Trail Through the Woods at Pinson Mounds

Trails and Handrails

A trail with some welcome handrails leads through the woods at Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park in Tennessee

A trail runs over a ridge through the woods with their fall colors at Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park in Tennessee.

As you might remember from an earlier photo, we enjoyed hiking through the woods at Pinson Mounds back in October. We especially like to hike on the unpaved trails through the woods. The fall colors were just starting to make themselves seen during this visit, which was great.

For part of the hike, the park had installed some handrails along the steps up this ridge. I am not sure if that was because of the steepness of the trail or because of the curve. Either way, they obviously do not want anyone falling, which is nice.

During this part of the hike, Laura and I both remembered our hike down into Waimea Canyon during our 2018 Kauaʻi Trip. We would have appreciated some similar handrails during parts of that hike. These handrails at Pinson Mounds were probably installed long our previous hikes along these trails, but we did not realize how helpful they were until we had been somewhere that did not have them.

Something To Lean On

It is good to have something to lean on. And I am not just saying that because I am getting older and could use a handrail on some steep trails. Although that is probably true.

I am speaking more generally, however. Go to someone for advice if you need it. Ask for help whenever you want to. Find someone you can trust.

You will find that there are people who are more than willing to help you, if you find the right people. Many are happy to share what they have learned along the way. Getting connected with the right people might take a little time, but it is worth it.

It is true that not everyone is willing to share. I have heard of ladies who did not want to give out their recipes because they did not want someone else making their “signature” dish, especially if someone else might end up making that dish even better than the original cook made it. But that is rare. Many people are willing to help.

And if you have some experience in some area, be willing to share it with others. If they want that help, of course. Some people might not realize that they need help, and they might even be offended if you offer to help before they ask. So if you are offering, offer gently, just in case.

I like to share what I know, which is why I usually include an “About the Photo” or “About the Artwork” section on each post. Plus, you can read the whole Steve’s Photography Tips section to get some more photography advice. And if any of that is not clear, I am always happy to answer questions, too. Life is better if we all share.

Find someone to lean on, and be someone to lean on. Because everyone needs something sooner or later.

Bible Verse

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. - Hebrews 13:16

About the Photo

When I took this photo, everything looked a little more green than I wanted it to. I had wanted to capture the fall colors more, instead of the green leaves. Using Aurora HDR, I tweaked the color sliders just a bit to change the hue, saturation, and lightness of the green and yellow tones, to give everything a slightly more yellow tint than green. This brought out the fall colors that were already there while dialing back the greens just a bit.

I did like the look of the trail going up and over the ridge. But in hindsight, it might have been a good idea to walk back to that section of the trail and try another photo from standing on that section of trail and looking up at the steps and rail. Maybe next time.

Photo: A single Raw exposure, processed in Aurora HDR. Read more about photography tips, photo software, camera gear, and more at Steve’s Photography Tips.
Camera: Sony Alpha A7 II
Lens: Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens
Date: October 8, 2020
Location: Pinson Mounds State ParkTennessee


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Burnsland is Steve Burns, with generous help from his lovely wife Laura. Steve is a husband, father, photographer, webmaster, writer, podcaster, artist, Christian. Steve enjoys sharing his photography, art, and stories through Burnsland.com, from the Burnsland World Headquarters in Tennessee.