Ozone Falls

Ozone, Cumberland, Tennessee

Description

This waterfall is a hidden gem near the I-40 corridor in Tennessee where Fall Creek plunges 110 feet into a small amphitheater.  From the interstate one can be at the parking area in 15 minutes or less.

Designated as a state natural area, parking is limited but quite close to the top of the falls.  Having said that, keep a close eye on the kids.

The hike to the base of the waterfall is short and well worth the effort.  There are many large rocks downstream where one can stop and soak in the view - a highly recommended break from the perils of interstate travel.  Give it a try.

Getting There

To reach Ozone Falls take the Crab Orchard exit off of Interstate 40 (currently exit 329) for US-70.  Turn north and follow this road (Market St.) until it runs into US-70.  Turn right (east) on US-70 and follow it for about 4.6 miles.  There is a sign for the parking area and a nearby board with a map and other information on the state natural area.

Use the following link to customize your own directions to Ozone Falls.

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Hike Details

From parking it is only about 100 yards to the brink of the falls - and it is a brink.  Don't let the kids stray because there were no fences when I visited.  While I appreciate this from a photography standpoint, it tends to make moms a bit more twitchy.

The trail to the base is alongside the road for 100 feet or so and then turns down and to the left.  From here the trail is rocky and a little steep but short. Once you get close there are several different ways one can go.  Do some exploring (safely) and have fun.

Photo Tips

Some foliage would've been nice.  On the other hand rainfall was heavy the previous 12 hours so I had very good volume for this waterfall.

Lighting conditions were good with a slight overcast.  I had to wait a few times for the sun to be covered.  The main picture above had a 6 second exposure which was about perfect for this size and type of waterfall.  It was taken right on the trail on a flat rock just before the trail makes the final drop into the amphitheater.  Obviously you will need a good tripod to get an exposure of that length.

Focal length - You will need a wide angle lens, especially in the summertime when foliage will block the view from any distance of significance.

I would also recommend the use of a polarizer to cut down on reflections and to enhance the spectacular color of the pool.  You will need to correct the color cast of the polarizer either with a warming filter or with post processing with a program like Photoshop.

There are many choices of composition but from a format perspective portrait will be your primary mode.  My guess is that various compositions will look better with foliage.  You can get an idea of different locations and compositions with the picture on the left.

Video

Here you go.