A visit to the Cumberland Plateau is an experience rich in natural wonders and scenic beauty. A land best known for its great caves, cascading waterfalls, natural arches, and isolated river canyons, the Cumberland Plateau stretches from northeast to southwest, encompassing parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. Within the Plateau's geographic boundaries are many protected areas, including the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and the Obed National Wild and Scenic River. The Plateau also possesses a unique history and...

From Ridgetops to Riverbottoms takes the reader on a journey down the many winding roads of the outdoor experience in Tennessee. Such a journey requires a seasoned guide, and there can be no better one than journalist Sam Venable, who has written about the woods and waters of his native state for the past twenty-five years. For Venable, the outdoor world is meant to be enjoyed. Whether he is casting popping bugs to bluegills during the frenzy of a willow fly hatch, lying motionless on his back in muddy corn stubble as mallards warily circle his decoys, savoring the sounds and scents of a...

I can honestly say, Jim Byford tells us, I've never met a piece of land I didn't like. In these engaging essays -- drawn from a lifetime of observation and enjoyment of the earth's natural bounty -- Byford shares with us his love of the land. He reminds us of our dependence on the land, how we have drifted away from it, and our need to re-connect to it.Byford opens by entreating us to slow down, to savor and respect the land, and to get in touch with its rhythms. He follows with his reflections on the four seasons and the qualities that define each one. Then he invites us to take a look at...

No area in the southern mountains boasts a more fascinating array of natural arches and chimney rocks than the rugged Big South Fork country straddling the Tennessee Kentucky border. Many of the region s awe-inspiring landforms, carved from stone by water and weather, are accessible to visitors. This book is the first detailed guide to these geological wonders, which bear such intriguing names as Split Bow Arch, Cracks-in-the-Rock, Hidden Passage, and Robber s Roost.
Arthur McDade focuses on twenty-five landforms that are both impressive and relatively easy to reach. They are found in...

Helmets and hats off to Bob for his new book Tennessee Rivers In order for people to enjoy and have a good experience on the river, they need an accurate description of their destination. This is also vital for safety reasons. This book provides that along with much of the history of the areas as well. As a native Tennessean, I especially enjoy the history that is scattered throughout the book. There are many stories of individuals who have spent countless hours of their own time to protect and preserve our Tennessee Rivers. The maps are easy to navigate and the roads and especially the...

Serious sport catfishing has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, but a dearth of serious catfishing information inhibits the complete angler. Jeff Samsel of Clarkesville, Georgia, fills the gap with Catfishing in the South, a comprehensive guide to finding and catching catfish in the southeastern United States.
No other catfishing book focuses on southern rivers and reservoirs, where this type of fishing is most popular. Beyond looking at species, habitats, gear, baits, and strategies from the perspective of the southern catfisher, Catfishing in the South includes detailed looks...

Carlos C.Campbell's love affair with the Great Smoky Mountains lasted for more than fifty years. One of the principal figures in the movement to have the smokies established as a national park. Campbell helped to ensure that future generations would enjoy the mountains just as he enjoyed them. As one of the founding members of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, he biked more than four thousand miles of the park's trail system and participated in the marking of the Appalachian Trail. Today, due in part to Campbell's efforts, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited destination...