Scroll down to view Steve Madden’s featured photos for January through March 2024.
All photos in this collection are copyright 2024 Steven L Madden.
SFP323 March 23 2024
Just After Sunset
The setting sun painted this South Knoxville masterpiece at 7:45 the fourth Saturday in March.
SFP323a March 23 2024
Just After Moonrise
The setting sun behind me painted trees reddish orange just after the moon rose in my South Knoxville neighborhood.
This eastern sky image appeared simultaneously with the western sky sunset featured in the photo above.
SFP317 March 17 2024
Terrific Trillium
This terrific flower is a Red Trillium.
I saw at least a dozen wildflower species today at Frozen Head State Park near Wartburg TN.
Bloodroot
Common Blue Violet
Geranium
Hepatica
Red Trillium
Rue Anemone
Spring Beauty
Toadshade Trillium
Toothwort
Trout Lily
Yellow Trillium
Yellow Violet
SFP315 March 15 2024
Illuminating
A look inside an emerging Ephemeral was illuminating.
Countless three-leafed flowers lined the trails today at Ijams Nature Center. A select few were as advanced and colorful as this Yellow Trillium.
SFP315b March 15 2024
Lavish Leaves Last Longer
Exquisite white flowers adorn Bloodroot plants only a few days each Spring.
Thankfully, Bloodroot’s lavish leaves last much longer.
SFP315c March 15 2024
Baby Blues
What is this plant with baby blue flowers?
Google thinks it is Bugloss or Brunnera. It grows in a flower garden at Ijams Nature Center; I presume it is not native to East Tennessee.
SFP302a March 2 2024
Cheerful Blossoms
The small tree that produced countless pink and white blossoms was not identified like other trees at UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge TN.
I think it is a Cherry tree. It was a cheerful change from barren trees that predominated on this early Spring day.
SFP302b March 2 2024
Lenten Roses
These lovely Lenten Roses were featured near the visitor’s center at UT Arboretum in early March.
SFP216 February 16 2024
Fall Creek Falls
Rarely does Fall Creek Falls water flow exceed the volume David and I witnessed in mid-February.
Fall Creek Falls State Park features several impressive waterfalls, including this pair that are visible from an ADA-accessible overlook.
SFP216a February 16 2024
256 Feet Below
This is the bottom of Fall Creek Falls, 256 feet below where water rushes over the rocky ledge at Falls Creek Falls State Park.
SFP207 February 7 2024
Old Mail Road Bridge
This bridge across Byrd Creek is at the turn around point of Pioneer Trail at Cumberland Mountain State Park.
Like so many other structures at this Crossville TN park, Old Mail Road Bridge was constructed by Company 3464 of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
SFP206 February 6 2024
Through the Arches
Mill House Stone Cabin is visible through the arches at Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville TN.
Fourteen arches make up this dam that was constructed by CCC Company 3464 during the 1930s. Seven of the arches can be seen only from the back side of the dam.
SFP126 January 26 2024
Finished Business
For two years, I longed to see this rock wall overhanging Bear Creek at Cloudland Canyon State Park near Trenton GA.
Even more, I wanted to finish hiking Bear Creek Trail, which requires hikers to ford the stream twice.
Unlike in January 2022, this Winter day I waded fast-flowing Bear Creek and finished the lollipop loop hike. I am pleased and proud to have done so.
SFP126b January 26 2024
Feel The Mist
After significant rain, Hemlock Falls is in a class all by itself. You must feel the mist to understand.
Hemlock Falls and Cherokee Falls are featured along Waterfalls Trail at Cloudland Canyon State Park near Trenton GA.
SFP115 January 15 2024
A Walk In The Snow
This is a bridge across Goose Creek in Mary Vestal Park in Knoxville TN.
When I left home wearing Lowa boots with YakTrax attached, I measured six inches of snow in my yard. When I returned hours later, at least two additional inches of snow had accumulated.
Trekking in fresh and falling snow made me feel years younger.
SFP112 January 12 2024
Gorgeous and Glorious
Gorgeous clouds were made even more glorious by their reflection on the Tennessee River.
I alone was privileged to witness this amazing spectacle. No wonder I visit Ijams Nature Center at sunrise so often.
SFP112b January 12 2024
Rowing Into the Sunrise
I watched the University of Tennessee rowing team as they glided into a reflection of early morning sun on the Tennessee River beside Ijams Nature Center.
SFP102 January 2 2024