The Most Beautiful Places to Photograph in North Carolina
North Carolina is an underrated destination for landscape photography, offering everything from rugged mountain peaks to scenic coastal shores. Whether you’re planning a trip to the state or you’re a local looking for new places to visit, there’s no shortage of breathtaking scenery to capture.
With misty sunrises in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, vibrant fall colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and wild, windswept beaches in the Outer Banks, North Carolina is packed with photo-worthy locations.
No matter your preferences, North Carolina has something to offer. This guide will help you discover some of the best spots in the state, from famous landmarks to hidden gems.
The Best Places to Photograph in North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most picturesque areas in the state. Mist-shrouded peaks, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls offer endless opportunities for incredible photographs.
Here are some of the park’s best places to photograph that lie within North Carolina.
Kuwohi (Clingman’s Dome)
The highest point in the park at 6,643 feet, Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingman’s Dome) provides photographers with spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains, ideally suited for sunrise and sunset shots. The summit is home to an observation tower that gives you a nice view above the trees.
You can reach the summit by taking a steep paved trail about 0.5 miles from the parking lot. If you don’t want to hike to the summit, good views are also available from some places at the parking lot. This is a very popular area and the parking lot fills up at peak times.
Newfound Gap Overlook
Newfound Gap is perfect for capturing panoramic views. The overlook offers a wide expanse of rippling mountain ridges, especially striking in autumn when the foliage displays fiery reds and golden yellows. It’s also one of the best places in the park to photograph sunrise.
The North Carolina – Tennessee state line cuts right through the Newfound Gap parking lot. The road to Clingman’s Dome is very close, so you can easily photograph from both spots on the same trip.
Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls is a hidden gem. This 120-foot waterfall near Cherokee, NC is one of the tallest in the area. With its dramatic drop and forested surroundings, it’s a favorite of many photographers.
Mingus Mill
Step back in time with photographs of Mingus Mill, a historic grist mill surrounded by forest. The gentle millrace and rustic structure make this a peaceful and photogenic spot.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is full of iconic photo locations, each boasting breathtaking vistas. If you’re planning a road trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, be sure to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway on the way there or back. Here are a few of the top spots you might come across.
Craggy Gardens
Craggy Gardens (at milepost 364) is known for its vibrant rhododendrons, blooming in bursts of pink and purple during the spring and summer months. The winding trails through the gardens provide scenic views for your photos. Surrounded by a backdrop of rolling mountains, Craggy Gardens captures the essence of the Parkway’s natural beauty, making.
Linville Gorge
Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Linville Gorge offers dramatic cliffs and winding rivers. Linville Falls (milepost 316) is the crown jewel, with water cascading gracefully onto the rocks below. Viewpoints along the trails offer multiple angles for photographing this natural wonder.
Grandfather Mountain
Capture jaw-dropping panoramas at one of North Carolina’s most famous landmarks—Grandfather Mountain. Don’t miss the Mile-High Swinging Bridge and the jagged cliffs that provide a dramatic backdrop for your shots.
Crabtree Falls
A photographer’s favorite, this 60-foot waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway is surrounded by lush greenery. A 2.5-mile loop hike leads to the falls.
Pisgah National Forest
This vast forest is bursting with photogenic locations. From its towering waterfalls to iconic rock formations, Pisgah National Forest is easily one of the best places to photograph in the state. Here are two specific points of interest in Pisgah.
Looking Glass Rock
The massive granite face of Looking Glass Rock is a standout feature. Sunrise is the best time to capture this impressive landmark as the light illuminates the rock’s surface and the surrounding forest.
Looking Glass Falls
This roadside waterfall is a must-visit for photographers. The 60-foot cascade is a great spot in any season. During winter, the surrounding icicles create a magical scene.
Mount Mitchell State Park
Mount Mitchell is the highest peak in the eastern United States, standing at 6,684 feet. The views here are breathtaking. Capture images of the mountain’s rugged terrain, rolling clouds, and incredible sunrises that seem to stretch into infinity. A parking area is just a short distance from the summit, so the amazing views are relatively easy to access.
Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a coastal paradise with endless photo opportunities. Home to charming lighthouses, wide sandy beaches, and dramatic ocean views, this region offers something for every photographer. Here are some of the main points of interest for photography.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The iconic Bodie Island Light Station at Cape Hatteras, standing on windswept dunes, is a quintessential North Carolina shot.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout features pristine beaches, wild horses, and picturesque sunsets over the Atlantic.
Nags Head
The historic Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head is home to the tallest active sand dunes on the East Coast. These dunes create ethereal, golden landscapes—perfect for minimalist compositions.
Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle is a slice of paradise with vivid turquoise waters and soft, white sandy beaches. Visit at sunrise to capture the pastel hues of the sky reflecting on the water.
Whitewater Falls
Claiming the title of the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, Whitewater Falls is a photographer’s dream. Towering over 400 feet, this magnificent waterfall is surrounded by dense greenery, offering a beautiful natural scene.
DuPont State Forest
DuPont State Forest has been called “The Land of Waterfalls”. Triple Falls, High Falls (pictured above), and Bridal Veil Falls are especially picturesque.
Lake Lure and Chimney Rock
Lake Lure’s shimmering waters are framed by the iconic Chimney Rock. This picturesque combination of lake and mountain is a must-see. Visit during fall to capture the reflection of colorful leaves on the lake’s surface.
At the time this article was written (February 2025), Chimney Rock was temporarily closed because of hurricane damage, so check the website before planning a trip.
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach, near Wilmington, is a popular spot. With its lively surf culture and crystal-clear water, it’s an excellent spot for action shots. The wooden pier is a fantastic focal point for sunrise or night photography.
North Carolina Through Your Lens
North Carolina is a goldmine of photographic opportunities. With soaring mountains, cascading waterfalls, beautiful beaches, and vibrant forests, it’s impossible not to fall in love with its natural beauty.
