Asheville

Taking the missus for a 3 day getaway in Asheville, NC. What are some good nature/landscape areas to shoot?
Mike

Mike,

You can start off by getting on the BRP and heading south towards the Smokies or North towards Craggy Gardens overlook for a Sunset shot. There are numerous places to see as you drive. Maybe some of you other guys can give Mike some specific stops along his way.

I'm sure he would appreciate it...

Harold

Oh my gosh, Mike, there are so many places to go in western NC. Lori turned me on to Max Patch up I-26, and Jerry to Rocky Fork up I-40. There are numerous waterfalls in the area, particularly along the SR64 coridor. But some of them are easier to see than others. On the eastern side of GSMNP there is the Big Creek area. The only thing about rivers and waterfalls is the water level lately. There are some very low flows in and around GSMNP, even into GA, TN and SC.

I've been exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway for more than 30 years. My advice is to get on it early in the morning and take a drive north from Asheville, pulling over at every layby and taking every hike you have time for. There is always something beautiful and interesting to shoot. Also, some of my best shots have come right after a summer rain shower. Those clouds pop down from over the mountains and get low making for a very visually interesting sky. Good luck, Mike.

Thanks everyone, that should keep us busy.
Mike

BTW, the Parkway is closed at the Craggy Gardens picnic area, you can't get to the Gardens or Mt. Mitchell from the south.

http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm

There might be access via the Mountains-to-the-Sea trail if you want a rather long hike.

Rocky Fork and Max Patch are good suggestions. If you're doing a "missus" thing, try the Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland (or the Big Lynn Lodge), or stay in Blowing Rock and work the Parkway south towards Grandfather Mountain. Maybe do a sunrise from Beacon Heights, hike along Boone Fork or do the Tanawha Trail.

Cheers,

Steve

Mike, If you have time, you might take a look at the Asheville Botanical Gardens. It has very nice tree canopies with light showing through to highlight the flora below...a lot of nice contrasty looks. I took some of my best floral shots ever in 2005 at the gardens. Check it out online before you go. The list what is blooming and the conditions in the gardens.
Have a great trip.
Dave Bartlett/ red pixel montage llc

Mike,

If you have'nt left yet ???? Here is another Jewel in the rough to help you out.

http://appalachiantreks.blogspot.com/

Have a great weekend!

Harold