Great images! I was planning to visit GSMNP this weekend but I have never been to the Blue Ridge Parkway so I am thinking about that instead. Is Waynesville the best place to stay on the western end of the parkway? What are the best overlooks (mileposts) for sunset and sunrise in that area? Are there any other point of interest to shoot in that area like streams or waterfalls?
Best fall would be LinvilleFalls (near post 300 and famous Linn Cove Viaduct at 304) near Grandfather Mountain State Park (mile post 305.1), are best place to stay around, but far from Ashville. At 350 Mt Mitchell (highest in Eastern USA) and Craggy Gardens (370). No impressive scenic overlook from (Mile post 370-415). More scenic views are shown from Mile post 416 (East Fork), and 418 (Graveyard), and 420 (Devil's court) to 460 (Soco Gap). Waynesville (mile post 440) is nice place to stay due beautiful scenic view around. From mile 460-to end of BRNP is not so much to see.
Southside view (route 441 NC) of GSMNP (North Carolina side) is so so, but Tennessee side (441 TN) is much better in GMSNP. From Gatlinburg to New Found gap (1538m) to Cling Mans Dome (summit) is impressive. To walk to summit is unforgettable experience, and scenic view is nice and pavement is pleasant. Take many photos. In my experience, GMSNP is more memorable than Blue Ridge, and Gatlinburg is more social and pleasant experience to stay due to many restaurants and food stores, and to enjoy many extra activities. You can get many maps for numerous falls, and stream, and trail. Usually you can enjoy good trail at New Found Gap. But most impressive waterfall is east side of Ashville, not westside of Ashville or Tennessee side. I think you can enjoy stream that flow all the way along the 441 road in Tennessee side.
junglialoh wrote:
Best fall would be LinvilleFalls (near post 300 and famous Linn Cove Viaduct at 304) near Grandfather Mountain State Park (mile post 305.1), are best place to stay around, but far from Ashville. At 350 Mt Mitchell (highest in Eastern USA) and Craggy Gardens (370). No impressive scenic overlook from (Mile post 370-415). More scenic views are shown from Mile post 416 (East Fork), and 418 (Graveyard), and 420 (Devil's court) to 460 (Soco Gap). Waynesville (mile post 440) is nice place to stay due beautiful scenic view around. From mile 460-to end of BRNP is not so much to see.
Southside view (route 441 NC) of GSMNP (North Carolina side) is so so, but Tennessee side (441 TN) is much better in GMSNP. From Gatlinburg to New Found gap (1538m) to Cling Mans Dome (summit) is impressive. To walk to summit is unforgettable experience, and scenic view is nice and pavement is pleasant. Take many photos. In my experience, GMSNP is more memorable than Blue Ridge, and Gatlinburg is more social and pleasant experience to stay due to many restaurants and food stores, and to enjoy many extra activities. You can get many maps for numerous falls, and stream, and trail. Usually you can enjoy good trail at New Found Gap. But most impressive waterfall is east side of Ashville, not westside of Ashville or Tennessee side. I think you can enjoy stream that flow all the way along the 441 road in Tennessee side. ...Show more →
Thanks for your reply. I have been to GSMNP many times. This is why I am going to try BRPW. I was able to get a room near Waynesville. I have done some research on some good spots so hopefully the conditions cooperate. Thanks!
This weekend is sunny and there is no sign any rain in this weekend. Both side from Waynesville is best among BRNP. Since I am living Spartanburg, I have had chance several times to visit this area. This weekend would be right time hopefully. Wish you have wonderful time!
Great images. Fall colors seemed to have been quite vibrant this year! Unfortunately, they were all washed away by 8 inches of early snow this week here in Minnesota!
Thanks to Pingophile:
Thanks to your comment. I think Minnesota has numerous lakes and displays one of the best foliage in the nation. Hopefully, we see your upload images from you at FM.
