Our contributing photographers followed the flow of summer.
Photo Above: Blooming rosebay rhododendrons frame a lovely, fast-moving cascade along the Oconaluftee River in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina. Photo by Robert StephensWest Virginia’s Douglas Falls, located near the Black Water Canyon Trail. From the photographer: “It takes some effort and caution to get to the falls, but I have always been rewarded with a good experience and great photos upon arrival. I prefer to shoot this waterfall as a long exposure with a polorizer.” Photo by Nicholas MooreThe striking blue-gray plumage of this Great Blue Heron stands out against the lush green watershield as it glides across the lake at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport, Tennessee. Photo by Jay HuronFishermen wait for the last catch of the day from Meditation Pier as brilliant light rays shine in the distance over Lake Junaluska, located near Waynesville, North Carolina. Photo by Robert StephensNestled along the flowing waters of Glade Creek in Danese, West Virginia, Glade Creek Grist Mill stands as a timeless symbol of Appalachian history, framed by dense forest and the serene beauty of Babcock State Park. Photo by Joshua MooreNantahala Cascades is a picturesque roadside stop along Wayah Road in Western North Carolina. From the photographer: “It’s located just below a kayak put-in on the Nantahala River, making it a perfect stop for adventurous paddlers.” Photo by Tom Moors
Ten years after this poll’s inaugural launch, we once again turned to our knowledgeable readers for their picks. The results? A brand-new collection of 71 exceptional Blue Ridge communities that excel at bringing big smiles to the faces of both residents and visitors.
Our longtime contributing editor knows Great Smoky Mountains National Park like the back of her hand. Drawing inspiration from countless visits over the years, she shares some of her favorite spots to explore during the warm months, plus insider tips for spotting wildlife, discovering waterfalls, finding the best family-friendly experiences in the park—and more!
More than a century after the 1921 West Virginia Miners’ March that ended with
the Battle of Blair Mountain, the story is being told in new and unforgettable ways.
On July 4, 1776, a new nation was born. In honor of this historic day, we explore the forts, battlefields, museums, trails, and more that trace the Patriots’ journey to freedom in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
