On the last Saturday morning before the Forest service closed the trail to Catawba Falls until spring 2023, I am so glad I was able to make one more trek to this spectacular place. They will be working to make viewing the falls safer for the public “by building retaining walls, boardwalks, staircases, and overlooks along the trail from the second bridge to the base of Lower Catawba falls along the creek to Upper Catawba falls.” (Quoted from Forest Service signage) If you have been following the blog or posts about my adventures, you have probably seen that I have visited these awe-inspiring falls several times lately since my first visit not long ago. This visit was the first time I made the climb to Upper Catawba Falls. This was only possible with the help of some new friends I met on the trail; we helped encourage each other to continue as none of us had been to the upper falls before. So grateful we met when we did! It was quite the climb, scaling rocks and using roots to scramble up the mountain. There is no question that it was totally worth it to see this magical place.

I am not sure how I timed it on a weekend to catch this place just before being closed perfectly. I parked with 4 other cars in the lot and a few hours later, walked out to big crowds and not a single spot in the lot – cars parked anywhere they could be squeezed. I am truly over the moon that I went and saw the falls before the structures are built, glad I made that climb, but most grateful that I somehow had quiet moments with no other people at both sets of falls. It was insanely busy with visitors everywhere when I climbed down. People wanted to say goodbye to what they have known these falls as for so long and had gathered en masse to do so. I understand that the closure and repairs are needed to make it safe with so many people flocking to these sites; I can only hope that the magic of the place is somehow left intact after all the construction. If you haven’t been, you will have to wait until it reopens, hopefully by spring 2023. Forest service site with updates is linked below.

I will go visit when it reopens as I cannot wait to see these beautiful falls again. Hope you enjoy seeing a bit of this adventure. I still wonder how on earth I ended up there on a beautiful weekend with time before all the other people arrived (kismet!). Wading in the pool of upper Catawba and finding a rainbow in the mist of the falls has to have been one of my favorite moments of zen lately. Truly a special place. Ecstatic to share these.

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Catawba Falls, Old Fort, North Carolina

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

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

On a crisp winter day we ventured to Catawba Falls located in the Pisgah National Forest near Old Fort, NC. The 100 foot waterfall has been on the list to visit for much too long - so thankful we finally made the trek!

The trail winds along the Catawba River, unveiling serene scenes along the way. There are so many beautiful spots tucked away off the trail leading to the main falls, we just had to stop and capture it all along the way. The moss covered remnants of an old hydroelectric plant from the early 1900s remain just off the trail, inviting you to step back in history entering the roofless structure. The old pump house juxtaposed with the modern footbridge give an interesting contrast to the natural beauty along the river. This 1.3 mile hike to the main falls made for the perfect adventure on a winter day for just shy of 3 miles back to the car. This magical place is located in the Pisgah National Forest near Old Fort, North Carolina. We will be back to visit again as I would love to see it in all the other seasons. :)

Even after 20 years in this part of the world, it never ceases to amaze me how many more wonderful places we need to visit that are right in our 'backyard' in Western North Carolina. Love the mountains and hope to get to keep discovering more of the Appalachian magic nearby! We will keep photographing and posting - hope that you are inspired to get out there or to keep checking out our blog and visit these places vicariously! Thank you for checking out our post!

Photography by Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Catawba Falls

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