Scroll down to view Steve Madden’s featured photos for January through May 2025.
All photos in this collection are copyright 2025 Steven L. Madden.
SFP507 May 7 2025
View of Bee Rock
This bridge across Kentucky’s Rockcastle River leads to Bee Rock loop trail.
I was elated to join my son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren when we completed the two-mile hike during our most recent camping adventure.
SFP507A May 7 2025
View from Bee Rock
This was our view of Rockcastle River from Bee Rock overlook.
While camping in Daniel Boone National Forest at Holly Bay Campground, I began to consider moving from Tennessee to Kentucky.
Hiking in that part of Kentucky is spectacular!
SFP506 May 6 2025
Behind the Waterfall
Even on a Tuesday, dozens of hikers trekked to Grotto Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains.
I was challenged but motivated to photograph Grotto Falls without people in the image.
Even with this shot from behind the waterfall, I erased two humans from my stylized image.
SFP505 May 5 2025
A church friend, who plans activities for senior adults like me, joined me to scout School House Gap Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Our primary objective was to see Pink Lady Slippers and Mountain Laurel shrubs in bloom.
This was my best attempt to capture the stately beauty of about three dozen Pink Lady Slippers we saw today.
SFP505A May 5 2025
Fairy Wand
Emagene and I saw several Fairy Wand plants at the end of School House Gap Trail, including one showy cluster from which I captured this close up image.
SFP501 May 1 2025
Sunset at the Ballpark
I joined two dozen senior adults from my church for a fun night at the new ballpark.
Covenant Health Park is now home to our Knoxville Smokies, who tried valiantly to rally in the ninth inning but lost 5 to 3 to the Rocket City Trash Pandas.
I strolled around the stadium to capture this image just after sunset.
SFP423 April 23 2025
Historic Dandridge
Between cataract surgeries, nature hikes are curtailed, so I opted today to stroll through historic Dandridge TN.
This view looks from the Shephard’s Inn porch toward Dandridge Visitors Center, located between historic Hickman Tavern and Coach House.
The 1845 Jefferson County Court House is reflected from offices of the county’s now online-only newspaper.
Among 21 historic sites along the walking tour, I most appreciated Revolutionary Graveyard where five Patriots rest in peace.
SFP418 April 18 2025
Howell Residence
A view of Howell Residence & Visitors Center at Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum in East Knoxville TN.
Joe N. Howell built his original four-room house, for $3000 in 1929, across Wimpole Avenue from the Howell family nursery. While gardens grew all around, the Howell residence expanded to 26 rooms by the 1950s.
This view is through one of several stone walls Joe Howell erected on his sixteen acre property.
Typically used for staff offices and special occasions, the visitors center is currently undergoing an extensive renovation.
SFP415 April 15 2025
New at the Ballpark
I enjoyed opening night at newly-constructed Covenant Health Park as our new Knoxville Smokies played the Chattanooga Lookouts.
Of all my memories from this evening, I most fondly recall this intricate Spider web attached to a new bridge that spans a new manmade stream.
Charlotte’s cousin made herself a new home at the ballpark.
SFP408A April 8 2025
Buckeye Blooms
Along with the plethora of wildflowers, Buckeye shrubs showed off brilliant blooms at Ijams Nature Center this morning.
SFP408 April 8 2025
Morning Stroll
I enjoyed a morning stroll at Ijams Nature Center today.
Spring wildflowers accompanied me every step of the way.
SFP327 March 27 2025
In Full Bloom
Acres and acres of Trout Lily flowers were in full bloom along Dyer Hollow and River Bluff Trails at Norris Dam today.
SFP326 March 26 2025
Sun Worshipers
I adored this cluster of Hepatica which worshiped the midday sun.
I chose to hike Spicewood Branch Trail today. Less strenuous trails at Frozen Head State Park, like Judge Branch and Panther Branch, also present wonderful wildflower displays in March and April.
SFP307 March 7 2025
First Of The Season
I enjoyed seeing a precious few Bloodroot flowers today along Cliff Trail behind Lenoir Museum in Norris TN.
This is the first fully-blossomed Bloodroot flower I have seen this Spring season.
SFP303 March 3 2025
Observation Point
Twice in a week I hiked from Lenoir Museum to Observation Point in Norris TN.
I have not yet noticed Ephemerals along Cliff, Eagle or Observation Point trails. However, the view of Clinch River and Norris Dam from Observation Point was excellent each time I made the moderate climb.
SFP225 February 25 2025
Underwater
Clinch River flowed more swiftly than usual between Norris Dam and the Weir Dam a mile downstream.
The water level was higher than usual too. This fishing pier just above the Weir Dam was underwater.
SFP225A February 25 2025
Clear Creek Rock Hop
I rock hopped Clear Creek and captured this intriguing image while hiking Clear Creek Trail in Norris TN.
SFP225B February 25 2025
Lunch With a View
After climbing Cliff and Eagle trails and Observation Point Loop, I lunched in the gazebo while enjoying this view.
In this image, Clinch River meanders upstream to Norris Dam, completed by TVA in 1936. Norris Lake, a.k.a. Norris Reservoir, is among Tennessee’s top recreation lakes.
SFP125 January 25 2025
Enhanced Waterfall
Having hiked to Emory Gap Falls many times, I doubt the waterfall is ever so broad as it appears in this Frozen Head State Park image.
On this January day, the waterfall itself flowed as usual. And it was greatly enhanced by enormous icicles all around.
SFP112 January 12 2025