Violet blooming beside Atlas Falls
Potters Falls and Gobey with the Family
Friday May 15, 2020
Crystal, Michael and Tessa Lindsey
Dana & Gabe Koogler
We had been hiking each week as a family. I was the outdoor activities planner in the newly imposed homeschooling situation. I asked Tessa, Michael and Crystal if they wanted Nanny to go hiking with them ... just us.. or if they wanted their younger cousin .. Gabe to go along too? They had not seen him in awhile and definitely wanted him along. They fight, but they love each other. So we all gathered up and went. Crystal asked to go on an outing to Morgan County.
We decided to start off with Potters Falls. The days were growing hot and we had little man along so we knew none of us would feel like taking a long hike.
All the grandkids spent the night at Nanny's house so that morning Crystal came over to help me get ready to go. It didn't take too long. We took along water toys, water shoes, towels, and a picnic. She drove her vehicle with all of us out to the country. All the kids have gotten used to the fact sometimes you have a bit of a drive to get to the hiking trail. They piped up and said "We're here already?" as we pulled over to the roadside to park.
Below is a photo of Crystal and Michael at Lower Potters Falls
The shady side of Lower Potters Falls
Below: Lower Potters Falls from directly in front at the base.
Potters Falls is two drops. Potters Falls is right beside the bridge on Potters Falls Rd. Lower Potters Falls is the smaller of the two and is approx. 0.10 mile downstream. There is a good path all the way to it. You have to use care in getting down to the base of it by picking your way among a jumble of rocks.
Gabe had not eaten a very good breakfast this morning. I'm sure it was partly because he was so excited over the outing and having his cousins with him.
He began whining and wanting to be carried despite how easy and short the walk was. I refused to carry him. I tried to get his mind on something else.
Lower Potters Falls was prettier than I had remembered. It is not a large waterfall, but it is very scenic. The water in Crooked Fork creek was very blue.
Late Spring was upon us. The day was one of those perfect bluebird days.
Sunshine. Fresh air. Blue skies. New, bright green leaves. Most of the Spring wildflowers were done blooming. We saw quite a few people here, but it was not crowded. Parking is limited here. No bathroom facilities either so bear that in mind.
We walked up to Potters Falls. A good number of children with their families were enjoying the water. We did not see anyone doing anything stupid on or around the falls. There is a rope swing .. actually I think we saw two rope swings. One at the upper, one at the lower falls. I don't think I'd try either one.
I'm not sure the water depth is adequate for my bad aim. It would be like the high diver trying to hit the tea cup of water!
The upper falls though it has the bridge in view is still extremely pretty.
The water here is also blue. It was cool here from the mist off the falls. We really enjoyed it. Gabe was really fussing and not having much fun. He was going to spread the misery around if I couldn't think of some solution.
Above: Potters Falls. You can see the bridge and the road at the top of the falls.
Below: another vantage of Potters Falls
Below: Crystal and Tessa in the shade at the falls.
We did not tarry long because the kids were eager to get to Gobey to see another falls and to play in the creek. We headed the super short distance back to the vehicle. I gave Gabe a drink and a snack to hold him over. I took him into the woods to pee. I had a flash of inspiration! We had to drive right through Wartburg on the way to Gobey. I asked if Crystal minded going through the Sonic Drive In? She did not. Nanny treated everyone to whatever they wanted at Sonic. Gabe went ahead and had lunch. The rest of us got a drink and a snack to hold us. Our plan was to eat a late lunch in Oak Ridge at Freddy's.
We all love Freddy's. I don't eat restaurant hamburgers, but I will eat the steak burgers at Freddy's. They are mustard, onion, pickle perfection on a bun!
With our tummies satisfied we continued on our way to Gobey.
You get there by heading out of Wartburg on Hwy 27 North and drive 2.5 miles (from Sonic)
Turn RIGHT onto Gobey Road and follow it. Directions for more specifics on reaching Atlas Falls are in the link at the top.
The kids were excited. They are the happiest little people when they can explore and play in the water. I had brought a bunch of cool toys in a basket for them. Octonauts toys like submarines and little diving men and animals. They are usually satisfied with rocks and sticks though. They had a blast since Crystal was taking her Toyota Highlander "four wheeling" for only the 2nd time. First time was down at Conasauga Creek. Gabe had gotten bossy with Yaya (Crystal) this morning trying to tell her Nanny was going to drive and we were taking Nanny's jeep. She informed him he was not the boss and that was not the case. We were taking HER vehicle and SHE was driving. He was huffy about it initially. Now seeing her in action behind the wheel and the performance of her vehicle he was thrilled! He was all about Yaya Brrmmming out!
He later told me that Yaya's vehicle was better than mine! Boy what a change in attitudes!
above: one of the fords of Little Creek where we stopped to let the children play. The water is shallow here and so clear! Nice mixture of sunshine and shade for comfortable temperatures.
We drove through the creek several times, but the first one was where we stopped for them to play in the stream. It was a nice wide spot with a pull over. It was shady. The stream flows down and swings round a wide, tall rock amphitheater. It is a very cool place to explore.
Below: a photo of the massive rock amphitheater that the creek has carved out over the millenia.
Below: a passing glimpse of the only folks we saw at Gobey today. A family out on their four wheeler having fun.
We saw lots of butterflies. Tiger swallowtails and zebra swallowtails. Tessa was enthralled with those.
Above: Zebra swallowtail butterfly
We saw tiny black and white "butterflies" that we thought might be baby Zebra swallowtails. I later identified them as Mournful Thyris moths. I had seen these before puddling with zebra swallowtails!
Above: Mournful thyris moths binomial is Thyris sepulchralis
Below: holding one of the tiny moths
Below: my six year old granddaughter Tessa holds a moth. She makes everything a pet.
Below: Gabe playing in the creek. He is totally happy and absorbed.
Below: Michael playing in the creek. He has a submarine. One of the Gups from the Octonauts. He and Gabe had races and experimented to see which ones did the best.
This is the Gup E
Below: Crystal and the kids playing around
Below: Upstream of the ford was a spot that was shady and deeper. Michael and I got in it and waded around. It felt great.
Below: Gabe lost in his thoughts. He loves outside. All my grandkids do. I am very proud of them.
Below: Crystal, Tessa and Gabe
Looking at the photo above-- I will share an epiphany I had.
I have tried for a long time to share an emotion and a lesson with my family. Mainly my children and grandchildren. The importance and appreciation of the privilege of being able to go outside and enjoy nature. I value that above most things. I had tried to inspire the rest of the family. Kenny gets it. I know he does. The rest of them were slower to catch on and really truly understand.
The corona virus and quarantine........ taught a lesson rapidly that I'd been trying without a lot of success to teach for years!
I made sure to tell them all what I thought. I saw the light come on for all of them as they finally grasped the concept. It was a refreshing moment of joy for me!
If you are looking for a silver lining in a difficult situation... there is one to be found. I know I've found many moments of gratitude for simply pleasures.
Above: the Gup D floats downstream smoothly
We enjoyed the creek, but the kids at once remembered we were supposed to go on to see a waterfall. They were ready to go see it! We drove a short distance further and came to a pull off for Atlas Falls. It is just down over the bank.
An easy walk. You can see it from the road. They were very excited. Gabe wanted to know if he could take his toy jeep to brrrrm and pretend to go four wheeling? I told him of course!
Gabe in front of Atlas Falls with his jeep. He made it drive in the rocks to go rock crawling and he put it in the water like it was stuck or sinking! It floated down the creek. Below is a photo of Michael retrieving it for him.
Below: Lower Potters Falls from directly in front at the base.
Potters Falls is two drops. Potters Falls is right beside the bridge on Potters Falls Rd. Lower Potters Falls is the smaller of the two and is approx. 0.10 mile downstream. There is a good path all the way to it. You have to use care in getting down to the base of it by picking your way among a jumble of rocks.
Gabe had not eaten a very good breakfast this morning. I'm sure it was partly because he was so excited over the outing and having his cousins with him.
He began whining and wanting to be carried despite how easy and short the walk was. I refused to carry him. I tried to get his mind on something else.
Lower Potters Falls was prettier than I had remembered. It is not a large waterfall, but it is very scenic. The water in Crooked Fork creek was very blue.
Late Spring was upon us. The day was one of those perfect bluebird days.
Sunshine. Fresh air. Blue skies. New, bright green leaves. Most of the Spring wildflowers were done blooming. We saw quite a few people here, but it was not crowded. Parking is limited here. No bathroom facilities either so bear that in mind.
We walked up to Potters Falls. A good number of children with their families were enjoying the water. We did not see anyone doing anything stupid on or around the falls. There is a rope swing .. actually I think we saw two rope swings. One at the upper, one at the lower falls. I don't think I'd try either one.
I'm not sure the water depth is adequate for my bad aim. It would be like the high diver trying to hit the tea cup of water!
The upper falls though it has the bridge in view is still extremely pretty.
The water here is also blue. It was cool here from the mist off the falls. We really enjoyed it. Gabe was really fussing and not having much fun. He was going to spread the misery around if I couldn't think of some solution.
Above: Potters Falls. You can see the bridge and the road at the top of the falls.
Below: another vantage of Potters Falls
Below: Crystal and Tessa in the shade at the falls.
We did not tarry long because the kids were eager to get to Gobey to see another falls and to play in the creek. We headed the super short distance back to the vehicle. I gave Gabe a drink and a snack to hold him over. I took him into the woods to pee. I had a flash of inspiration! We had to drive right through Wartburg on the way to Gobey. I asked if Crystal minded going through the Sonic Drive In? She did not. Nanny treated everyone to whatever they wanted at Sonic. Gabe went ahead and had lunch. The rest of us got a drink and a snack to hold us. Our plan was to eat a late lunch in Oak Ridge at Freddy's.
We all love Freddy's. I don't eat restaurant hamburgers, but I will eat the steak burgers at Freddy's. They are mustard, onion, pickle perfection on a bun!
With our tummies satisfied we continued on our way to Gobey.
You get there by heading out of Wartburg on Hwy 27 North and drive 2.5 miles (from Sonic)
Turn RIGHT onto Gobey Road and follow it. Directions for more specifics on reaching Atlas Falls are in the link at the top.
The kids were excited. They are the happiest little people when they can explore and play in the water. I had brought a bunch of cool toys in a basket for them. Octonauts toys like submarines and little diving men and animals. They are usually satisfied with rocks and sticks though. They had a blast since Crystal was taking her Toyota Highlander "four wheeling" for only the 2nd time. First time was down at Conasauga Creek. Gabe had gotten bossy with Yaya (Crystal) this morning trying to tell her Nanny was going to drive and we were taking Nanny's jeep. She informed him he was not the boss and that was not the case. We were taking HER vehicle and SHE was driving. He was huffy about it initially. Now seeing her in action behind the wheel and the performance of her vehicle he was thrilled! He was all about Yaya Brrmmming out!
He later told me that Yaya's vehicle was better than mine! Boy what a change in attitudes!
above: one of the fords of Little Creek where we stopped to let the children play. The water is shallow here and so clear! Nice mixture of sunshine and shade for comfortable temperatures.
We drove through the creek several times, but the first one was where we stopped for them to play in the stream. It was a nice wide spot with a pull over. It was shady. The stream flows down and swings round a wide, tall rock amphitheater. It is a very cool place to explore.
Below: a photo of the massive rock amphitheater that the creek has carved out over the millenia.
Below: a passing glimpse of the only folks we saw at Gobey today. A family out on their four wheeler having fun.
We saw lots of butterflies. Tiger swallowtails and zebra swallowtails. Tessa was enthralled with those.
Above: Zebra swallowtail butterfly
We saw tiny black and white "butterflies" that we thought might be baby Zebra swallowtails. I later identified them as Mournful Thyris moths. I had seen these before puddling with zebra swallowtails!
Above: Mournful thyris moths binomial is Thyris sepulchralis
Below: holding one of the tiny moths
Below: my six year old granddaughter Tessa holds a moth. She makes everything a pet.
Below: Gabe playing in the creek. He is totally happy and absorbed.
Below: Michael playing in the creek. He has a submarine. One of the Gups from the Octonauts. He and Gabe had races and experimented to see which ones did the best.
This is the Gup E
Below: Crystal and the kids playing around
Below: Upstream of the ford was a spot that was shady and deeper. Michael and I got in it and waded around. It felt great.
Below: Gabe lost in his thoughts. He loves outside. All my grandkids do. I am very proud of them.
Below: Crystal, Tessa and Gabe
Looking at the photo above-- I will share an epiphany I had.
I have tried for a long time to share an emotion and a lesson with my family. Mainly my children and grandchildren. The importance and appreciation of the privilege of being able to go outside and enjoy nature. I value that above most things. I had tried to inspire the rest of the family. Kenny gets it. I know he does. The rest of them were slower to catch on and really truly understand.
The corona virus and quarantine........ taught a lesson rapidly that I'd been trying without a lot of success to teach for years!
I made sure to tell them all what I thought. I saw the light come on for all of them as they finally grasped the concept. It was a refreshing moment of joy for me!
If you are looking for a silver lining in a difficult situation... there is one to be found. I know I've found many moments of gratitude for simply pleasures.
Above: the Gup D floats downstream smoothly
We enjoyed the creek, but the kids at once remembered we were supposed to go on to see a waterfall. They were ready to go see it! We drove a short distance further and came to a pull off for Atlas Falls. It is just down over the bank.
An easy walk. You can see it from the road. They were very excited. Gabe wanted to know if he could take his toy jeep to brrrrm and pretend to go four wheeling? I told him of course!
Gabe in front of Atlas Falls with his jeep. He made it drive in the rocks to go rock crawling and he put it in the water like it was stuck or sinking! It floated down the creek. Below is a photo of Michael retrieving it for him.
Don't fly, mister blue bird, I'm just walkin' down the roadEarly morning sunshine, tell me all I need to know, -- Blue Sky--Dickey Betts-- the Allman Brothers
Above: a not too good image of Atlas Falls. the dappled light made for difficult photo conditions! It did not influence our enjoyment of the falls.
below is a photo of Atlas Falls from a different trip that is a better shot to show it off properly. It really is a very pretty falls.
Atlas Falls from a different trip. Better photo. Little more water.
The kids were getting tired and hungry. We were too so we headed back to the vehicle. We loaded up and Yaya executed a perfect 3 point turn on that narrow dirt road. She did not get us stuck in a ditch! We headed back to Oak Ridge to eat at Freddy's. Gabe napped on the way as did Tessa. What a fun day! We got to the restaurant and got our tummies full of burgers and fries and icecream. Nice cold sodas! Yummy! Everyone had fun. These family outings are addictive. I am already looking forward to the next one.
Below is a video of both Potters Falls
Next is a video of playing in the creek
Final video-- short clip of Atlas Falls
**Potters Falls Directions**
From Wartburg on Main Street next to Rite Aid Pharmacy.. turn LEFT onto Old Mill Rd. Stay on that for about 1/2 mile. Then turn LEFT onto Potters Falls Rd.
for about 1 1/2 miles to Potters Falls at the bridge. There will be space to park about four or five cars. Park well off the road. The trail for the falls goes downstream with Crooked Fork on your left. Potters Falls is immediately below the bridge visible from the road. Lower Potters Falls is downstream around 0.10 mile further. No bathroom facilities or trash receptacles here so plan accordingly.
