p.1 #1 · Best chance for color in Southeast next weekend 10/27-10/29?
Hi everyone. I have a question for the board: is there a spot in the TN/VA/NC/GA area that would be close or at peak color next weekend? We live just north of Nashville and want to spend a few days shooting fall colors as we have the past few weeks. Here is what we have already seen (but would go back it the conditions were better):
My wife's folks live in Hendersonville NC so we were there from 10/13-10/10/16. From Nashville went to East TN and hit the Cherohala Skyway at Tellico Plains and took it to Robbinsville NC. From there we went to Cherokee NC and up the BRP for a few sunset shots before heading to my inlaws.
The next day we drove I26 from Asheville NC to Elizabethton TN and back over Roan Mountain.
The following day we hit the BRP at Asheville and drove it until the Linn Cove Viaduct then took I40 back.
The next day we headed home going through Cherokee NC again and took 441 through the GSMNP. Once over the mountains we hit Wears Valley from Pigeon Forge and took it to Townsen. From there we went to Treemont and drove a few miles past the turnoff for some great stream shots. Home from there.
Last weekend 10/20-01/23 we headed back to East Tennessee. Spent Saturday in Knoxville and stayed in Pigeon Forge that night.
Sunday got a nice sunrise at Clingman's Dome and shot down 441 for a late lunch then hit the Roaring Fork Nature Trail.
Monday we went to Cades Cove for sunrise and spent the morning there. Then we went up Rich Mountain Road back to Townsend for lunch, then back to the park for late afternoon and evening shots.
Tuesday we slept in (the wife had no real arguement on this from me after the past few long days). After lunch we spent the afternoon going back through Roaring Fork and got some nice shots there then came home.
SO...... all that said, we (the wife and I) looking for someplace for next weekend.
I think I have all I am going to get from the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
And, I did not think anyplace we saw had "outstanding" color this year.
Also, I want to stay within about 4-5 hours or less from Nashville.
I am thinking two possibilities: back to western NC (free place to stay) to spend a few days shooting waterfalls in the area. Or heading to north Georgia (thinking they should be a few days behind TN being further south.
Has anyone seen or could recommend anyplace else (or second a vote for NC or GA)? I don't think there is much going west towards Memphis. North would take us to the Louisville KY area. East is back to east TN and south would be GA. Anyhow, if anyone has any ideas or suggestions I would be most appreciative! Thanks.
p.1 #2 · Best chance for color in Southeast next weekend 10/27-10/29?
No wonder she wanted to sleep in! Man, you have been doing a lot driving in heavy traffic (especially around the Smokies). North Georgia or Northeast Alabama are good bets to see color now.
p.1 #3 · Best chance for color in Southeast next weekend 10/27-10/29?
Looks like free stay wins, and we are heading back to NC and the in-laws. Went higher up there last time on BRP so this weekend I think I'll try around Hendersonville, Brevard, Cashiers, etc...
Can anyone recommend a good spot for sunrise or sunset in the Western NC area. I am planning to be in Highlands one morning but not sure where to go. Have also heard Jumpoff Rock in Hendersonville and the Cowee Mountain Overlook on the BRO are good for sunsets.
RE: the wife: fortunately she can and does sleep anywhere so that means most anytime we get in the car she snoozes. Last weekend we were on Clingman's Dome for sunrise and I got in and out of the car (keep my bag on the back seat) at least 4 times before she woke up. Told her it was a good thing we did not have the family fortune back there or it would have been gone ;o) She is a trooper but mostly content to stay in the car and read a book or the ipad. Every now and then, when I want an assistant or there is something too pretty for her to miss I'll shut the car off and take the keys. That's her clue to follow along!
p.1 #4 · Best chance for color in Southeast next weekend 10/27-10/29?
Everyone mentions Cowee Mtn Overlook as a great place for sunsets. It can be with the right cloud setup, like a clearing storm, but I think it's somewhat overrated. There really isn't any interesting foreground subject from the parking area. I've climbed up the slope to add some interest and that can help. My suggestion is to look for outcrops along the side of the road that have the view to the west you may want. Just park on the roadside and work from there. Be careful though where you pull off as the mountain drops away quickly. Often dropping down a few hundred feet can give a better perspective of the mountains and sunset than shooting from the highest point. Good luck! It's going to be cold up there starting Sunday!
