These pictures are from the House Mountain State Natural Area, which is only about 8 miles northeast of Knoxville. The hike took place over about 5 miles along the network of trails around the mountain, in the winter season.
The House Mountain trail starts off in a pretty thick hardwood forest. 
The trail starts to get steeper, and pictures begin to get sparser as I had to begin clambering. 
But there's one more before it got too steep to make photography practical. 
This was after the climb up the side of the mountain, along the ridge trail, heading towards the eastern overlook. 
A look back showed me this view, which I found strange enough to capture. 
I got to the eastern overlook, and was treated to a wonderful view of the Tennessee countryside. 
Off to the left, one can see the rest of House Mountain, stretching to the west. 
Another view of the western stretch of House Mountain. 
Grafitti notwithstanding, I sat here for lunch and a little reading, before heading down.
