Have I mentioned that I've been doing a bit of hiking?

September 15th, I went with a group of folks to hike the Middle Prong Trail in the Smokies.  The Smokies which are currently closed because of the government shutting down. But that's another issue altogether.

For my money, this is actually more of a walk than a hike since it's pretty flat the whole way.The hike is along an old railroad bed, used by a lumber company until the 1930's.  For much of it, there is a steep rock face along one side and the Little River along the other.

There are several falls and cascades along this trail.

The persistence of nature - this tree is sitting on a boulder, but manages to snake its roots around it to find bits of earth to anchor to.

This time of year there are signs of fall amidst the bright Spring-like greens.

I added a tiny rock to the very top of this cairn.

The Great Smoky Mountains are a temperate rainforest, so you are always surrounded by lush scenery.

Another waterfall - I believe this one is Lynn Camp Falls.

I was walking with a friend and catching up, since I hadn't seen her in a while.  We walked about seven miles on this hike, too.

A brick chimney is all that remains of an old pioneer homestead.

You pass over some small creeks on lovely moss-strewn bridges.

We also passed the rusting skeleton of an old Cadillac.

And then back to the parking area.  I could get used to this hiking on the weekends thing.