The ideas and resources keep coming. Thank you all! We have decided to leave this Tuesday for a three or four day scouting trip to the area. Not sure that the light wIll be optimal for my photo’s and certainly will lack fall color, but I am noting spots to return to in October. Really excited about the possibilities.
kstephens43 wrote:
Having grown up in Asheville, I appreciate the photo opportunities in Western North Carolina. I suggest that you contact the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. They are a focal point for information on everything you are interested in.
You mentioned bears. The only place you are likely to see bears (if at all) is Great Smokey Mountain National Park, which is easily accessible on the road from Cherokee into Tennessee. Those little black bears don't look all that ominous, but they can be deadly--especially mothers with cubs. DON'T FEED THE BEARS.
If you will be there during October, you can see some nice fall foliage. However, you should book any hotel reservations early. Things tend to fill up at that time of year. In recent years, the leaves have peaked between October 15 and the end of October (earlier at the higher elevations, such as Mt. Mitchell and Clingman's Dome).
The itinerary you have planned is a calendar photographer's dream, but you will also find a wide variety of non-cliche photo opportunities.
Someone suggested that you go to the Biltmore Estate. Some of the best photo opportunities there are down at the French Broad River, looking back at the house.
Enjoy your time in Western North Carolina, and be sure to show us some of those great photos.
Having grown up in Asheville, I appreciate the pho... (
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Thanks so much. Will try the FBR looking at the house.
Thanks to everyone for some stellar ideas. I am really excited about the PO’s.
Thanks for the info. I have added added this to my bucket list. Did the “Tail of the Dragon” a couple of years ago
Thanks. I have not visited this site. Sounds good but I will wait until road has been repaired. Appreciate the heads up!
Many thanks for all of the helpful replies. I have shot each of these places, love the murals in the Asheville River Arts area, trains and mills. Will go back to Highlands (Falls)and Brevard (White squirrels) for fall color, checked out Little Switzerland and Penland (craft school) a month ago but the fog was thick. Always scouting for new sites in that photographically rich area. Spending a week in a rented travel trailer in Cataloochie Valley. Put that on your own bucket list. I live near Clemson, SC, another fabulous place to shoot, especially the SC Botanical Gardens.
Thanks for the feedback. I have shot Mabry Mills in four seasons. Love that site.
Leaving for road trip from Greenville, SC mid-September. Plan on visiting Flat Rock, Asheville, NC, Cataloochie Valley for elk, Maggie Valley, Cherokee for native culture, Blue Ridge Parkway for waterfalls, scenic vistas, rust and old buildings, etc., maybe some leaf peeping. Planning on a month +/- in the general vicinity. Looking for ideas for itinerary, tripod holes, bears, B&B's, restaurants, old time musical events. Will be using photos for a series of lecture events. Any advice or help would be truly appreciated. (Using Nikon D500, D200, lenses 80-400,28mm 105 macro, etc.)
Thank you. Looking for “Happy Trails” ahead.
I am relatively new to this area and to digital photography. As spring approaches, I am seeking out those special sites on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville, NC to Gatlinburg, Tenn and upstate SC. My main camera is a Nikon D200 with a prime lens of Nikon 60mm macro (manual) and a telephoto of Nikon AF Nikkor f4 80-400mm 1:4.5-5.6 G ED. I am also pleased with my Samsung Galaxy 8+for closeups of mushrooms, ferns, etc. I’m considering updating my camera body and perhaps purchasing a new lens. Love to capture the wildlife nature shots, flora and fauna, waterfalls and scenic vistas. Old buildings, covered bridges and mill sites are also of interest to me. Being retired, I now have the time to pursue a lifelong interest and develop new skills. My goal is to create a portfolio of “WOW” shots to share with friends. Any help would be appreciated.