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

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

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

I have had the honor of photographing this awesome family annually for 6 years now!! Each fall, we choose an amazing location to go play. This year we revisited to the NC Arboretum, which is one of our favorite places in any season and has a million ever changing backdrops to work with. With the Winter Lights displays still set up, we were treated to over-sized insects and flowers plus *unicorns* that were so much fun to work into their fun family photos. You can feel the love between them all - and I am so so lucky to get to capture them together!! I could gush forever about these four, but I think the photos will say more than words can.

Getting to photograph chapters of my clients (friends) lives is just the best! Creating an archive of family photos to have to look back on as the years fly by seems like the best gift I can give. Preserving memories by freezing moments in time to cherish forever is my goal. I look forward to helping to create timeline albums, prints, and wall art to be lived with so they can enjoy be enjoyed off the phone or computer. Let's create new family heirlooms that can live on for years to come!

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: North Carolina Arboretum