cameranut64 Loc: Murrells Inlet, SC

I will be in the Linville, Banner Elk area next week and I would like to know of places close by for landscape pictures. Maybe mountain views from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the milepost.

Terry

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

If you can do some hiking, check out Table Rock in the Jonas Ridge area and off Hwy. 181--you can hike to the top and photograph the layers of mountains and Lake James below, or watch for views of it from the road as you drive around the region. http://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/linville-gorge-wilderness/table-rock/

Also, Wiseman's View overlooking the Linville Gorge Wilderness and off Hwy. 183 (the road is quite rough, though, and goes about 4 miles back off the pavement).

Linville Falls has multiple overlooks of the Upper and Lower Falls and there is a small secluded falls at the head of the parking area called Dugger's Creek Falls.

It's worth a drive up to Grandfather Mountain for spectacular views and be sure to go in the late afternoon to catch the bears roaming about at the wildlife habitat.

Further east on the BRP is the Viaduct which is quite photogenic.

Going west on the BRP there's Altapass Orchard and several worthwhile overlooks as far over as the Micaville/Hwy 80 exit--of note, Three Knobs Overlook and Black Mountains Overlook--or keep going to the Mt. Mitchell viewing tower.

(I thought I had more examples on my laptop, but most are on the desktop downstairs.)

This is Wiseman's View at dusk during the fires of 2013


An isolated section of Linville Falls


The Bear Habitat at Grandfather Mountain


Black Mountains Overlook on the BRP west of Hwy. 221 Between Linville Falls and Micaville


Sundown Near the Three Knobs Overlook

cameranut64 Loc: Murrells Inlet, SC

Thank you Dmeyer! It will be my first trip to the area, I am limited as to hiking as I am 72 but I am anxious to check it out.
Terry

klbuild Loc: Durham, north carolina

Roan mountain,TN NC line is very nice as well

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

Is there some degree of hiking that you enjoy? I am a senior myself and still getting to the places I listed...just slowly.
How many days will you be in the area? Banner Elk has plenty of stunning views, but many of them are from gated communities--otherwise, trees along the road block your views. On the steep, winding roads there isn't room for many pull-offs.
A drive up to Beech Mountain provides some lovely views while in Banner Elk area.
As mentioned, Roan Mountain is lovely, but it will be early for the rhododendrons that are the main attraction and the drive up is rural without many overlooks.
The Blue Ridge Parkway from Blowing Rock to Mt. Mitchell is certainly your best bet.
Here is a suggestion: Set out early one morning for Blowing Rock via Hwy 105 and Shull's Mill Road (a bit quicker than BRP) and drive back on the Blue Ridge Parkway heading west with the sun behind you. Drive up to Grandfather Mountain for photos (since the views are 270 degrees, late morning is fine) then get back on the BRP and get off at the exit for Hwy 181. There is a small eatery called Christa's Corner where you can have barbeque on fresh baked yeast rolls that melt in your mouth for lunch. After lunch, continue west on the BRP to Linville Falls. The shortest trail in about a 3/4 mi. easy to moderate hike to the Upper Falls overlook. If you aren't up for the walk, then just continue on the BRP to Hwys 221 and Hwy 105 north and return to Banner Elk. A second day trip could be to head south again on Hwys 105 and 221 back to the BRP and go west to Mt. Mitchell. To return to Banner Elk, you can either backtrack along the BRP, or go as far as the exit for Hwy 80 and go north to Micaville. You can make a short stop at Carolina Hemlocks Campground where an easy walk southward follows the Toe River as it winds through huge boulders. Back on Hwy 80, when you get to Micaville, get on Hwy 19E and continue to Elk Park where you turn right on Hwy 194 back into Banner Elk. While the highways aren't as scenic, they give some sense of the rural lifestyle and are a bit quicker. The Parkway is probably the better choice, though, because as the time of day and lighting changes, so will the views from the overlooks, and a return pass will render new vistas.

cameranut64 Loc: Murrells Inlet, SC

Thank you for the detailed directions!!
We will be there for a week but we are traveling with another couple (who aren't photographers) so I will be somewhat limited with my photography. I am using this trip to check out the area for a possible Fall trip (by myself) for the Fall colors.
I am limited as to hiking due to lack of energy:>) but will attempt short hikes.
I printed your directions for the side trip and hope to do it.

Thank you, Terry

davidcaley Loc: Utah

:thumbup:

cameranut64 Loc: Murrells Inlet, SC

I don't know if we will get that far but I will keep it in mind!

Thank you, Terry

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

Scouting is a good plan. If you come back in the fall and want someone to show you around, send me a PM. I live in the area.

randave2001 Loc: Richmond

Check out Elk River Falls not too far from Banner Elk. Take the Elk River Road off 19E in Elk Park. Easy walk from parking lot to a beautiful waterfall.

cameranut64 Loc: Murrells Inlet, SC

I will try to remember that, thank you!