Great Places for Great Photos

Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser known destinations, as well as the famous “Icon Locations” for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to insure a quality guide to great locations for photography.

Waterfalls Photographic Destinations

A waterfall is an area where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops in the course of a stream or river.

Waterfalls are commonly formed in the upper course of a river where lakes fall into in steep mountains.[1] Because of their landscape position, many waterfalls occur over bedrock fed by little contributing area, so they may be ephemeral and flow only during rainstorms or significant snowmelt. The further downstream, the more perennial a waterfall can be. Waterfalls can have a wide range of widths and depths.

Interactive Google Map

Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.

Waterfalls

Waterfall Destinations
Shoshone Falls Shoshone Falls is a waterfall on the Snake River in southern Idaho, approximately 3 miles northeast of the city of Twin Falls. Sometimes called the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls is 212 feet high—45 feet higher than Niagara Falls—and flows over a rim nearly 1,000 feet wide. Formed by catastrophic outburst flooding during the Pleistocene ice age about 14,000 years ago, Shoshone Falls marks the historical upper limit of fish migration (including salmon) in the Snake River, and was an important fishing and trading place for Native Americans. The falls were documented by Europeans as early as the 1840s; despite the isolated location, it became a tourist attraction starting in the 1860s. At the beginning of the 20th century, part of the Snake River was diverted for irrigation of the Magic Valley. Now, the flows over the falls can be viewed seasonally based on snowfall, irrigation needs and hydroelectric demands. Irrigation and hydroelectric power stations built on the falls were the primary contributors to early economic development in southern Idaho. The City of Twin Falls owns and operates a park overlooking the waterfall.  The flow over the falls ranges from over 20,000 cubic feet per second during late spring of wet years, to a minimum “scenic flow” (dam release) of 300 cubic feet per second in dry years. What to Photograph: The spectacular waterfalls and the Snake River below. Best Time for Photographers: Shoshone Falls is best viewed in the spring, as diversion of the Snake River often significantly diminishes water levels in the late summer and fall. Where it is: Shoshone Falls is a waterfall on the Snake River in southern Idaho, United States, approximately 3 miles northeast of the city of Twin Falls. Shoshone Falls Falls Ave, 1 1/4 mile north on 3300 East Twin Falls, ID 83301 Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   Click here for larger map. GPS: 42°35’38.303″ N 114°24’6.173″ W Cost: The cost for admission at Shoshone Falls Park is $3.00 per car (subject to change). Parks and Recreation begins charging admission each year on March 30 and continues through September. Season passes to Shoshone Falls are $25 and are available to purchase at the Parks and Recreation Department building and the ticket booth at Shoshone Falls. Facilities: The falls offer a unique blend of recreational facilities, including playgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, a boat ramp, swimming area, and a scenic overlook. A picnic in the shaded, grassy areas provides a perfect vantage point for viewing Shoshone Falls. Amenities 11 grills Alcohol consumption prohibited on boat docks Boat launch to Snake River Concession stand Drinking fountain No electricity available Picnic tables Restrooms Shoshone Falls overlook Trails Links: City of Twin Falls Website Location Contact Information: Mailing Address P.O. Box 1907  |  Twin Falls, ID 83303 Physical Address 203 Main Ave. East  |  Twin Falls, ID 83301 Emergency 9-1-1 Non-Emergency (208) 735-4357 City Hall (208) 735-7287 Fax (208) 736-2296 Shoshone Falls Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery More Photographic Destinations in Idaho: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Ruby Falls Discover the hidden beauty inside Lookout Mountain on the Cave Walk to Ruby Falls led by a Ruby Falls guide. Descend 260 feet by elevator into the mountain and explore the cavern trail to the tallest and deepest cave waterfall open to the public in the United States. Learn the story behind the accidental discovery of the cavern, see stunning rock formations, and experience the thundering waterfall! Ruby Falls is home to the tallest and deepest  underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Descend 26-stories by elevator into the cavern and then explore on foot with guided tours along the scenic path to the  breathtaking waterfall, hidden deep within Lookout Mountain. See stalagmites, stalactites, drapery formations and flowstone, plus learn about the cave’s storied history. Enjoy the incredible birds-eye view of the Tennessee River, mountains and the  rolling Tennessee Valley from Blue Heron Overlook, the Village Plaza and historic Lookout Mountain Tower. Discover the hidden treasures of Ruby Falls with a Classic Waterfall Tour. Led by a knowledgeable Ruby Falls guide, visitors  explore the cavern trail to the tallest, deepest cave waterfall open to the public in the United States. Learn about the accidental  discovery of the cavern and see stunning rock formations created over thousands of years; as a live cave, many formations  continue to be active. Soak up breathtaking, sweeping views from Lookout Mountain Tower, Blue Heron Overlook and relax  on the Village Plaza or Cavern Castle porch during your visit. Classic Waterfall Tours begin continuously throughout the day. Advance ticket purchase recommended for best availability. Where it is: Ruby Falls is conveniently located on Lookout Mountain and is just minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Exits 174, 175, and 178 off interstate 24 will lead to Ruby Falls. FROM DOWNTOWN CHATTANOOGA Travel South on Broad Street US-11 S away from Downtown Chattanooga Proceed to the railroad underpass. Broad Street becomes Cummings Hwy (Highway 41) Continue on Cummings Hwy (Hwy 41) about 0.5 mile Take the ramp on the left side of the highway labeled Ruby Falls (Scenic Hwy) Ruby Falls is ahead on the Right Photography Information: The cavewalk and the falls are illuminated with colored lights which will provide enough light for modern digital cameras using a high ISO setting. GPS: 35°1’8.514″ N 85°20’21.078″ W Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.     Hours: Open daily, 364 days a year with tours running from 8 AM – 8 PM Closed December 25 Extended hours on select evenings. Specialty tours on select dates by reservation. Private tours by reservation. Cost: Classic Waterfall Tour: $21.95 Adults, $12.95 Children Ages 3-12 Specialty Lantern Tour: $31.95 Ages 5 – Adults; keepsake miners helmet included for ages 5 – 12 Specialty Extended Cavern Tour: $31.95 Adults, $18.95 Children Ages 3-12 Annual Pass: $39.95 Adults, $21.95 Children Ages 3-12 Annual VIP Family Pass: $129.95 (2 adults & 2 children) Tour tickets sell out quickly. For best availability, purchase timed-entry Classic Waterfall Tour tickets in advance at  rubyfalls.com. Classic Waterfall Tour tickets may also be purchased at Ruby Falls based on availability. Specialty tours require advanced reservations. Single visit tickets are valid for one year from date of purchase.     Location Contact Information: 1720 South Scenic Hwy Chattanooga, TN 37409 423.821.2544  Email  info1@rubyfalls.com Facilities: A quick-serve restaurant with booth seating in the Ruby Falls Cavern Castle featuring Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, sandwiches, snacks, fruit cups, chips, ice cream, coffee, hot chocolate and a variety of beverages. RUBY’S KITCHEN Grab and Go Coolers Grab and go from Ruby’s Kitchen in the Village Gift Shop. Snacks, ice cream, prepared sandwiches, treats and refreshing drinks are ready to fuel your adventure. Ruby Falls Village Gift Shop. Discover an extensive collection of quartz, agate, geodes, and gifts designed to encourage curiosity in caves and geology. T  Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Tennessee Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Niagara Falls State Park   Niagara Falls State Park is located in the City of Niagara Falls in Niagara County, New York, United States. The park, recognized as the oldest state park in the United States, contains the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of the Horseshoe Falls. In addition to its views of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian Falls, the park overlooks the Niagara Gorge and allows access to the Maid of the Mist tour boats, Cave of the Winds, Goat Island, the Prospect Point Observation Tower, a statue of Nikola Tesla, and the IMAX movie Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic which is shown at the Niagara Adventure Theater. The views of Horseshoe Falls are not near as good as what you can see from the Canadian side of the river (you will need a passport), however this is definitely worth the visit and offers many opportunities not available on the canadian side. Cave of the Winds This was my favorite part of my trip here, it is amazing to be this close to the power of the waterfall. The Cave of the Winds was a natural cave behind Bridal Veil Falls at the Niagara Falls. The cave was some 130 feet high, 100 feet wide and 30 feet in depth. It was discovered in 1834, and originally dubbed Aeolus’s Cave, after the Greek god of winds. Guided tours began officially in 1841, through Goat Island and descending down a staircase closer to the falls, into the cave. The cave was obliterated in a massive 1954 rockfall and subsequent dynamiting of a dangerous overhang. Today, the “Cave of the Winds” is the name of a tourist attraction near the same site. You ride an elevator 175 feet deep into the Niagara Gorge. Then you walk over a series of wooden walkways to the famous “Hurricane Deck”.  As you stand at the railing, you are a mere 20 feet from the billowing torrents of Bridal Veil Falls. The decking is removed each fall due to the potential damage caused by ice buildup at the falls and re-installed each spring by park officials for sightseers to enjoy the experience. The decking is not secured to the rocks below by bolts or other construction materials; the wood beam supports are simply wedged into the rock crevices. Where it is: The best Niagara Falls address for your GPS system is: 24 Buffalo Avenue Niagara Falls, NY, 14303 The State Park does not have an actual physical address, therefore, this will bring you to the cross streets of 1st Street and Buffalo Avenue – which is the intersection at the entrance to the park and the base of the bridge to Goat Island. Drones In Niagara Falls State Park, (per FAA rule 14 CFR 93 Sub E), there is a flight restriction in the vicinity of Niagara Falls State Park that amounts to a No Fly Zone. All flights below 3,500 feet are restricted, Therefore, UAS are prohibited in Niagara Falls State Park. No permit will be issued. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   GPS: The exact coordinates of Niagara Falls are: Latitude 43.081528 Longitude -79.064240 Cost: It’s always free to walk into the Park and experience the Falls!  Parking is another issue.  Most of the parking in the park is $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends. Cave of the Winds Admission: Adults $21.00, Children 6-12 $17.00, 5 & under free. Advance ticket sales are not available and all tickets must be purchased in person at the ticket window. Cash or Credit Cards accepted. Hours: Niagara Falls State Park is open 365 days a year. and it’s always free to walk into the Park and experience the Falls!  Cave of the Winds Open most every day of the year from 9:00am to 8:00pm with limited hours during the winter months. Facilities: The park offers a museum, food concession, a movie theater, a gift shop, fireworks, hiking and nature trails, picnic tables, recreation programs, and fishing. The Top of the Falls Restaurant, on Goat Island overlooking the Horseshoe Falls, is also available within the park. Location Contact Information: Niagara Falls State Park 332 Prospect St Niagara Falls, NY 14303 Phone: 716-278-1794 Niagara Falls State Park Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in New York Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Natural Falls State Park in Northeastern Oklahoma, known by locals as Dripping Springs Falls, is home to the beautiful 77 foot waterfall, which is one of the tallest and most accessible in the region.   This was also the location for the filming of  Where the Red Fern Grows. The story of a young boy growing up in Oklahoma during the hard times of the Great Depression, the movie is an American classic. What to Photograph: The primary subject here is of course the 77′ waterfall, which can be photographed from the top and the bottom.  The bottom of the falls is a hidden and serene spot, some say is one of the most bueatiful in Oklahoma. Natural Falls State Park affords an opportunity to observe a variety of plant and animal life. The dense forest includes maples, chinquapin and white oaks, while plants such as flowering dogwood, sassafras, coral berry, spicebush, redbed, and pawpaw blanket the cool forest floor. The waterfall creates a moist environment where ferns, mosses, and liverworts thrive. Best Time for Photographers: Spring is to the time of the year to photography waterfalls in this part of the country, due to the spring rains and a greater flow of water.  Fall is another great time to capture the colors of the season.  The park is open year round from 8:30 pm till 5:00 pm seven days a week.  Hours are subject to change with the season and current daylight hours. Campers are allowed in the park 24 hours a day. Photos: Below is a self running slide show of images.  If you mouse over the images you will have forward and back arrows, and the photo caption will appear at the top.  At the bottom are additional controls and the filmstrip to go directly to an image.  The four arrow icon in the bottom right corner will run the show full screen, ESC key will return.  By clicking on an image you will be taken to the image in the stock photo gallery where you may order prints or license the photo. Where it is: North Eastern Oklahoma close to the Arkansas border 6 miles west of West Siloam Springs AR on Hwy 412 and 1/8 mile south of Hwy 412. Maps: Click on map to enlarge Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Cost: $4.00 per car addmission fee (does not include camping). Links: Natural Falls State Park Where the Red Fern Grows Location Contact Information: Hwy 412 W West Siloam Springs OK 74338 Phone:  918-422-5802 Fax: 918-422-0026 Email: naturalfalls@oklahomaparks.com Nearest City or Town: Silaom Springs AR Facilities: Picnic tables and grills can be found throughout the park. Campsites including 44 RV sites and 27 tent sites, and a comfort station with showers are also on site. The Red Fern Reunion Center is available for group functions. Other amenities include a three and a half mile hiking and nature trail, picnic shelter, volleyball, horseshoes, basketball court, catch and release fishing, playgrounds, and formal garden area. Pets are allowed on a leash only.(insert photo here) Tips for the Photographer: Equipment: A moderate wide angle lens will be neccessary  to shoot the entire water fall in one shot. A camera that you can manually set the shutter speed and aperture will work the best.  When shooting waterfalls we are basically doing everything wrong according to the auto programs that cameras have, so we need to manually override all settings. If you wish to shoot for a blurred motion effect with the moving water you need to use a tripod and a cable release or the self timer on your camera. Photography Tips: Shooting waterfalls is one of those photo subjects that falls into a category pretty much its own as to the best time to shoot them.  An overcast day with a gentle rain in the spring or fall following several days of rain.  This will vary with location, but in many areas the flow of water dries up in the summer months and a waterfall without water is just a pile of rocks.  Most waterfalls look better with a long exposure to make the water silky smooth (the main criteria being the amount of water flowing, the greater the flow the faster the shutter speed you can use and still get a great shot.  With a low water flow, the long exposure makes it look like more water is flowing than really is. Click here for more information on Photographing Waterfalls   Natural Falls State Park Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery More Photographic Destinations in Oklahoma: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Natural Dam Arkansas Description: Natural Dam is just what the name implies, a natural rock dam, located at the town of Natural Dam Arkansas.  The dam is nearly 200 feet wide and spans the width of Mountain Fork Creek where it runs into Lee Creek  You can easily view the dam without getting out of your vehicle , but the area features an excellent picnic area.  This is a very popular place for getting your feet wet and swimming during the hot summer months. Cost: There is no fee for this area, but it is for day use only, no camping and it closes at dark. Best Time to Visit: Anytime is good, great for fall colors Where it is: 15 miles north of Van Buren in the Boston Mountain range of the Ozark Mountains, in the Ozark National Forest Directions: Take Exit-5 off I-40 at Van Buren and go north on Ark. 59. Turn left at the Natural Dam Community – the picnic area and waterfalls come into sight after making the turn. Map: Contact: Boston Mountain Ranger District P.O. Box 76, Highway 23 North Ozark, AR 72949 (479) 667-2191 Crawford County Sheriff   911 or 479-474-2261 Physical Address:2137 Natural Dam Road, Natural Dam, AR 72948 Tips for the Photographer Equipment: The Dam can be photographed easily with most any camera and a normal lens.  A tripod is needed to keep the camera steady while shooting a long exposure to blur the water.  A polarizing filter to saturate color and cut reflections on the water.  During bright light you may also need neutral density filters to cut the light passing through the lens to enable a long exposure. What to Photograph: The waterfall, the surrounding forest and creek also contain great scenery. Photography Tips: Please read my article on shooting waterfalls.http://blog.gregdisch.com/2009/03/22/how-to-shooot-waterfalls/ Click Here for full page gallery More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Moonshiners Cave No one really knows if moonshine was every actually made at moonshiners cave, but the name comes from legend that says it was.  This is not actually a cave, but a bluff shelter with a rock wall that was probably constructed in 1905, a date and initials that were carved into a rock next to the door which is no longer there.  The shelter was originally used as a root cellar for a pioneer family. If you visit after a good rain you can probably see the waterfall which adds to the location for photography.  Don’t expect to see it if there has not been a lot of rain.   Where it is: Moonshiners Cave is located just outside of the park boundary of Devil’s Den State park in Northwest Arkansas. Directions: As you leave the visitor center at Devil’s Den State Park, turn right on Highway 74. From your turn, you will travel two miles where you will park directly across from the park’s entrance sign. On the south side of the road, you will walk about 50 yards hack towards the park and turn left on a rugged “ATV” trail.  There are no signs or trail markings, this is not an official or maintained trail.  The trail is fairly steep and very rocky. The trail will descend about 1/4 mile before you  “T” onto an old road. There you will turn left and continue downhill.  After hiking another 1/4 mile, you should notice an area heavily impacted by foot traffic. By Walking to the edge of that area, you will see the waterfall when it is flowing, or a corner of the walled-up bluff.   GPS: 35°46’48.342″ N 94°13’55.812″ W   Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   Hours: The location is accessible 24 hours per day.   Cost: There is not cost to visit Moonshiners Cave or Devil’s Den State Park. Location Contact Information: Devil’s Dens State Park 11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74 West Fork, AR 72774 479-761-3325 evilsden@arkansas.com Facilities: Devil’s Den State Park has cabins and camping as well as restrooms and a visitor center.  Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Lost Valley – Eden Falls Description: Lost Valley has a lot to see along the 2-2.5 mile trail along Clark Creek.These include, Eden Falls, Eden Falls cave, Cobb Cave, and the Natural Bridge with a waterfall coming out from under it.  There is even an underground waterfall about 200′ deep into Eden Falls Cave. Eden Falls is broken up into several different falls, all of which cannot be seen at the same time. Cost: There are no fee’s for day use of the area, camping is no loner permitted. Best Time to Visit: There are great photo opportunities nearly anytime, but the premier attraction is Eden Falls and only flows good during wet periods.  Typically in the spring and in the winter. Where it is: Lost Valley is located in the Buffalo National River near Jasper Arkansas. Directions: From I-40 exit 81 at Russellville, take the AR Hwy-7 and head north on 7 to Jasper and the junction of Hwy-74. Turn left (west) and follow 74 to Ponca. At Ponca, turn left on Hwy-43. The Lost Valley Campground will be on your right between Ponca and Boxley. (about a 2½ hour drive from I-40)From I-40 exit  at Clarksville, take nAR-21 north through Salus toward Ponca. About 4 miles before you reach Ponca is the intersection of AR-43 (AR-21 veers left to Kinston here). Continue on AR-43 and the campground is about two more miles on your left. (about a 2 hour drive from I-40)From Harrison, head south on AR-7 to the junction of Arkansas Hwy-43 (W Wilson Ave). Ar-7 veers left here, drive straight through to get on AR-43. Follow 43, through Compton and Ponca, to Lost Valley Campground on your right (about a 1 hour drive from Harrison). Map: Links: National Park Service Buffalo River GPS N 36.01035 and W -93.37435 Contact: Buffalo National River, NPS 402 N Walnut, Suite 136 Harrison, AR 72601 870-439-2502 buff_information@nps.gov Facilities: Flush toilets, picnic tables and fire grates. (Open year-round). Tips for the Photographer Equipment: A tripod, an assortment of lenses for closeup and macro to wide angle to take in the large bluff areas and Cobb Cave. What to Photograph: Eden Falls is the primary subject, however there are many other possibilities including wildflowers and insects macro and in the fall great color. Photography Tips: For photographing the waterfall you will need  a tripod and want to expose for 1/8 to 1 second or more to get the smooth silky look popular in waterfall photos.  Try to shoot on an overcast day, on a bright sunny day the mixture of bright sunlight and deep shade are very difficult to photograph. Links: How to Shoot Waterfalls Lost Valley Photo Gallery Click Here for Full Page Gallery More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
    Little Missouri Falls   The Little Missouri Falls is a sizable waterfall on the upper reaches of the Little Missouri River in southwest Arkansas in the Ouachita National Forest. It is a stairstep fall in a deep gorge. The falls can be reached by an all-weather gravel road, and there is a parking area with restrooms and a paved trail leading to observation sites. Water flow is greatest during the winter and spring months.   What to Photograph:   The falls and the river are the main photography subjects, but the rest of the recreation area is also great for photos.   Best Time for Photographers: The best time to photograph is in the spring when there is good water flow, during the summer and fall water level drops significantly.   Getting There: Driving Directions Take Arkansas Hwy. 84 west of Glenwood, AR; turn north on Arkansas Hwy. 369 at Langley, AR for 6 miles; continue north 3 miles on Forest Service Road 73 to Forest Service Road 43; turn left (northwest) 4 miles to Forest Service Road 25; turn left (west) for 1/2 mile to Forest Service Road 539. Cost: There are no fees for this area Facilities Picnic tables, Vault Toilets Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   Location Contact Information: Ouachita National Forest 100 Reserve Street P.O. Box 1270 Hot Springs, AR 71902 Phone:  (501) 321-5202 Fax:  (501) 321-5305 Mena/Oden Ranger District Mena, AR Phone:  (479) 394-2382 Nearest City or Town:  Glenwood Arkansas Little Missouri Falls Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
High Bank Twin Falls Description: High Bank Twin Falls is a spectacular 70′ high double waterfall located in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas. Cost: There is no fee for this area. Best Time to Visit: As with most waterfalls in Arkansas, High Bank Twin Falls really only flows with a lot of water after heavy rainfall.  The best time to get great photos is in the spring when the ground is saturated and right after a good rain. Where it is: High Bank Twin Falls is located very close to the road but very well hidden.  This is one of those places where you have to know where it is to find it.  The falls are located in the Ozark National Forest, just across the road from High Bank Canoe Access on the Mulberry River. Directions: From I-40 take  state highway 23 North through Cass turning right onto state highway 215 and follow it for 9.2 miles.  You will be at High Bank Canoe Access on the right side of the road and can park in the parking area.  Walk back out to the highway turn right, walk across the bridge and look for the unmarked but well traveled trail to your left.  Follow the trail approximately 1/4 mile to the waterfall. Map: Click map to enlarge Links: Ozark National Forest GPS Lat/Lon35 40.846N   93 41.216WUTM4 37 855E   39 48 551 N, Yale Quad Tips for the Photographer Equipment: You will want to have as wide of angle lens as you can, since the waterfall is about 70 feet tall and you can not get back very far from it to shoot.  A tripod is needed to make the long exposures used for capturing the smooth flow of the water. What to Photograph: The twin waterfalls are the main photographic subject, however this is a good area for doing some macro work.  There are many varieties of moss and lichen, mushrooms, and other plant life as well as insects to photograph.  The steam can be a great subject as it flows over many small cascades. Photography Tips: Use a tripod and shoot with a slow shutter speed, 1/2 to 2 seconds to get a nice silky flow of the water. Links: How to Shoot Waterfalls Caution: Be careful when photographing waterfalls, the rocks and ground around them will be wet and can be very slick. More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Haw Creek Falls Description: Haw Creek Falls  is located in Haw Creek campground of the Bayou Ranger District of the Ozark National Forest.  The small steam contains the falls which are only a short walk on an access trail suitable for physically disabled visitors.  The falls are only about 5 feet high at the most, but are very picturesque even with low water.  Located nearby  is Big Piney Wild and Scenic River and access to the Ozark Highlands Trial. Cost: There is no entrance fee for day use.  Campground is $4.00 per night year round.  There is no water or electric. Best Time to Visit: As with most waterfalls in Arkansas the best time is in the spring after heavy rainfall. Where it is: Haw Creek Falls and Campground is located in the Ozark National Forest approximately 25 miles north of Clarksville Arkansas. Directions: Take Arkansas 123 (paved) north from Hagarville (located north of Lamar) for 14 miles, or from Russellville, take Arkansas 7 north to Pelsor; then left (west) on Highway 123 (paved) for 12 miles. Negotiable by camping trailer rigs but use caution entering the campground. Map: Links: US Forest Service Site Facilities: Camping (9 family units) Vault toilets No Drinking water is available Picnicking Wading Fishing Hiking (access to the Ozark Highlands Trail) Camp trailers are allowed, but no special facilities are available Contact:Bayou Ranger District 12000 SR 27 Hector, AR 72843 (479) 284-3150 Tips for the Photographer Equipment: The Dam can be photographed easily with most any camera and a normal lens.  A tripod is needed to keep the camera steady while shooting a long exposure to blur the water.  A polarizing filter to saturate color and cut reflections on the water.  During bright light you may also need neutral density filters to cut the light passing through the lens to enable a long exposure. What to Photograph: The waterfall and the campground make great subjects.  There is great color in the fall due to the campground being a mature hardwood forest.  The historic one lane Big Piney Creek Bridge can also be an interesting subject. Photography Tips: Please read my article on shooting waterfalls.http://blog.gregdisch.com/2009/03/22/how-to-shooot-waterfalls/ Haw Creek Recreation Area Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
  Glory Hole Waterfall The Glory Hole Waterfall is located in the Ozark National Forest in Northwest Arkansas. The unique waterfall drops 30 feet through a hole in the roof of a bluff cave. The Glory Hole Waterfall only runs when there is enough rainfall, which generally in Arkansas is in the spring and winter.  If there is water flowing and below freezing temperatures for several days it can become a spectacular winter sight. What to Photograph There are opportunities to photograph the forest and dismal creek along the trail to the waterfall along with several small falls if the water is running good.  The waterfall itself can be photographed from both the top, which is a hole through the rock, use caution people have fallen through and been seriously injured, and from the bottom inside of the bluff cave.       Where it is: The Glory Hole Waterfall is located in Newton County Arkansas in the Ozark National Forest on Hwy 16 6.3 miles north of Fallsville AR.  Coming from the north it is 2.3 miles south of the junction of Hwy 16 and 21. It is just under a 1 mile hike to the waterfall and is downhill all the way making it up hill all the way back making it a moderate rated trail. Coming from the south you will see a red barn with a large letter E on the side on the left side of the road, the trail is about 1/2 mile on the right side of the road. If you are coming from the north you will see an abandoned house on the right side of the road and the trail is across the road on the right side.  The only thing you will probably be able to see from the road is any area where cars can pull off and park, there is now a small sign pointing to the Glory Hole Trail. GPS: N35 49.326, W93 23.611 Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Hours: The trail and waterfall all always open. Cost: There is no cost to visit the Glory Hole Waterfall.   Facilities: There are no facilities, no water, no restrooms. Location Contact Information: Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Send postal mail to: Ozark-St. Francis National Forests 605 West Main Russellville, AR 72801 Phone: (479) 964-7200 Big Piney Ranger District Hector Office – South 12000 SR 27 Hector AR 72843 (479)284-3150 Big Piney Ranger District Jasper Office – North P.O. Box 427 Hwy 7 North Jasper, AR 72641 (870)446-5122 Glory Hole Waterfall Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Falling Spring Mill The spring, known as Falling Spring because it pours out of the rock as a small waterfall, provided power for two mills. The second mill, which still stands, was built between 1927 and 1929, Falling Spring Mill, was used to grind corn for feed, saw out shingles, saw firewood, and generate electricity on the site. This mill had a metal wheel, the original structure had a wooden wheel.  The mill was first constructed of timer, then later enclosed with sawboard siding.  The mill’s present overshot wheel came from Johnson Spring, located approximately three miles down Hurricane Creek from Falling Spring. Also located on the site is a log cabin over 100 years old.  This cabin is the first of four houses built near this site. Constructed with half-dovetail notches at the corners, this helps to shed water away from the cabin, and may be one reason why it still stands today. The Thomas Brown Cabin is located at the Falling Springs Mill in the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri. Thomas and Jane Brown homesteaded the Falling Spring Area in 1851. They settled in a land which looked very similar to their homeland, Tennessee. The area around Falling Spring provided for their basic needs – water for livestock and personal use, and trees from which to build a cabin. What to Photograph The spring and surrounding pond with the waterfall, the 100 year old Falling Springs Mill, and the log cabin. Where it is: From Winona: From US Hwy 60, travel South on MO Hwy 19 approx. 9.6 miles. Turn Left/East onto FR#3170. This buy clonazepam with no prescription road immediately splits; follow FR#3164 to your Left. Keep right at an intersection at approx 2 miles, then Falling Spring will be on your right at approx. 2.3. From Alton: Travel North on MO Hwy 19 approx. 16.3 miles. Turn Right/East onto FR#3170. This road immediately splits; follow FR#3164 to your Left. Keep right at an intersection at approx 2 miles, then Falling Spring will be on your right at approx. 2.3. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. GPS: 36°52’3.485″ N 91°17’41.448″ W Cost: There are no fees to enter the park. Hours: The Falling Springs Picnic area is open at all times Facilities: There are picnic tables and pit toilets, there is no running water. Location Contact Information: Eleven Point Ranger District District Ranger: Matt Dillon Address: # 4 Confederate Ridge Road Doniphan, MO 63935 Phone: (573) 996-2153 FAX: (573) 996-7745 Office Hours: M-F: 8:00am – 4:30pm Falling Springs Mill Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery More Photographic Destinations in Missouri: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
  Elk Falls Kansas Elk Falls Kansas is a very unique town, home to Elk Falls Waterfall with a historic Pratt Truss Bridge.  The town also proclaims to be the “Worlds Largest Living Ghost Town” as well as the “Outhouse Capitol of Kansas”.  In addition it is home to a unique historic Rock Garden created during the great depression.  For a town with around 100 residents it sure has a lot going on. Waterfall The Falls, as it is known locally, is where the town of Elk Falls (pop. 120 or so) derives its name. The natural waterfall is about 10 ft. high and approximately 100 ft. wide, formed by the stone outcropping across the river. It was once the site of a waterpowered grist mill which was built in 1875. The water was originally channeled to one side by a log dam in order to turn the water turbine. Floods washed out the early wooden dams until the curved stone dam was constructed by Jo Johansen, a Swede from Minnesota. This stone dam is still standing well over 100 years and many floods later. The falls are easily viewed from the 1893 Iron Truss Bridge, or hike down to the water’s edge on the massive limestone slabs lining either side of the river. Elk Falls Steel Bridge The Elk Falls Pratt Truss Bridge, near Elk Falls, Kansas, spans the Elk River at the east end of Montgomery St. It was built in 1892 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. It is a Pratt truss bridge built by the George E. King Bridge Co. The bridge was taken out of service in the 1970s and, in 1992, was in the process of some restoration and is open for pedestrian use. Worlds Largest Living Ghost Town Elk Falls, Kansas is a town of less than 200 people that bills itself as the World’s Largest Living Ghost Town. The slogan helped draw some artists to the community and revive the town a few years back, but Elk Falls is declining again. But the town is still worth visiting, particularly in the warm months, as the remaining businesses tend to be seasonal. Interesting businesses include Elk Falls Pottery, The Tannery, the Saw Mill, and the 1879 Sherman House Bed & Breakfast Inn. Outhouse Capitol of Kansas Elk Falls, Kansas is the self proclaimed Outhouse Capital of Kansas. The tiny community has a open house and Outhouse Tour on the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving. The Outhouse Tour The Friends of Elk Falls Association coordinates the annual Fall Open House celebration in Elk Falls. Always the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving, various businesses, individuals and organizations sponsor an open house, concession or event as part of the community wide festivities. In 1996, at one of the brainstorming meetings, there was a discussion about things we might add to the event. Historic home tours, garden tours and such were not a possibility in this tiny rural community. Someone jokingly said “Well, we have a lot of outhouses in town.” Everyone got a good laugh and then thought, well, why not? No one has ever done THAT before! Thus, the Outhouse Tour and Contest was born. The decision was hesitantly made to try it once. The event was a thundering success! People absolutely loved it! So just what is an outhouse tour? Each year, about twenty brave individuals and local businesses spruce up (or build or relocate) an outhouse for a contest where the visitors are the judges. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three as well as the coveted Outhouse Throne Award, a custom made stoneware trophy chamber pot. Visitors who choose to take the self-guided tour pick up a ballot and a map at the Outhouse Headquarters downtown and vote for their favorite privy! Cost is $1 for a commemorative Outhouse Button. The Rock Garden The Rock Garden began in 1930 during the Great Depression when Maude Frakes hired several local men to build stone and concreate structures in her yard – her very own WPA project!  Her adopted son Bob also made many items including the large elephant, the twin arches, registration desk, and bridge over the fish pool.  Maude and others brought in stones from near and far, many being hauled by wagon and mule. The state Monument (North of the Stone Gazebo) once contained a stone from each of the 48 states.  The small round stones (Wishing Well, Child’s Seat) were sailing ship ballast stones form Denmark which were piled on the shores of the east coast and later used as grinding medium. Many other unusual stones, including fossils, petrified wood, arrowheads, stalactites, stalagmites, quartsite, onyx and many others were used in the construction of the various structures. The garden was complete in 1938 with a water system pressured by the water tower behind the barn.  As many as 1760 visitors signed the guest book in 1933-34. Steve and Jane Fry purchased the 22 acres south of Elk River in 2004 with the dream of preserving what remained of the overgrown and deteriorating 1896 farmstead. After more than a decade of clearing, demolition, repairing and rebuilding, the Frys moved to the property in 2016. A new timber frame addition was added to the original farmhouse and the mule barn was restored and repurposed to house Elk Falls Pottery on the 40th anniversary of the business, established in 1976. The Rock Garden is once again open to visitors of Elk Falls and the Pottery. Group tours and demonstrations are available.   Where it is: Elk Falls and the Steel Bridge – 4TH ST AND MONTGOMERY ST, ELK FALLS, KS 67345 Elk Falls Pottery and the Rock Garden is at the intersection of Elk Falls Pottery Road and K-160 in Elk Falls. GPS: Elk Falls Waterfall  37°22’27.918″ N 96°11’4.32″ W Elk Falls Pottery and Rock Garden 37°22’33.354″ N 96°11’24.066″ W   Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.     Hours: Elk Falls Pottery: Open most days about 8 or 9. Occasionally as early as 7. But some days as late as 11 or 12. We close about 5 or 6 – occasionally about 4 or 5, but sometimes as late at 12 or 1. The Elk Falls Waterfall is open 24 hours per day.     Cost: There is no cost to visit the waterfall or The Rock Garden at Elk Falls Pottery. Location Contact Information: Elk Falls Pottery, Inc. Elk Falls, KS 67345 620.329.4425 steve@elkfallspottery.com  Visit us on Facebook! Elk Falls Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Kansas Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Cumberland Falls Cumberland Falls, sometimes called the Little Niagara, the Niagara of the South, or the Great Falls, is a waterfall on the Cumberland River in southeastern Kentucky. Spanning the river at the border of McCreary and Whitley counties, the waterfall is the central feature of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and is part of the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves designated Wild River System. It is believed the current falls formed as the result of erosion from its original starting place at an escarpment far downstream. The site of the falls was occupied in pre-modern times by a variety of indigenous peoples, and more recently has passed through multiple private owners until eventually being donated, along with surrounding land to Kentucky in 1930. It is the only site in the Western Hemisphere where a moonbow is regularly visible.  Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world that regularly produces a moonbow. The “moonbow,” also called a white rainbow or lunar rainbow, is formed just like a rainbow—light is refracted in tiny water droplets—and appears for the two or so days, as long as the sky is clear, on either end of the full moon. Where it is: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a park located just southwest of Corbin, Kentucky and is contained entirely within the Daniel Boone National Forest. GPS: 36°50’21.132″ N 84°20’40.206″ W Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.     Hours: The park is always open. Cost: There is no fee to visit Cumberland Falls.   Location Contact Information: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park 7351 Highway 90 Corbin, KY 40701 Phone: 606-528-4121 Email: joe.mounce@ky.gov   Facilities: Riverview Restaurant Open for dine in or carry out. Breakfast 7:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Lunch 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Dinner 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Lodging The solid hemlock beams and knotty pine paneling complement the massive stone fireplaces in historic DuPont Lodge, one of the most beautiful state park lodges. Fifty-one rooms offer beautiful views and full amenities including interior corridors. All rooms totally renovated in 2006. Interested in cabins? Don’t forget about the park’s other accommodations, including 25 cabins and cottages and 49 campsites.  Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Kentucky Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Crystal Mill The Crystal Mill, or the Old Mill is an 1892 wooden powerhouse located on an outcrop above the Crystal River in Crystal, Colorado, United States. It is accessible from Marble, Colorado via 4×4. Although called a Watermill, it is more correctly denoted as a compressor station, which used a water turbine to drive an air compressor. Originally built with a horizontal wheel. The compressed air was then used to power other machinery or tools. In the 21st century, the mill is usually called the Crystal Mill or the Old Crystal Mill. Many decades ago, when the mill was still in use, it was called the Sheep Mountain Power House at the Lost Horse Millsite, or simply the Lost Horse Mill. Sometimes it is erroneously called the Dead Horse Mill. The mill was constructed in 1893 by George C. Eaton and B.S. Phillips, promoters of the Sheep Mountain Tunnel and Mining Company.  It was built as a power plant for the Sheep Mountain Tunnel. Originally it had a horizontal waterwheel which generated compressed air for miners in the nearby silver mines.  It fell into disuse in 1917 when the Sheep Mountain Mine closed. The mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 5, 1985. History: THE CRYSTAL MILL This Structure located at Crystal City is considered by some to be the most photographed site in Colorado. It was constructed in 1893 by George C. Eaton and B.S. Phillips, promoters of the Sheep Mountain Tunnel and Mining Company, as a power plant for the Sheep Mountain Tunnel. It was originally known as the Sheep Mountain Tunnel Mill and the name was commonly shortened to “Crystal Mill,” though later writers sometimes called it by other names. It contained a horizontal wooden water wheel, turned by two one-inch water jets, at the base of the penstock shaft at river level, and this powered a large air compressor. Power was transmitted via a steel driveshaft up to the gear house on the front Of the building, then to the compressor by a wide leather belt. The air was carried to the mine entrance by a 3-inch iron pipe, across the river and up to the base of Sheep Mountain. compressed air powered the air drills and provided ventilation for the tunnel which in 1893 extended over 1500 feet into the mountain. The mill building has a privy in the overhanging corner which emptied directly into the river. The back end of the building contained a sleeping room for the attendant. In December 1893 the mill began operation, in spite of the 1893 silver panic, and continued sporadically until sometime in the 1920’s. River water powered the water wheel and a wooden dam above the falls raised the water level to the top of the penstock shaft. High water runoff the next spring after construction washed out the dam. It was rebuilt, and when it again washed out, water was obtained by building a long wooden flume which tapped the river far upstream on the east end of Crystal. Remnants of this flume can still be seen on the south side of the river. As the mine began to produce rich silver ore a stamp mill was built to the west of the mill to crush and concentrate the ore for shipping. It contained three large timbers tipped with iron which were raised and dropped to crush the ore, and powered via a 12-inch wide leather belt from the power house. Evidence of crushed ore can be seen across the river but little other remains of the stamp mill exist. This Structure never contained a saw mill and the powerhouse never had an electric generator. The Crystal Mill is privately owned and not open for public inspection. A new wood shingle roof, just like the original, was installed in 1976 with help from a Bicentennial Grant of $2500, and public donations. In 1984 several volunteers, with the advice of an engineer. installed supporting cables inside the building to raise and secure the gear house, which was pulling away from the building and in danger of falling into the river. Located in the Rock Creek Mining District this old power house is a picturesque remnant Of the intense prospecting and mineral extraction activities which accompanied and supported early settlement of this area. OSCAR MCCOLLUM, HISTORIAN FRONTIER HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1996   What to Photograph Crystal Mill Beaver Lake and Lizard Lake On the way to Crystal Mill you will pass by two beautiful mountain lakes.   The town of Marble The natural beauty of Marble inspires everyone, but especially those who are artistically or historically inclined and those who seek to refresh their soul. Marble is home to artists, artisans and galleries. The biggest art event of the year is of course the world renowned Marble Sculpting Symposium, which takes place every summer. Aside from the arts, there is also a fascinating wealth of history, which is evident all throughout town. If you are a history buff, Marble is for you. Refresh yourself and get inspired! Where it is: The Crystal Mill is located 6 miles east of Marble, just before the ghost town of Crystal. It is reachable only in the summer and fall months by a rough, one-lane, 4-wheel-drive road. If you are not interested in driving, or your vehicle does not have generous ground clearance, the trip to Crystal and The Mill can be reached by foot, mountain bike, or guided jeep tour. The Mill can also be accessed by horseback, but on a busy summer or fall day, riders will encounter many vehicles and the route is very rocky.     Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.     GPS: 39°3’33.179″ N 107°6’16.859″ W   Cost: There is no cost to travel the road to Crystal Mill or to photograph from the road, to access the site from the river (private property) they were charging $10 per person. Hours: There are no hours for this location.   Facilities: There is a gift shop in the city of Crystal which is just above the mill The nearest town is Marble which has a general store and a BBQ restaurant (which is very busy), no gas. Location Contact Information:   Crystal Mill Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Colorado: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...