Picture of the day - March 16, 2007

"Gentry Creek"

Cheria's Uncle Bob took this wonderful picture of a mini-waterfall during a recent hike up the trail leading to Gentry Falls. The rugged trail crosses Gentry Creek several times along the route, leading visitors past a number of beautiful scenes like this one. In 1796, Mr. Joseph Gentry purchased 800 acres of land in what we know today as the small community of Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee. His rugged, yet beautiful property had a creek flowing through it, and to this day that creek is known as Gentry Creek. Much of Gentry Creek itself as well as its namesake waterfall lies within the boundaries of Cherokee National Forest - the largest single tract of public land in the state of Tennessee. Millions of visitors hike the trails and fish the streams of the Cherokee each year, and many of them take the rugged hike up to Gentry Falls. Consisting of a steady two and a half mile climb, the trail leading up to Gentry Falls can be quite challenging, even for experienced hikers. But if you feel up to the task I think you'll find the experience well worth the effort. To get to the trail, take Highway 91 to Laurel Bloomery, then turn onto the road across from A to Z Market. Turn right at the next intersection and follow the road to the parking area.   Visit the POTD Archives for previous "Pictures Of The Day"!     Submit a photo of your own!            Why I publish the "Picture of the Day"