SANP Field Event

Norris Dam Wildflowers

Saturday, April 17th, 2021

Leader: Dale Potter               Phone:  (865)-773-8114      E-mail: dalepotter55@gmail.com

Meeting place: River Bluff Trail Norris Dam State Park

Time:  8:00 am

Registration available:  Beginning today 

Description: The Riverbluff Trail is a pleasant walk through old growth forest on the west bank of the Clinch River below Norris Dam.  This trail has one of the most spectacular early spring wildflower displays in East Tennessee.  The trail follows the riverbank and passes below moist limestone bluffs which create an environment ideal for early blooming wildflowers.  Among the wildflowers we are likely to see will be beds of lemon colored trout lilies, the ephemeral bloodroot, delicate spring beauties, celandine poppies and several species of trillium. 

While there are several options for wildflowers for this weekend, some of the best photos have been from the River Bluff Trail.  It is still early for some flowers in the Smokies.

Learning opportunities:

• Artistic composition
• Getting adequate depth of field and a good background for a macro subject
• Isolating the subject from the background using a long lens
• Field identification of early spring wildflowers

What to bring:

• Macro lens if you have one
• Close-up accessories such as extension rings, screw on close-up lens and teleconverters
• Medium telephoto lenses
• Polarizing filter
• Reflectors and diffusers
• Tripod
• Cellphone camera is an option.

Rain gear for yourself and a rain cover for your camera in case we have snow or rain.

Walking required:

The trail is a fairly easy 3.3 mile loop. The first part of the trail follows the riverbank, then climbs away from the river and returns along the ridgetop. The hike can be made easier if you choose to return along the riverbank instead of on the ridgetop.

COVID-19 precautions:

We will practice social distancing and wear masks to mitigate the risk of virus transmission.  

Driving directions:

From the west end of the Norris Dam, go up the hill and around the curves on US 441 for 0.9 mile and turn left onto Dabney Lane (the second paved road to the left).  Immediately after turning off of US 441, turn left at the fork and follow the road down the hill to the marked trailhead parking area for River Bluff Trail.