Mouse Creek Falls

I was able to take Monday off from work to enjoy a beautiful Fall day in the Smoky Mountains. I decided to visit Mouse Creek Falls, a fall I had not yet been to. My family and I visited the area of Big Creek where the fall is located several years ago, but my youngest daughter was not up to the two mile hike back then. Since this was to be a solo photography trip, I decided it was a good day to visit Mouse Creek.

The trail from the parking area to the fall follows an old logging road to the point where Mouse Creek adds its waters into Big Creek. It's uphill all the way, but the elevation gain is only 580' over the two mile hike. Because I wanted to arrive at the falls as early as possible to be able to have the best light, I left my house early and arrived at the parking area for the trail at about sunrise. There were a few cars already in the parking area, and I was afraid I might have some company even this early on a Monday morning. However, I didn't see another soul all the way to the falls, and I only passed two groups of two hikers on the way back. I had the place all to myself! I was able to make photos at my leisure without anyone else getting in my way. There was no sound but that of the rushing water. I was able to praise God undisturbed for the beauty of His creation. It was a wonderful morning. (Click on photo to enlarge.)