I have had Panthertown Valley on my must visit list for a long time now. So glad that I was able to take a day trip with my adventure-loving mountain dogs a few weeks ago before tropical storm Fred moved through. If visiting the area and planning adventures, please check for current updates to save yourself ending up in a dangerous situation. With it being a new place to explore, the dogs were super excited about all the smells, and knowing weather was going to move in later in the day, I was not able to photograph as much as usual but am ecstatic to share some moments from this fun hike. Totally worth it as I love my dogs so much – they are the best trail pups ever and are the sweetest best friends. So glad that I can share these mountain adventures with a pair that love it so!

Panthertown is a 6,311-acre backcountry area and bear sanctuary. We didn’t see any bear this time… There are 30 miles of public trails in this special place in the Nantahala National Forest in Western North Carolina. The valley is located on the Eastern Continental Divide, between the Great Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains. This trip was the first of many visits to come. Reading about the area, I want to see so much more! The dogs and I took the main trail with the main goal being an easy trek to Granny Burrell Falls, but after missing a turn and going further than expected, we were treated to so many different trails and views along the way. The next adventure, we will have to visit Wilderness and Frolictown falls – or the loop to hit Schoolhouse, Pothole and Mac’s falls – so many choices in this natural wilderness area. Cannot wait to get to go back soon!

If you are going to visit, keep in mind that there is little cell service, so download maps and be prepared. If camping, bear canisters are required as it is a bear sanctuary area.

On the way home, I passed a sign for Judaculla Rock, a sandstone boulder with around 1,500 petroglyphs carved into it by the Cherokee. I have wanted to see this historical artifact since I heard it existed, and took that turn onto Judaculla Rock Road. I am so thankful I had the opportunity on this adventure. Petroglyphs are carvings that often symbolize important events or stories, and this rock is full of historical records and Cherokee legend. In legend, Judaculla was a slant-eyed giant that lived in the Balsam Mountains with their ‘judgement seat’ being at Devil’s Courthouse on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This rock has carvings 1,500 years old on it and was a sight to behold. Jackson County has built a boardwalk around it to keep visitors from climbing on the rock. Please be respectful if you visit and do not climb on the rock but definitely go see it as the carvings are eroding over time.

I hope you enjoy getting to see a bit of our adventure!

Photographer: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Panthertown Valley

Juduculla Rock

On a perfect cool summer morning, I met a friend and fellow adventure lover for her first visit to Catawba Falls. This was apparently the year for first time treks to this awe-inspiring 100 foot waterfall near Old Fort in Western North Carolina as we hit the trail earlier this year for our inaugural hike. Even though it is only a few posts back on the blog, I cannot resist sharing this beautiful place again, covered in summer greens, lush fern and moss, and so much life thriving in the woods and the water. The last visit was in winter so it was a totally different experience. Click here for the winter Catawba Falls visit blog post. This hike is about 1.3 miles to the falls, meandering along the Catawba River with so many gorgeous sights along the way. There are several historic structures remaining from an old hydroelectric plant, and stepping into the thick walled structures gives such an interesting perspective worth exploring.

If you have ever been with me in the woods or literally anywhere a fern is on display, you probably know I’m pretty obsessed with all the types of fern. This area was covered with so many different types – I was over the moon to see them all in the same area. I really love the collage below that shows a variety of fern we saw to give you a taste of the fern magic on this trail. 

We saw a lovely black snake *and* curious water snake, quite a few brachoria dentata (Appalachian mimic millipede), so many beautiful snail, crawfish, trout, and the cutest little furry white caterpillar that I know better than to try to touch. This little guy is possibly a White-marked Tussock Moth caterpillar that can sting badly – do not ever touch these! – most of the soft/furry looking ones are covered in toxins and spines that can cause major reactions. My friend, Star, is great at spotting wildlife and helping me slow down to see all the life around me. I typically hit the trail and want to cover as much ground as possible so I can see it all, photograph it all, and share as much as I can, but am finding a new joy in lingering a little bit longer and am often rewarded for stopping to take it all in. The film camera getting back into rotation has helped with this too. CANNOT wait to get the film from this trip processed soon – always a mystery with what I end up getting and it is SO much fun!!

If you get the opportunity to visit this trail, keep in mind that snakes love living in areas just like this with rocky crevices to hide in and water to attract prey. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but keep an eye out for snakes and be sure to pack out anything you bring in.

Truly hope you enjoy getting to see this magical place – even if just through the photos. Stop and take it all in if you get the chance to visit Catawba Falls.

Star is the talent behind Mountain Thread Art – amazing embroidery art. Check her out!

Photography by Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Catawba Falls

I am ecstatic to share that I hung a bunch of photo wall art this week at PennyCup Coffee Company located in Haw Creek, East Asheville, North Carolina. Thank you to PennyCup for the opportunity and for all your help, Kat – couldn’t have done it without you!! This local coffee roaster has been a client for years, having me photograph their *awesome* locations, their stellar staff, their second-to-none coffee, and the most fun branded products. I am the luckiest photographer to get to work with them over the years!! While discussing an upcoming series of shoots, I asked if they have any openings in their exhibit space and am over the moon I was able to hang so soon after asking. The photos will be up the next few months and I am so hopeful that lots of these local favorites get to go to good (new) homes. They are priced at market/direct/special for this show deals – so fill up your walls or get the perfect gift for the nature lovers in your life. Holidays are coming up before we know it.

If you own a business that would be interested in discussing your photography needs – whether it be for wall art, shows/display, or customized imagery to purchase or to sell. I love working with other businesses to help get the imagery or display materials they need. Feel free to contact me directly if you are not in the area and would like to make a purchase to have shipped. Custom orders are always welcome.

Here are some photos to show this cool space and all the fun photo art on display. Metal prints, canvas prints, matted prints, framed/matted prints, photo cards and photo coasters all on site to be updated/added to/exchanged from as we go. Hope you get to stop by to check it out!

Thanks again to PennyCup for being the best!

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: PennyCup Coffee Company, Haw Creek, Asheville, North Carolina; located at 6 Beverly Rd, Asheville, NC 28805

The North Carolina Arboretum has a must-see exhibit on display right now - Wild Art Sculpture Showcase!! This inspiring outdoor sculpture exhibition is on display until September 26, 2021. There are 18 sculptures by 17 artists that drew their inspiration from nature. The diverse styles and materials are a fitting complement to the Arboretum's ever changing gardens, exhibits, and educational offerings. This 434 acre campus has been cultivating so much in the Asheville community for over 30 years.

Camilla Calnan Photography is proud to be one of the sponsors of the Wild Art Exhibit at the NC Arboretum. The studio is a community partner along with an array of local supporters and partner businesses. I was honored that I was able to meet quite a few of the artists at the artist's opening reception, and in this post I have combined photos from the reception evening along with photos from other visits.  Hope you get to see these sculptures in person!  See below the photos for links to the artists' websites.  

Pieces & Artists:

“Big Al” by Grace Cathey

“Carp and the Acorn” by David Boyajian

“Raptor” by John W. Parker

“Leo” by Pokey Park

“Tangled Hare” by Todd Frahm

“Two Butterflies and a Moth” by Linda Pannullo

“Circumstantial Evidence” (fox) and “The Visitor” (otters) by Roger Martin

“Stillness Meets Trajectory” by Annie Mariano

“Sanctuary” by John M. Almaguer and Julia C. Burr

“The Great Monarch Migration” and “A Flock of Black Birds” by Jim Gallucci

“Hatchling” by Harry McDaniel

“Hope” by Jim Weitzel 

“Tributary” by Eli Blasko 

“Angelwing” by Susan Moffatt 

“Nesting” by Robert Coon 

“Without Them There’s No Us” by Lex Turnbull

Photography by : Camilla Calnan Photography **

**credit to Chris Bolm for the photos of me with two of the sculptures; truly appreciate all his work and so many great photos worked into lots of our posts and on the sites.

Location: NC Arboretum, Asheville, NC

Exhibit Sponsors: Asheville Citizen-Times; B.B. Barns Garden, Gift and Landscape Company; Camilla Calnan Photography; Friendship Park at Givens Estates; The Laurel of Asheville; Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty; RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide; Smoky Mountain Living Magazine; Tryon Estates, an Acts Retirement-Life Community; and Henco North Creative Imaging.

I am so glad we finally made the trek to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek falls on a perfect late spring morning. Both sets of cascades have been on the must visit list for quite awhile and we luckily chose the perfect morning to hit the Big Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to get to these lovely falls. Somehow, we timed it perfectly to be the only one at the falls when we arrived which was a bit of surprise after hearing how busy these spots can be.

The 1.4 mile moderate trail to get to the gorgeous Mouse Creek falls is so beautiful. On this end of May, late spring venture there were some mountain laurel still in bloom with rhododendron close to bloom, tons of fern of all types, immense rock formations with a wide variety of types of stone and minerals mixed together, worn down over time to create unique outcrops and rocks everywhere. This trail and these waterfalls are quite popular places to visit, so it was not surprising we passed a multitude of people heading up when we were heading out. It was wonderful to see that there are so many people enjoying the area and most seem to be respecting nature while visiting as it was nice not seeing much trash or litter. Unfortunately, we lost count of how many dogs we passed going up with their people, either oblivious of or choosing to ignore the signs as you enter the trail indicating that dogs are not allowed on this trail. There are lots of no dogs allowed trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National park, so if planning adventures with the pups, please check if they are welcome on the trail you choose. The Big Creek Trail is a well loved horse trail, so please respect the no dogs rule for everyone's sake as some spots could be treacherous if a horse/dog interaction goes wrong. Rocky areas like this are usually a favorite place for snakes, so watch your step, and know that it is another reason to leave the furry friends at home for everyone's safety.

With social media and hiking apps sharing all the used to be hidden spots, I have to admit I've been more and more hesitant to share some of these mountain gems. Hoping that anyone reading this embraces the leave no trace principles to pack out everything you pack in (including dog poop in areas you are allowed to bring your dog) - stay on the trails to preserve sensitive flora and fauna - and to NOT move rocks in streams and waterways being of utmost importance. There are endangered creatures and plants of all types that need people to respect their homes. If you are planning to visit and haven't heard about leave no trace, please read up on it and know that without everyone working together these special places will be ruined. Let's all work together to preserve these special places for generations to come!  

Location Big Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Photography by Camilla Calnan Photography