On the long drive eastward, with too much fast food in the system, and with too many 
hours spent cramped inside a vehicle, it was good to pause for a walk along the river. I was feeling like the locust or centipede on that stony path in Tennessee. After all the heat and dry conditions of the West, I needed water, figuratively and literally.
We had pulled off of I-40 in Tennessee, intent on visiting Burgess Falls State Park and its featured stream, the Falling Waters River. Cool place, despite the high humidity and a season of more than adequate rain. 
We took the three-quarter mile walk (one way) along the Falling Waters and its series of plunging falls. At the big curtain falls, dropping 136 feet from rim to pool, I knew we were back in smallmouth country, bass and catfish land, an eastern place, and South. It seems that no matter the region of country, flowing water is the draw.
Rivertop Rambles 
Nice post and pics, Gator. Loved seeing the waterfalls, since they don’t exist here in Qatar. Good to read your recent blog posts about your recent trip out west- sounds like you and Leighanne had a great time. My best to you both.
Thank you, Doc, and for the postcard out of Norway. Must’ve been outstanding. Till the water falls in Qatar, best to you and J.
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I think Tennessee actually stocks the Cumberland (and maybe some others) with trout, Walt.
Wow, them’s some pretty falls! Like the Def Leppard reference for the post title, too.
I know the song, Bob, but didn’t know D.L. did it, staying clear of the group on the assumption that it’s name was straight out of Led Zeppelin. But yeah, the song is sugar-coated and can stick to my addled brain. A good waterfall can wash it clean.
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I believe you’re right, Jim, probably some tailwaters from reservoirs, too, but the only southern state I know anything about with regard to trout fishing is Arkansas. Tenn. has some interesting water, though.
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I have to issue a quick disclaimer: I am not a fan of Def Leppard, but a observer of pop culture…plus, thinking about D.L. brings back memories of high school in the early eighties, when I was the only U2 fan in the entire school. Makes me want to jump in a waterfall!
I’m thinkin’ you’re a good observer, Bob. We’d probably agree that Def Leppard pretty much suck, but nothing wrong with early U2, especially as a highschooler at the time. I’d say the guys went downhill pretty fast as they got successful, and I lost much interest after Eno’s production hand.
A beautiful river. I would not mind a walk along it.
Sans trout, but beautiful nonetheless.Thanks Alan.
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Great pictures. Appalachia certainly has its charms.
Thank you, and the secret to discovering those charms is to get off the darn interstate and look around, like wading a trout stream as far from the bridges as possible.
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