Scenic Sunday #3 “Morgan’s Falls & Steep”
When-
Sunday Afternoon Feb. 20th.
Place-
Sewanee, TN
Driving Distance from Our House-
37 Miles
The Adventure-
This week had to make up for the last. We were focused on the trails location, the reliability of the maps and the address put in the GPS. So the bar was set, the plan was in motion and the homework was done to insure a more successful adventure. The only question now was if this time we were on the road to find that 5* location.
Once again we on a nearby mountain in Sewanee: a very small community that is the home of Sewanee University also known as the “University of the South.” This beautiful Episcopal founded campus perched on the Cumberland Plateau and is a jewel within itself. As a matter of fact, it was not for the University there would not be the Sewanee we know.
As impressive as the campus is, the school was not our goal. We will have to save that story for some other time. Our goal was Morgan’s Steep and Morgan Falls.
We had never heard of Morgan Falls and neither had anyone whom we asked. Many of our friends have lived here all of their lives and have not seen it. If you have been keeping up with our adventures, you can probably guess how we found it ourselves. That’s right; the program we found that used Google Earth to show different natural falls, bridges and caves. As you may remember, it had led us astray last week. We were willing to give it another chance.
The gamble paid off! We followed Marge (our G.P.S.) through the peaceful college, past the awe-aspiring chapel into a modest residential area, around a couple of blind curve to a small rugged pull off with a short rock barrier. Joyfully we had made it to the top of Morgan’s Steep.
The rock wall has a marker with the inscription Morgan’s Steep, but those words did not justified what we saw as we walked up. We have seen dozens overlooks and this was one of the coolest. Notice I did not say the coolest, but this was defiantly in the top 10.
As you may have noticed by this issues title “Recon Mission”, this trip was a dual purpose trek. The first is always, always, always family time. The second was to scout the overlook for spring and fall photos. I was looking for a vantage point that my family and I could picnic and easily see three different backdrops.
During the winter this overlook offered us a clearer view of the landscape below as it gradually met the fair sky miles away. Some may label it as bare, but I saw it as a valley of trees trying to breathe before it bloomed. This became one of our favorite overlooks east of the Mississippi. There are others deeper and wider but this is close and well worth the drive for a picnic. I cannot wait to see it in full bloom in both spring and the fall.
Our calmness was interrupted by a jogger trenched in sweat exited one of the two trails that sat at our feet. It was time to make a choice trail 1 or trail 2.
Trail 1’s physical aspect is where this trail gets the second part of its name. Morgan’s Steep is well; really steep! Facing the outlook and to the left is a dizzying rocky set of stairs. These constricted stairs seemed to go down the facade forever. Every riser was as compressed as its width.
I have seen high overlooks with steep slopes in the Rocky Mountains, the Smoky Mountains and all up and down the Blue Ridge. Here on this side of the Cumberland Plateau, it was not the height that made my head swim it was thought of scaling down this stair way to hell.
The other trail, trail 2 was a different story. This one had a rather smooth decline with trees all around us. After just a few minutes you can hear a brook flowing over the rocks. The Steep was beginning to fade out of my memory and my pale face began to retain its color. We were moving forward as well downward.
Once again joggers passed with smiles on their faces and a friendly wave reminding me that we picked the right trail. Why anyone would want to spend their Sunday afternoon jogging is beyond me. Yet here I sit in my chair, over weight and drinking my drug known as Coca-Cola writing this blog.
The trail had a very soothing effect on us. Every step that we took seemed to push us further back into time, while the rest of the world had gone on without us. With the naked landscape surrounding us, we had a clear view of the rocks and bluffs above us and the creek below. We could see how my ancestors the Cherokee could use this place to their advantage, either to live or to kill. I thought of the deer coming to water due to their thirst, while the mighty hunters used the cliffs to quietly sneak up on it prey. It must have been even more beautiful to the Native Americans who left it nearly un-touch and fully respected.
We were at the falls in no time, unfortunately it was dry. There were a few strains of moss guiding what little water there was falling from its edge. It was a far cry from the 25 foot water fall on the internet.
We were not surprised or discouraged. As we said before, this was a “Recon Mission” and a successful one. We cannot wait for the canopy of green and the racing of rain water over the falls and around the rocks in the streams.
The Heard family began this trip with a couple of Sub Way foot longs, a few bucks in gas and a curiosity of Morgan’s Falls. Now that we are satisfied we will defiantly be coming back in a month with confidence.
One day soon, maybe the Heard family can get a tour of the beautiful “University of the South”!
So get out there and have your own Adventure!
Robert G. Heard
The Travel Log-
Family Fun Rating: **** out of 5
Explanation-
We gave this 4 * simply because we know we have not seen it in all its glory. I can almost guarantee that when we return next month this will be a 5*, but you have to keep coming back to know.
Follow us!!!
Website @ http://state.tn.us/environment/parks/SouthCumberland/
Showing posts with label hike. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hike. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Scenic Sunday "Sewanee Natural Bridge"
Scenic Sunday #2 “Not as Planned”
When-
Sunday Afternoon Feb. 13th.
Place-
Sewanee, TN
Driving Distance from Our House-
37 Miles
The Adventure-
The plan was simple, 2 waterfalls and a picnic. The falls was only a short hike from the parking areas, with the parking areas less than 10 minutes from each other. After a few moments of studying the G.P.S. and Google earth, we were confident about our destination.
Once again we packed up our gear and went to worship the Lord. As Believers we realize that the nature we enjoy so much is created by the One True God. Notice I said is created instead of was. God is constantly proving His existence with creation of every season.
On this trip the “Heard Wagon” was stocked with a cooler of sandwiches, drinks and bags of chips. A meal fit for a small budget. Remember these trips are meant to be fun and affordable family adventures.
The G.P.S. led us to the first parking area where we had intended on taking the short hike with our lunch in tow. Unfortunately, when Marge (our Magellan) boasted “You have arrived,” we were in the middle of the road in a brand new residential neighborhood with only private driveways available to park. The water fall was no longer on public land and accessible to the community. Needless to say, we were disappointed and still hungry.
We remembered that a few miles down the road was the office of the South Cumberland State Park. This park covers a huge part of southern- middle Tennessee. The park office is well equipped with all the current information needed to enjoy this beautiful park. The park is the home of Savage Gulf, Stone Door and the Fiery Gizzard Trail.
We went to the Park Office and ate our lunch on one of the many picnic areas. Once our stomachs were filled and our frustration calmed down, we went in and asked for the information and watched a great little film about the area. The second falls we were looking for was on the area of the map that was available to the public. Also, on the same trail was a natural bridge. When we had a hand full of maps and brochures we hit the road again. This time we were much more successful, well sort of.
We had no trouble finding the well marked parking lot for the trails and the natural bridge. There were two trails at this location, one to the falls and the other to the bridge. The bridge was a short hike and did not leave a fat man like me out of breath. The trail to the bridge was less than a 100 yards slightly down hill.
Walking down the wide, even and well maintained trail brought you to the top of the bridge. According to the information we picked up at the park office a natural bridge is formed when layers of hard rock are separated by soft sandy rocks. The water slowly pushes and washes the sand out between the two hard layers, leaving a void. Above that void is the bridge. Are you still awake?
Whether one is interested in how it was formed, there is no doubt in how cool it looks standing on top of the bridge or under it. The bluffs that surrounded us were beautifully, naturally decorated with wonderful layers of colors and steps.
At the base was what I would call a cove deep enough for a couple of adult’s comfortable shelter from rain. It even had a place to start a fire. Other hikers and campers had made their marks on the cave walls with the charcoal from their fire pit.
There is so much more to experience, however we wanted to get that last trail in. I was tired and so were the kids, but we were wanting to see a water fall. Once again however, we hit a snag. The trail to the other falls was not as easily found. After a total nearly four hours of frustration, hiking and making circles, we were ready to throw in the towel.
In the end I wish I could have photographed some falling water that day, but things did not go as planned. We still had a great time at the bridge and we learned a lot at the state park office. Most importantly we did it together as a family. We can’t fuss about that.
So get out there and have your own Adventure!
Robert G. Heard
The Travel Log-
Family Fun Rating: *** out of 5
Explanation-
I cannot really blame anyone for this “OK” rating. We used a program on Google that is updated by other users like me. The software marks different locations of natural areas. Unfortunately, for us we visited a place that has not been updated, it happens. We ended up being too tired to put any more effort into finding that other trail. If it was marked better, I would have given it a 4 *.
Website @ http://state.tn.us/environment/parks/SouthCumberland/
Sewanee Natural Bridge
When-
Sunday Afternoon Feb. 13th.
Place-
Sewanee, TN
Driving Distance from Our House-
37 Miles
The Adventure-
The plan was simple, 2 waterfalls and a picnic. The falls was only a short hike from the parking areas, with the parking areas less than 10 minutes from each other. After a few moments of studying the G.P.S. and Google earth, we were confident about our destination.
Once again we packed up our gear and went to worship the Lord. As Believers we realize that the nature we enjoy so much is created by the One True God. Notice I said is created instead of was. God is constantly proving His existence with creation of every season.
On this trip the “Heard Wagon” was stocked with a cooler of sandwiches, drinks and bags of chips. A meal fit for a small budget. Remember these trips are meant to be fun and affordable family adventures.
The G.P.S. led us to the first parking area where we had intended on taking the short hike with our lunch in tow. Unfortunately, when Marge (our Magellan) boasted “You have arrived,” we were in the middle of the road in a brand new residential neighborhood with only private driveways available to park. The water fall was no longer on public land and accessible to the community. Needless to say, we were disappointed and still hungry.
We remembered that a few miles down the road was the office of the South Cumberland State Park. This park covers a huge part of southern- middle Tennessee. The park office is well equipped with all the current information needed to enjoy this beautiful park. The park is the home of Savage Gulf, Stone Door and the Fiery Gizzard Trail.
We went to the Park Office and ate our lunch on one of the many picnic areas. Once our stomachs were filled and our frustration calmed down, we went in and asked for the information and watched a great little film about the area. The second falls we were looking for was on the area of the map that was available to the public. Also, on the same trail was a natural bridge. When we had a hand full of maps and brochures we hit the road again. This time we were much more successful, well sort of.
We had no trouble finding the well marked parking lot for the trails and the natural bridge. There were two trails at this location, one to the falls and the other to the bridge. The bridge was a short hike and did not leave a fat man like me out of breath. The trail to the bridge was less than a 100 yards slightly down hill.
Walking down the wide, even and well maintained trail brought you to the top of the bridge. According to the information we picked up at the park office a natural bridge is formed when layers of hard rock are separated by soft sandy rocks. The water slowly pushes and washes the sand out between the two hard layers, leaving a void. Above that void is the bridge. Are you still awake?
Whether one is interested in how it was formed, there is no doubt in how cool it looks standing on top of the bridge or under it. The bluffs that surrounded us were beautifully, naturally decorated with wonderful layers of colors and steps.
At the base was what I would call a cove deep enough for a couple of adult’s comfortable shelter from rain. It even had a place to start a fire. Other hikers and campers had made their marks on the cave walls with the charcoal from their fire pit.
There is so much more to experience, however we wanted to get that last trail in. I was tired and so were the kids, but we were wanting to see a water fall. Once again however, we hit a snag. The trail to the other falls was not as easily found. After a total nearly four hours of frustration, hiking and making circles, we were ready to throw in the towel.
In the end I wish I could have photographed some falling water that day, but things did not go as planned. We still had a great time at the bridge and we learned a lot at the state park office. Most importantly we did it together as a family. We can’t fuss about that.
So get out there and have your own Adventure!
Robert G. Heard
The Travel Log-
Family Fun Rating: *** out of 5
Explanation-
I cannot really blame anyone for this “OK” rating. We used a program on Google that is updated by other users like me. The software marks different locations of natural areas. Unfortunately, for us we visited a place that has not been updated, it happens. We ended up being too tired to put any more effort into finding that other trail. If it was marked better, I would have given it a 4 *.
Website @ http://state.tn.us/environment/parks/SouthCumberland/
Sewanee Natural Bridge
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