Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part V - North of Birmingham (excluding Bankhead NF & DeSoto SP/LRC Area)

Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part V - North of Birmingham (excluding Bankhead NF & DeSoto SP/LRC Area)

Noccalula Falls: Beautiful and easy to access, Noccalula Falls is another must see if you find youself along I-59. Less than ten minutes from the highway and requiring no hiking, this falls comes complete with a park containing a police memorial and a covered bridges. See the official website for more information. Photos at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/noccalula.html

Nectar Falls: This cascade can be found right off of Alabama Rt. 160. Private Property? Photos and directions at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/nectar.html

Ragsdale Falls: The USGS lists a waterfall outside of Arab. Private property?

Gulf Creek Falls: This waterfall is located on Nature Conservancy property on Chandler Mountain, and is closed to the public unless prior arrangements are made with the Nature Conservancy. Photo at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/north.html

Thompson Falls: The USGS lists a waterfall near Arab on private property. A user from Alatrails sent me a link to some photos: http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/569905086vZpHHm

Ghost Creek Falls: Scenic North Alabama (Robert Schuffert) covers this private waterfall that exists in concert with a natural bridge outside of Grant. I was contacted by family of the owners, and the owners sent me photos later on.

The 227: Made famous by BamaWester of the Alabama Waterfalls Flickr group, this small roadside falls can be found off of AL-227 outside of Guntersville. Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157603757410286/

The 68: I think I saw a seasonal waterfall off AL-68 near Guntersville.

High Falls (DeKalb): This massive waterfall also flows through a natural bridge. It is a park, and where an old covered bridge once crossed above the falls there is now a nice pedestrian bridge. Directions and photos at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/dekalbhigh.html

Waterfall Upstream of High Falls: I noticed a shallow but wide cascade upstream of High Falls where the highway crosses the river. There was a guy fishing from the edge on a crutch.

Escarpment Falls: A tip from a user of my website told me of a falls call Escarpment Falls on private property in Hartselle, around Harris and Elrond streets. I've lost the e-mail.

Cinderella Falls: A series of short cascades, rather scenic, located on property that is part of The Village at Blount Springs, a private gated community. Their website is http://www.thevillageatblountsprings.com/, and maybe if you are really nice they might let you in. Consider stopping in at their sales office to ask, if you are in the area. Professional photographer Jeff Rease (http://www.jeffrease.com/falls.html) tipped me off to it and has some pictures of it on his website.

Piney Branch Falls: The USGS lists and hiker accounts confirm that there is a waterfall on private property on Piney Branch outside of Columbus City. The owners have a website including photos. See: http://pineybranchfalls.us/

Creek House Falls: I have a source somewhere that indicates there is a waterfall by this name. I think it was on Honeycomb Creek, but I honestly don't know.

Mardis Mill Falls: Moderately wide, 15 foot drop on a creek feeding the Mulberry Fork. Very popular with photographers in the Huntsville area. Directions at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/north.html Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157603974995339/

Butler Falls: The USGS reports a waterfall on Butler Falls Branch in Franklin County.

Ditto Falls: A user submission confirmed the existence of this USGS listed waterfall outside of Morgan City. The owner sent me pictures, and it is lovely, but on private property.

The Fall Off: The USGS lists a waterfall near Ne Smith off of AL-157. No confirmation, private property?

Griffin Falls: The USGS lists a waterfall southwest of Nicolson Gap (where AL-68 crosses Sand Mountain). Private property.

Swindell Falls: The USGS lists a waterfall futher southwest of Griffin Falls along Sand Mountain. Private property.

Foggy Bottom Falls: There is a a waterfall on the Foggy Bottom Farms property on Estill Fork. See: http://www.foggybottomfarms.com/

Quarter Creek Falls: The USGS lists a waterfall on Quarter Creek near the Haleyville Country Club. Private property.

Seven Falls: The USGS lists a waterfall on Seven Falls Creek between Battleground and Lacon in Morgan County. Private property? Photos at: http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/569899056NtAynV

Short Creek Falls: The USGS lists a waterfall on Short Creek north of Albertville and the Albertville Golf and Country Club. Private property.

The Falls: I have a record of a waterfall by this name, but cannot find it.

Welcome Falls: Vaguely similar to South Caney Creek Falls in appearance, this Morgan County waterfall is now closed to the public. Photos at: http://www.jeffperryphotography.com/images/Waterfalls/Welcome%20Falls/pages/Welcome-Falls-115_34.html

Waterfall Creek Falls: One of several waterfalls at the Cane Creek Preserve outside of Tuscumbia.

Malone Branch Falls: One of several waterfalls at the Cane Creek Preserve outside of Tuscumbia.

Yellowwood Falls: One of several waterfalls at the Cane Creek Preserve outside of Tuscumbia.

Johnson Falls: One of several waterfalls at the Cane Creek Preserve outside of Tuscumbia.

Karen's Falls: One of several waterfalls at the Cane Creek Preserve outside of Tuscumbia.

Upper Pisgah Falls: One of two waterfalls at Civitan Park in Pisgah. Photos at: http://www.weathermansam.com/photos/2008p/021008pisgah/index.html

Lower Pisgah Falls: One of two waterfalls at Civitan Park in Pisgah. Photos at: http://www.weathermansam.com/photos/2008p/021008pisgah/index.html


Monte Sano Waterfalls: I've never been able to sort out the falls at Monte Sano, because they go by different names, and many appear to be seasonal. There are several. See: http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157603857272965/ and http://www.weathermansam.com/photos/2008p/051108montesano/neverseenfalls.html

Neversink Falls: Waterfall that falls into the opening of Neversink Cave on the SCCI preserve property. Closed to the public. Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/undergroundearth/3302409898/in/pool-alabamawaterfalls

Rainbow Falls: The larger of the two waterfalls at Dismals Canyon, this falls is the first attraction as you enter the canyon. Photos at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/dismals.html

Lost Falls: The smaller of two waterfalls at at Dismals Canyon, this falls has collected a lot of debris. Photos at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/dismals.html

Longwood Falls: An artificial falls in Gardendale. Photos and directions: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/longwood.html

280 Falls: There is a fake waterfall in the corporate park at the intersection of Grandview Parkway and US-280.

Walls of Jericho Falls #1: There is a sliding cascade in Walls of Jericho. See: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1539489197067845837YjHCAj

Walls of Jericho Falls #2: There is a waterfall nestled into a carved nook in Walls of Jericho. See: http://www.flickr.com/photos/outsideshot/3315417858/in/pool-alabamawaterfalls



Back: Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part IV - South of Birmingham













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Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part IV - South of Birmingham

Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part IV - South of Birmingham

Davis Falls: This USGS listed waterfall near Aldrich was once open to the public as a maintained picnic area. The current status is unknown, however local Henry Emfinger (owner Aldrich Coal Mine Museum) has been working on convincing Shelby County to aquire this property and turn it into a county park, due to the falls, the unique plantlife, and the local history. It is believed to be on logging company property, and is closed to visitation. More about the effort at: http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/articles/2006/09/16/opinion/opin03.txt Photo at: http://www.cityofmontevallo.com/Default.asp?ID=280

Upper Davis Falls: Henry Emfinger reported another waterfall above Davis Falls.

Upper Upper Davis Falls: Henry Emfinger reported another waterfall above the waterfall above Davis Falls.

Weaver Falls: There is a USGS listed waterfall on what is believed to be private property not far from Davis Falls, on the opposite side of CR-10.

Falling Rock Falls: This gorgeous waterfall is located in the Cahaba WMA. Certainly the highest known falls in Shelby County. Photos and directions at: http://www.cahabariver.net/fallrock.htm

Falls on Corn Creek: Photographic evidence indicates there is a waterfall on Corn Creek near Wetumpka. Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wolfmanfrombama/2253108691/

Wetumpka Falls: Historical evidence indicates there may have been a falls at 32.54639, -86.19917 near Wetumpka. Demolished?

Satan's Garden/Great Falls: There is a waterfall at around 32.508, -85.184, in Little Ulchee. Photographic evidence at: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Photo_detail_photoid_11610_size_big_

Hidden Falls: This well visited waterfall near Haleburg is on preserved property, but at last check with the organization it is closed to the public due to access issues. Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157613832510017/

River Falls: This waterfall is located outside of River Falls and Andalusia, near or on the Conecuh River. Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157613832510017/

Chewlacca Falls: This is an artificial falls at the dam on the Chewlacca State Park property. Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157613832510017/

Peavine Falls: The popular waterfall at Oak Mountain State Park. Photo and direction at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/peavine.html

Cedar Creek Falls: The USGS reports a waterfall at 31.056, -88.074 outside of Movico. I can find no evidence.

High Shoals Falls: The USGS reports a waterfall at 33.237, -85.332 near Taylors Crossroads. Aerial photos confirm, but it is clearly on private property.

Rock Falls: The USGS reports a falls at 31.23417, -85.10083, but since this location is under water, I'm assuming it is historical.

University Falls: There was a falls in Tuscaloosa County at 33.219, -87.551.

Village Falls: USGS reports a falls at 33.556, -86.970, but I can find no evidence.

Mill Falls: According to the Shelby County Reporter, there is a waterfall on Savage Creek in the Cahaba WMA.

Goggins Falls: According to the Shelby County Report, there is a waterfall on Jessee Creek in the Cahaba WMA.

Catoma Creek Falls: There is a waterfall outside of Montgomery on Catoma Creek.

Gullet's Bluff Waterfall #1: The local Army Corps of Engineers office sent me photos of a waterfall at Gullets Bluff off of Lake Claiborne.

Gullet's Bluff Waterfall #2: The local Army Corps of Egineers office sent ment photos of a second waterfall at Gullets Bluff off of Lake Claiborne.

Silver Creek Falls: There is a waterfall on private property on Silver Creek near Lake Claiborne. It is closed to the public due to garbage issues.

Moon Falls: There is a waterfall near Fairfax, Alabama on the Moon property. Private.

Harmon Falls: There are falls near Five Points on Harmon's Trucking Property. Private.


Next: Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part V - North of Birmingham
Back: Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part III - DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon



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Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part III - DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon

Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part III - DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon

DeSoto State Park

DeSoto Falls: Dramatic and swift at 104ft, DeSoto falls is located right off of Interstate 59, and is worth a stop anytime you are travelling through Alabama and have a few extra minutes. It is no more than a 1000ft walk from the parking lot. The area comes complete with a lake, a historically significant dam (early hydroelectric use), and the falls itself. Just a few miles upstream of Little River Falls and Canyon. Google Map Link: map. Photos at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/desoto.html and http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=7250578. See my website for directions.

Azalea Cascades: Possibly the most anti-climactic waterfall in Alabama. It is at the end of the boardwalk in DeSoto State Park. Great wildflower destination. See my website for directions. Photo at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/azalea.html

Laurel Falls: A small double falls surrounded by lush vegation and green moss. It is located upstream from Azalea cascades. See my website for directions. Photos at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/laurel.html

Lost Falls: A 6-10ft waterfall upstream from Laurel Falls. The rock color around and upstream from the falls is interesting. See my website for directions. Photos at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/lost.html

Indian Falls: A nice, tall, 20-25ft waterfall downstream from Azalea Cascades. Interesting colors are all around the falls. Unfortunately, there is a sewage treatment plant for the park upstream. Ick. See my website for directions. Photos at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/indian.html

Lodge Falls: The name is fairly obvious on this one, as it is located behind the lodge at DeSoto State Park. The flow isn't usually spectacular, but the pits in the rock under the overhang are interesting. See my website for directions. Photos at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/lodge.html

Little River Canyon

Little River Falls: At the head of Little River Canyon, this falls has pretty fantastic flow on a good day. The canyon is widely considered the deepest east of the Mississippi, and combined with the falls is a must see when in Alabama. A free area with good parking, it can be crowded in the summer or on weekends, as the area above and below the falls is a popular swimming hole, contrary to common sense. The porta-potties are of the composting type, and stink. It is located directly downstream from the AL-35 bridge. Map. Photos: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/littleriver.html

Grace's High Falls: Probably the highest falls in Alabama at 133ft, Grace's High Falls plumments into Little River Canyon after a heavy rain. It is a seasonal falls, but is worth seeing when it is flowing. Driving south from Little River Falls along the Little River Canyon Parkway (just prior to the bridge accross Little River when coming from Fort Payne) the falls overlook is located about 7 miles down the canyon rim road from Little River Falls. Photos at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/grace.html

Johnnies Creek Falls: Johnnies Creek Falls is located on private property where AL-275 crosses Johnnies Creek. Photos: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/johnnies.html

Gregg's Two Falls: There is a trace that runs to this double drop falls, but it is hard to follow even in the fall. The character of this gorgeous falls changes heavily with the water levels, running the gamut from a gentle falls that disappears into the gravel beheath it, to a ranging torrent. It is located near where Wolf Creek, AL 176, and CR 255 meet on the fringes of Little River Canyon. Photo at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/greggs.html

In the area...

Yellow Creek Falls: This fairly impressive waterfall is on private property and is only legally visible from across Lake Weiss, or via boat. Photo at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/furiousgeorge81/3143703527/

Little Falls: I know next to nothing about this USGS listed waterfall, beyond that it is at the end of the DeSoto Scout Trail near Camp Corner Lake on Seymour Creek. Private property?
http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/greggs.html

Back to Alabama Waterfall Report - Part II - Talladega National Forest and Environs


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Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part II - Talladega National Forest and Environs

Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part II -Talladega National Forest and Environs

Devil's Den Falls: This series of waterfalls, consisting of a total of about 100' elevation drop, is located on Cheaha Creek upstream from Chinnabee Lake on Cheaha Creek, and is accessed via the popular Chinnabee Silent Trail. It is a popular destination, and heavy coverage is not required. Although often mislabeled as being in Cheaha State Park, it is actually in Talladega National Forest. Directions at: http://www.swimmingholes.org/al.html Photos at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/devilsden.html

Cheaha Falls: This waterfall is located on Cheaha Creek along the popular Chinnabee Silent Trail. It is upstream of Devil's Den Falls. It is somewhere in the vacinity of 30' tall. Directions at: http://www.swimmingholes.org/al.html Photos at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/cheaha.html

High Falls (Talladega): A lovely little series of falls located in Talladega National Forest. The top segment consists of a 10-15ft straight drop topped by a small cascade. The middle segment is a 10-15ft cascade, and the bottom is a long, narrow cascading stream. The top segment is accessed via a narrow rickity metal staircase. Get directions from this Google map, for follow these: From Talladega, proceed south on Alabama Rt. 77 towards Ashland. After passing the shooting range and the Porter's Gap trailhead, you will come to a an intersection with a sign for the falls, but you will probably speed right past it, as the speed limit is 55 and it is hard to see. The road name might be Horns Lake, but if you miss the sign, you will meet a few dozen miles of nothing, so you'll know you missed it. A few miles down the marked road or AL-77 you will encounter Clairmont Springs Road, which is also labelled for the falls. Follow the road for a long while, passed over railroad tracks and a an intersection to nowhere, and when you have just passed Blue Ridge Road, pay attention for a dirt road to your left. The sign for the trailhead is on the left side of the road, unfortunately it is parallel to the road and difficult to see. If you pass it, you'll again be nowhere, so you'll know. Drive down the small dirt road (frequently with wet potholes) until you reach a wide parking area. If you stand with your back to the road you just drove down, the trail to the falls will be at your 2 O'clock, and you will know you are in the right stop if after a few hundred feet you encounter an informational Kiosk with names on it. Follow the stream uphill, and you'll find the falls. (Copied from my website, http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/). Photos at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/talladegahigh.html

Salt Creek Falls: Salt Creek Falls is probably the best cascade type waterfall in Alabama, and for that, it gets to be one of the most dangerous. Located in Talladega National Forest, it is a popular swimming area for local youths despite its deadly reputation. The cliffs on either side of the falls are very high. The falls themselves are at an angle that makes sliding down them enticing, but deadly. This falls is not for those who are afraid of high places, or who are very out of shape should it be a hot day. The trail is short, but leaving the falls is very uphill, almost as bad as the ascent out of the ampitheatre of Upper Caney Creek Falls, almost. Speaking of the ampitheatre, Salt Creek Falls has managed to create one heck of one. This is a very dangerous area, fast moving water and high rocks, be very careful.Directions (From Talladega) via Google Maps** Note, the place you want to park is by the power lines, NOT the closed Forest Service road a few hundred feet up the hill. That gated road is long and leads to a really unpleasantly steep series of trails. You are looking for a gravel parking area, unmarked, with a jeep stopping mound that has been pierced by a trail. Take that trail over the hill, and you'll be set. Photo at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/saltcreek.html

"Shinbone Falls": This waterfall was "discovered" by Jay Hudson and myself last year. It is in the vacinity of Old Oxford Road, and is believed to be on Talladega National Forest property, but do your homework before visiting. Acting on a hunch based on the name of the creek, we put together an expedition and visited the area. After dealing with the tangled mess of old logging roads, we found a 20-30ft cascading waterfall, which is absolutely gorgeous. The name is derived from the local valley. Plant life in the area included Galax and Trailing Arbutus. Photos and GPS track at http://jahudson.wiki.hoover.k12.al.us/ShinboneFalls, more photos at: http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=7250739, and http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157604208545519/

"Hopeful Falls" (aka "Camp Mac Falls"): This waterfall was shown to me by Jay Hudson. The waterfall is located on a feeder to upper Camp Mac lake. It can be accessed by parking at the 9-ton bridge on Bass Lane, and hiking the well-worn but unmarked trail up the stream to the waterfall. Three stream crossings are required. The waterfall is located at: 33.48276666666667, -85.90585 I believe the waterfall is located on National Forest Service property, but I cannot be absolutely sure, as it is right near the boundary. According to my reading of the map, and the property boundary marker near the bridge, it is federal property, but again, always exercise your own judgement unless it is absolutely certain. I am calling it Hopeful Falls because I don't know the local name for the falls, and there does not appear to be an official name for the waterfall. Hopeful is the closest "town" on the map.It is 25-35ft tall. There are some small rapids and micro-cascades below the falls. Photos at: http://jahudson.wiki.hoover.k12.al.us/PinhotiWaterfall and http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157604075384113/

"Nimblewill's Twin Falls" (aka "Little Hillabee Falls"): This waterfall is located off the Pinhoti. Directions and a photo at: http://www.alabamatrail.org/hikingAL/Pinhoti/Pinhoti6.htm

Rendalia Water Falls: According to the USGS there is a waterfall near the Talladega National Forest property boundary at 33.301389 N, 86.171389 W, on the Winterboro quad. I can find no evidence it actually exists. I've asked around, I've looking from all legal viewpoints, I've looked at aerial photos, and all I see is fields and woods. No waterfall.

Great Falls: The USGS also lists a waterfall at 33.250556 N, 86.018333 W. I cannot confirm the existance of this waterfall, which is apparently "mis-coordinated" and on private property.

Back: Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part I - The Undiscovered County


* Note: Unofficial names in quotes.


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DeLorme Topo USA 7.0 Review Part II

Netlink

Screenshots: Here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Netlink is the name of DeLorme's map data delivery system. It is used to get map data from DeLorme. DeLorme currently offers an annual map data subscription that is a much better deal than the former pay-per-download system which was fairly expensive. Netlink is on half of what makes Topo USA 7.0 such a powerful tool for the bushwhacker. Netlink's operation is fairly simple. After clicking on the Netlink Tab, a connecting message will display during a short delay, and then you will be connected to the system. There is a central icon system, which I ignore. On the far left there are four buttons, Home, Map Library, Downloads,and Support. Concern yourself with Map Library and Support.

Clicking the Map Library button brings you to DeLorme's Map Library. Simple enough, right? You select the type of map data you would like to download via a drop-down menu. The options are currently USGS 24k topo quads, color and black and white DOQQ aerial images, Sat-10 low-res color aerial images, USGS Hi-Res 133 City aerial images, and NOAA nautical charts. At zoom level 11 or greater you can press the select button, and then select map squares to add to an order. Your selection will be pink. There are limits to how large your selections can be. The software will alert you when you've made to large a selection. This is somewhat tedious. Once you've made a selection, you add it to an order list via the "add to list" button. You will be asked to name your selection. Pick a unique name, as they cannot repeat. Number multiple sections so they don't repeat but have similar names. Then click view list to checkout. There is a checkout button, which when pressed brings up an "are you sure" type dialog. You say yes, then your order is submitted, and you get a confirmation. You order will be processed, and generally within a few minutes your order will be ready to download. Depending on server conditions and the type of data downloaded, there are sometimes delays. This whole process is fairly simple, and easy to carry out. My only complaint is that some of the extra checks on accidental ordering aren't really needed with the annual subscription, since you aren't spending money on each order.

To download your map data, you click on the downloads button we discussed earlier. You map data is under the tab "Your Data", and the number of ready downloads is shown on the tab. You click the arrow device, and the tab expands, and lists your pending downloads. If they are not grayed out, you can select them and download them.

Downloading maps is really easy, but selecting them and waiting for the downloads can be time-consuming. I'd like to see a little quicker method of selecting large areas, the ability to do other things while data is downloaded, and automatic downloads.

Once your maps have downloaded they become accessible in Topo USA 7.0. This makes Topo a powerful planning tool, because you have all the different map types right there, no juggling around. More on this later.


Handheld Export

The Handheld Export Tab allows you to export map data to your PN-series handheld GPS.
You select an area where you own specific map data, and it turns pink. This process is basically identical to what you do to select data for download, and there are size limits here, too. Once you have an area selected, the options tab lets you select what type of data you want, and at what zoom levels you want it to be visible on your PN-series device. You then name your selection (and again, unique names please), and click save. The file will be converted, or "cut", for use on your PN-series handheld.

The Real Benefits to Bushwhackers and Some Talk of Criticism

You occasionally hear people complain about the complexity of DeLorme's Topo USA software. While the software is nowhere near as complicated as say Photoshop, it is more complicated that a lot of software people use everyday. I would rate it as about as complicated as most word processing software, maybe a little less complicated. Pretty much anyone can use it, but you need to be willing to invest at least a half-hour to learning how it works, or you will be frustrated. Part of this frustration comes from the fact that the interface is different from what people are used to. The general rule with software is that as it becomes more powerful it becomes more complex and less intuitive to use. Topo USA is no exception, but it really isn't that hard to use. It is slightly harder to use than most other mapping software, but it does a little more, so it balances out.

Topo USA 7.0, if used properly, can be a boon to the bushwhack or photo-hiker like me.
First of all, the ability to download, manage, and view all sorts of different map data is basically unparalleled. If you want vecter topo data, you've got it. If you want USGS 24k topos for their greater level of terrain detail and for the notes and objects drawn on them that often make them so useful, if you download them, there they are. If you've downloaded them, you can switch to black and white aerial images to see land usage, or color images to see foliage type. If you are planning a boat trip, you've got nautical charts. Second, you can load those maps easily onto your handheld GPS!

We bushwhackers love our paper topos, so here's the kicker... You can get the lay of the land through all these data types combined with 2-D and 3-D views. You can study the area in greater detail than paper topo maps, Google Earth, or other online mapping systems, because you have so many options for data. You can mark all over your map without destroying it, unlike a paper topo. Unlike a paper topo, you have the quad next door seemlessly attached if you've downloaded it. Unlike a paper topo, you've got the ability to get fairly precise elevation data, without math in your head, for a specific spot, not just back calculating from a marked line. Listen, they'll never pry my paper maps from me, but Topo comes the closest to replacing them for me. Oh, and did I mention you can print maps yourself? Maps that you've drawn things on? Need a paper map for a hike, got one. Need a paper map to share with a friend, got one. Most mapping software does some gyration of this, but DeLorme's Topo USA 7.0 does it all in one package with multiple map types.

Highly recommended.

Back to DeLorme Topo USA 7.0 Review Part I

DeLorme Topo USA 7.0 Review Part I

Introduction

Screenshots: Here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

DeLorme's Topo USA software has been around for a while. It predates the PN-series handheld GPS units, and is somewhat similar to Garmin's Mapsource, Google Earth, and other mapping software. The current version, DeLorme Topo USA 7.0, was released in 2007. I am certain that it was reviewed at that time, however I feel a review from the bushwhacker's perspective post PN-40 is a good idea, so here we are. Some parts of the review drifted more into a how-to, but I think that describing the process shows how simple most tasks really are.

The software is available separately, but it comes included with the DeLorme PN-series handheld GPS units. Separately it can be purchased as either an East or West regional version, or as a national version. The national version is included with the PN-40 handheld GPS unit.
This review will focus solely on the national version, as it is the version included with the PN-40. The national version comes on a single DVD. The DVD contains the 100k vector topographical maps, which are derived from USGS mapping data, and DeLorme's extensive POI database.

Basic Use

Installation is quick and simple.

The interface is a little different from what you are used to, as it lacks the traditional Windows/Mac menu system. Instead, there is a row of icons for various functions at the top where the menu would be, a series of directional and zoom controls on the right, and various function tabs on the bottom of the screen. Another oddity is that by default the software has a split map screen. This allows you to do thinks like look at the map at two different zoom levels, or to view vector topo data on one side, and aerial photography on the other side. I personally find it a little distracting, and stick to a single map pane, but others love this functionality.
Directional movement is accomplished either via the directional arrows on the top left corner, by using the directional arrows on your keyboard, or by moving the mouse cursor near the edge of the map pane, and clicking and dragging when the white hand appears. The map will center on a location that you click.

Zooming is accomplished either by clicking the pane's zoom buttons, by using the zoom tabs directly above the directional arrows, or by clicking on the map and moving the mouse diagonally to manipulated the zoom device that appears.
You can rotate the map using a control in the center of the directional arrow pad on the upper left.

You select the type of map data via a drop-down box in the upper right corner. Nearby controls also allow you to select a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional view, and whether you want the 100k vecter topographical data overlaid on your raster map data (called a hybrid map by DeLorme).

All of this is covered in greater detail in the included help system.

The Tabs

The Map Files Tab allows you to manage the maps and data you own, and chose which ones you make availible for display. It is very straightfoward.

The Find Tab allows you to find a location. Easy enough, right?

The Print Tab facilitates the printing of maps. Easy, quick, and darned useful. One of my favorite features.

The Draw Tab is of particular usefulness for the bushwhacker. Using this tab you can draw all sorts of things onto your map, and then either print it, or upload it onto your PN-40. You can add a routable road, a waypoint, some sort of polygon (useful for property boundaries), a line, or a symbol. You'd expect most of this from mapping software, and none of it is really revolutionary. It is all simple to use.

The GPS Tab allows you to get GPS data from a GPS unit. Via the small exchange box on the left you can download tracks you create on your handheld GPS unit. Pretty standard stuff.
The Route Tab allows you to create a route. Some trails are routable via this tab, but most trails aren't even on the map, so your mileage may vary, literally.

The Profile Tab shows elevation profile for a recorded track or object. Very useful for planning a bushwhack, because you can draw a line or object via the Draw Tab and then view the elevation profile for the line you created, so you know what you are facing. You can also get the elevation profile for any road, rail, trail, or object that is visible on the vector topo data. Can also be used for reviewing your trip's elevation profile.

The 3-D Tab controls the 3-dimensional view, if enabled. The 3-dimensional view is useful in planning a trip, because it helps you visualize the terrain. Since the data it uses is only 100k, it isn't all that accurate, but it is still useful if the elevation changes are signficant.
The Info Tab gives you information about a selection. Pretty self-explanatory.

The Netlink and Handheld Export Tabs are discussed in greater detail next.

Next: DeLorme Topo USA 7.0 Review Part II

Josh's Rules for Waterfalls

Josh's Rules for Waterfalls

1) Use Common Sense.
2) Remember that rocks are hard, and water is strong. Waterfalls are made of water, and rock. They are made my water out of rock. You are soft, and carried easily by water. You squish on rock.
3) Never cross upstream of a waterfall. If you have no choice, cross as far upstream as possible, and never cross a stream that is deep or fast. Getting washed over the falls, or slipping over the edge due to wet rocks, could be fatal.
4) Never stand, play, photograph, or otherwise be around the top of a waterfall. At least once a year I hear about somebody dying from a waterfall-related fall, and many people are seriously hurt. This is most important around tall waterfalls, but I've landed in a stickerbush as punishment for breaking this rule at a small waterfall, so it should always be followed. ;)
5) Never swim in or around the plunge pool of a waterfall. Never jump or dive off of or around a waterfall. Rocks are hard. Don't think that because you are standing under the falls, you are safe. Ever notice how rocks are distributed by streamflow? Well, want one distributed onto your head?
6) Never consume alcohol around a waterfall. You tend to break the other rules.
7) Never trespass.
8) Follow Leave No Trace guidelines. Never litter, deface, vandalize, grafitti, or otherwise destroy the waterfall area for everyone else.
9) Never use the waterfall as a toilet. Especially upstream. Ick.
10) Never throw/push anything over the falls. Rocks are hard.
11) Don't camp around the waterfall. Never make a fire ring there.
12) Watch your footing. Waterfalls are slippery. Rocks are hard.
13) Watch your children. Rocks are hard, you are soft, your children very much so.
14) No bare feet. Glass is everywhere.
15) Take pictures.


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