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• Upstate: Blue Ridge Parkway

  • Start
    July 10, 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • End
    July 11, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Pisgah Inn Mile Marker 408; Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

  Overnight Outing on the Blue Ridge Parkway to photograph Sunset, Miky Way and Sunrise

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• Triad: Hanging Rock State Park

  • When
    July 18, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Hanging Rock State Park 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd; Danbury , NC
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  Outing Information
  Date: Saturday, July 18
  Meeting Time: 8:30 AM
  Location Visitor Center Parking Area, Hanging Rock State Park
  Join your fellow CNPA Triad members for a morning of nature photography at beautiful Hanging Rock State Park on Saturday, July 18th.
  Hanging Rock offers an outstanding variety of photographic opportunities, including picturesque waterfalls, lush summer foliage, forest scenes, streams, rock formations, and scenic mountain vistas. Our primary focus will be exploring and photographing the park's waterfalls and surrounding woodland environments, where we can work on composition, long-exposure techniques, and capturing the beauty of North Carolina's natural landscapes.
  Some of the waterfalls we may visit include:
  Lower Cascades Falls
  Hidden Falls
  Window Falls
  Upper Cascades Falls
  Numerous smaller streams and cascades along the trails
  July's abundant greenery provides excellent opportunities to photograph flowing water framed by vibrant foliage, moss-covered rocks, and rich forest textures. A polarizer can be especially helpful for reducing glare, enhancing color saturation, and revealing details beneath the water's surface.
  To ensure we can depart promptly and take advantage of the best morning light, members are encouraged to arrive 15 to 30 minutes early (8:00 to 8:15 AM) to allow time for parking, unloading gear, and introductions.
  Recommended Equipment
  Camera body and lenses ranging from wide-angle to telephoto
  Sturdy tripod for long-exposure waterfall photography
  Monopod (optional for greater mobility on the trails)
  Circular polarizing filter (strongly recommended)
  Neutral Density (ND) filters for extended shutter speeds
  Extra batteries and memory cards
  Lens cloths (water spray near the falls is common)
  Hiking shoes or boots with good traction
  Water, snacks, and insect repellent
  Please be prepared for uneven terrain, wet rocks, and moderate hiking. Exercise caution around waterfalls and stream edges, as surfaces can be slippery.
  Whether your goal is creating silky water long exposures, intimate nature studies, woodland scenes, or grand landscape images, Hanging Rock offers something for photographers of every skill level.
  I hope you'll join us for what promises to be an enjoyable morning of photography, learning, and fellowship.
  

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• High Country: Elk in Cataloochee Valley

  • When
    September 19, 2026
  •  
    7:00 AM
  • Location
    Cataloochee Valley, North Carolina
  • Registered
    5 registrants

  Register

  Join the High Country Region for an outing to photograph Elk in the Cataloochee Valley near Cherokee, NC. We will be visiting during the start of the rut season when antlered bulls (males) bugle and fight for domination and the right to breed with the cows. We'll meet at 7am at the parking area near the Chapel. Bring a long lens for closer views of the action (park regulations require keeping a distance of 50 yards of Elk). A second camera or wider lens  is also recommended for capturing dramatic environmental images of the Elk in their surroundings. 

  We are grateful to High Country Region photographer Lisa Wilmoth for leading this outing!

  Be advised that portions of the road leading to the Valley are unpaved and winding, so plan for some extra driving time for safety. 

  Here's a Google Map link showing the route from a waypoint near Waynesville.

  https://maps.app.goo.gl/QQhWKUwv1zyRET7K7
  

  For those wishing to stay overnight before and/or after the outing, Waynesville and Maggie Valley are good options. 

  Questions? Email high-country-coordinator@cnpa.org

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