Monday, March 29, 2010

Waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway


George and I have taken many great trips since we got married in 2001. But one that stands out in my mind was our June anniversary trip in 2007. We headed to Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown---but saw many things along the way both coming and going. Today, I'm going to share with you the waterfalls we saw on or near the Blue Ridge Parkway. We saw five waterfalls on our way to Williamsburg, and then 5 more on our way home.

Here is one picture of each waterfall beginning with one of my favorites, ROARING FORK FALLS above. This 100-foot cascade is in Yancy County and is off of mile marker 344.1 (North Carolina 80). It's about a .7 of a mile hike (easy). Below are others which we saw on that trip in 2007.





This is LOWER CREEK FALLS at Chestnut Mtn, NC. I rested on rocks above this waterfall while George hiked around getting more pictures.




This is UPPER CREEK FALLS. Both of these waterfalls are off of Mile marker 312.1 (North Carolina 181) and are not far from Linville Falls (which we saw in 2004).





This was one of my favorite places to stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is a nice hiking trail there and this waterfall, called the CASCADES ON THE PARKWAY, was beautiful. This was at mile marker 272.




Look at this!!!!! Wasn't it nice of them to name a waterfall AFTER me???? Even though they spelled my name wrong, I was excited. ha ha .... This stop was mile marker 267.9. I didn't show you the waterfall because it was hidden WAY up in the mountain. We need to go back in WINTER --and maybe we can see it and get a picture (with our zoom lenses).



++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Coming home from Williamsburg, we stopped several places including Charlottesville. Then, we got on the parkway and saw five more waterfalls --shown below!!!


This is WHITE ROCK FALLS, at mile marker 19.9 near Tye River Gap, VA. The two-mile hike wasn't easy and as you can see, there wasn't much water coming over the falls. This would be a pretty area to return to during the rainy season.




GLENN FALLS was a 'surprise' waterfall for us (one that was not listed in our waterfall info). We got off of Virginia State Road 56 and were driving down the mountain toward Vesuvius, VA to find a place to have some lunch. This beautiful waterfall is on private property --but when we saw it, we just HAD to stop and take some pictures.




This is WIGWAM FALLS, found at mile marker 34.4 in Virginia. This waterfall is located right off of the parkway--but again, there was very little water. This was a pretty area, and we saw a reconstructed narrow-gauge logging track near here.





This little beauty is STATONS CREEK FALLS, off of mile marker 45.6 in Virginia. The top part of the falls was all that we could see. Our waterfall books said that there are 2-3 more levels below. But--what we saw was pretty, don't you think?




The last waterfall we saw on that trip was PANTHER FALLS, off of mile marker 45.6 in Virginia, not far from Buena Vista. I am standing at the top of Panther Falls. I think I'm telling George that it's time to head on home!!!!!! It was a great trip--but a long one!

We saw one other waterfall (not near the parkway) during that trip (one near Crewe, VA--west of Richmond). SO---after getting home, we were thrilled that we had seen ELEVEN new waterfalls that week. Even if you are not a 'waterfall lover' like we are, you have to enjoy some of the ones I have featured here. What is your favorite????


++++++++++++++++++++++
On another note, CONGRATS to my UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE VOLS--who came within ONE point of making the Final Four in the NCAA Basketball Tournament. I'm sorry they lost --but I'm very proud of them. NOW---I am definitely hollering for BUTLER to win it all!!!!

Hugs,

56 comments:

  1. OOOH! a new look blog. Very nice.I like the Statons Creek Falls best because they seem to fall into a little pool. I think that looks cool and maybe you can jump in and have a swim if isn't freezing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I bet the air was heavy with rushing and falling water sounds and the smells must have been magnificent. The pictures are very nice to see.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just spectacular ! I love them all but must say the Statons Creek Falls blew me away with it's beauty.
    You should put together a book of your waterfalls !

    ReplyDelete
  4. Betsy - love the new look! Your header is gorgeous as well! and these waterfalls - well - what can i say - they are so very pretty.

    When Larry and I went on our honeymoon - there was a Valerie's restaurant. So neat to see your name on something!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I like your new blog layout..and I have to say I liked Glenn Falls.One of these days I hope to be able to go and see some waterfalls.God Bless Trish

    ReplyDelete
  6. The falls are all beautiful, Betsy, but I guess I'd have to say I like Roaring Fork Falls the best. The moss on the rocks is lovely and I love the graceful, curving path the water takes down the hillside.

    I like your new blog design and colors. Pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love your new blog look!! So pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  8. The new header is beautiful.I love the flowers.The waterfalls are wonderful.Very lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Of course I was extremly interested in these, because they're HERE. Panther Falls, is that mile marker on 81? I would like to go there this spring. I'm also interested in the one near Vesuvious and one quite a while back that you posted that was a surprise right on the highway when you passed Vesuvious to get something to eat. But I must ask you which are too high or on the parkway, because I'm dreadfully afraid of hights and won't go on the Parkway. These are all so very different. The first one is maybe the prettiest because of the beautiful greens!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Waterfalls and daffodils ... a can't be beat combination! Love the new springtime look!

    ReplyDelete
  11. the daffodil (jonquils to me) are simply wonderful. i like the New Look of the blog, especailly the background photo

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great waterfall pics from one TN gal to another! Happy Easter week!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Think it only fitting that you have your own waterfall named after you. Sure you can get the spelling corrected.
    Congrats to your Vols. My Hogs only made it past round one.

    ReplyDelete
  14. GO VOLS!!!
    I've always wanted to travel this parkway instead of just taking a small portion of it...just goes to prove that I should follow Betsy and George's travels!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love your new header and backgrounds. How clever you are!

    I'm so glad you and George are addicted to waterfalls. I so much enjoy being party to your trips, even long after the fact.

    ReplyDelete
  16. How fun to have the same name as a waterfall. I'll guarantee there are none with my name:)
    Marnie

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a gorgeous new blog with those lovely daffodils!! My comment is the same as Diane, the first commenter! Love that little pool! They are all gorgeous photos!

    ReplyDelete
  18. ..beautiful waterfalls and a fab trip. It just seems right one would be named after you! Love the new look of the blog...very cool!

    ReplyDelete
  19. These are so pretty Betsy.
    I think the next time you go back to YOUR falls...you should bring some markers to edit your name spelling.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I cannot pick a favorite,they are all so beautiful.I don't even know which I like better,the falls or the new look of the blog.What pleasant surprise when I opened your blog.Don't get me wrong,I liked it before,but this is so spring like.Have a beautiful day.
    Blessings,Ruth

    ReplyDelete
  21. Roaring Falls is my favorite, I think, but they all are so pretty! Love your new header with the beautiful blooms and colors!

    We're keeping up with Butler's "rise to power,"too! Actually, I had never heard of them until last week! Hope they continue to win.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh yes, I love all the falls and I had one I specially like and since I saw so many now I can't remember the name. Well they ALL are beautiful.

    I am not in favor of the yellow and green---I am a little bilious right now. hahaha!!!!

    Well the Washington Huskies made it to the Sweet 16 but fell to WV (I thik) so we are out too.

    Enjoy you day---It is wet and windy here. MB

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love the new look!! I visited several of those waterfalls from our time spent in Banner Elk NC:)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Betsy, I like your fresh, new blog! And of course, I like all the waterfalls!! Beautiful scenery!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Amazing that they named a falls after you! (But are you sure it wasn't named after my sister Betsy? They spelled her name wrong too!)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Love the Spring look to your blog...
    Amazing waterfall shots...
    ~K

    ReplyDelete
  27. That waterfalls is looking great. Hope you had a nice time.
    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Il est magnifique!! It's like I'm right there with you girl! Just beautiful as always.

    ReplyDelete
  29. STUPID Blogger must be having troubles. Pictures on all blogs are not coming up, including mine and George's... BUT--George's Wordpress blog is FINE..

    Hope Blogger gets this fixed soon.... grrrrrrr...

    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  30. Beautiful photos and commentary. Really like the new look to your blog.. Have a great week..

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm having trouble opening pictures today, Betsy, or rather Blogger is having trouble. Have a good day, though.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Whoa... the waterfall pics are really breathtaking. Thank you for sharing it with us over here. It's been ages since I went to a waterfall. i think the last time I went to one was back in 1993? Gosh, that's ages ago!


    http://cleffairy.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Beautiful as always. I like the mossy rocks.

    Love your new blog background theme too.

    ReplyDelete
  34. E - bygum A fall named after you, great shots.
    Love your spring header too.

    ReplyDelete
  35. lovely photos of gorgeous falls!

    i took my nieces on a hike there
    five or six years ago. we loved
    every minute of the beauty.

    sorry we missed "betsy's falls."

    ReplyDelete
  36. Love seeing all the waterfalls, each one is so beautiful. I think my favorite is Glenn Falls, I love the way the waters cross each other.

    I saw your comment above, blogger has been having problems all morning. It must be fixed because I can see all of your photos now.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wow Betsy...what a great new look! Love the color selection and that background is oh so nice.
    Ha ha ...how did you find a water falls that shares your name?? Pretty neat!
    Hope all is okay with you guys..spring has sprung..thankgoodness.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I like the new background look Betsy. Nice header pic too!

    You know I could sit there on those rocks and listen to that water all day.

    Glenn falls is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Amazing photos, as always! You take the more beautiful little trips! And I love that sign, too! lol!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I like the one where you're with the Betsy sign. Cute. Nice look to your blog. Diane

    ReplyDelete
  41. That's a great post Betsy. Loved the one with you and Betsey Falls. Love the new template too along with those gorgeous daffs you used for your header.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Once again, simply amazing all the beautiful places you have taken us all to. I must say, Roaring Fork, Cascades, Statons Creek Falls, and you loving that sign, were my favs.
    Thanks for sharing...I am now exhausted from all the hiking.
    Loveya
    Bless Your Easter Week

    ReplyDelete
  43. Betsy, All the waterfalls are so beautiful! You must just be filled with joy traveling to such beautiful parts of the U.S. and seeing God's nature! I grew up in MD and drove many a weekend with my family through the blue ridge mountains and through WV and you just never forget that kind of beauty, the mountains become part of your soul! Suzie

    ReplyDelete
  44. Love the mossy pictures!

    And look at you with your shorts with your sexy legs Betsy! How wonderful to have warm enough weather for shorts - lucky girl!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Wonderful memories you and George have made,how do you remember all the info on these falls,do you keep a diary as you travel? That's what a friend of mine does on her trips. Have a blessed day.
    marilyn

    ReplyDelete
  46. Those are all gorgeous falls, Betsy! Thanks for sharing them with us.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Love your new blogger draft background too!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Betsy, I love your new look! It is as good as a new haircut!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Well, I think it is very appropriate that it should be named after you, of course!! Too bad they didn't get the spelling quite right. Ha ha! Great photos, Betsy. Such a pretty spot.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hi Betsy....I'm thinking out of all of these I'd like to see the Cascades on the Parkway. Well, really I'd enjoy seeing all of them but since I'm picking a favorite.... ;). How appropriate that you came across a waterfall named for you...I'm sure when word gets back to "them" ( or "they" read your lovely blog ) the spelling will have to be corrected! Really fun picture of you with the sign though and looking forward to seeing the falls when you go back in the winter.

    Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hi Betsey,

    This is my first visit to your lovely blog. I'm a fellow Tennessean (Nashville). My hubby and I are hikers, as well. Coincidently, we traveled to Williamsburg via the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2007. I have photos of many of the same incredibly beautifully waterfalls. We also visited Jamestown, Yorktown and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. It was such a wonderful trip. I've enjoyed your photos.

    Best Wishes,
    Kay

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hello Betsy,

    What beautiful photos..and how nice that they named one after you! Shame on them for misspelling your name. :0)

    There seems to be many of us that totally love the old skeleton keys. I remember all of the black iron door hardware in my grannie's homestead home there in Crossville. It all used the skeleton keys. Sadly the homestead burned to the ground due to an electrical fire many years ago.

    My cousin inherited the land and built a nice home and that's where my mom and dad live today. :0)

    Thanks for visiting!

    Hugs,
    Stephanie ♥

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hey..There is a waterfall named after you!!!

    I think there should be many more under your name :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. If anyone deserves a waterfall named after them it is you, Betsy!
    You have done more to promote waterfalling then anyone. Gorgeous waterfall photos, Betsy.

    You and George might even qualify for the 'Guinness Book of world records'.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Wow...your own rock falls! That's pretty cool, Betsy :-) Sorry that Tennessee lost...we saw the last bit of the game and since Pearl came from Evansville, we like to see them do well.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Sheesh! I really had to scroll down the page to click the comment button! They are all nice waterfalls. It is cool that you have a waterfall named after you :-)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting my blog... Your comments mean so much to me... I have had to put on 'comment moderation' (due to spam comments)... Sorry about that --but I do read your comments and LOVE them.