Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains seemingly offer opportunities within every valley and over every ridge for photographers to capture moments of the beauty and diversity of this ancient mountain range. At over 1 billion years of age, the Blue Ridge Mountains are among the oldest in the world. Within the Blue Ridge Mountains are the highest mountains in the eastern United States, with Mount Mitchell in North Carolina rising to 6,684 feet (2,037 m) in height. I live less than two hours from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway, two national parks that include some of the most beautiful parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Parkway is the longest linear park in the U.S. and runs for 469 miles (755 km) through Virginia and North Carolina, linking Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Because of how close these parks are to my home, over the years I have traveled hundreds, maybe thousands, of miles along this parkway and spent many hours in the Smokies capturing much of the beauty the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer.

  • Along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, lush greenery and vibrant pink flowers frame a view of rolling hills shrouded in a light mist, while the sun sets behind clouds, casting a warm glow over the landscape. The layers of mountains receding into the distance create a sense of depth and vastness under a dramatic sky.
  • Springtime along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Looking south the colors of sunset are just starting to appear as the sun gets closer and closer to the horizon.
  • A tranquil sunrise view is captured over a calm Price Lake, with the sky adorned by a dynamic mix of clouds and colors reflected in the water's surface. A rock outcropping and trees line the foreground, providing a contrast to the vibrant hues above and contributing to the serene atmosphere. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina.
  • Sunlight filters through the leaves of surrounding trees, casting a dappled shadow on the grass near an empty wooden bench. The bench faces a breathtaking view of layered mountain ridges that recede into the hazy distance under a softly lit sky.
  • In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a serene sunset bathes the landscape in a warm glow, silhouetting a rustic wooden fence in the foreground against a backdrop of rolling hills. The sky above is a vibrant tableau of colors, with sun rays piercing through the clouds to illuminate the lush greenery of the valley below.
  • A serene black and white photograph captures the smooth flow of the Oconaluftee River over a rocky bed, surrounded by a dense forest. A long exposure technique is used to create a misty effect on the water's surface, enhancing the tranquil ambiance of the scene. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina.
  • At Soco Falls in North Carolina, a cascade of water tumbles down a rocky incline surrounded by lush green foliage. The scene captures the serenity and power of a natural waterfall nestled within a dense forest.
  • In the great Smoky Mountains National Park, layers of mountain ranges stretch into the distance, gradually fading into the colorful hues of sunrise. Dominated by a vast expanse of greenery and the tranquil beauty of nature, the sky is alive with warm colors blending seamlessly into the cooler tones of the coming day.
  • In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. a serene stream flows over moss-covered rocks amidst a lush green forest. The motion of the water is captured with a sense of movement, suggesting the peaceful sounds of nature.
  • Layers of Blue Ridge Mountains ridges recede into the distance, creating a sense of depth under a soft, filtered light that seems to dance between the valleys. Captured in monochrome, the scene exudes a serene and timeless beauty, with the textures of the trees and the play of light and shadow drawing the eye into the landscape.
  • A scenic meadow bursts with yellow wildflowers, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a cloudy sky. Lush greenery spills across the landscape, suggesting a vibrant and healthy ecosystem. Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • As the sun rises through the colors of autumn, it illuminates the Oconaluftee River as it flows through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina
  • A vibrant sunset dips below the horizon, painting the sky with warm colors over a layered mountain landscape. In the foreground, clusters of purple Rhododendrons add a burst of color to the verdant green of the rolling hills along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
  • Lightning bugs or Fireflies dance in the sky at dusk in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tennessee
  • In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, cascading waterfall flows over moss-covered rocks nestled amid vibrant green vegetation. The surrounding forest adds a sense of tranquility to the dynamic movement of the water.
  • Oconaluftee Flow - Monochrome
  • A winding Blue Ridge Parkway curves through a vibrant display of autumn foliage in a mountainous landscape. A rustic wooden fence lines one side of the road, emphasizing the border between the paved surface and the natural surroundings.
  • Lush greenery and blooming pink flowers dominate the foreground, providing a vibrant contrast to the misty mountains in the background. Low clouds or fog weave through the tree-covered hills, adding a sense of mystery and serenity to the scenic landscape along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
  • A serene Price Lake reflects a lush forest and a sky dotted with clouds, mirroring the landscape with near-perfect symmetry. In the background, rolling hills add a sense of depth to the serene setting, creating a peaceful natural scene. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina.
  • Cataloochee Valley is lit up by a near full moon as the clouds and stars fill the nighttime sky in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina.
  • A serene country road meanders through a pastoral landscape, flanked by a weathered wooden fence and enveloped in a soft morning mist. A set of trees stand prominently near the path, suggesting a peaceful solitude that is characteristic of rural settings. Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.
  • A couple sits closely together on a blanket, gazing at a breathtaking sunset over layered mountain ridges. The sky is ablaze with shades of orange, pink, and purple, contrasting with the darkened silhouettes of the rolling hills.
  • Along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, glowing clouds adorn the early morning sky, as sunlight filters through them casting a warm glow over a mountainous landscape. A dense bush with white blooms dominates the foreground, contrasting with the dark evergreen beside it, creating a serene natural scene.
  • A tranquil Price Lake reflects the vibrant colors of a cloud illuminated by the sunset, while the surrounding foliage casts reflections on the water. The stillness of the water provides a mirror image of the scenery, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the landscape. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina.
  • In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, vibrant autumnal forest surrounds a gently cascading stream filled with rounded boulders. The water flows smoothly over the rocks, giving it a silky appearance amidst the rich colors of changing leaves.
  • A field of delicate Queen Anne's Lace blankets the ground leading up to a mountain range under a vast sky with dynamic cloud formations. As the sun sets, the clouds are tinged with hues of orange, and the scene conveys a sense of serene rural beauty. Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • Sunlight filters through the clouds, casting a dramatic light on the lush, rolling hills below. The shades of green and the depth of the valleys create a sense of serene complexity, as nature's grandeur is showcased under a stormy sky along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
  • A breathtaking night sky is sprinkled with countless stars, casting a gentle glow over a tranquil, reflective Price Lake bordered by dark silhouettes of trees. The horizon is graced with the soft light of a distant glow of a long passed sunset, adding a warm hue to the cool nocturnal landscape. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina.
  • In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a smooth, flowing stream meanders through a rocky forest bed under an old stone bridge surrounded by lush green foliage. The long exposure of the water creates a mystical, silky effect on the stream's surface, conveying serenity and the beauty of nature.
  • At sunset in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the sun light escapes under an overhead cloud bank to illuminate ridges and autumn valleys in its warm glow. North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
  • Layers of mountain ridges extend into the distance under a dramatic sky with shades of orange and gray, as viewed from a vantage point amid vibrant green foliage and yellow wildflowers. The interplay of the sunset's diffused light with the clouds provides a moody, serene atmosphere along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
  • Rolling green hills stretch into the distance under a dramatic sky filled with dark, heavy clouds signaling an impending storm. Flourishes of Flame Azaleas break up the dominance of greenery, adding a vibrant contrast to the scene. Blue Ridge Mountains North Carolina
  • The serene Little River winds through a rocky landscape in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, bordered by trees showcasing the vibrant colors of autumn. The water flows smoothly over and around the stones, creating a sense of calm and the passage of time.
  • Rolling hills covered in trees displaying autumn colors gently recede into the distance under a sky streaked with clouds. The rising sun casts a warm light over the landscape, highlighting the layers of the mountains and the misty horizon. Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a misty forest in autumn splendor is partially obscured by swirling fog, capturing a blend of vibrant fall colors and the ethereal beauty of nature. The variety of trees presents a palette of reds, oranges, yellows, and greens, creating a striking contrast against the white mist.