Photo of the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 469 miles from Rockfish Gap, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina. Along the way, drivers are treated to one stunning overlook after another making it a bit overwhelming to decide where to photograph.

To help traveling photographers find some of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s best spots, I have written this Blue Ridge Parkway -15 Great NC Photo Spots Guide. The guide features some of the best photo locations along the Parkway in North Carolina that are relatively easy to reach, although some effort is required on a few destinations.

This guide is focused solely on the North Carolina portion of the Parkway to limit the size of this post.

About North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway

The North Carolina section of the Blue Ridge Parkway begins at milepost 217 at Cumberland Knob in Lowgap and ends in Cherokee, North Carolina at milepost 469. Along its stunning 252 miles, there are many picturesque overlooks of the Appalachian Mountains.

With so many choices, how does a photographer where are the prettiest parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Many Parkway travelers don’t know where the best places to photograph it from are and waste valuable time stopping in the wrong locations and the wrong times. Wouldn’t you like to know the best Blue RidgeParkway stops for photography? Is you answered yes, keep reading as I begin my list of the Blue Ridge Parkway 15 Great Photo Spots in North Carolina.

By the way, you may also want to check out my Great Smoky Mountains Cades Cove 5 Great Photo Tips blog post if you enjoy photographing the Appalachian Mountains.

Blue Ridge Parkway – 15 Great Photo Spots

1. Thunder Hill Overlook

Thunder Hill Overlook is located at milepost 290.4 just a few minutes north of the Blowing Rock/Boone exit. The overlook does not look out into any spectacular landscape but instead provides almost 180 degree views of mountain top ridges. In fact this overlook is one of the top sunrise spots but can also be a good sunset location if you walk across the street.

Tip: To access the views of the Boone side of the road, you will need to cross the Parkway and walk up a small hill. There are several paths, some steep and some easy.

On all three of my fall sunrise visits to Thunder Hill Overlook I encountered very windy conditions rendering the use of a tripod impossible. Thankfully that was not in case in summer but be careful of your gear in this location.

Also Thunder Hill area gets very crowded so be sure to arrive early and park in a spot where you will not get blocked in. I once sat for 2 hours trying to back out of my spot. Regardless Thunder Hill’s vast views will keep me coming back and are why I included this location as one of the 15 great photo spots.

A photo of sunrise at the Thunder Hill Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Thunder Hill Sunrise

Bonus Overlooks: Just about a mile north of Thunderhill is another good overlook for sunrise (time of year dependent) at mile-marker 289.8 called Yadkin Valley. But that’s not all, a very popular sunset location called Raven’s Rock is not even a half mile further north.

Raven Rock Sunset

Thunder Hill Overlook Photo Tips

CAMERA SETTINGS

  • Shutter speeds of 1/320 or higher are recommended to freeze leaf movement since the wide open areas of this overlook can be rather windy.
  • Apertures should be at least F11 to F16 depending on the choice of lens.
  • ISO setting should be the default adjustment to ensure proper exposure.

EQUIPMENT

  • Lens choices from 28mm to 300mm work well here depending on the composition.
  • This overlook lacks the foreground interest to support use of a ultra wide lens.
  • Soft split neutral density filters help manage the light between the sky and mountains.
  • I have found no need for a polarizer on this location
  • Photographing from a very sturdy tripod with weights helps minimize vibrations from the wind.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • This is definitely a sunrise location.
  • Sunrise is best captured in fall to early spring.
  • Since the area lacks interesting foregrounds, this may not be a great location for photography on mornings with dense fog.

2. Moses Cone Memorial Park

Moses Cone Memorial Park is a 3500 acre estate on the Blue Ridge Parkway just south of the Blowing Rock exit at milepost 294. The estate, also known as Flat Top Manor was the homesite of Moses H. Cone and features a 20 room colonial manor that is very photogenic. Additionally, the park includes 25 miles of carriage trails, a 10,000 apple orchard and two lakes surrounded by beautiful rolling hills.

The Moses Cone area offers a multitude of photography subjects, especially in fall including beautiful Bass Lake and the trail to the Flat Top Observation tower so be sure to put this on your list!

A photo of Moses Cone Manor at the Moses Cone Memorial Park which is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Moses Cone’s Flat Top Manor
Bass Lake in Fall

Moses Cone Memorial Park Photo Tips

CAMERA SETTINGS

  • Due to the many varied photo subjects, it is not possible for me to provide meaningful camera settings for this location except for the house. When photographing the house, I would put priority on aperture settings that maximize depth of field and keep ISO settings as low as possible. Shutter speeds can be the default since the home is stationary.

EQUIPMENT

  • This location and the surrounding grounds can easily be captured with lens from ultra wide angles to 100mm lens.
  • A tripod is definitely beneficial when photographing the back parts of the house that look out onto the grounds.
  • A polarizer is definitely recommended, especially for foliage and lake shots.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • A great time to photograph the home is in the early morning hours
  • Late afternoon light is also great on some of the trails and lake views as well as the walk to the observation tower.
  • Partly cloudy days are very good for photographing both the house and the surrounding landscapes.
  • Fall is a great time to photograph Moses Cone

3. Price Lake

Price Lake is a 47 acres lake as part of the 4200 acre Price Memorial Park and a very popular tourist stop on the Parkway. The Lake’s main overlook is directly off the Parkway at milepost 297 while a side road leads to a canoe rental and boat launch area. In the mid to late afternoons, both locations can be photogenic, depending on the overall quality of light and clouds.

In addition to the pretty lake , there is a picnic area on the west side of the Parkway with a stream that can also be quite photogenic in fall. As an FYI, Price Lake area also has a large campground situated on both sides of the road that I have used as a base for photographing portions of the Parkway.

Photograph of Julian Price Lake with tree reflection in fall off the Blue Ridge Parkway by Boone.
This beautiful lake sits directly by the Blue Ridge Parkway and just minutes from Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Julian Price Lake Photo Tips

CAMERA SETTINGS

  • Shutter speeds should be fast enough to capture the reflections in the water of slow enough to create a pleasant blur to the water. Actual setting will depend greatly on has fast the water is moving.
  • Apertures should be at least F11 to F16 depending on the choice of lens.
  • ISO setting should be the default adjustment to ensure proper exposure.

EQUIPMENT

  • Price Lake and the boat launch area are best captured with lens from 28mm to 70mm although using a longer lens can work well when isolating a small area.
  • A tripod is definitely beneficial especially when using a slow shutter speed on the water.
  • A polarizer is recommended.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • Since more photography will be done facing east, later afternoon and early evening light work well at the lake. However, there are a few nice vantage points from a hiking trail along the lake that could work in morning light.
  • Partly cloudy days, in particular in the afternoon are my favorite times to capture Price Lake.
  • Fall is a great time to photograph Price Lake with all the color, however, the lake also has a number of rhododendron bushes that add some really nice color in June.

4. Linn Cove Viaduct

Linn Cove Viaduct, considered an engineering masterpiece, twists around Grandfather Mountain with curves that make it a favorite subject for photographers. In fact a photograph of the Linn Cove Viaduct is one of the iconic shots of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

There are two locations from which to photo the Viaduct.

1. For the best images of the Viaduct, park at the Linn Cove Visitor Center at milepost 304 and follow a paved trail on the north side of the parking lot for 1/3 mile. (Note: the Visitor Center itself appears to be permanently closed). After the pavement ends, continue hiking on a dirt trail until you come to a huge boulder, about 1/4 mile.

The Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center Trail to Overlook

2. The most accessible place to photograph the Linn Cove Viaduct is from the Yonahlossee Overlook at milepost 303.9 as you head north immediately past the Viaduct. Once at the Overlook, there is a trail by the road to a rocky area that offers good views of the Viaduct looking up on the Viaduct instead of down on it as you would from the Visitor Center trail. I encourage you to take photographs along the trail as well as from the rocky ledge at the end of the trail for different perspectives of the road.

Photo of the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
The Linn Cove Viaduct off the Blue Ridge Parkway

Both above locations are best photographed in the morning once the sun has come up enough to light the road and trees.

Linn Cove Viaduct Photo Tips

CAMERA SETTINGS

  • Shutter speeds should be set based on the amount of winds in the surrounding trees to ensure they are sharp. At this location, I typically photograph with shutter speeds of at least 1/400 sec.
  • Apertures should be at least F11 to maintain sharpness on the Viaduct.
  • ISO setting should be the default adjustment to ensure proper exposure.

EQUIPMENT

  • The Viaduct is best photographed with a wide angle lens.
  • Use of a tripod is highly encouraged at this location.
  • A polarizer is helpful to reduce glare in the leaves and to enhance the colors in the vegetation.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • The Viaduct is best photographed in the morning hours. In fact I recommend arriving before sunrise, photographing the sunrise, and then photographing the Viaduct.
  • Spring, Summer and Fall seasons all provide good photo opportunities of the Viaduct.

5. Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain, of the highest mountains east of the Mississippi at 5964 feet, is just one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305 on Highway 221. Photo subjects include a famous mile high swinging bridge, a nationally known nature preserve, and rugged mountain vistas.

The mountain also has miles of hiking trails to photograph from but many are quite steep and should only be hiked by experienced hikers. Please see Grandfather Mountain Hiking Trails for additional information.

Access to Grandfather Mountain is now by reservation for a designated entry time however entry can usually be obtained onsite on weekdays without a reservation with the except in peak fall time. Once in the park, you can stay as long as you wish. Discounts are only available with online booking. For additional information, please visit Grandfather Mountain Reservations.

For photographers, subjects include expansive mountain vistas such as the image below as well as the swinging bridge and captive wildlife.

Grandfather Mountain Overlook on a day with very hazy skies.

Grandfather Mountain Photo Tips

I do not believe I can offer any meaningful advice on photographing Grandfather Mountain. The mountain provides such a variety of subjects that recommending lens choices and camera settings is not practical. However, I can recommend the best times to visit Grandfather Mountain.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • Fall is the absolute best time for landscape photography on Grandfather Mountain but be warned, it can be very cold and windy on the Mountain.

6. Linville Falls

Linville Falls is one of the most photographed and beautiful waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway with a 90 foot drop into the spectacular Linville Gorge which is known as the Grand Canyon of Eastern United States. There is also a small waterfall called Dugger’s Creek that is well worth photographing. Please see the Linville Falls Trail Map for complete directions to each overlook.

The Erin View Trail is a 1.8 mile round trip moderate hike with 4 different views of Linville Falls.

First up on the trail is a view of Upper Falls at just past the .5 mile mark. The Upper Falls view is comprised of two very short side by side falls that are not all the spectacular.

Walking another .2 miles will take you a side spur to Chimney View named for it’s chimney shaped rocks by the falls. Accessing Chimney View involves climbing a number of steep rock stairs that are not in the best condition. Note: photographers, the foliage has grown up quite a bit as of 2023 and I only found one small place on the overlook to the right that was good for photography without being blocks by shrubs. The spot was only large enough to accomodate one person at a time.

Regretfully, everyone also wants to photograph the falls from this same space leaving no time to set up a trip and work different compositions. In fact I ended up taking many of my images with my cell phone to avoid taking time to change lens on my camera. Obviously there was no option to use slow shutter speeds and blur the water as I had done on a visit several years ago as you can see in my first image.

Linville Falls from Chimney
Cell phone capture taken Sept 2023

This second image of Linville Falls was taken from the only spot where shrubs did not almost completely obstruct the view.

Leaving Chimney View walk about another 10th of a mile to Erins View and encounter panoramic vistas of both Linville Gorge and the upper and lower falls.

The Linville Gorge Trail is the second trail to Linville Falls that has some easy parts and also portions that were too strenuous for my bad knees. After about .2 miles from the Visitor Center a trail to Plunge Basin forks to the right and finally takes you down to the base of the falls via steep wooden stairs and rocky ledges. The photo opportunities are wonderful and for those who can make the hike, don’t miss this overlook.

If you continue on the Linville Gorge Trail instead of veering off the Plunge Basin you will encounter an even more strenuous trail than Plunge Basin. This trail will take you to the base of the waterfall but be forewarned that you will encounter steep stairs and some rocky climbs so pack lightly on the photography gear. In fact, for both of these trails, wide angle to 100mm lens is about all you need.

For those who are physically able, I encourage you to spend time photographed Linville Falls from both trails to capture all the different viewpoints of Linville Falls. If you are not able to do both trails, don’t worry, the views from Erin View Trail offer some of the best photo shots.

Linville Falls Overlook Photo Tips

CAMERA SETTINGS

  • As I general rule I prefer to photograph waterfalls with a shutter speed that blurs water. Depending on the speed of the water shutter, speeds of 1/8 second or slow work. However, sometimes faster shutter speeds must be used to also keep foreground foliage from being blurred.
  • Apertures of F11, preferably F16 should be used on most of the Erin Trail Overlooks to maximize image sharpness thought-out the scene.

EQUIPMENT

  • Photograph Linville Falls with different lens lengths to capture a variety of views.
  • Use of a tripod is highly encouraged at this location.
  • A polarizer is strongly recommended to reduce glare in the leaves and to enhance the colors in the vegetation.
  • Photograph in horizontal and vertical orientations depending on the Overlook. Chimney Overlook is best photographed vertically while Gorge View lends itself to horizontal views.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • Linville Falls can be photographed any time of year but to capture color in the surrounding foliage, spring and fall visits are best.
  • Cloudy days are great for photography at Linville Falls as contrast is lessen and colors from vegetation are enhanced.

7. Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls is a 70 foot beautiful waterfall that is reached by one of two options. One hike involves a moderate hike of 3 miles to the Falls while the second hike involves a 3.5 mile hike that is strenuous but will take you to a ridge above the Falls.

The trailhead for Crabtree Falls is located directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 339.5 at the same exit as the Crabtree Falls campground. Instead of going straight into the campground, turn left and you will immediately come to the Crabtree Falls parking lot. (This is also a campground I have stayed in and recommend it for anyone planning to photograph the Falls.

A a rule, I never include any place in my photo guides that I have not actually photographed. That being said, I have never photographed Crabtree Falls. However, due to its beauty, I felt compelled to include this waterfall in my 15 Great Blue Ridge Parkway Photo Spots although can’t offer any personal photo advice.

8. Mt. Mitchell

Mt. Mitchell is the highest mountain peak east of the Mississippi at 6684 feet. The entrance to Mt. Mitchell is located at milepost 335.4 on Highway 128 and involves driving a two lane paved road to a parking lot at the top. From the parking lot, take a 1/4 mile paved trail to the summit. Although the trail is handicapped accessible, the steep grade I believe would require assistance. Once at the top, a viewing platform provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains that can be very photogenic in the right light.

For photographers, the views from the summit should not be missed. Years ago there were also east facing photography opportunities from the parking lot itself but they no long exist due to the overgrowth of trees and shrubs. There are many other photography opportunities along a couple of Mt. Mitchell’s hiking trails however, the most photogenic trails are difficult and strenuous hikes.

A photo of the Observation Tower on top of Mt. Mitchell off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
Mt. Mitchell is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi.

Mt. Mitchell Overlook Photo Tips

CAMERA SETTINGS

  • Shutter speeds can vary quite a bit based on conditions, however, I would encourage shutter speeds of at least 1/125 sec.
  • Apertures of F11 and greater should be used when photographing views from the Overlook.

EQUIPMENT

  • Lens from 24mm to 35mm I believe produce the best results for Overlook images.
  • Use of a tripod is highly encouraged.
  • A polarizer is strongly recommended to enhance the colors in the vegetation.
  • This location is best suited for horizontal oriented images.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • Mt. Mitchell can be photographed any time of year but to capture color in the surrounding foliage, spring and fall visits are best.
  • Sunrise and Sunsets as well as early morning and late evenings are great times to photograph from the Overlook.

9. Craggy Gardens and Picnic Area

Craggy Gardens, at milepost 364 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, was named for the twisted rocky formations in the area. Although the craggy rocks are interesting, it’s the expansive views from its visitor center parking lot, the hiking trails, the mountain laurel and the beautiful Catawba rhododendron that draw photographers to this overlook.

There are many places to photograph amazing landscape photos from the Craggy Gardens area with the most popular being the following:

  • Craggy Pinnacle Hike– This 1.5 mile round trip trail begins a little north of the Visitor Center and lead to a 5892 foot summit called Craggy Pinnacle with 360 views of the surrounding mountains. This is a great sunset spot for photography and also a wonderful trail for photographing rhododendron in June and a cool old beech tree.
  • Craggy Gardens Visitor Center Overlook- The Visitor Center Overlook is a great place to photograph the surrounding mountains without a hike, especially at sunset. This is also a great spot to photograph mountain laurels in June. The center has plenty of parking, restrooms and a gift shop. As to the actual hours for the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, it seems to vary quite a bit so I will not make any attempt to post hours here.
  • Craggy Gardens Trail– Craggy Gardens Trail a one mile trail between the Visitor Center and the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area and an extremely popular trail in mid to late June when the Rhododendron are in bloom. To reach a very popular photography spot, begin this trail at the Visitor Center and follow it for about a 1/3 mile on a relatively easy hike to a historic shelter. Upon reaching the shelter, take a short trail to the left and you will encounter the rhododendron gardens in an open meadow with beautiful mountain views.
  • Craggy Gardens Picnic Area– If all the beauty from the above areas did not give your cameras enough of a workout, head to Craggy Gardens Picnic Area located off the Parkway at Mile Post 376.6. Rhododendron all over the picnic grounds in early June. (Note: due to the elevation, rhododendron bloom about 10 days sooner than the surrounding areas).
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center is not only a great place for rhododendron in June but also mountain laurels.
A photo of an old beech tree on the Craggy Gardens Overlook Trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway
Craggy Gardens Overlook off the Blue Ridge Parkway has a 1 mile trail to an amazing overlook. Along the path hikers will encounter a very unique beech tree with twisted roots .

Craggy Gardens Overlook Photo Tips

CAMERA SETTINGS

  • Due to the diversity of photo subjects in this area, I can’t provide meaningful camera settings.

EQUIPMENT

  • Most areas and subjects can be photographed with lens in the range of 17mm to 70mm.
  • Use of a tripod is highly encouraged at all the above locations.
  • Depending on the time of day, a polarizer can be beneficial.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • Although the Craggy Gardens area is beautiful all times of year, it is especially photogenic in mid to late June when rhododendron and mountain laurel bloom and again in early fall. Due to its high location, expect park closures in winter.
  • Sunrise and sunset are great at the Craggy Garden Overlook, but be warned that the area is prone to heavy fog which can make travel very dangerous at these times.

10. Pounding Mill Overlook

Located about an hour south of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 413 is one of my favorite Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks for sunrises. The Overlook is on the east side of the Parkway and offers views to the north, east and south of Pisgah Forest including Mt. Pisgah Inn to the north and Looking Glass Rock to the south.

A photo of Pounding Mill Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway with low clouds over the valley.
Early morning clouds linger over the tree tops at the Pounding Mill Overlook off the Blue Ridge Parkway just south of Asheville, North Carolina.

Pounding Mill Overlook Photo Tips

CAMERA SETTINGS

  • Wide angle lens are great here for there ability to capture the expansive views from Pounding Mill.
  • Apertures of F11, preferably F16 should be used on most of the Erin Trail Overlooks to maximize image sharpness thought-out the scene.

EQUIPMENT

  • Photograph Pounding Mill Overlook with a wide angle lens to capture the expansive views from this popular stop.
  • Use of a tripod is highly encouraged at this location.
  • I do not recommend the use of a polarizer at this location due to their potential to create uneven polarization of the sky.
  • This is a location where I recommend horizontal orientation.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • This overlook is a great destination in spring, summer and fall.
  • Pounding Mill Overlook was made for sunrise photography.

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11. Graveyard Fields

Graveyard Fields is one of the most popular stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 418. With two waterfalls, beautiful trillium in spring and scarlet red blueberry bushes in fall, Graveyard Fields has no shortage of subjects to photograph. In fact I highly recommend spending at least half a day here photographing in spring and fall.

This is an extremely popular area and gets very crowded so plan to arrive early and avoid weekends if at all possible.

One waterfall, Lower Falls, can be photographed from a very small roadside pull-off just north of the Graveyard Fields parking lot to capture images that include the surrounding trees, especially during peak fall color.

Lower Falls can also be photographed from a 1/3 mile relatively easy hike from the Graveyard Field parking lot. Although the hike is short, it does involve a number of stairs, some that are steep. For some unknown reason, I have always had difficulty capturing pleasing photographs of Lower Falls from this location despite seeing beauty images from other photographers of this location.

The next waterfall, Upper Falls in Graveyard Fields involves a 3.5 mile easy hike through some pretty areas including the Yellowstone Prong River surrounded by blueberry bushes. However, the waterfall itself is also disappointing from a photogenic prospective unless it has a lot of water in it. I will leave it to your discretion as to if you wish to make the hike to the Upper Falls but can offer my thoughts that without good water-flow, it will not be worth the hike.

Graveyard Fields Lower Falls from the Parkway pull-off
Graveyard Fields Upper Falls

Graveyard Fields Photo Tips

CAMERA SETTINGS

  • Here again photograph the waterfalls with a slow enough shutter speed of 1/8 sec or slower.
  • Again, apertures of F11, preferably F16 work best although the close up shots of the waterfalls can be photographed at F8 to F11.

EQUIPMENT

  • Depending on the location a wide variety of lens can be used but I would definitely bring lens in the 24mm to 70mm range.
  • Use of a tripod is highly encouraged.
  • A polarizer is strongly recommended.
  • Photograph both horizontality and vertically.
  • Trillium can be photographed with a macro lens, wide angle lens and telephoto lens in the 200 range.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • Graveyard Fields is a great photo destination in spring and fall, and just Ok in the summer
  • Partly cloudy skies work best at this location.
  • Roadside photos of the Lower Falls are best captured in the morning hours.

12. Black Balsam Area

The Black Balsam spur road off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 420.2 leads to some of the most photogenic balds anywhere off the Blue Ridge Parkway including Black Balsam Knob, Sam Knob, and Tennent Mountain. This entire area is a photographer’s delight, even the roadside blueberry bushes and the woodlands directly off the parking lot scream please photograph me. Days could be spent photographing this area and is beautiful balds.

For photography, I highly recommend everyone at least hike the 1/2 mile trail to Black Balsam Knob which offers high alpine meadows and mountain views. For those who are fit, the Sam Knob trail should also be high on your list.

For those short of time or not able to hike, even pullouts on the right side of the drive around the Art Loeb trail offer excellent photo opportunities both at sunrise and in the late afternoon light. In fact the Black Balsam Area is one of my favorite photography locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway, both in spring and in fall. Warning, avoid summer months and weekends here due to the excessive crowds!

Sunrise over the Blue Ridge Mountains as viewed from an overlook off Black Balsam Road
Sunrise from Black Balsam Road is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway

Black Balsam Road Photo Tips

CAMERA SETTINGS

  • Shutter speeds vary too much depending on subjects for me to offer any meaningful advice.
  • Again, depending on what you are photographing apertures from F8 to F16 are advised.

EQUIPMENT

  • Depending on the specific photo spot, a wide variety of lens can be used but I would definitely bring lens in the 24mm to 70mm range. In fall, a macro lens can also come in handy when photographing the blueberry bushes and other shrubs.
  • Consider using a tripod on shots from the balds.
  • A polarizer is strongly recommended but should be used sparingly when photographing skies with a wide angle lens.
  • Photograph both horizontality and vertically.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • The Balsam Road area is good anytime from spring through fall with fall being my favorite time to visit this location.
  • Morning sunrises are good here but don’t discount the late afternoon landscapes either.

13. Devil’s Courthouse Overlook

Devil’s Courthouse Overlook is located at milepost 422.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and named for a rock resembling a devil on the mountain top. ( I don’t see it but others do) The courthouse part of its name is related to a cave inside the mountain where the devil is suppose to hold court according the tales from locals. None the less, this location provides good photo opportunities and is a place deserving of some photo time.

In late afternoon light, Devils Courthouse can be photographed from the overlook parking lot as seen in the photo below. For those seeking panoramic views of the area, a short but strenuous trail of just less than 1/2 mile will take you to the top of the mountain where views are some of the best in the area making this a great place for photography. The uphill trail is mostly paved and climbs through beautiful forest areas until the very end where it gets rocky but doable.

Devils Courthouse from the Overlook parking lot.

Devils Courthouse Photo Tips

CAMERA SETTINGS

  • For photos of Devils Courthouse from both the parking lot and the mountain top, shutter speeds should be fast enough to account for any wind. However both compositions do not involve any close up objects so there is a little bit of latitude with the shutter speed settings.
  • Again, apertures of F11 will be fine for shots of the Courthouse from the parking lot. For photographs from the mountain top, apertures need to be small enough to provide adequate depth of field depending on the composition and lens choice which may be as small as F16.

EQUIPMENT

  • Lens in the 24mm to 200mm range are best depending on the composition.
  • Use of a tripod is highly encouraged.
  • A polarizer is strongly recommended.
  • Photograph both horizontality and vertically at both viewpoints.
  • A soft split ND filter is helpful at times with images shot at the mountain top.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • Devils Courthouse is a great photo destination in spring, summer and fall.
  • Partly cloudy skies work best at this location.
  • Parking lot photos of Devils Courthouse are best captured in the afternoon hours but before the sun is so low it creates shadows. Photos from the top of Devils Courthouse can be shot at sunrise, sunset, early morning and late afternoon hours.

14. Cowee Overlook

Cowee Overlook is my absolute favorite place to photograph sunsets on the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially in spring and fall. It is located at milepost 430 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and unlike other overlooks, is open in the foreground. This allows for wonderful views of the terrain below that most overlooks do not offer. As of the writing of this post, I have not been able to locate any of my Cowee Overlook photographs and will post them as soon as I figure out where they are hiding!

Cowee Overlook Photo Tips

CAMERA SETTINGS

  • Shutter speeds again need to be fast enough to account for wind but since the overlook does not have any close up subjects such as trees, there is a bit of latitude with the shutter settings. I recommend 1/125 or faster but adjust based on conditions at the time.
  • Again, apertures of F11 to F16 are recommended.

EQUIPMENT

  • This is a wide angle shot but not an ultra wide angle shot since it lacks any foreground subjects. Also you do not want to shoot with a lens so wide that the background is diminished, although it can be tempting in this location.
  • Use of a tripod is highly encouraged.
  • A polarizer is strongly recommended.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • Cowee Overlook is a great sunset location in spring and fall.

15. Waterrock Knob

For photographer’s looking for mile high 360 degree views, this is the place! Waterrock Knob is located at milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway with a large parking area, picnic tables, a very small visitor center and a couple vault toilets. The views of all the surrounding mountains are amazing, though I must admit, not as photogenic as some of other places listed above.

From the parking lot, there is a 1.2 mile round trip, Waterrock Knob Trail, to the summit at 6273 feet which is also the highest accessible point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Although the views are nice from the summit, he trail to the top is steep and difficult in places.

For those who do not wish to hike, there are sunrise and sunset opportunities directly from the parking lot. I find the sunrise locations better than the sunset locations since the sunset spots have become a bit overgrown as you can see in the photo below.

Waterrock Knob at sunset

Waterrock Knob Photo Tips

CAMERA SETTINGS

  • Waterrock Knob is best photographed with small aperture settings of at least F11 and shutter speeds that freeze the motion in the surrounding plants and trees.

EQUIPMENT

  • Consider bringing lens from 24mm wide angle to longer telephotos to Waterrock Knob. Not only are shots of the surrounding mountains good here but also zoomed photos looking down on the Blue Ridge Parkway are possible at this location
  • Use of a tripod is highly encouraged.
  • A polarizer is strongly recommended.
  • Photograph both horizontality and vertically.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

  • Waterrock Knob is a good photo destination in spring, summer and fall.
  • Partly cloudy skies work best at this location.
  • This is both a sunrise and sunset photo location.

Blue Ridge Parkway -Things to Bring

Here are a few items that you may wish to bring to make your trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway more enjoyable.

Packing for a Blue Ridge Parkway Roadtrip

Closing Thought on the Blue Ridge Parkway – 15 Great Photo Spots

Photography on the Blue Ridge Parkway can be an amazing experience or a very frustrating endeavor if you don’t know where to go. Even if you research and pick photo locations, it is always helpful to have insight from people who know a given location from a photographer’s perspective.

Hopefully this Blue Ridge Parkway – 15 Great N.C. Photo Spots will help you to be in the right place at the right time of year in order to capture the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway landscapes and scenics. Oh and be sure to check out my Blue Ridge Parkway Campground summary to find the perfect place to sleep while you photograph all these amazing destinations. For more fall color photography, be sure to read my Fall Cypress Trees posts for amazing cypress tree photo destinations.

As previously mentioned there are some popular photo Blue Ridge Parkway photo spots that I have excluded from my above list since they involve more difficult hikes and/or rock scrambles. For those of you who are comfortable hiking in the mountains, you made want to add a sunrise shoots from both Beacon Heights and Rough Ridge to your list.

Beacon Heights is one of the Parkway’s most popular hikes and not that difficult. Rough Ridge is also extremely popular but the later sections of the hike is difficult so only attempt this hike if you are confident in your hiking abilities.

For all you mountain lovers, you may want to check out my Mountains, Meadows and Waterfalls gallery to see not only images from North Carolina but also the Rocky Mountain area.

As always, thanks for joining me on another Photo Road Trip and happy photo travels to all.

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