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Today Jimmy Staffey and I explored a forgotten road known as the Ike Kidd Road. It parallels the Guy Kidd Road and is easy to overlook. We found a possible grave, remnants of an old farm as well as an interesting stone structure under a small rock house.

This was the first day of the year and Randy Neal and Jimmy Staffey joined me in Big South Fork to find Troublesome Creek Arch. After exploring the arch, we drove down Lexton Road in the park and found an old cemetery. After the hike, I drove out to Pickett State Park to see the lake after it had been drained.

Today, Randy Neal and I drove a big loop along the backroads of Big South Fork and Daniel Boone Forest. We saw three arches, Kill Bear, Rattler, and Hickory Knob. We also found an old, unique log cabin church. While driving along Rock Creek, we found an old train trestle. On the way back, we found a very interesting bluff with a pond at its base.

We explored Groom Ridge in Big South Fork looking for old home places, bluffs, and overlooks. My hiking partner was Jimmy Staffey.

If you want to avoid the Cades Cove crowd, try driving the short Roaring Fork Nature Trail. In the center of Gatlinburg, turn onto the Airport Road and you will soon be on a loop that takes you to the trail. The road is narrow and steep but gives you an idea as to how folks lived in the mountains. You can also park and hike one of the shorter trails to Mt. Leconte.

My hiking companions were Randy Neal and Jimmy Staffey. We explored the southern end of Big South Fork with our first stop at Potter's Double Arch. We then hiked to White Oak Overlook. From there, we explored an old home place then walked on to Gun Rock. On the way back to Burnt Mill, we stopped at the Honey Creek Overlook to check out the fall colors.

Along with son Jacob, we hiked in what as kids we called Williams Woods. This area was owned by the Williams family since the early 1900s and was also called Summerville Heights. One mystery is a name carved into a bluff of Orpha Boone. Local legend says she was possibly related to Daniel Boone. There is also a very faint date that may be 1830.

Today, I hiked with Randy Neal, Tim West, and Jimmy Staffey. We wanted to check out the storm damage from the recent high winds that ripped through Pogue Creek. From Black House Road to the Mesa Top Overlook is clear. Also, from Highway 154 to the overlook is clear. The canyon however is in horrible shape. Judging from the number of blow downs, it may be awhile before the trail is fully clear.

Waterloo Falls is north of Cookeville. You will need a day pass that costs $6.00. You can go to Waterloo Venues and Events and buy online.

Jimmy Staffey led Melinda Watters, Randy Neal, and myself to a great explore in Big South Fork. We saw DW Arch, New Salem Land Bridge, and Claw Arch. We also explored a couple of old cemeteries.

We spent three days " camping " out at Deer Run RV resort. This is a very nice park near Crossville TN just north of I40.

After finding some old family photos, I went back to Rock Island State Park to see if I could find where we stood while making these shots.

Sometimes I need solitude to gather my thoughts. Bee Rock is a place that allows you to reconnect with nature and get rejuvenated. It is also a special place where I can sit and stand where my parents stood in 1948.

If you truly love something, you find a way to continue the activity even as you get older. Decades ago, we backpacked and slept on the ground. Now we sleep in a RV. It allows both of us to get outside together and enjoy nature.

Window Cliffs Falls

Hurricane Ridge Road

A Small Arch and two Great Overlooks

York's Palace Arch, York's Double Arch, and Pall Mall Grist Mill

Coyle Branch Road to North White Oak Creek

Cummins Falls

Middle Creek Falls and Cathedral Arch

The John Smith Trail

Beaver Falls and Potters Branch Double Arch

Pedigo Trail Center Hill Lake

Dog Cove

2023 Adventures

Laurel Fork

Hanging Around the Bandy Creek Area of BSF

Grassy Cove