Laurel Falls, Little River.

The music begins, oh so softly. An ethereal voice wafts in on the wisps of mist swaddling the mountains. Then another voice enters, and another. Plink, plink, plinkety-PLINK.

Little by little a staccato of raindrops pitter-patters on the leaves, drips onto the ferns and mosses below, and trickles into the loam, only to emerge again downhill.

Laurel Falls, Little River.

Soon the water droplets have blended their voices in a myriad of small seeps and runs. They babble their way down the mountainside in tiny rivulets, joining in an ever growing ensemble.

Rivulets become runs, runs become creeks, creeks become rivers. Each fresh stream that joins the current brings strength and resonance to the chorus.

The Sinks, Little River.

Soprano voices skim atop the rocks, while baritone and bass thrum deeply below the surface.

The Sinks, Little River.

The liquid choir skillfully interweaves melodies and harmonies, with the trill of birds a enchanting counterpoint.

The Little River.

The watery tempo ebbs and flows.

The Sinks, Little River.

A quick allegro where the creek rushes through rocky channels and shallows, over stones of slate gray and russet.

The Little River.

A stately largo as it reaches the quiet passages and shady deep pools.

Juney Whank Falls, Deep Creek.

The river builds with a crescendo. Reaching the brink, the water plunges in unison over a dramatic ledge.

Tom Branch Falls, Deep Creek.

Only to break again into many voices, lacing increasingly intricate harmonies into the braided flow of the waterfall.

Tom Branch Falls, Deep Creek.

The symphony knows neither coda nor encore, only an endless surge to the sea.

Don looking the part of the dapper woodsman at Tom Branch Falls, Deep Creek.

The melodious soundtrack of the cascades and waterfalls accompanies the beautiful display that delights the eye of the beholder.

Indian Creek Falls, Indian Creek above Deep Creek.

Water is the lifeblood of the Smoky Mountains. Frequent rain and ever-present mists feed both the lush forest and the creeks and rivers.

Indian Creek Falls, Indian Creek above Deep Creek.

Still water, rushing water, falling water – this is the music of the mountains.