TENNESSEE – CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST – FS 210

Photo Experience:   Bald River Falls is an excellent location. It can easily be shot from the bridge. I found the west side of the bridge – the opposite side from the parking area – to provide good opportunities for compositions. The falls can also be shot from the water’s edge by taking the path down to the river, also on the west side of the bridge. Another falls, Baby Falls, is a short distance up FS 210 from Bald River Falls. While it is scenic, I have found it difficult to compose a shot I am pleased with because the water is white and the surrounding rock is gray. There is a maple tree on the shoulder of the road that could provide foreground interest. The best time to be on FS 210 is in the fall in the second half of the afternoon on a blue-sky, windless day. This may sound strange to those of you who know that the way to photograph waterfalls is in overcast light. The reason I say this is because of the other opportunities that exist here – reflections in the Tellico River. They are among the best that I’ve encountered. In addition to river reflections on the way to the falls, I’ve also found some opportunities a mile or two past Baby Falls.

Other Info:   From the junction of TN 68 and TN 165 in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, take TN 165 East. Shortly after getting onto TN 165, the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center will be on the left. There are restrooms here. This is also a good place for maps and information. (In the town of Tellico Plains, there is a Hardee’s and a Subway.) Drive TN 165 East for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto FS 210. Bald River Falls is approximately 6 miles from the Skyway. There is a small parking area across the bridge, which often fills up on weekends. There are pit toilets and picnic tables at Baby Falls further on. FS 210 is paved, but there is rarely a shoulder, limiting opportunities to pull off and stop along the road.