Scroll down to view Steve Madden’s featured photos for April through June 2024.
All photos in this collection are copyright 2024 Steven L Madden.
SFP629 June 29 2024
@ Newport Aquarium
My grandchildren live in Cincinnati. A favorite indoor attraction is Newport Aquarium, a short drive across the Ohio River into Newport KY.
About four hours drive from Knoxville, and less than two hours from Lexington, this top-rated aquarium is fascinating even if you don’t take your grandchildren.
Plan your visit to the aquarium here.
SFP625 June 25 2024
Overlooking Cherokee Lake
I returned to Panther Creek State Park three weeks after my prior visit, this time with a friend who scouted PCSP trails for future senior adult hikes.
Emagene and I enjoyed this view of Cherokee Lake from The Honorable Stancil Ford Overlook.
SFP625A June 25 2024
Cherokee Lake Shore
This was our mid-morning view from the shore of Cherokee Lake.
Seen from the terminus of a spur of Point Lookout Trail, about 1200 feet below Point Lookout.
SFP622A June 22 2024
Yahoo Falls Scenic Area
Four hours after I caught today’s sunrise in South Knoxville, four friends and I arrived at Yahoo Falls Scenic Area in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
We were glad for tree cover and cool rock houses as we explored Yahoo Falls and Yahoo Arch on a hot and humid day.
SFP622B June 22 2024
Rosebay Rhodendron
My friends and I were also glad to see Rosebay Rhodendron in bloom along Yahoo Arch Trail in McCreary County KY.
SFP622 June 22 2024
Eastern Sky
After several days of lazing in bed early morning, I needed to chase a sunrise.
The eastern sky reflected colorfully on the Tennessee River at 6am.
SFP607 June 7 2024
Filled to Overflowing
Seen here from Point Lookout at Panther Creek State Park, Cherokee Lake was filled to overflowing after recent rains.
Panther Creek merged with Cherokee Lake near the start of Old Wagon Trail, replacing a familiar island with a murky swamp.
SFP607A June 7 2024
Summer Green Scene
This scene along Point Lookout Trail exemplified the Summer green interior of Panther Creek State Park.
SFP529 May 29 2024
Foggy Bottom
“Do for others as you would have them do for you.”
I delivered a friend to TYS airport early this morning. As I turned toward home, I saw this Rockford TN valley with its foggy bottom just before sunrise. A splendid sight!
SFP522 May 22 2024
Morning Miracle
Wake up early enough, walk River Trail to the Tennessee River, and you might well experience a morning miracle like this.
Seen at 6:18am on May 22 within Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville, TN.
SFP520 May 20 2024
@ UT Arboretum
Tom and I sighted this exquisite Luna Moth while hiking at UT Arboretum. We learned the moth had remained in this position (see second photo) for hours.
The Education Program Coordinator, Michelle, informed us the property was acquired from local farmers as part of The Manhattan Project during WWII.
Chat with Michelle or visit www.UTArboretumSociety.org to learn more about the history and natural beauty of UT Arboretum.
SFP517 May 17 2024
Magical Bridge
This bridge across a canal magically appeared since my last visit to Seven Islands State Birding Park in March.
Now, visitors to the park can explore an area that was previously inaccessible.
Seven Islands is about twenty miles east from Knoxville off Interstate 40 near Kodak TN.
SFP513 May 13 2024
Privileged Guest at a Grand Hotel
I joined fun-loving senior adults for a visit to the northern reaches of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Our trip included Mackinac Island where we were pampered for part of three days at the luxurious Grand Hotel.
This view of The Grand Hotel was taken from its Secret Garden.
SFP429 April 29 2024
Bright Green Moss
This slab of rock extends thirty feet up and to the right from Squibb Creek Falls. Only the section of rock below the falls is adorned with bright green Moss.
Squibb Creek Falls is in Cherokee National Forest near Chuckey TN.
SFP422 April 22 2024
Hikographer’s Find
I noticed a fellow hikographer taking a macro photo of this exquisite specimen beside Little River Trail in the Smoky Mountains.
I thanked her for drawing my attention to the plant, and I gladly shared with her its name:
Wood Betony
SFP420 April 20 2024
Taking Solace
I tried and failed to climb Baxter Creek Trail to Sterling Mountain fire tower.
By cutting short the climb, I lingered longer among Smoky Mountain wildflowers near the trailhead.
As evening approached, I ventured two more miles along Big Creek Trail and took solace there at The Cathedral.
SFP417 April 17 2024
From Black Oak Ridge
This image of the Smoky Mountains is from Black Oak Ridge in North Knoxville TN.
Baxter Gardens span 32 acres of Black Oak Ridge and provide clear views of the Smokies about fifty miles to the south.
SFP411 April 11 2024
Venus Found in Fountain City
Baxter Gardens is open to visitors 9am to dusk during April. You will find them in the Fountain City area of north Knoxville.
I found Venus daydreaming in the Dogwood Ramble section of the Baxter estate.
The expansive gardens were influenced by Frederick Law Olmsted who designed Asheville’s Biltmore Gardens and NYC’s Central Park.
SFP411a April 11 2024
Goddess of Flowers
Nearby Venus in the Dogwood Ramble section of Baxter Gardens was Flora, Goddess of Flowers.
SFP408 April 8 2024
Sunset Like No Other
I was at Knollman Farm in Liberty, Indiana with my son and daughter-in-law. It was April 8 2024, a day I will always remember.
You guessed it: This 3:08pm “sunset” was caused by the total solar eclipse.
I will not merely tell my grandchildren about it. Thankfully, they were present to witness the awesome event with us.
SFP403 April 3 2024
Cold Cold Hearts
A single bunch of Bleeding Hearts tugged at my heart strings during my abbreviated visit to Racheff Gardens and Arboretum in Knoxville TN.
Wind gusts made photography challenging and the wind chill almost unbearable today.
I hope to return to Racheff Gardens soon to see Dogwoods, Tulips and other flowering plants while they are still at peak.
SFP402 April 2 2024