Posted by Tom Kennon on February 19, 2008 at 9:58 PM
Sunday morning the Mulberry River was cresting at about 10 feet, too high for paddling, but perfect for pictures in Fern Gulley. This great little scenic area is about 35 minutes from Fort Smith, and although it is not Smith Creek, it has some really good drops through huge boulders. Catching the water just right is somewhat of a challenge but I was lucky and got there while it was still slightly raining. The water was perfect for pictures and the wet forest was saturated just right for some color even in the middle of winter. For those not familar with this area, Tim Ernst lists it in the Arkansas Nature Lover's guide on page 14. Here are few shots of the area.
Posted by Tom Kennon on February 19, 2008 at 9:59 PM
Fern Gulley looking downstream
Posted by Tom Kennon on February 19, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Side drainage of Fern Gulley
Posted by John Moore on February 19, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Nice photos, Tom. I especially like the one of the side drainage. Except for maybe Devils Canyon, I believe Fern Gulley is the waterfall area closest to home.
Posted by TIMERNST on February 19, 2008 at 11:54 PM
Hey John, don't forget about Crack In Rock - that is a pretty nice little waterfall area right on the edge of your town. Fern Gully and Devil's Canyon are two wonderful spots for sure, and right across the road from each other, so to speak. I've not been in Fern Gully with much water in it yet, but I can attest to the healthy snake population. Hey Tom, did you get your boat wet?
Posted by Tom Kennon on February 20, 2008 at 12:43 AM
John, you are correct Fern Gulley and Devil's Canyon are our closest options, except for a few falls on private property near Webber Creek just north of Van Buren. I also need to check out the waterfall that Tim is referring too. I believe it is located on the trail at Lee Creek Lake access. Is that correct Tim?
Tim, I did not get the boat wet on Sunday. When I stopped by the Campbell's Cemetery access on Sunday there were 4 foot standing waves and a wave train as far as you could see downstream. This is normally a calm pool. I guess with age, I am becoming more cautious about venturing on rivers with logs floating downstream! Work has called the past few days.
Posted by Tim Ferrell on February 20, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Nice Shots Tom!
Posted by Rob Graham on February 20, 2008 at 8:06 AM
Nice series, looks like a good day to be out
Posted by Bill Dark on February 20, 2008 at 8:56 AM
Nice mini-gallery of images, Tom! The rain really brought out some nice color in the leaves and rocks. I keep telling myself I need to get down that way to shoot a few photos. Maybe the next good rain (or snow) we get...
Posted by Merle Cook on February 20, 2008 at 9:52 AM
Nice series of shots Tom. I like #2 with the water flowing out of sight in the rocks. It looks like a good day to be out. We had 24-30 degrees and high winds on Sunday. To cold for me .
Great series, Tom. You certainly made the most of the rain. I had a friend e-mail a few pics from Lost Valley, and the water was really up at Eden Falls. I miss Arkansas.
Discussion
10 repliesTim, I did not get the boat wet on Sunday. When I stopped by the Campbell's Cemetery access on Sunday there were 4 foot standing waves and a wave train as far as you could see downstream. This is normally a calm pool. I guess with age, I am becoming more cautious about venturing on rivers with logs floating downstream! Work has called the past few days.