We last visited Piney Falls State Natural Area Memorial Day Weekend, 2021. A sunning copperhead snake on the trail to Lower Piney Falls sent us back to the Upper Falls trail. Because, the descent to the bottom of Upper Falls was extremely steep and muddy, Karen never got to see the Upper Falls from the plunge pool and walk behind them. Winter in the Tennessee mountains keeps the snakes at bay, so we went back to see both falls at the end of November.
The trail to the top of Lower Piney Falls was scary steep. It was dry and we both gave it a try. Karen stopped at the cascades at the top of Lower Falls. There are no trails to get down the steep cliffs to view the Lower Falls from the base.
We could hear Lower Falls from its top and I was determined to see it. The leaves were off the trees and with some bushwhacking across the rock ledge, I managed a shot of the illusive Lower Piney Falls.
Instead of returning to the Upper Falls trail on top of the escarpment, we followed the cliffs around to the base of Upper Falls. I’m standing where Karen asked me to stop for the above picture and did not notice the gap behind the ready-to-let-loose rock above my head.
Most of the rocks that make up the miles-long cliff face we hiked under were precariously stacked like wooden Jenga blocks. This section of limestone erosion and holes added cool contrast.
The view from behind an 80-foot waterfall is mesmerizing. Upper Piney Falls was not raging, but still beautiful.
We parked ourselves on a log with a spectacular view of Upper Piney Falls and ate lunch. Karen agreed with me that it was definitely worth the return trip to see what she missed last time.