Blue Ridge Parkway Photo Spots North Carolina
If you travel to Tennessee, North Carolina, or Virginia, I encourage you to spend some time on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Not only is it a gorgeous drive, but there are many things to do. For this reason, areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway are trendy vacation spots throughout most of the year. I have created this post to share some of the best Blue Ridge Parkway Photo Spots in North Carolina for your next trip.
Our posts include Affiliate Links, and you can learn more on our Disclosures page.
In this post of incredible Blue Ridge Parkway Photo Spots, our trip takes you south of Boone, NC, Crabtree Falls, located on the Parkway in North Carolina. I will share photography highlights so that you have a visual view of the beauty you will encounter. Additionally, I will share links for detailed maps of hiking trails, as well as links to the Blue Ridge Parkway National Parks Service.
List of Tips for Photographing the Blue Ridge Parkway
Before we dive in, here are a few tips for taking amazing photographs of all the areas you decide to visit.
- Start with the basics: Before you set out to photograph the Blue Ridge Parkway, make sure you have all the essential photography gear, such as a camera, lenses, tripod, and extra batteries.
- Plan your route: With miles of scenic beauty, it’s important to plan your route beforehand. Decide which areas of the parkway you want to capture and map out your stops accordingly.
- Timing is everything: The best time to photograph the Blue Ridge Parkway is during golden hour – the first and last hours of sunlight in a day. This will give you that warm, soft light that makes for stunning photographs.
- Be aware of weather conditions: The parkway can experience sudden changes in weather, so keep an eye on the forecast and plan your trip accordingly. Cloudy or foggy days can also make for unique and moody shots.
- Look for interesting compositions: Don’t just stand in one spot and take a photo; experiment with different angles and perspectives to create more interesting compositions. Try getting down low or finding a higher vantage point.
- Incorporate elements of nature: The Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, so make sure to include elements such as trees, flowers, and water in your photos. These can add depth and interest to your images.
- Use a polarizing filter: A polarizing filter can help reduce glare and reflections on water or leaves, making the colors of the parkway pop even more.
Amazing Blue Ridge Parkway Photo Spots from Boone to Crabtree Falls
This adventure starts just outside Boone, North Carolina, with the first stop at EB Jeffress Park at milepost 272.5. This terrific picnic spot is also the trailhead for the Cascades waterfall overlook.
Cascade Falls – Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfall Views
Milepost 272.5
Cascade Falls is not only a beautiful and significant waterfall, but it is also a very rewarding short hike. Because the trail is just a little under a mile and not too steep, it’s a great hike for most people. Not to mention, it’s well worth it for the view as well. For that reason, it is one of our favorite hikes on the Blue Ridge because of the majestic waterfall at the end.
Visit Boone and Blowing Rock Along the Way
Since you are already near these two cool mountain towns, I highly recommend exploring them. Both Boone and Blowing Rock are impressive photography spots in their own right, and there are plenty of unique and fun things to do.
Boone, NC
Not only is Boone, NC, home to Appalachian State University, but it’s a picturesque town located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, with something for everyone. Boone is the ultimate destination for outdoor lovers. In addition to being cooler than the lowlands of North Carolina in the summer, Boone also gets regular snowfall in the winter. As a result, you can also enjoy numerous winter outdoor sports in Boone.
Boone offers many hiking options like their Greenway Trail, Elk Knob State Park Hike, and it is relatively close to Grandfather Mountain. There is also a new mountain biking trail that you can hike as well, Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park. In fact, families will love it because there is a fantastic rustic playground for the kids too.
Blowing Rock, NC
Blowing Rock, NC, sits on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town’s name is from an unusual rock formation that juts over 1,500 feet above the Johns River gorge. Not only does Blowing Rock feature fabulous hiking trails, but this small town has great shopping and restaurants as well. Additionally, Blowing Rock is known for Skiing in the winter, Wineries, and Art Galleries, and is home to numerous festivals.
In Blowing Rock, you can easily access the Glen Burney Trail, which features three waterfalls along the journey. You can access an easy-to-follow map here. Another great trail for the hardy adventurers is the Tanawha Hiking Trail. This trail is 13.5 miles long and is moderately easy. However, a few sections above the Viaduct and along Rough Ridge are strenuous. We’ll talk more about Rough Ridge a few sections later.
Blowing Rock is also a great place to catch the sunset. Afterward, you can find a good selection of delicious and inviting restaurants, pubs, and cafes to enjoy.
Beautiful Places on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Moses H Cone Memorial Park
Milepost 294
Moses H Cone Memorial Park is my favorite gem among the Blue Ridge Parkway photo spots. It is home to many picturesque landscapes that photographers dream of capturing.
With its rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and over 25 miles of carriage roads established by the Cone Family, the park offers a diverse array of backdrops for both amateur and professional photographers.
The former estate’s historical significance and the grand Manor House provide a sense of nostalgia and grandeur. At the same time, the park’s high elevation allows for awe-inspiring panoramic shots of the surrounding mountains, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
You can spend hours meandering along the trails and taking in the spectacular beauty of this place. I genuinely hope you like the Fall foliage pictures I have included.
Julian Price Memorial Park & Lake
Milepost 297
Price Lake is one of the best Blue Ridge Photo Spots for stunning compositions at any time of the year.
Of course, autumn is one of the most beautiful times to photograph Julian Price Memorial Park. In the fall, the foliage transforms into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, reflecting on the lake’s glassy surface.
On misty mornings, the soft fog adds a layer of allure to the scene. With its accessible trails and varying viewpoints, photographers like myself can capture the beauty of the Appalachian high country in all its glory.
This area is just stunning, and these pictures are meant to inspire you to want to visit. The park includes multiple hiking trails, a breathtakingly beautiful lake, a Dam, Campgrounds, and a Picnic Area.
Rough Ridge Overlook Trail
Milepost 302.8
The Rough Ridge Overlook Trail is one of the most intriguing photography locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and for good reason. This trail offers a majestic view overlooking the Linville Cove Viaduct.
In addition to its gorgeous views, hikers will also love this location. Rough Ridge is part of the Tanawha Trail. This trail is more complicated and strenuous than others in this post, so it is not for everyone.
The difficulty is because most of the trail is made of stone steps. The trail is also straight up and narrow to navigate, not to mention that it can be slippery when it rains. That said, the first stop for a great view is a little less than half a mile from the parking area.
Rough Ridge is stunning, and photography enthusiasts can capture the vibrant tapestry of foliage that changes with the seasons, from the lush greens of summer to the fiery hues of autumn.
Linn Cove Viaduct
Milepost 304
The Linn Cove Viaduct, built to curve around Grandfather Mountain, is an engineering marvel.
The location allows photographers to capture the seamless blend of human innovation and the rugged beauty around the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is particularly gorgeous when the fall foliage is glowing
with fiery colors or when the morning mist weaves through the valley below. For these reasons and more, it is one of the best photo spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Grandfather Mountain Overlook
Milepost 306.6
Grandfather Mountain Overlook offers an unparalleled vantage point for photographers and nature enthusiasts. This fabulous location on the Blue Ridge Parkway features a beautiful panorama of Grandfather Mountain and accentuates the mountain’s rugged profile.
This location captures the essence of this beautiful area of North Carolina. Of course, the dynamic weather patterns, seasonal flowers, and greenery add to its unique charm. This Blue Ridge Photography spot provides an ever-changing backdrop that promises a fresh masterpiece with every visit.
Linville Falls
Milepost 316
Linville Falls, a spectacular three-tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge, is often celebrated as one of the best Blue Ridge Parkway photo spots due to its awe-inspiring beauty and the diverse perspectives available to photographers.
Additionally, multiple trails feature a series of magnificent vantage points, each offering a unique composition of the stunning waterfall. For instance, the Erwins View trail allows you to view the falls from above. In contrast, the Linville Gorge trail allows a beautiful view below the falls.
Moreover, the interplay of light and seasons creates many photographic opportunities year-round. Linville Falls is not just one of the best photo spots on the Blue Ridge; it’s also one of the most beautiful places on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The park also offers camping for those who want to stay longer and take their time hiking the trails. Whether you are a photographer or not, you will love visiting Linville Falls.
More Blue Ridge Parkway Photo Spots to Consider
The following locations are farther south along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and it may take more than a day or two to explore them all. I’ve included them because they are beautiful photography spots, so I will leave it to you to decide if you want to increase your vacation.
Chestoa View Overlook
Milepost 320.8
Cheston View Overlook is another lovely Blue Ridge Parkway photo spot worth the stop to view. Four miles south of Linville Falls, Chestoa View Overlook is a simple and short path to a lovely stone balcony. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Table Rock and Grandfather Mountain.
This location will allow you to capture gorgeous panoramic shots of the majestic landscape. Chestoa View Overlook also features a short trail to enjoy more of the forest surrounding you, as well as picnic tables and benches to relax and enjoy the views.
Crabtree Falls
Milepost 339.5
Crabtree Falls offers cascading waterfalls set against a lush green backdrop that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. The 60-foot waterfall is a photographer’s dream, but there may be better locations for you if you’re not an avid hiker.
The trail is a 2.5-mile loop trail and is a moderate hike that can be quite strenuous in places. Of course, if you’re up for the challenge, you will enjoy a gorgeous hike through the woods. Along the way, you will encounter beautiful rosebay rhododendrons and many types of trees, ferns, and wildflowers.
Crabtree Falls is magnificent and will make gorgeous photographs to share on social media with your family and friends.
What is the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Richard Balsom Overlook
Milepost 431
Since we’re exploring the best Blue Ridge Parkway Photo Spots, we can’t miss the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which happens to be in North Carolina. The summit of the parkway by Richland Balsam Mountain stands at an elevation of 6,053 feet. It can be found near milepost 431 in North Carolina. This parkway section offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There is also an easy 1.5-mile hike you can enjoy that will allow you to enjoy the beauty around you and capture some great photos, too.
The trailhead is located about 45 minutes from downtown Asheville, so this would be a terrific option if your journey will continue into thew Asheville area.
Handy Map for Your Adventure
Click Here for a Complete List of All North Carolina Trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
When planning your Blue Ridge Parkway photo inspiration tour, consider these essential tips:
- Choose the Right Season: Each season offers distinct photographic opportunities. The vibrant greens of spring, the rich blues and greens in summer, the explosion of autumn colors, or the stark beauty of winter — decide what you wish to capture.
- Research Viewpoints: The Parkway offers numerous overlooks and trails. Research and mark your map with the best sunrise, sunset, or landscape shots.
- Gear Up Appropriately: Besides your camera, bring along extra batteries, lenses, and storage cards. A tripod can be crucial for those crisp, long-exposure shots, especially in low-light conditions.
- Monitor the Weather: Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Use weather apps to plan your trip around the golden hours, but be prepared for sudden changes.
- Stay Safe: Remember, safety comes first. Stick to designated paths and be aware of the wildlife and natural hazards of the area.
Finally, I hope you found this Blue Ridge Parkway Photo Spots post inspiring. Additionally, if you’re ready to plan that road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway, check out these great deals here.
If you have any incredible trails in this area that we did not mention, please leave a comment and share. We’d love to hear from you.
Furthermore, if you liked this post, you might also like a few other posts on North Carolina, such as Beautiful Waterfalls Near Wilkesboro, NC, and Outdoor Fun & ActivitIes near North Wilkesboro, NC.
Also, we are constantly working to make the blog better. We want to make sure the content we provide is informative and fun! Therefore, please comment or contact us on our Let’s Connect page.
Looking for Unique Gift Ideas? Click Here to Shop! Prints, Canvas, Novelties & More!
Happy Travels, and don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list to get updates on all the latest posts!
