SANP Field Event
Rhododendron Creek Trail Cascades in the Fall
Saturday, October 23, 2021
Leader: Dale Potter Phone: (865)-773-8114 E-mail: dalepotter55@gmail.com
Meeting place: Greenbrier Ranger Station GSMNP
Time: 7:45 am
Registration available: Beginning today
Description: We will take the shorter route to the falls instead of the longer trail we took this summer. This will be an off trail adventure for those who want to visit some cascades that most do not get to see. There will be one stream crossing which should be easily managed. You may want water shoes, but you may just want to enjoy rockhopping. Have you visited Alpenrose Falls, Kurume Falls, Glenn Dale Falls, Mountain Laurel Falls, Pinxter Falls, Rhodora Falls, & finally Oldhamii Fall? These cascades are collectively known as Rhododendron Creek Falls. The names of the falls vary depending on who you are talking to. Do not expect me to be able to tell you the names of the falls. I only promise to get you in and out of the area.
You can visit Jerry Whaley's description of the area starting at page 44 here and see some of his pics of the area.
For more information about the area vist this page
Learning opportunities:
This is a good location to work on your technique for obtaining pleasing images of waterfalls and water.
How to meter for the best exposure
How to interpret the histogram for the best exposure.
What shutter speeds to use for the look you want
How to use polarizers and neutral density filters
Lenses of any focal length from 20mm to about 300mm will be useful. Tripod…..mandatory for your best waterfall photographs.
What to wear: Dress for the weather. You may want shoes that you can walk out in the stream to get the image you want.
What to bring: Bring snacks, and water.
Walking required: The trail is an easy to moderate at a minimum about 3 miles round trip. Moderate Elevation. This will be at a walking pace with plenty of stops for the Cascades.
Driving directions: Greenbrier Ranger Station off of Highway 321. It will be on your right about a mile off 321. This is the same road that one takes for Ramsay Cascades and Porters Creek. Google Maps or Waze should get you there.
