Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photography

I attended a photography workshop in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this past spring. It is run by the Tremont Institute. The workshop was supposed to be a great opportunity for photographing the spring wildflowers; however, the late freeze in 2007 killed most of the wildflowers. Bill Lea, a nature and wildlife photographer, lead the workshop, and the participants were up and on the road to photo locations at around 5:30 each morning. We did get some great photo opportunities in Cades Cove with the early morning fog. Some of the participants were lucky enough to get some shots of a black bear and a coyote.

There is also a workshop in the fall at the Institute. Take a look at their website if you're interested in one of the workshops.

Tremont Institute

Cades Cove is one of the most popular areas of the Great Smoky Mountains. However, most visitors never get out of their cars on the 11-mile loop in the park. There are lots of opportunities to see bears, deer and other wildlife in the area. However, you will be watched by the rangers to make sure you aren't breaking any rules and/or harrassing the wildlife. For your best photo opportunities it is best to park your car and take a walk on one of the hiking trails.

Cataloochee Valley is the best place to see elk in the Smokies. It is not the easiest place to get to, you have to drive an 11-mile long winding road, mostly gravel, and it turns into a single lane road at the entrance to the park. Having said that, it is well worth the trip if you are looking for elk.

The elk can be seen grazing in the fields in the morning and evening. Be aware that you are not allowed to approach the animals, and doing so is dangerous.

When the elk are out, so are the rangers. And the rangers in the park watch the visitors like hawks. While I was taking photos of a bull elk grazing near the road, the ranger pulled up in his truck and parked right in front of my car. He did not leave until after I did. The rangers will ticket anyone for disturbing the elk. From what I understand, that means you cannot leave the road, or cause the animals to change their natural behavior. If they stop eating because you got too close, the rangers can ticket you.

There is a campground in Cataloochee. If you're really interested in getting some great wildlife photos, you may want to consider staying at the campground for 1 or 2 nights. It's first-come first-served at this campground, but it's not crowded so you shouldn't have any problems getting a campsite. If you like crowds, skip Cataloochee and go to Cades Cove.