After the most lovely engagement session in Linville, North Carolina, on a spectacular September afternoon, could not pass up a quick detour to Linville Falls. I love any chance I get to adventure in Linville, whether down in the gorge, up on the vistas, or in the adorable towns nearby. There was enough time for a little escape so I took off to sit by the upper falls for a bit, then hiked the rest of the the 1.6 mile in and back Erwin's View and Linville falls overlook trail. This trail first led me to the upper falls, a set of cascades surrounded by the most amazing stratified rock formations. Back up the steps and continuing up the hill led me to four different overlooks with views of the falls and wilderness areas below.

This iconic waterfall is rated one of the best waterfalls in North Carolina. The 90 foot drop makes for a dramatic sight as the water gushes through the stratified rock created by the Linville Fault. This fault is visible on the rock face the falls cut through. The never ending variety of landscapes, flora, and fauna in western North Carolina never ceases to amaze me. Each overlook's perspective was unique and worth the time to visit...wishing I had been able to stay longer. The rugged wilderness of the Linville Gorge forever calls me to come back soon to explore again.

The first signs of fall are starting to show and it is going to be a spectacular season! The bright red pops of early color from the red maple trees were impossible to ignore while trekking through a world of green. The sun illuminated the crimson leaves on the trail, making me stop in my tracks to attempt to capture that magical sight. I love that the forests will soon be painted in the colors of autumn and I cannot wait to try to to justice to it all through my lens. Here I stand at this beginning of yet another turning of the season, still in awe and ready to witness and photograph the beauty in the changes ahead.

If you get to visit the gorge or any natural place, remember to leave no trace - pack out what you bring with you and take only photos/video. Linville can be a very popular place especially on weekends, and if going to explore the gorge, many of the roads are best in a 4 wheel drive vehicle with lots of ground clearance - and patience for others out for adventures on the road or on the trail. Linville Gorge is a wilderness area, so not many trails are marked and if you go you need to be prepared in all the ways.

I hope you enjoy getting to join me on this mini adventure to some gorgeous views of Linville Falls. Get in touch if you would like to take a photo workshop/adventure, have questions about photo sessions, workshops, or ordering custom prints. Happy adventures!

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Linville Falls Overlook Trail

I love getting to escape to the Blue Ridge Parkway and immerse in nature. If you have been following me for a while, you have probably seen ‘the Dragon Tree’ that I go visit any chance I get. This uniquely formed/shaped birch spurs lots of debate whether or not this tree is a native American marker tree. It was common for trees to be formed into unique shapes to indicate water sources, which is on the way to Skinny Dip Falls so it would make sense that it was used for that. There are many people that feel that this tree is not old enough to be an actual marker tree used by the tribes, but regardless, it is obvious that this uniquely shaped growth pattern was not by happenstance. If you want to go see the dragon, hit the Blue Ridge Parkway and go to mile marker 417, park at the Looking Glass Rock overlook, and take the trail across the road for a few hundred yards and you will see it.

Several miles up the road from there is Graveyard Fields, one of my favorite places to visit along the parkway, especially in fall. The views along the parkway are ever changing and never cease to amaze me, resetting my soul every single time. The fall colors are just starting to show, inspiring me to need to return soon. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk as there is a lot of life thriving in this special place. We happened to see a native brown snake (Storeria dekayi) with the most beautiful scale pattern along the trail. As far as venomous snakes in the area, copperheads and timber rattlers are native in the mountains of NC, so be sure to pay attention where you step on your adventures. If you visit, please know that tropical storm Fred caused all kinds of damage, the most obvious here being the footbridge over the lower falls has been shifted – it is still stable but worth being extra careful. There are lots of stairs on this trek if going to the lower falls. The forest service has done an amazing job working to preserve the delicate ecosystem by building walkways and steps throughout this spectacular area.

If you get a chance to visit the area, I definitely suggest visiting both of these spots near Brevard, North Carolina. Please remember to leave no trace when you adventure so we can all work together to conserve and preserve these lands for generations to come.

I hope you enjoy getting to vicariously join me on this fun little photo adventure! Happy fall!

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Blue Ridge Parkway near Brevard, NC