As the mountains near Asheville prepare for another round of winter weather, I have been working away on so many projects. With so much to do, the past few days being ‘snowed in’ at home have been especially wonderful! The Asheville area received well over a foot of snow, and I found drifts that were easily 16″ or so deep while wandering the property. I spent way too much time outside playing, working, and photographing the magic the other day. Snow has always made me feel like it is a fleeting opportunity to ‘have to’ stay home (when I can), to be more prepared, and, for me, to watch for the perfect time to break out the micro lens. I am enthralled with this storm’s micro evolution – from tiny ice chunk to ball to fluffy clumps, then as I was about to give up on it making ‘good’ flakes, the temperature dropped, the humidity levels leveled out and the clumps finally turned into the most spectacular flakes I am excited to share some of my favorite scenes and micro snowflake photos from that day.

I will be sharing more winter mountain magic soon as I am planning to get out for as many adventures as possible this season. Until then, I hope you enjoy some of my favorites from my snowy day walkabout.

Photographer: Camilla Calnan

Location: Asheville, North Carolina

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

It is always an adventure getting to explore the NC Arboretum campus, and it has been a long time since my last snowy visit. Throughout the visit, I was greeted by the most wonderful sights, icicles along the side of the road, snow covered trails and gardens, creeks and trees accented with remnants of the last winter storm. We are proud to be Leader level Community Partners of the The North Carolina Arboretum and really enjoy being able to see all of the seasonal changes on the campus. It is the most wonderful project archiving the constantly evolving spaces over the years.

This visit was so beautiful, I had to capture as many places on campus as possible. The Winter Lights setup this year is a drive through style (COVID safe) approach, so seeing these creatures and creations against the wintry backdrop was a special treat. The icy details and dramatic landscapes kept me photographing around every turn - simply magical to get to go somewhere so often that continues to surprise us year after year!

I hope you enjoy getting to see some of my favorite spots at the NC Arboretum in Asheville. It is a wonderful place to explore, learn, hike and play for 'kids' of all ages!

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: North Carolina Arboretum

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