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

Grayson Highlands State Park is located in the Appalachian Highlands near Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.  Established in 1965, this unique state park in the Jefferson National Forest has been on our must visit list for a long time as the 4800 acre park is home to over 150 wild ponies that naturally maintain the vast grassy balds. I am over the moon that we were able to visit and found some of the pony herd scattered throughout Massie Gap.  It was extra fun to visit with both our dogs who apparently really like ponies and were really well behaved even though they were super excited about these big furry friends.  

The moderate 2 mile hike that loops up the Rhododendron Trail to Massie Gap is surrounded by the most wonderful views.  Everywhere you turn is spectacular!  The unique geology and rock formations are just amazing and the area calls to be explored and played in...plus ponies!  It is kind of a dream to adventure there!  

We will be coming back as I now need to see this special place in all the seasons.  We are truly thankful for all the people that work so hard to manage these conservation areas.  If you visit, please keep in mind to leave only footprints, take only photos, and try to remember that the ponies are wild so refrain from feeding/petting them.  Hard to resist those sweet faces, but it is better for them to receive as little human interaction as possible.  

Happy adventures! 

Photography by Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Grayson Highlands State Park

Making the hike to the Linville Daffodil Flats has been on my wish list, but it seemed too daunting to attempt…until this year.  After lots of research, buying better hiking boots, and taking longer hikes to prepare, the weather and my schedule lined up perfectly with peak bloom.  I had to try and I’m over the moon to share photos of the epic journey.  I pulled into the parking lot around 7:40 behind one other SUV (note – road can be tricky for cars/low clearance vehicles as the last 8 miles is gravel with washouts to keep a lookout for).  From all the spider webs I collected on the way down, it seems that I was the first to head down Pinch In Trail that lovely morning. I arrived at the flats at around 10 am, just behind the couple I saw at the parking area.  Ended up taking a diversion upstream and having to backtrack after not noticing the turn in the trail near the huge boulder covered in fern and moss (GORGEOUSLY distracting location!!).  Missing that turn made my 7 miles in and out hike closer to 10 miles round trip but the river views, beautiful streams, rocks, and trees kept me exploring even though I knew I should turn around.  No regrets, even with the last 1.5 miles going straight up the mountain to get out – so thankful I was prepared and started early in the day.

To get to this former homestead covered in bright yellow narcissus, you have to descend into the Linville Gorge and there is no easy way to do that.  The shortest access is via the Pinch In Trail – 1.5 miles with around 1500 feet in elevation change.  You basically climb straight down the mountain over rock faces, roots, around ancient trees, and then follow the flow of the river 2 miles to access this magical spot. After miles of walking through the muted colors of the late winter landscape, seeing the bright yellow field of flowers was such a wonderful view to behold.  The hardest part of the adventure awaits after you leave the flats, I trekked in with both digital and film gear, so even after all it took to make it there, I had to quickly capture the flower covered scene before starting the ascent to get out of the gorge.  I spent a little time photographing the plethora of blooms, staying mindful that I had to make myself start heading back asap. After 20 minutes taking in this unique place, it was time to go.  

The gentle trail by the river was such a lovely walk, but knowing what was ahead kept me from lingering.  With the big photo backpack loaded with water, snacks, and all the photo gear I could justify bringing, there was an extra challenge to the climb.  One step at a time, straight up the side of the gorge, climbing a mountain that was starting to seem familiar by now, I made it back up.  It was hard for me to focus on pacing it, stopping lots to take breaks on the way, and drinking lots of water.  After this epic journey, I am so thankful that I am able to make it to these places and I’m ecstatic to share some of my favorite photos from the trek. 

If you decide to try this one, please do lots of research and preparation as Linville Gorge is a wilderness area, so trails are a little hard to find, and if anything happens, cell service is non-existent.  In the event that you needed to be rescued, texting 911 may help, but unless you know exactly where you are, the volunteers in that area can only do so much to help.  Be mindful and stay safe!

Photography by Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Daffodil Flats on the Pinch In Trail

The call of the snow on the closed Parkway was impossible to ignore and I finally was able to make the trek on Blue Ridge Parkway to visit the Dragon Tree during the winter!  Tracks from hikers that had passed days before remained but after the first few miles of trekking through this other-worldly winter wonderland, I found myself making the first tracks of the day. Since the parkway is closed during the winter, I had to park at the intersection with 276 near Brevard, North Carolina and hike south to see how far I could make it. 

On the way in, the snow covered ridges on the Mountain to Sea trail opened up to the most magical scenes. From deep snow drifts, massive trees, and ice covered rock faces, the most beautiful views appeared around each corner along the trail. My hike began with being enveloped by misty clouds and a wintry fog that slowly dissipated to reveal spectacular frost covered treetops against a bright Carolina blue sky.  The changes from moment to moment in the mountains have never ceased to amaze me - this day was no exception, keeping me in awe of the mountains I call home.

We have visited the 'Dragon tree' year after year in all kinds of weather conditions but with the Blue Ridge Parkway closed most of the winter, making it there never seemed like an option during snowy weather.  Inspired to finally see and photograph it in the snow, I had to make it happen.  When weather conditions were right, I headed up early, and started walking south along the Parkway.  It could have been 9ish mile round trip, but I couldn't resist the Mountains to Sea trail's call, adding a few extra miles to this most gorgeous and intense snow trekking adventure. After many miles, plus the MTS trail diversion, the snow and ice covered face of Looking Glass Rock at the overlook near the trail head was a welcome site. I was delighted to make the first footprints in the snow on the trail that day leading to to the Dragon Tree.  I wish there had been more time to linger and photograph this one of a kind tree before departing, but it was a long hike back to the truck, so I bid our old friend adieu until next time. This unique tree has inspired us so much over the years and it means the world for me to get to share this magical snowy scene with you all!

This is the first time I have gotten to experience the parkway in winter like this.  It was so quiet and magical to walk on the snow covered parkway road that we (and so many others) have driven so many times.  I live in constant awe of the mountains, and this adventure has me even more in love with where we live!  Truly hope you enjoy getting to join me on this magical winter adventure!

Contact us if you are interested in wall art or prints from these or any of our adventure photos - I would love to bring these scenes into your home or office. You can visit our new online store and check out some of the nature, landscape, macro, and urban photographs we available for purchase. We can also offer custom prints and wall art if you have something particular in mind.

Photography by Camilla Calnan Photography

Roan Mountain adventures are such a magical experience in all kinds of weather. This is the first time I made it up there during the winter. It was covered in snow and a heavy misty fog, a winter wonderland; no views this visit but that added to the mysteriousness of the trek. A few days after a Christmas snow in the mountains, I felt like I could safely make the drive and the hike up with my minimal gear. This was the magic I needed to end the year with; thankful everything lined up to make this happen!!

Over the years, I have gotten to visit during the spring, summer and fall. I am so glad I was able to experience this during the winter! If you decide to head up there after a recent snow, be prepared for iced over parts of the trail. Without spikes for my boots and poles to help climb, there was no way to make it all the way up this time, but I enjoyed every moment of the hike that I was able to make.

Roan is a unique geological formation, being a series of peaks, it is technically a 'massif' which is a mountain range, not just a mountain. Roan Massif is one of the highest ranges in the Southern Appalachians with peaks reaching over 6200 feet! Roan lies at the North Carolina/Tennessee line that divides at NC Highway 261 and TN Highway 143. When it is not wintertime, you have the option to drive up to Cloudland for a completely different experience with wooded trails up to the historic Cloudland hotel site. Another option is to hike up the Appalachian Trail, climbing 1000' through the forests on well maintained trails to reach Cloudland. I look forward to making that trek one day, but so far, the balds keep calling me over to the eastern side. The few times I've been up to Cloudland, I drove up as I did not realize the awesome trail I was missing out on. ...until next time Roan!

Have you gotten to experience the Roan Highlands? It is one of my favorite places for an adventure!!

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Roan Mountain, Carver's Gap