SANP Field Event

Rhododendron Creek Trail Cascades

Saturday, May 28, 2022

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

Meeting place: Greenbrier Ranger Station GSMNP

Time:  7:30 am

Registration available:  Beginning today 

Description:  Let's us see what may be blooming around the cascades.  The cascades should have plenty of water. We will take the shorter route to the falls. 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 at least one stream crossing which should be easily managed. You may want water shoes, but you may just want to enjoy rock hopping.  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.  If we are lucky we may get to see the rhododendron in bloom.

For more information about the area visit 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 polarizer 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.