Cypress knees, those strange objects resembling stalagmites, captivated my attention as I hiked at Bledsoe Creek State Park in Gallatin, Tennessee. The lighting from behind made them all the more dramatic—Strange, beautiful, and eerie looking simultaneously.
The knees are present in areas of flooding and according to what I’ve read, they grow as tall as the height of the flood.
This was my first time here. I was pleasantly surprised at the beauty of Bledsoe. It has something for everyone…trails, nature center, lake with a boat ramp, stream, storybook trail, and many, many benches along the water.
Several covered bridges dot the trails and help visitors pass over waterways. They are adorable all on their own.
Near the end, I couldn’t resist visiting the nature center to study its treasures. The center is tiny but quaint, with a lovely covered porch and several rocking chairs for resting.
This picture inspired the watercolor sketch. How could I just hike on by? No, this scene needed to be appreciated slowly. Can you smell the pine? It was a lovely and strong fragrance that wafted through the warm autumn air.
Thank you for enjoying this hike with me!
Keep hiking and painting,
Christine
Let's Paint Nature! 
Thanks for sharing this intriguing place! It’s interesting how much the terrain reminds me of our Florida swamps, and certainly of our ubiquitous Cypress knees!
Yes, I agree! I definitely felt like I was in the south, south, further than Tennessee. Lol. I love cypress tree knees!