Where to go in the smokey mountains?
Oct 4, 2015 06:39:21 #
I am heading to the gatilinburg tenn area soon. If anyone has a nice spot worthy of setting out for to photograph and would share I would appreciate it. I've been a few times and know the most traveled paths. Looking for a spot or to that doesn't come up on the radar so much.
Oct 4, 2015 07:12:22 #
The Smoky Mountain NP has the most annual visitors of any NP in the country, which makes public access solitude hard to find. My favorite area is known as The Roaring Fork Loop. From the Gatlinburg convention Center, I think it's traffic light 8, turn East. The pavement ends in just under a mile into Cherokee Orchard Road, which will lead you to Roaring Fork, which will eventually bring you out on US321 NE of the Parkway. Hope this helps, post some pics.
Oct 4, 2015 07:15:46 #
Go into Cades Cove and take Rich Mt. Road about a mile in. There are some nice overlooks that are vert scenic of the cove. Also in Townsend the road that takes you to the caverns also will take you to a golf course that has many different views of the mountains. Go I-40 east towards Ashville and that the Maggie Valley exit and take road to Cataloochie entrance to the smokeys. On that road to the park there is an overlook that is one of the best in the Smokies. Continue on that road to the park and you will see lots of elk.On the way back( this road is dead end) take the fork that will take you to Cosby.It is 30 miles of gravel and quite smooth with hiking and photo oops.You will wind up in Pigeon Fordge or take hard left and will come in to Gatlinburg . Good luck
Oct 4, 2015 07:31:33 #
Oct 4, 2015 10:40:50 #
Chestnut Hill, Tn. is a unique place to visit. I used to go there about once a month and take a load of Bush's beans from their plant to a Wal Mart distribution center somewhere. I loved the scenery, but hated going down there in a semi as there were no places to park and take pictures.
Oct 5, 2015 01:51:22 #
Cataloochee Valley for photographing Elk. The rut should be starting very soon. Not nearly as crowded as the more easily accessed areas. Also consider the Greenbrier entrance, again, not as crowded and the road follows the river. Several good trails there also.
Oct 5, 2015 01:57:41 #
queencitysanta wrote:
Clingman Dome, Cades cove, Chatthochee [sic] for elk
The Dome and Cade's Cove are both very crowded and don't come any where near meeting the definition of not coming up on the radar very much. Cataloochee and the Greenbrier area are much better choices.
Oct 5, 2015 07:26:38 #
Heading there at the end of the month and looking forward to the replies to your post. I've been there dozens of times, but always looking for the hidden gem.
Oct 5, 2015 07:32:35 #
queencitysanta wrote:
Clingman Dome, Cades cove, Chatthochee for elk
:thumbup:
Oct 5, 2015 07:32:58 #
I have been through the Smokies several. If you have not done so...go to Ebay and put in Gatlinburg lodging and several timeshares will show up. If you do not see a place that has your dates....contact a seller that has properties in the area and see if you can work with him.
The best "shot" in the entire area is in Maggie Valley.
The best "shot" in the entire area is in Maggie Valley.
Oct 5, 2015 09:29:18 #
Everywhere!
Depending on whatever subject you shoot, will determine where to go. From the places mentioned to anywhere you get to pullover in your vehicle.
Even getting to a "location", there are beautiful river views directly on the side.
If you like open Landscapes, Cades Cove. If you like River views, Little River Road. If you like older deserted houses, Elkmont. If you like trails, all over the place plus going by horse back.
You pick one or all subjects, you'll find it!
Depending on whatever subject you shoot, will determine where to go. From the places mentioned to anywhere you get to pullover in your vehicle.
Even getting to a "location", there are beautiful river views directly on the side.
If you like open Landscapes, Cades Cove. If you like River views, Little River Road. If you like older deserted houses, Elkmont. If you like trails, all over the place plus going by horse back.
You pick one or all subjects, you'll find it!
Oct 5, 2015 10:13:09 #
smith934 wrote:
The Dome and Cade's Cove are both very crowded and don't come any where near meeting the definition of not coming up on the radar very much. Cataloochee and the Greenbrier area are much better choices.
Yes, I like the Greenbrier area. Very peaceful. Nice walk along a rocky creek with nice picture opportunities. Attached is a picture my wife took there.
Oct 5, 2015 10:23:13 #
TheDman
Loc: USA
If you get up at dawn, which is the best time to shoot anyway, you can have solitude practically anywhere. My favorites are the Little Pigeon River in the aforementioned Greenbrier area and the Little River in the Tremont area.
Little River
Little Pigeon River
Oct 5, 2015 11:07:04 #
NICE FISH! You appear to be an outdoorsman that looks for great scenery and the Smokies offers unlimited things to shoot. I've been through the area several times on a motorcycle and I stay off the main roads because any place that has a good scenic view is usually swamped with other people looking for that special shot. By using a GPS you can pick out roads less traveled that will get you into some beautiful areas, there are many small blacktop roads winding through the mountains and if you are more venturous there are some gravel and even dirt roads to take. If you want to stay on the main roads then a little further over to Ashville, NC you can get on the Blue Ridge Parkway or head south from Ashville to Robbinsville and take the Cherohala Skyway west to Tellico Plains that puts you back on the bottom edge of the Smokies NP. The Cherohala has lots of scenic stops and not as much traffic as some of the other roads through the park. The Dragon's Tail (Hwy. 129 northwest from Robbinsville to the Foothills Pkwy) is a world famous motorcycle road, not recommended for sightseeing but does have some great scenery, just too many crotchrockets racing through, not many places to stop and enjoy the view. Just about any place near some of the mountain lakes are prime for a photographer, scope it out on the map, you'll find more places than you can imagine. Gatlinburg and Sevierville are for tourists, the rest of the mountains are for photogs.
Skidmore wrote:
I am heading to the gatilinburg tenn area soon. If anyone has a nice spot worthy of setting out for to photograph and would share I would appreciate it. I've been a few times and know the most traveled paths. Looking for a spot or to that doesn't come up on the radar so much.
Oct 5, 2015 12:01:07 #
Just got home yesterday from a trip through the Smokies and up the Blue Ridge Parkway (halfway) The rain and winds from the Hurricane closed the northern portion of the Blue Ridge above Roanoke. The Smokies had some excellent fall color and so did the BRP, but the rain and fog made it difficult to get a photo without getting rain drops on the lens, even with the umbrella protecting the camera. I may head back down next week and try again. Due to weather concerns I only stayed on the main road though. Hope your luck is better than mine. All the places mentioned above are great places to enjoy. I have a few from the Smokies area and the BRP I will post as well. Have a great trip.
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