An Exploratory Hike to Gentry Creek Falls

Cherokee Nat'l Forest: Mountain City, TN: Gentry Creek Falls: 5 miles

This past Saturday we took part in a guided hike lead by PACT. Unfortunately, we didn’t attract the turnout we were looking for, but the few people who did join in made our walk through the woods very enjoyable. It was a special treat since Cody and I don’t hike with other people very often.


Throughout the trek we all took turns pointing out various plant and animal wildlife, and because I have such a curious mind, this was a big highlight for me. Our hike was more about exploring and less about keeping up a steady pace. Even so, we moved faster than if Cody and I had gone solo. It’s no surprise that I generally stop every few feet to take a photo! Okay, not every few feet......[Cody, stop shaking your head]….okay, every few feet!


As unconcerned as we may have been about reaching our destination, we finally arrived to the proverbial pot of gold. At the “end of our rainbow” lay a double-decker waterfall, both 30 to 40 feet high. It was magnificent! After a couple photos, we trudged to the top tier where we all sat down to have lunch and tune in to the rushing water flowing past us. Very refreshing, indeed!

(The photo below doesn't show the one up top)
Gentry Creek Falls

Well worth the 2.5 miles it took to get to Gentry Creek Falls. Altogether, I would say that it was a very moderate hike with barely any gain in elevation. It did, however, take a little over 4 hours to complete, and the numerous creek crossings did present quite a few obstacles since we had to do it 13 times! After a while, you succumbed to soggy shoes!

These foot bridges probably have you thinking, "What creek crossings?",
believe me, we got our feet wet! I just didn't get any photos of it :)


I do hope to return in the future on an overcast/foggy day to get some better photos of the falls. Not that I am complaining about the gorgeous weather we were graced with, but it’s just not conducive to taking good waterfall photos. Note to self: Remember this the next time you don’t want to go for a hike on a rainy day!

Friday, I was thinking that I would share the results of our wildflower findings. I came home with a handful that needed to be identified and thought you all may be interested to see the little beauties that were springing up!!


23 comments:

  1. looks like a gorgeous waterfall hike

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  2. Does your aperture not go higher than f11? (Sorry, I nosied into the stats...)

    Great pics, regardless. I love the bridge pics. :)

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  3. i love hiking. i miss my friends who hike often in south africa. i look forward to exploring new trails in my new world.

    the first photo is a nostalgic one for me for many reasons.

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  4. Like golf. wet boots spoil a good walk.just pray for rain next time and get wet all over.but you will come away with some great photo's.just think of the water running down your back not trying to put you off.suffering for your art.wet socks and boots not for me.let you and others do it.Cody take a wetsuit.

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  5. Thanks for the waterfall tip. I didn't know overcast was better for shooting waterfalls, although it makes sense since it's better for shooting lots of scenes.

    We hiked this weekend too. And the hike you did is just the kind we enjoy! We have learned to expect wet feet in spring hiking.

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  6. I always enjoy coming along on your hikes with you. You appreciation for nature always shines through in your photos.

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  7. gorgeous. the sun just came out, woo hoo, off to hike with my charley dog.

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  8. what a great hike--thanks for sharing the photos!

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  9. This looks like a great hike, wish i could have been there too!

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  10. I definetely be waiting for your wildflower pictures :-)
    Sounded like you have a nice day out. I have not been trekking for ages, and probably won't be able to do any 5miles for the next 3-4 years.

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  11. I love to go on hikes! They really are refreshing. Love the pics, especially of the bridge.

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  12. OH that looks like fun! Soggy feet & all. (Ever heard of gore-tex socks, no soggy feet!) There really aren't many places to hike here or you have to worry about alligators. ;)

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  13. As usual, the photos and narrative make me feel like I'm almost there! Good job :-D

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  14. Sounds and looks like a wonderful time!

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  15. oh how i missed it here! i will be driving cross country with my dogs doing some hiking feel free to sudgest must!

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  16. Wow, that looks amazing! I love waterfalls and creeks, probably my two favorite things about nature!

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  17. So beautiful. Your pictures bring about very vivid imaging. I never hike anymore, unless of course it's chasing after a 3 and 2 year old. Does that count?

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  18. What a beautiful place to hike and explore! Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs and blessings,

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  19. That waterfall photo is breathtaking. Thanks for taking us along on your excursion.

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  20. What are the little Blue flowers in the glass? I was given some of these this spring and would like to know the name. Thanks

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