April 9, 2005 - Wildflower Hike
| On April 9, 2005, I met with about 20 other folks at the Collins Gulf Access, to go on a five mile wildflower hike. Leading the expedition was Mary Priestly, a botanist from the University of the South in Sewanee, and Jason Reinolds, a South Cumberland Park Ranger. The trip takes the Collins Gulf Trail to Horsepound Falls and back. This of course requires crossing the Rocky Mountain Creek at Suter Falls. Recent rain made this crossing much more dangerous than normal. Ranger Jason pre-rigged a rope to help assist everyone at the creek crossing. | |
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| Everyone is lining up for the creek crossing at Suter
Falls.
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Ranger Jason helping everyone over the boulder.
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| It was near impossible to cross the creek without
getting a little wet.
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After the creek crossing, it's about two miles to
Horsepound Falls.
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| Mary pointed out many wildflowers throughout the entire
hike.
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Before reaching Horsepound Falls, the trail drops about
500 feet in elevation.
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| Horsepound Falls, bigger than I had ever seen it.
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Everyone ate lunch at Horsepound Falls, then it was
time to climb back to the parking lot.
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| On the way back, some folks decided to crossover behind Suter Falls rather than crossing the creek again. | Suter Falls
It was a great hike. Mary's knowledge was amazing! |