Nature Seen
Scroll down to view photos in this collection.
Click here to read my poem called Enjoy Life.
“When I look closely, I see intricate designs, infinite shapes, ranging textures and myriad colors in a solitary place.”
(From a Steve Madden poem called Enjoy Life.)
Macro photography is both challenging and rewarding. Nobody appreciates close up photos like a hikographer (one who photographs scenes while hiking).
As you view this collection, Nature Seen, I hope you will be challenged to look more intently at wonders around you. By doing so, you will develop a greater appreciation for nature.
Words to live by: Look closely and be amazed!
SNS66V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
The University of Kentucky maintains the State Botanical Garden and Arboretum in Lexington. More than 1200 native plant species grow in the 100-acre public garden.
I first visited the State Botanical Garden in late Summer. I captured these and many other photographs while walking there for five hours that first day.
I enjoyed it so much I plan to return again in Autumn and Winter and Spring.
SNS65V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Numerous Hearts A Bustin’ shrubs along Metcalf Bottoms Trail displayed vibrant seed pods in mid-September.
Their brilliant pink seed pods split open in early Autumn to reveal bright orange seeds. Amazing!
SNS61V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
I hiked Hunt Knob Trail at Panther Creek State Park when I noted new life taking root in the bark of a fallen tree.
Not Fungus, in this case, but opportunistic green Grass.
SNS59V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
I hiked Elkins Trail at Norris Dam State Park when I spied this Hornet’s nest maybe ten feet above my head.
Hornets flying to and from their nest caused me some concern.
I ducked my head, dashed beneath the nest and ran 20 or 30 yards before I was convinced no stinging bees pursued me.
SNS58H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Umbrella Magnolia leaves are typically 12 to 20 inches long.
Although common throughout Appalachia, I marvel each time I see the large leaves that are distinctive also for the umbrella shape they form.
I hiked Christmas Fern Trail at Norris Dam State Park when I captured this image.
SNS57V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
This was my view from Alum Cave where I rested during my climb to the 6593 foot summit of Mt. LeConte.
“The Alum Cave Trail probably has the most spectacular scenery of any trail in the (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)…”
Narrative by James Wedekind in Hiking Trails of the Smokies.
SNS56V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Water Lilies flowered below a small waterfall in the rose garden at University of Tennessee Gardens.
This image made me think of Pac-Man, a game I played a few times as a UT student in the late 1970s.
SNS55H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
I delighted to see how nature arranged an Indian Cucumber Root among these Ferns.
I hiked Yahoo Arch Trail in Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest on this Nature Seen occasion.
SNS54V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Green trees and fantastic rock formations prevailed along a section of Sheltowee Trace between Alum Ford and Yamacraw Bridge. This part of the Sheltowee lies within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area near Stearns KY.
Unfortunately, several blow downs made the hike more difficult and less pleasant than usual.
SNS53V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
What makes this hikographer especially happy? A year with two Spring seasons!
I hiked a short trail at Tulip Immersion Gardens in Holland MI when I saw these Lily Of The Valley plants.
Great White Trillium and Trout Lily flowers were also in bloom in Michigan during our May holiday.
SNS52V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Hiking friends helped me enjoy ten Yellow Lady Slippers and more than sixty Pink Lady Slippers late April and early May.
Our familiar trails included Schoolhouse Gap and Huskey Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains; and Squibb Creek, Turkey Pen Gap and Middle Springs Ridge trails in Cherokee National Forest.
SNS51V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Scenes like this beckon us to explore Appalachia in Springtime.
My solo hike along Baxter Creek Trail was an adventure, but well worth the effort to see Maidenhair Ferns, Wild Geraniums, Bishop’s Caps, Canada Violets and other flourishing plants.
SNS50V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Raindrops lay on Water Lilies which floated on a pond at Baxter Gardens in North Knoxville TN.
SNS49V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
An up close look at Japanese Maple seeds in mid-April.
Seen in the Azalea Garden at Baxter Gardens in North Knoxville TN.
SNS48H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
A partly cloudy sky produced this silhouette of a mature Maple tree just after sunset in South Knoxville.
SNS47V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Virginia Bluebells bloomed near the Ijams family swimming hole at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville TN.
SNS46H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Green leaves and multi-colored blooms brightened an overcast afternoon at Ijams Nature Center.
Spring had sprung by mid-March in Knoxville Tennessee.
SNS45V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
I hiked late afternoon at Cumberland Mountain State Park when I noticed sunlight spotlighting a tree and rock that bordered Pioneer Trail.
Some of nature’s prettiest pictures are available to view early and late in the day.
SNS44H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
The hole in a fallen log was maybe 1.5 inches in diameter. How Julie noticed this tiny Fugus growing inside the small hole is beyond me.
I am glad she noticed and pointed it out to Larry and me.
SNS43H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
This is all my camera’s lens could capture of the mammoth east wall of Cloudland Canyon, seen from West Rim Loop Trail.
Nature has endeavored for eons to carve and perfect Cloudland Canyon.
My appreciation for Nature’s grandeur should be much greater than the two fleeting days I invested this weekend at Cloudland Canyon State Park.
SNS42H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Powdery snow collected on this evergreen shrub the January day when eight inches accumulated on lawns, houses and streets in South Knoxville.
SNS41V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Julie and I met Audi as we hiked Middle Prong Trail toward Indian Flats Falls.
Audi told us where to look for artifacts from CCC Camp 1461. She also told us to be on the look out for this unusual tree.
I was fascinated by the eight-legged tree, and by moss-covered walls, steps, foundations and other relics at the hillside site of the 1930’s CCC Camp.
SNS40V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
I sat on a rock within the “cave” at Chimney Top in Frozen Head State Park.
I was weary from the climb and disappointed that I could not locate the scramble path to the chimney’s actual top.
I happened to look up and saw an evergreen Mountain Laurel jutting from the stone wall. Disappointment yielded to joyful contentment at this awesome sight!
SNS39H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
When in nature, walk slowly and look closely. You will observe intricate designs, infinite shapes, ranging textures and myriad colors in a solitary space.
I observed these miniature Wintergreens while walking Alley Cat Trail at Cumberland Mountain State Park.
SNS38V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
I prayed for significant rain to dent our weeks-long drought. And I vowed I would enjoy walking in the rain.
Only a smidge of rain fell that November day. Even so, I enjoyed lingering fall colors along Will Skelton Greenway and at Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville.
SNS37H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
I enjoyed this Cumberland Plateau scenic view from Top of the Rocks, a short scramble from Twin Arches in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
SNS35V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
A single Maple displays amazing color in Autumn.
I hiked Harlan Road Trail in Cumberland Gap National Historic Park when I noticed the picture postcard scene.
SNS34V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a series of parklands along a 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee near Atlanta GA.
After an orientation stop at Hewlett Lodge Visitors Center, we began our easy hike by looping around this pond in the Island Ford section of the park.
CRNRA serves as a fun outdoor classroom, teaching visitors about the river and creatures that live there, including Geese, Beaver, Muskrats, Salamanders and Foxes.
SNS33H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
Big Laurel Creek was my constant companion the length of Laurel River Trail, about seven miles round trip.
The hike, along a former rail line, is as easy a natural surface trek as you will find in Appalachia. The trailhead is a short drive from Hot Springs NC.
SNS32V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
This solitary Fungus caught my attention as I hiked Chestnut Top Trail in the Smoky Mountains one August day.
Compare this specimen to the Fungi in the next photo below.
SNS31V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
I am sometimes at a loss for words to describe nature’s wonders. However, I never tire of experiencing them!
I saw these Fungi while hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail between Jones Meadow and Allen Gap in North Carolina.
SNS30H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
Do you like trees that change leaf colors? Me too!
Thankfully, some Redbud trees display multicolored leaves even in early Summer.
SNS29H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
Summergreen trees reflected on Clinch River adjacent to Norris Dam State Park.
The low water level exposed fallen and waterlogged trees and Cypress knees of which I was totally unaware, although I have hiked there dozens of times.
I suppose innumerable natural wonders exist that humans never see.
SNS28V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
I joined a group of Southern Appalachia Nature Photographers for a stroll along Big Creek Trail in the Smoky Mountains.
This is the best image I captured at Midnight Hole.
SNS27V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
This reminded me of ocean coral images I have seen.
It is some variety of Lichen. And it lives in a tree hollow at Huskey Gap in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
SNS26H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
I sat on a large sandstone slab to capture this dramatic image of the top of Lower Piney Falls near Spring City Tennessee.
Considering the torrent of water that rushed over the ledge at far left in this photo, I wish I knew a safe way to descend to the base of Lower Piney Falls.
SNS25V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
It was a wet, cold, cloudy, blustery day when I chased waterfalls at Fall Creek Falls State Park near Spencer Tennessee.
Sleet swirled about as I hiked Piney Falls Trail. Strangely, sleet pellets adhered only to Holly and Mountain Laurel shrubs.
SNS24V Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
This “fat man’s squeeze” leads hikers to the top of a natural bridge at Natural Bridge State Park near Slade Kentucky.
Where have you squeezed through naturally occurring rock walls similar to these?
SNS23V Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
Nature showed me this dandy display one December day as I hiked at Frozen Head State Park near Wartburg Tennessee.
SNS22H Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
I spied this family of Fungi in early February at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville Tennessee.
If you live close by, I implore you to explore nature at Ijams. Some of my best nature photos, both tranquil and dramatic, were taken at this city oasis alongside the Tennessee River.
SNS01V Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
This incredible Fungi-cloaked tree stopped me in my tracks.
I saw these umbrella-shaped fungal specimens in Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest near Robbinsville, North Carolina.
SNS02V Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
Winter hiking can be spectacular in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
On a January day, Lumber Ridge Trail presented Tom and me with four miles x2 of winter spectacle.
SNS03V Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
This scene was at the lowest elevation along Bear Creek Trail in Georgia’s Cloudland Canyon State Park.
I did not ford the frigid stream. I will finish Bear Creek Trail another day.
SNS04V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
This spooky image grabbed my attention the day after Halloween.
I suppose my imagination was overactive as I hiked Squibb Creek Trail in Cherokee National Forest near Chuckey, Tennessee.
SNS05H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
Virginia Creeper is such a distinctive plant!
This Creeper cluster grew beside Wildflower Loop Trail below my Clifty Campground site at Cumberland Falls State Park near Corbin, Kentucky.
SNS06V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
I noticed Daisies and Fire Pinks during my solo hike that began and ended at Abrams Creek Ranger Station in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
To get there, take US 129 then Happy Valley Road to the remote GSMNP entrance. Or, for excellent views, drive Foothills Parkway instead of highway 129 to Happy Valley Road.
SNS07H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
I have seen many purple Crested Dwarf Iris flowers. This is the only white (albino?) Dwarf Iris flower I have seen.
I noticed these Irises while hiking Lumber Ridge Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
SNS08H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
A single Maidenhair Fern is striking. This thicket of Maidenhairs was spectacular!
I saw them mid-May while hiking Porter’s Creek Trail in the Greenbrier area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
SNS09H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
After camping at Panther Creek State Park near Talbott, Tennessee, I hiked early morning and was greeted by these yellow-orange Fungi.
I will return to this spot to observe how this Fungi family has matured.
SNS10H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
I returned for more camping at Panther Creek State Park a week after seeing the exquisite Fungi.
As I completed a gratifying day hike, a Sycamore tree was silhouetted by gathering clouds at sunset.
SNS11H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
Deciduous trees are most valued when their leaves turn brilliant colors. I also appreciate them after leaves fall and their “skeletons” are on display.
This tree has great bones. I snapped its picture while touring Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
SNS12V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
This picturesque portion of Dry Creek is below Margarette Falls in Cherokee National Forest near Greeneville, Tennessee.
Contrary to its name, Dry Creek seemed rather wet when I forded it multiple times that November day.
SNS13V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
These demonstrate why deciduous trees are esteemed most when their leaves turn brilliant colors.
I saw an abundance of color the November day I hiked to Margarette Falls in Cherokee National Forest.
SNS14V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
I spied this Lamb’s Ear (or is it Big Ears?) plant while hiking Ore Mine Trail at Panther Creek State Park near Talbott, Tennessee.
Look closely and you will see small Cacti plants further up the hill.
SNS15V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
Leaning trees made me notice this otherwise-ordinary view of Cove Lake.
I walked a paved path near a wildlife viewing platform at Cove Lake State Park. The park is just off I-75 at exit 134.
SNS16H Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
Wild Geraniums in bloom, surrounded by other native plants, pose for this work of art.
I was at Frozen Head State Park in early May, along either Panther Branch or North Old Mac Trail.
SNS17V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
Rarely am I privileged to see Pink Lady Slippers. One time only I saw a quartet of her slippers in close proximity.
These grew near the bottom of Middle Springs Ridge Trail in Cherokee National Forest near Chuckey, Tennessee.
SNS18V Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
This is a fine specimen of Rosebay Rhododendron I photographed while hiking to The Hangover in North Carolina.
This early bloomer was a few hiking miles from Beech Gap Trailhead along Cherohala Skyway.
SNS19V Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
Here are the best specimens of Shelf Fungus I have seen. Note their glossy finish and pancake appearance. Wow!
I captured this memory while hiking Sugarland Mountain Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
SNS20V Copyright 2019 Steven L Madden
I enjoy this collage of colorful plants coexisting in nature.
The plants presented themselves as I hiked Brushy Mountain Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
SNS21H Copyright 2016 Steven L Madden
New-fallen leaves and bleached-out ferns caught my eye one afternoon in early November.
Peter, Sue and I hiked 23 miles that day in the Smoky Mountains. Our trails included Noland Divide, Noland Creek and Springhouse Branch.