The Narrows of the Harpeth

© shoutingforha

Last week we had a break in the rain that has been falling almost daily.  The fellows and I decided to take advantage of the sunshine and enjoy a hike at the Narrows of the Harpeth in Kingston Springs, TN.  

© shoutingforha

In addition to fishing, canoeing and swimming, the park has several hiking trails.  We decided to take the one that leads to the bluff overlook.  

© shoutingforha

To get there you have to climb the stairs to Mordor (just kidding) and walk through the poison ivy forrest (seriously).

© shoutingforha

The view from the top is amazing.  I could have spent hours staring out into the Tennessee countryside...

© shoutingforha

© shoutingforha

Someday I would like to sit up on the bluff and watch a thunderstorm roll in from the west.   

© shoutingforha

Once we had our fill of the spectacular view, we decided to make our decent and explore the trail on the backside of the bluff.

© shoutingforha

The half-mile trail winds through the wooded area between the bluff and the Harpeth River.  

© shoutingforha

At the end of the trail, there is a small waterfall that flows from a tunnel that was cut in the limestone at one of the Harpeth River's narrow horseshoe bends.  

© shoutingforha

Montgomery Bell blasted the tunnel to build his "Pattinson Forge" which was used to power his iron mill.  The water would flow from the river, through the forge and into the pond on the other side of the tunnel.  

© shoutingforha

The Narrows of the Harpeth is a wonderful place to go and spend the day.  If you are ever in the area you should stop by.

~~~~~

All of the photos were taken using the Hipstamatic app.