Featured Photos
Scroll down to view Steve Madden’s featured photos for July 19 through December 31 2022.
All photos in this collection are Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden.
SFPD30 December 30 2022
Lost and Found
I walked all the trails, including Lost Shoe Trail, at Fort Loudon State Historic Park near Vonore Tennessee. All six miles are easy and feature lake, forest and meadow views.
The park is on an island beside the Little Tennessee River surrounded by Tellico Lake.
SFPD30a December 30 2022
Fort Loudon
Fort Loudon was one of the earliest British fortifications on the western frontier.
Originally built in 1756, it was reconstructed on the bank of Little Tennessee River during the Great Depression and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
SFPD30b December 30 2022
Rich History
Before and after you explore Fort Loudon, stop by Fort Loudon State Historic Park visitor center to learn some of the rich history that involves British, French and Cherokee warriors and pioneer Americans.
SFPD30c December 30 2022
Sequoyah
Through excellent multi-sensory exhibits, Sequoyah Birthplace Museum tells the story of an illiterate man who devised an ingenious syllabary enabling members of his Cherokee nation to write their spoken language.
The museum is less than a mile from Fort Loudon State Historic Park in Vonore Tennessee.
SFPD27 December 27 2022
Seldom Seen
It seldom happens in my neck of the woods.
I was surprised by snowfall when I returned home from Kentucky where I witnessed Princess Falls when it was frozen solid.
I awoke next morning to about two inches of snow in South Knoxville. I walked midday at Ijams Nature Center where I photographed routine scenes made festive by a fresh white blanket of snow.
This play house is in a children’s play area near Ijams’ visitor center and gift shop.
SFPD26 December 26 2022
Frozen Princess
Princess Falls froze solid after four frigid cold winter days.
This always-impressive waterfall, and others we passed during our easy hike to see the Princess, looked more like ice sculptures than waterfalls on this occasion.
You will find them in the Kentucky section of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area near Stearns Kentucky.
SFPD21 December 21 2022
Billowy Birthday Clouds
A sunny sky invited me to walk this morning at Seven Islands State Birding Park near Kodak Tennessee.
After trekking two hours in bright sunshine, soft billowy clouds began to form, partially obscuring the mid-morning sun. The temperature cooled noticeably; thankfully by then I was warm from hiking Upland and Seven Islands Loop trails. I finished the morning walking Seclusion Bend Trail.
Beginning the day with an invigorating walk, I enjoyed my 65th birthday immensely.
SFPD15 December 15 2022
Roaring Debord Falls
Compare this image of Debord Falls, in Frozen Head State Park, to my featured photo for December 9, just a week earlier.
The difference? Two and one-half inches of steady rain fell December 14-15 to create Roaring Debord Falls. For these eyes, the transformation was astounding!
SFPD14 December 14 2022
Flat Fork Torrent
I ventured from my Falcon trailer at Big Cove Campground only twice on this rainy Wednesday. At end of day, I walked to Frozen Head State Park visitor center where I had a strong enough cell signal to phone a friend.
I captured this image from a pedestrian bridge at a children’s playground.
Normally peaceful Flat Fork was a torrent after twelve hours of steady rain.
SFPD13 December 13 2022
Morning View
This was my morning view from the visitor center porch at Frozen Head State Park near Wartburg Tennessee.
It was a beautiful, blue sky day for me to climb one of the mountains in the natural area. I chose to hike Judge Branch and South Old Mac Trails to the lookout tower, and to descend along North Old Mac Trail.
SFPD13a December 13 2022
Evening View
I enjoyed five hours of solo hiking today, and was rewarded with excellent winter views from the lookout tower in Frozen Head State Park. I completed my loop hike by descending North Old Mac Trail.
Sunset and pencil-straight trees reflected on a small pond near trailhead parking. It was a fitting end to a wonder-filled day.
SFPD13b December 13 2022
Relax in Nature
I saw this image while reading a children’s book as I strolled along Storybook Trail at Frozen Head State Park.
Please ensure that children and grandchildren in your life know this truth: Nature can calm us.
SFPD11 December 11 2022
Sunday Reflection
I walked from my downtown Knoxville church to Thompson Boling Arena for a Lady Vols basketball game.
This splendid reflection caught my eye as I passed through World’s Fair Park.
SFPD10 December 10 2022
Niagara of the South
Two days of waterfall chasing showed me several impressive waterfalls. The granddaddy of them all was Cumberland Falls near Corbin, Kentucky.
Measuring 68 feet tall and 125 wide, this waterfall hurls 3600 cubic feet of water over the sandstone edge every second. It creates a formidable roar and a breathtaking sight, day or night.
For a truly unforgettable experience, visit Cumberland Falls during a full moon to try to catch a glimpse of a moonbow; this rare phenomenon is one of only two naturally occurring moonbows in the world.
SFPD10a December 10 2022
Dupont Lodge Fireplace
After hiking at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, I warmed myself and read from a Bodie Thoene novel in front of this cozy fireplace in the resort’s Dupont Lodge.
SFP129 December 9 2022
Waterfall Chase
After consecutive days of rainfall, I was compelled to chase waterfalls today. I chose to visit Frozen Head State Park, near Wartburg Tennessee, because there was a minimal chance for more rain today.
Emory Gap Falls and Debord Falls (shown here) flowed faster than I had witnessed in years. I also delighted to see lesser and rarely-seen waterfalls along Panther Branch Trail. Woo-hoo!
SFP129a December 9 2022
Bonus Falls
As I drove between Oliver Springs and Wartburg, I spied this rushing waterfall to my left just off the highway. How could I have missed Middle Fork Falls on all my previous travels along route 62?!
A Frozen Head State Park employee suggested I also visit Potters Falls about ten miles from the park in Wartburg. Previously unknown to me, Potters was by far the most spectacular waterfall I saw today. Thank you, Julie!
SFP125 December 5 2022
Ross Marble Ruins
Ross Marble Quarry, which ceased operation after 1920, is being slowly reclaimed by nature.
Visit Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville Tennessee and walk a short distance along Imerys and Hayworth Hollow trails to see the ruins. I promise you will be fascinated.
SFP121 December 1 2022
Pretty Cool!
Julie and I appreciated abundant sunshine amid cool temperatures as we walked at Seven Islands State Birding Park near Kodak Tennessee.
This was our view from a pedestrian bridge across the French Broad River just before 10am. Pretty cool!
SFP125 November 25 2022
Knoxville At Night
The day after Thanksgiving, I walked after dark in Downtown Knoxville Tennessee. My objective was to see our large Christmas tree lighted for the holiday season.
Afterward, I continued my walk in Krutch Park, around Market Square and along Gay Street to observe holiday revelers and decorations. What a fun night!
My final photo that night was of the Tennessee Theatre. The marquee was brilliant in color but I preferred this black and white image.
SFP125a November 25 2022
Knoxville At Night Too
Here is another image from my nighttime stroll in Downtown Knoxville. It was talken along a pedestrian bridge across Henley Street.
The image made a striking wallpaper on my smart phone. Feel free to use it as your wallpaper too. (There are dozens more wallpaper images to choose from by clicking the Free Wallpapers link at the top of the page.)
SFP122 November 22 2022
Feathered Friend
I made a new friend today.
This Warbler introduced herself to me while I raked leaves in my back yard. Then, for the next hour, she flitted about me, alighting within a couple feet as I rested from my labor, and posing for many photographs.
I am not a bird expert, so I guess my new friend is female. I named her Shadow because of her curious behavior.
SFP110 November 10 2022
Baskins Creek Falls
To reach Baskins Creek Falls, drive into Gatlinburg Tennessee, turn at traffic light 8 onto Airport Road and follow signs to Cherokee Orchard and Rainbow Falls trail.
Park near the start of Motor Nature Trail and walk a short distance on the nature trail to Baskins Creek trailhead. Hike about two miles then turn left onto a side trail that leads to this delightful waterfall.
I was pleased by the flow of water given near-drought conditions in East Tennessee this Autumn. I enjoyed Baskins Creek Trail so much I hiked it on consecutive Thursdays.
SFP107 November 7 2022
Beautiful Big Creek
This was our view as a friend and I lunched beside Big Creek during our loop hike that included Low Gap II, Appalachian, Camel Gap, Big Creek and Low Gap I trails.
Due to misty rain, I was uncomfortable while hiking today. Nevertheless, I relished the opportunity to hike with a friend. Indeed, I have never finished a hike I did not like.
SFP024 October 24 2022
Squibb Creek in Autumn
I most often visit the Horse Creek area of Cherokee National Forest, near Chuckey Tennessee, in Spring when wildflowers abound. Today I was fortunate to saunter along Squibb Creek Trail and marvel at the variety of trees adorned with a kaleidoscope of leaf colors. Simply amazing!
SFP024a October 24 2022
Autumn Color Abounds
The canopy of color above my head along Squibb Creek Trail in Cherokee National Forest exemplifies Autumn in Appalachia.
I have photographed dozens such scenes and enjoyed countless others this October. No wonder most of my friends prefer Fall as their favorite season of the year.
SFP020 October 20 2022
Fontana Lake
After driving from Alcoa Tennessee to Fontana Marina, my friend and I began our day of hiking by taking a boat ride. Our 8:30 boat shuttle across Fontana Lake to Ollie’s Cove was frigid but beautiful with Autumn colors all around us.
We climbed Ollie’s Cove Trail to the former town of Proctor, then hiked part of Hazel Creek Trail and all nine miles of Jenkins Ridge Trail to the Appalachian Trail near Spence Field.
SFP020a October 20 2022
North Carolina Mountains
This was our view of North Carolina mountains from Spence Field after climbing Jenkins Ridge Trail.
Only five downhill miles remained to complete our long day hike. We trekked part of Bote Mountain Trail and finished our day at the bottom of Lead Cove Trail.
SFP014 October 14 2022
Raven Fork
Ideal hiking weather urged me toward the Cherokee NC entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park where I hiked Hyatt Ridge and Enloe Creek trails out and back.
Three miles into the hike I arrived at Raven Fork. My stream crossing was made easy by the metal bridge in this image.
I cannot imagine the difficulty involved in building a bridge in such a remote location.
SFP014a October 14 2022
Blue Ridge View
After hiking Enloe Creek Trail, I returned via Straight Fork and Big Cove roads to Newfound Gap Road which was bumper to bumper with leaf peepers. I was glad to have the option of returning to Knoxville via Blue Ridge Parkway and I-40.
This is my best among several attempts to capture fall splendor I witnessed along Blue Ridge Parkway between Oconaluftee and Balsam Mountain.
SFP107 October 7 2022
Smoky Mountains in Living Color
Fall colors arrived early this Autumn in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
I began today’s hike near the Cable Mill area in Cades Cove on Gregory Ridge Trail. Eighteen miles later, I exited Anthony Creek Trail at Cades Cove Picnic Area.
This splash of color grabbed my attention as I trekked along Russell Field Trail.
SFP107a October 7 2022
Lunch With A View
I was more than ready for lunch when I arrived at Mollies Ridge Shelter midway through today’s long hike. Backpackers who might stay the night at this Appalachian Trail shelter had not arrived, yielding peaceful solitude as I reenergized.
This was my view from the shelter’s shade. The limb structure and green-turning-yellow leaves of this tree delighted me.
SFP106 October 6 2022
Ike and Holly
Which is Ike and which is Holly?
I met Holly and his horse, Ike, while hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains this fine Fall day. They were at the junction of West Prong and Bote Mountain trails when I arrived, and we chatted for several minutes. Holly shared fascinating stories about Ike and other horses, and about his Tuckaleechee Cove neighbors.
I am glad we met on trail.
SFP930 September 30 2022
Bison at Arsenal Wildlife Refuge
We stayed at a hotel in Denver the last night of our Colorado vacation to be closer to DEN airport.
With a few hours available, Russ suggested we visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge. There we saw a few dozen Bison lazing about in intense sun, including this immense animal who lumbered to within an arms length of our rental car.
SFP930a September 30 2022
Lake Mary Reflection
After our close encounter with Bison, we ate a picnic lunch at a Refuge shelter beside Lake Mary and within sight of Denver’s impressive skyline. Two women and several children made room for us to dine in the shade.
I was humored by the children’s fishing exploits. Most were novices who required repeated instructions and needed hook-baiting help and encouragement from their chaperones.
Arsenal Wildlife Refuge includes a ten-mile driving tour that showed us a variety of prairie grasses, Cottonwood trees, lakes and Bison. Lake Mary was an ideal place to reflect on my mountain adventures. I hope to return to Colorado next year.
SFP929 September 29 2022
Colorado Mountains: Timberline Lake
Russ and I hiked today to two more alpine lakes.
Timberline Lake, encircled by evergreen trees, was the most serene of all lakes I saw this week. Our hike was 2.5 miles each way, and we climbed 800 feet to just below 11,000 feet.
On our second attempt, we completed the short but difficult climb to Windsor Lake where a cool breeze created ripples on the expansive surface. Far across the lake I noticed a canoe and two or three paddlers. Unless it was inflatable, I wonder how they carried a canoe up steep and rocky Windsor Lake Trail.
I also wonder if there are alpine lakes in the U.S. that are never seen by Humans. I suppose most are visited often by hikers and fishing enthusiasts. I hope some pristine lakes and mountain peaks remain unspoiled. I am certain that Moose, Mule Deer, Bears, Marmots and other wildlife thrive best where Humans are not present.
SFP928 September 28 2022
Colorado Mountains: Mayflower Hill (???)
We drove toward Frisco and Copper Mountain to a trailhead for Mayflower Gulch Trail in Summit County, Colorado.
The short trail presented amazing views of 12,346 foot Mayflower Hill and more majestic peaks from the trail’s terminus at Mayflower Amphitheatre.
I think this image features Mayflower Hill. Where except the Colorado Mountains would a 12,000 foot peak be called a hill?!
SFP928a September 28 2022
Colorado Mountains: Gold On Camp Hale Hills
We drove to Colorado’s Eagle River Valley to observe Camp Hale ruins. From D Street in the 29,000-acre preserved area, I photographed hills turned to gold by Aspen trees.
Camp Hale was constructed in 1942 for the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division. Its 15,000 soldiers trained in mountain climbing, Alpine and Nordic skiing, cold weather survival, and various weapons and ordinance. Three regiments of an elite ski corps were deployed to Europe after training at Camp Hale, which was decommissioned at the end of WWII.
Hiking trails, a campground and self-guided driving tour entertain and enlighten visitors to Camp Hale Memorial.
SFP928b September 28 2022
Colorado Mountains: Aspen Forests
This forest of golden Aspens was across highway 24 from Camp Hale Memorial. It exemplified all the late-September Aspen forests we observed throughout the Rocky Mountains area we visited this week.
SFP927 September 27 2022
Colorado Mountains: Twin Lakes Reflection
We drove south from Leadville along highway 24 toward Twin Lakes to access Interlaken Resort Trail.
All along the easy trail, blue sky adorned with white clouds merged with bright yellow Aspen trees to reflect indescribable beauty.
SFP927a September 27 2022
Colorado Mountains: Aspen Sentinels
Golden Aspens stood like sentinels between me and nearby mountains as I walked the easy trail to Interlaken Resort ruins.
We hiked beside the south shore of a reservoir to a well-preserved “cabin” and other buildings that accommodated wealthy vacationers between 1879 and 1979.
Interlaken was once Colorado’s most beautiful resort. Today, its remnant welcomes hikers, canoeists and history buffs to enjoy its lovely lakeside setting.
SFP927b September 27 2022
Colorado Mountains: Interlaken Resort Trail
This was my favorite image from today’s hike along Interlaken Resort Trail near Twin Lakes Colorado.
Russ used a peak finder app to determine names of these mountain peaks. I don’t recall their names, but I know they are part of the Sawatch Mountain Range.
SFP927c September 27 2022
Colorado Mountains: Mistaken Lake
There are too many alpine lakes in Lake County, Colorado to name them all.
We attempted to hike Windsor Lake Trail this afternoon, but I led Russ astray by avoiding a stream crossing and choosing a portion of trail that, according to a backpacker we met, led to an unnamed lake.
Our inadvertent alpine lake was nevertheless pleasant as the climb was gentle and the lake photographed well. I will call it Mistaken Lake.
SFP926 September 26 2022
Colorado Mountains: View From Leadville
This work of art is my first glimpse of Aspen trees and nearby mountains after I arrived in Leadville in Lake County, Colorado.
At 10,152 feet, Leadville is the highest elevation incorporated city in America. From there, Russ and I explored Twin Lakes, Turquoise Lake, Timberline Lake, Windsor Lake and the site of former Interlaken Resort. Also, by making a wrong turn during one of our hikes, we happened upon an unnamed lake that I called Mistaken Lake.
SFP926a September 26 2022
Colorado Mountains: View From Independence Pass
After settling into Mountain Peaks Motel in Leadville, we drove to Independence Pass where we saw majestic mountain views like this.
A few miles from Independence Pass is Independence Ghost Town. As we walked among the ruins, a brochure published by Aspen Historical Society helped us envision life for the merchants, miners and other women and men who eked out a living in this late 1800s mining town above 10,900 feet of elevation.
SFP925 September 25 2022
McConnell Springs
Blue sky adorned with white clouds reflected on the scattered-leaf surface of a pond to welcome me to McConnell Springs Park near downtown Lexington, Kentucky.
McConnell Springs is a 26-acre natural pocket with easy walking trails that lead to fascinating features like Blue Hole and The Boils. Visit this city park when you are in Lexington after a day or two of steady rain.
SFP924 September 24 2022
Neyland Stadium
Fall weather arrived just in time for today’s football thriller at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.
More than 100,000 fans cheered the #11 ranked Vols to a 38 to 33 win over #20 Florida Gators. It was Tennessee’s first victory over its SEC eastern division rival since 2016.
SFP924a September 24 2022
Vol Navy
Some fortunate fans attended today’s big game in style. Dozens of boats, dubbed the Vol Navy, carried hundreds of orange and white clad spectators to within sight of Neyland Stadium where they anchored alongside the Tennessee River.
This view of Vol Navy was from Henley Street Bridge.
SFP909 September 9 2022
View Of White Rocks
This was my first view of White Rocks since October 2016.
I turned off U.S. Route 58 onto county road 724 near Ewing, Virginia and drove a short distance to Thomas Walker Civic Park. The park is at the far east end of Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. From Civic Park I hiked three miles uphill to the junction of Ridge Trail and a side trail to White Rocks Overlook.
SFP0909a September 9 2022
View From White Rocks
After my 2200 foot climb from Thomas Walker Civic Park near Ewing, Virginia, this was my view from an outcropping of White Rocks at the east end of Cumberland Gap National Park.
An easy mile from White Rocks along Ridge Trail is Sand Cave. I was fortunate to enjoy White Rocks Overlook and Sand Cave alone today.
SFP903 September 3 2022
Colorado Mountains: Mount Flora
Today was a day of firsts for this happy hikographer:
I hiked for the seventh consecutive day.
I summitted Mount Flora at 13,132 feet, bagging my first thirteener.
I hiked with extended family members Shannon and Randy and their daughters.
Our trek between Berthoud Pass and Mount Flora granted us miles of majestic scenery above the tree line. It was the fine finale I coveted for my first hiking adventure in Colorado’s ruggedly beautiful mountains.
SFP902 September 2 2022
Colorado Mountains: Uneva Peak
I joined long-term and new friends today for a wonder-filled hike near Copper Mountain to 12,500 foot Uneva Peak in Summit County, Colorado.
Most of our hike was above the tree line, yet intense sun was more tolerable than prior days. I lingered longer and captured more panoramic images like this one.
SFP901 September 1 2022
Colorado Mountains: Alderfer Three Sisters Park
We drove today to Evergreen, Colorado and enjoyed magnificent views from Evergreen Mountain Trail and The Brother summits at Three Sisters Park open space.
We shared the trails with mountain bikers who ascended and descended rocky trails between 7400 and 8600 feet of elevation.
After a few hours of mountain hiking, we browsed the quaint art galleries and gift shops of Evergreen, a small town that reminded me of the Gatlinburg of my youth.
SFP831 August 31 2022
Colorado Mountains: Staunton State Park
This was our view from Scout Line Trail at Staunton State Park just before sunrise.
Hiking was splendid on land developed by a husband and wife team of medical doctors and preserved by their daughter, Frances Staunton, “for public benefit as a natural wilderness-type park.” Staunton typifies Colorado’s mountain forest and meadow region and informs about life on a livestock ranch above 8000 feet of elevation.
Our trails today provided multi-faceted views of impressive Chimney Rock, beautiful Elk Falls and awe-inspiring peaks on the horizon.
SFP830 August 30 2022
Colorado Mountains: Herman Gulch
As we approached Dillon in Clear Creek County, I hoped I was ready for hiking at elevations exceeding my Appalachian experience by 5000 feet. Our trailhead was at 10,400 feet and we ascended 1700 feet over four miles.
This image exemplifies the glorious splendor we saw from our apex above 12,000 feet after we hiked along the gulch and snacked at Herman Lake.
My body adapted well to Alpine conditions. Except for intense sun that chased me from the heights, this was a delightful, wonder-filled day of hiking in the Colorado mountains.
SFP829 August 29 2022
Colorado Mountains: OSMP Above Boulder
A scenic drive from my sister’s Littleton home brought us to Boulder, Colorado and its Open Space Mountain Park. The park features granite walls called Flatirons that dominate the landscape, fascinate hikers and entice climbers to scale their heights.
Moderately difficult hiking trails at OSMP climbed to elevations above 8000 feet and afforded views of fourteeners in the distance.
SFP828 August 28 2022
Colorado Mountains: Roxborough State Park
My first hiking venture into the Colorado Mountains began at Roxborough State Park where red sandstone formations jutted magnificently from the earth.
Roxborough protects unparalleled scenery and natural resources. Its spectacular geologic setting supports a unique mixture of prairie and mountain species. It is a place of beauty, ecological diversity and serenity.
It was the perfect place to begin my Colorado Mountains adventure.
SFP824 August 24 2022
Mt. LeConte View
This is one among many excellent views Russ and I enjoyed while climbing Alum Cave Trail on Mt. LeConte.
Partly cloudy skies were welcome during our 5.5 mile hike to the 6593 foot peak. Unfortunately, a mostly cloudy sky at the apex limited our views from Clifftops.
SFP824a August 24 2022
Grass of Parnassus
This is a pair of Grass of Parnassus flowers. They are intricately delicate and pretty as a picture.
We saw hundreds of these white blooms while hiking Alum Cave Trail to Mt. LeConte. Some other showy flowers were also in full bloom in late August.
SFP823 August 23 2022
Woven Web
This beautifully-woven spider web made me think of a bullseye target.
I inadvertently walked through several unseen webs along Ross Marble Trail near Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Thankfully, this work of art was out of reach above my head.
SFP813 August 13 2022
Nolichucky River
I visited Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park near Limestone, Tennessee during Davy Crockett Days. Volunteers in period costumes helped us envision life beside the Nolichucky River in the late 1700s.
I strolled along the riverbank where I captured this refreshing image. The Nolichucky flows 115 miles from North Carolina to its mouth at French Broad River in East Tennessee.
SFP812 August 12 2022
Cumberland Gap
Tom and I drove through a 4600 foot long tunnel to Cumberland Gap National Historic Park where Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia join. From Sugar Run picnic area, we climbed Harlan Road Trail to Pinnacle Overlook to see views of surrounding ridges and valleys.
Almost straight down from Pinnacle Overlook is this birds eye view of historic Cumberland Gap, Tennessee.
SFP812a August 12 2022
Curtained Window
As a thunderstorm passed by, wind outside my living room window jostled low hanging Maple limbs. This was my view of thrashing limbs through a curtained window.
SFP805 August 5 2022
Ohio Sunset
I tent camped two nights at Great Seal State Park near Chillicothe, Ohio. As sunset neared, I walked to COVID-19 Memorial Grove where I captured this view overlooking Ohio’s first state capital.
The next day Jonathan and I competed in Green Corn Moon, a nighttime orienteering event. Gratefully, I lived to tell about our adventure.
SFP720 July 20 2022
Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
I thoroughly enjoy attending Vols and Lady Vols college basketball games here in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Under legendary coach Pat Head Summit, Lady Vols star players won eight national championships. That was a factor for selecting Knoxville as the site of Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
SFP719 July 19 2022