Scheduling a Photography Session in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1926 and is made up of of ridge upon ridge of seemingly endless forest on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee.

Some of my favorite photography locations in the park are scattered throughout Cades Cove. Cades Cove is a scenic valley surrounded on all sides by mountains south of Townsend, Tennessee. A popular 11-mile one-way loop road encircling the valley provides access to hiking trails, opportunities to see wildlife, and chances to explore the many historic homesites, cemeteries, and churches. If you want to schedule a session in a location with epic Tennessee mountain views, this is it. It’s beautiful in Cades Cove year round, but I think it’s the prettiest in the spring and fall. Plus, nobody wants to sweat or freeze to death during a photography session. It usually takes a few hours to get through Cades Cove, so make sure you carve out some time.

Speaking of beautiful scenery and wildlife, there’s a good chance you might see a black bear or two during your session. As cute as they are, they are wild and unpredictable. I want my clients and bears to remain safe before, during, and after our time together. Do not approach bears. If the bear is at a distance, feeding, or walking by and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) you are too close. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don’t run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same. So what can you do to protect bears? Dispose of all garbage or food scraps in bear-proof garbage containers or take trash with you. Lock vehicles to prevent bears from opening car doors to access food and trash inside. Do not feed wildlife. Feeding a bear guarantees its demise! Do not approach within 50 yards or any distance that disturbs a bear.

Traffic is heavy during the tourist season in summer and fall and on weekends year-round, so I recommend going early in the morning or late in the evening. Plus, that is when you’re going to get the best light for your session. A parking tag is required on any vehicle parked in the park for more than 15 minutes. Entrance to the park is free, but most visitors will need a parking tag. Parking tags are $5 for the day, $15 for the week, or $40 for the year. Parking tags are available at multiple locations, including visitor centers, automatic fee machines, reacreation.gov, and outside the park at several locations. Pets are allowed are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, parking areas, and along roads, but they must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Additionally, pets are permitted on two walking paths: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. For the safety of you, your pet, and the park’s plants and animals, pets are not allowed on any other park trails.

Making a weekend out of it is also really fun! My husband and our two kids actually did this with some friends not long ago. If you’re into glamping, I couldn’t recommend the Little Arrow Outdoor Resort more. They have tent camping and rv spots, super cute tiny homes and cabins for rent, as well as some bomb glamping tents. They have an awesome playground for the kids and an indoor play area for little ones in the complimentary coffee area. They even have a little cafe on site! The best part – It’s only about 30 minutes away from Cades Cove.

Another fun thing to do in Townsend is to float down the Little River in a tube. This is something my friends and I do every year, and we always have a blast. My favorite tubing outpost is the good ole’ River Rat. You can float the river as many times as you’d like with the day pass, and the bigger your group, the bigger the discount on rates.

If you’re a foodie like I am, you might be wondering if there’s any good restaurants nearby. While this is a small town that isn’t developed much, which is what I love about TownsEND, there is a good restaurant I would recommend. The Peaceful Side Social has a good variety of good food, beer and ice cream. Their creamery is just next door! It’s also family-friendly and has a nice outdoor patio with a play area for the kiddos. They have a Sip. Savor. Support. program, and every visit helps give back to local nonprofits, making a difference in the Smokies.

If you’re ready to schedule your session in the Smoky Mountains, I would love to be your photographer!

Complete my contact form on my website to schedule your session! I can’t wait to capture the memories you’ll create!