ember glow

As Autumn ignites, 

The leaves burn with ember glow. 

They fall like ashes. 

-Jack Taggert- 

Pictured above is Beaverdam Creek on a rainy autumn day. The creek flows past what has been called "the world's shortest tunnel," Backbone Rock. This tunnel was drilled through a narrow spur ridge in 1901 to connect a railroad between Shady Valley, TN and Damascus, VA.

The area is great to explore (preferably on a non-rainy day). There's a nearby waterfall, a trail leading to an overlook above the tunnel, as well as picnic and camping facilities.

For directions, click here.
See also the Cherokee National Forest webpage.