Discovering the Cove Hardwood Trail and Morton's Overlook in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

We are on the third day of our adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and our schedule is packed. We’ve already visited Foothills Parkway in the morning and Tremont Bridge in the early afternoon. Now, we are loading our camera gear into our vehicles and heading to the Cove Hardwood Trail for macro photography and breathtaking landscape opportunities. After that, we will proceed to Morton’s Outlook to capture sunset photographs, which could be spectacular if the conditions are right.

The Cove Hardwood Trail winds through a lush, protected cove, a haven for diverse hardwood species that thrive in the park’s rich, moist environments. Historically, this area served as a vital resource for early settlers by providing timber and other forest products. Today, the trail offers visitors a glimpse into the region's natural history, featuring ancient trees that have shown ecological resilience over the centuries.

As we walk along the trail, we encounter numerous opportunities for macro photography. Sometimes, being in the right place at the right time is crucial for executing a great shot. This was the case for me when I was framing a photograph of a leaf, when a bug landed on its surface. I positioned myself on the ground to find the best angle and successfully captured the moment.

As the afternoon progresses, the sun filters through the forest, and we arrive at a beautiful stream. In the distance, a tall tree is naturally framed by the inward-bowing branches of the trees in the midground. However, while my eyes can perceive the full dynamic range of the scene, my camera cannot capture all of it in a single exposure. To remedy this, I take five exposures at one-stop increments. I plan to combine these images in post-processing to create a final photograph that properly represents both the darkest shadows and the brightest highlights. I love how this photograph turned out!

Once more, we pile into the van and head to Morton’s Overlook as the sun sets. This popular viewpoint offers astonishing vistas of the Smokies’ ridges and valleys. Named after hikers or early conservationists, it stands as a testament to the park’s ongoing preservation efforts. As luck would have it, the light this evening is perfect, creating a fantastic interplay of light and shadow over these centuries-old mountains. This sunset shot is iconic!

The sun sets, and it is now time for a beer and some dinner. Frankly, I'm exhausted, and better get some sleep so that I will be ready for our morning shoot. That’s okay. When these five days are over, i will get a vacation from my vacation.

Exploring Infrared Photography in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

It’s 2025, and after a hiatus from photography trips, I made arrangements to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trip is organized through Muench Travel, with two professional photographers leading our excursion. In anticipation of the journey, I was advised to bring an extra camera as a backup in case my mirrorless camera fails. I went into a drawer and pulled out an old Canon DSLR I hadn’t used in several years. I decided to send it to LifePixel to have it converted to infrared, which I believed would add a new dimension to my photography.

Infrared photography captures light beyond the visible spectrum. Shooting in IR reveals a surreal world, with green foliage glowing white, skies turning dark, and textures intensifying. This results in images that possess a dreamlike, otherworldly quality. Landscapes convey an ethereal feel, making familiar scenes appear extraordinary.

I’ve discovered that manual mode is best for more precise control while shooting in IR. The exposure times are longer, making the use of a tripod important. Additionally, using a custom white balance with green foliage as the subject yields the best results.

I have also discovered some post-processing considerations for IR photography. The images benefit from increased contrast in the skies and foliage. Converting an infrared image to black and white makes it easy to emphasize textures. This can be achieved by adjusting levels or curves to deepen blacks and brighten whites. By fine-tuning the tonal range, the surreal quality of the image can be enhanced. Boosting clarity in LightRoom or Photoshop helps bring out the texture in foliage, bark, or clouds, giving an IR image a pleasing, detailed look. Selective brightening or darkening can be accomplished with dodge or burn tools. Ensuring the histogram displays a full tonal range from black to white is vital to presenting a balanced image.

I would have to say that doing some IR shooting in the Great Smoky Mountains allowed me to see the landscape through a new lens-quite literally! It challenges you to think differently about light and composition, turning ordinary scenes into magical visions. It provides an adventure of discovery, captivatingly mixing technology and art.

Sunrise at Oconaluftee Overlook

It’s 4:00 AM when my alarm goes off in the motel where we’re staying in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I bolt out of bed, brush my teeth, gather my camera gear, and head to the parking lot, where Matt and Luke, the professional photographers from Muench Travel, are ready for our early morning shoot.

The drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park isn’t too far. However, this morning's destination is the Oconaluftee Overlook, approximately one hour away. Our goal is to arrive there for sunrise, the optimal time to see the scenic clouds and fog in the valley, a favorite spot for photographers. I wish I were a little more awake.

We arrive in the dark, with dawn only minutes away. This gives us a brief moment to identify the best vantage points to set up our cameras and tripods. Additionally, we need time to experiment with wide-angle and telephoto lenses to capture the essence of this scene’s grandeur.

I’ve been checking the weather apps frequently. There’s a chance of rain that could ruin everything. However, so far, so good. The sky appears threatening, but is, in fact, cool!

As soon as there is enough light, we start shooting. Initially, the clouds are thick, blocking any sunlight. It looks fine, but not impressive enough to write home about. However, things will change by the minute, so I keep shooting.

The name “Oconaluftee” derives from the Cherokee language, meaning “by the river of the Ocoee” or “by the river of the river people.” This area holds historical significance for the Cherokee Nation, as it was part of their ancestral lands and features the Oconaluftee River, which flows through the region.

Some time has elapsed, and I now see the sunlight beginning to peek through the clouds. This scene is becoming more captivating. A combination of temperature and humidity factors primarily creates the clouds and fog at sunrise in the valley. In the early morning, cooler air settles into the valley, chilling the moisture-laden air near the ground. When the moist air meets the cooler ground, it condenses, forming fog and clouds that hover over the valley. Moreover, the surrounding mountains act as barriers, trapping moist air and fostering the formation of low-hanging clouds and fog. The interaction among these elements, especially during clear nights with rapid cooling, creates the stunning, ethereal views that make Oconaluftee Overlook a favorite spot for photographers.

No more than ten minutes have elapsed, and I now see a spectacular combination of sunlight, fog, and clouds in the valley. I capture multiple frames; I suspect one will be good enough to print.

Our shoot is now complete, and it is time for breakfast. We pile into the van with our equipment in the back and head to the restaurant. While Matt and Luke study the weather patterns to help them determine our next shoot, I can only think about another cup of coffee, eggs, and toast. I certainly hope our next venue will be on par with the Oconaluftee Overlook.

An Adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

I had traveled the world since the 1970s, but began focusing on visiting the National Parks in the U.S. as international travel became more challenging. This situation worsened when the pandemic hit in 2019, along with other factors, resulting in a hiatus from travel. However, in 2024, I saw an advertisement for a photographic trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I paid my deposit, gathered my camera gear, and visited this national treasure for five days in 2025.

Nestled along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a sanctuary of natural beauty and rich history. As one of the most visited national parks in the United States, it offers a spectacular blend of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged mountain terrain, making it a photographer’s paradise.

In 1934, the U.S. government decided to preserve this diverse ecosystem with a cultural heritage rooted in Native American history and early Appalachian settlements. Its name comes from the smoky haze created by the natural fog that often drifts through the mountains during early mornings and evenings. Over the decades, it has attracted millions of visitors eager to explore the park’s scenic vistas.

The first thing that struck me as we cruised through the park in our van packed with all our photographic equipment was the rolling mountains, deep valleys, and dense hardwood forests. We ascended to Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet, which offered incredible panoramic views. We also took in numerous waterfalls, too many to count, including the cascading falls along Roaring Fork.

Over five days, we explored the park’s scenic spots. The West Prong Little River was a tranquil spot with crystal-clear waters flowing over rocks and through lush foliage, creating serene compositions. The Oconaluftee Overlook, one of my favorites, offers breathtaking views of the mountain ranges and the lush valley below, making it perfect for capturing the vastness of the Smokies. Chimney Tops, renowned for their challenging ascent and iconic jagged peaks, provide dramatic backdrops, particularly at sunset when the peaks radiate a warm light. Clingman’s Dome has an accessible observation tower atop the highest peak, offering panoramic views of the mountains and forests. Foothills Parkway is a scenic drive that winds along ridges and offers numerous pull-offs for capturing breathtaking mountain vistas and distant horizons. Cove Hardwood Trail is an inviting path winding through dense hardwood forests and open meadows, abundant with wildflowers and birdlife. Morton’s Overlook provides sweeping views to the east of the mountains. Cade’s Cove is a historic valley famous for its abundant wildlife, picturesque barns, and fertile fields. Roaring Fork Interpretive Drive is a scenic loop showcasing historic cabins, farmstead buildings, and waterfalls along Roaring Fork Creek. Newfound Gap is a mountain pass that offers breathtaking vistas and provides access to trails leading into the heart of the Smokies.

Walking through these diverse locations, I felt immersed in the raw beauty of the rushing waterfalls, towering peaks, and tranquil forests. Each spot has its own story; capturing these moments with my camera was a rewarding part of my adventure, which I will explore further in upcoming blog posts.