron at the Old Hickory Dam on the Cumberland River in Nashville
Lake Watauga - Centennial Park
Lake Watauga
Old bridge at Centennial Park During the time of the Centennial Exposition, the Lake Watauga did not stop here and went on beyond the bridge. The Lake was closed off and the other side became the sunken garden. The arch bridge was an engineering challenge at the time. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-picnics/ The 12 Best Places In Tennessee To Go On An Unforgettable Picnic
Industry and Recreation in Nashville
A heron catches a fish
Drakes Creek Park Pedestrian Bridge in Hendersonville, TN, just off Highway 31E is this bridge to a nice little Island in this area of the Old Hickory Lake
Double Cola barn Have you ever driven somewhere and saw something you really wanted a picture of that you weren't expecting, only to find you left your camera's memory card at home. Then you can't wait to drive back to the same place again... That's what happened to me here. Highway TN 249 connects Pegram to Ashland City in Cheatham Co., TN. When getting closer to Ashland City, TN249 becomes River Road which Parallels the Cumberland River. This is just a couple of miles south of Ashland City. Double Cola is Headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, and although it reaches as far north as Evansville, IN, it is not distributed as widely as it used to. I have never seen it for sale anywhere in Nashville, but I once saw it for sale at a gas station in Smyrna. It looks like the barn is "getting a big lift" from the Double Cola sign. If this barn interests you, check out my blog at: see-rock-city.blogspot.com/ This barn was also referenced at Nashville is Talking blog: www.nashvilleistalking.com/2007/04/02/i-dont-think-they-m... and here: bubbycat.livejournal.com/394936.html This photo has made explore, peaking at #295 Hello to anyone who found this photo here: The Ultimate Guide To Cloning In Photoshop www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/03/30/the-ultimate-guide-to...
Wedding Chapel in the woods Here is a tiny wedding chapel I found a couple of years ago. The area is accessed by crossing a small footbridge on the left, but the area was locked behind a fence on this day. My map calls the water here Lake Louise and it's downstream from Lake Marrowbone in the Northwest corner of Davidson County. Off the right edge of the picture is a dam. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tennessee-questions/ 11 Questions You Can Only Answer If You’re From Tennessee
Newsom's Mill - Nashville, TN This is the remains of a grist mill located along the Harpeth River along the western edge of Davidson County. Built in 1862, the area is now under the oversight of the TN State Park system, as this is one of several locations of the Harpeth River State Park, (such as the Mont. Bell Tunnel). This is located just off U.S. 70, and has a small parking lot on the other side. Visitors can walk up and, to an extent, in the mill and look at signs explaining the remaining machinery on the inside. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places. This Page has an artists rendition of what it would look like in its operating days. Here is the historical marker: seemidtn.com/gallery/index.php?album=historical-markers/n...
Nashville skyline at dusk I was going for more of a silhouette look than when I took a similar photo about 9 months ago.
Gateway Bridge at Dusk the newest Nashville, Tn bridge to span the Cumberland river. taken from the bridge that it replaced, the Shelby street bridge, which is now pedestrian only. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/everyone-looking-tn/ 5 Times that EVERYONE Was Looking At Tennessee (In the Last 5 Years) or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-questions/ 13 Things People ALWAYS Ask When They Know You’re From Tennessee
Kayak Ramp The Narrows of the Harpeth State Park is an ideal place to go kayaking. Park your car, take your Kayak down the ramp, row for a couple of miles downstream, and then you end up a few hundred feet from here. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/free-tn/ Here Are 21 Awesome Things To Do In Tennessee… Without Opening Your Wallet or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/waterfront-tn/ You’ll Never Forget A Trip To These 10 Waterfront Spots In Tennessee
View of 2 bridges from Mt. Washington in Pittsburgh, these two Ohio River bridges are zoomed in from the Duquesne Incline Observation Deck. The closer bridge is part of the OCRR bridge, which crosses the Ohio River at Brunot Island, built in 1915. The further bridge is McKees Rocks Bridge, built in 1932. For more info, see: pghbridges.com/pittsburghW/0580-4479/ocrrb1915.htm pghbridges.com/pittsburghW/0580-4480/mckeesrxor.htm Hello to anyone who found this photo here: dc.thecityfix.com/ballroom-dancer-seeks-urban-string-theo...
Unsafe Ice Let this be a warning to all of you are planning on ice skating on Lake Watauga in Centennial Park. Wait for it to cool off a little more. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: marriagesecrets.com/blog/2007/07/marriage-makes-you-numbe... or here: www.lockergnome.com/it/2010/06/29/chase-bank-fail-use-ie6/ Chase Bank Fail: “Use IE6″
Gateway Liberty Belle in the Ohio River
A Tennessee Swimming Hole This hidden-in-the-woods place is "Blue Hole" it is upstream from Greeter Falls in its segment of the South Cumberland State Park. It's located near the town of Altamont, TN in Grundy County just off of highway TN 56. The trail to get here is about .6 miles from the parking area. My wife and I were tempted to stay the whole day. This picture was used here: healthcareroom.com/blog/2007/01/moderation-and-lower-heal... and here: www.facebook.com/tennesseeonly/photos/a.790997117659480.1... and here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-swimming-holes/ 10 Tennessee Swimming Holes You Can’t Miss This Summer
Gatliff Bridge KY90 over the Cumberland River in Kentucky
Pittsburgh River Rescue
Cumberland falls as seen from the lowest observation spot at the park. The waterfall is 60 feet tall and 125 feet wide. For all of my fellow Nashvillians who'd never heard of this place, It's the Cumberland River upstream near Corbin, Ky (sorta halfway between Knoxville and Lexington) This picture was taken close to dusk, as we had hoped to see the famed moonbow at the right moment, but it was too cloudy that night.
Waterfall into Lula Lake Lula Lake and falls is one of the greater Chattanooga Area's best kept secrets. When I visited the lake last fall, the water levels were lower than normal, making the small waterfall going into the lake a little bit of a larger waterfall. (the water of the lake also looked a little less green) Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/georgia/secret-waterfalls-in-geor... Most People Don’t Know These Secret Waterfalls Are Hiding Right Here In Georgia 6. Lula Lake Lula Lake waterfalls can be found on the Lula Lake Land Trust found on Lookout Mountain. Lula Lake Land Trust preserves this historical beautiful piece of land through education and low impact recreation.
Cumberland River Catfish This catfish is located along part of the downtown Cumberland River Greenway, in the section near Bicentennial Mall
Cumberland River Greenway Sign This sign marks a portion of the nashville greenway system which now will get you from Bicentennial Mall to the new symphony center, where you can cross the Shelby St. Bridge. You could also bike all the way to Shelby Bottoms and perhaps someday even the Percy Priest dam.
Marrowbone Lake Dam Built in the 1930's (I think) and it doesn't inspire much confidence. Marrowbone Lake is one of Nashville's best kept secrets, as it is maintained by the TN Wildlife resources Agency and is not a city or state park. I guess water is supposed to flow over the top of it, so the level of the lake is maintained, but is it supposed to leak like that? Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/fascinating-tn-spots/ 11 Fascinating Places In Tennessee You Can Barely Find On A Map
Looking from the Point standing at Point State Park, and having a view of the Ohio River, Mt. Washington and the Duquesne Incline
The Ned McWherter Bridge - Near Paris, TN This is on US Highway 79 crossing the Tennessee River / Kentucky Lake. Once you cross the river, I suppose you are then in the "Land Between the Lakes." This is seen from Paris Landing State Park, and it seems to be the most photographed thing at the park. Not too long ago, it replaced the Scott Fitzhugh Bridge. Hello to anyone who found this picture from the Egan Snow blog: egansnow.blogspot.com/2006/07/ned-mcwherter-bridge-near-p...
The Nashville City Park that Time forgot This park is on your Nashville map, but you don't want to go there. This place was built in 1890, and was used as a ferry and a boat dock, then the US army corps of Engineers made it as one of the 14 Locks on the Cumberland River, but when the dam was built forming Old Hickory Lake, there was no need for a lock here, and the land was given to the city for a city park in the 1950s. I am not sure that anyone has been since. If I were to pan the camera to the right a little bit, you'd see downtown. Obviously unsafe for children (never mind the rusty guardrails)
Waterfowl at the Point Seen at the three rivers point in Pittsburgh, PA.
James Robertson Obelisk - Centennial Park This Obelisk monument is dedicated to James Robertson, the founder of Nashville in Centennial Park, as Lake Watauga is in the foreground. This is inscribed on the plaque on the obelisk: James Robertson Founder of Nashville "We are the advance guard of civilization. Our way is across the Continent." Robertson-1770 Born in Brunswick County, Virginia, June 28, 1742. Moved to North Carolina in 1750. Came to Tennessee in 1769. Settled Nashville in 1780. Died in Tennessee Sept 1, 1814. Reinterred inthe City Cemetery at Nashville, 1825 under authority of the Tennessee Legislature.
The next step is a Doozy! Close to the best overlook of Chattanooga, TN, this is at Point State Park at the northern tip of Lookout Mountain In the distance you can see the downtown area of Chattanooga, as well as Moccassin Bend of the Tennessee River.
Driving around Raccoon Mountain This...Whatever this is...can be seen while driving through the Raccoon Mountain TVA area. The Tennessee River is in the background. Driving up this road will eventually take us to the observation point which gives a good view of Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga Below. This street also takes us to the Raccoon Mountain reservoir which is part of the TVA power system. However its just odd to see this machinery on the side of the road in an otherwise scenic setting.
Point State Park fountain I have a question for all of you Pittsburgh people out there. I don't know how well you can see it, but when I was there in Late june 05, there was a fence that went around the edge of the river, presumably to keep people from falling in. When I look at all of y'alls pictures, the fence is not there. What gives? for those that do not recognize this, this is the fountain at the point where the Allegheny and the Monongahela rivers merge to become the Ohio. Along with the block house, is the highlight of Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh, Pa.
Lula lake and smaller waterfall, Lookout Mountain Just Minutes from Chattanooga and down the road from Rock City, This pristine lake and smaller waterfall is on Lookout Mountain
Middle Falls at Burgess Falls State Park, TN This is the second of three waterfalls along the Falling Water River at Burgess Falls State Park. Located just minutes south of Cookeville, Tennessee
Stones River Pedestrian Greenway Bridge, Nashville This just completed pedestrian bridge is part of the Nashville Metro Parks Greenway system. It crosses Stones River close to where it joins with the cumberland. This is near Heartland Park in the Two Rivers part of town. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.daz-augsburg.de/naturschutz-gegen-neuen-lechsteg-nach... or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/nashville/nashville-hik... 7 Epic Hiking Spots Around Nashville Are Completely Out Of This World or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/waterfront-trails/ These 8 Gorgeous Waterfront Trails In Tennessee Are Perfect For A Summer Day
Tennessee Lake sunset Sunset behind the trees at Bledsoe Creek state park in Tennessee Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-scenery/ These 15 Mind-Blowing Sceneries Totally Define Tennessee
