Recommended Locations
The Biltmore Estate
From views of the mountains to beautiful gardens and of course, the outside of the estate itself, the Biltmore Estate offers a huge variety of locations and is very close to downtown Asheville.
Biltmore Estate - Antler Hill Village
It’s the Biltmore Estate without the actual Estate. The Biltmore is so massive and lots of locals love this central location that still has views of the mountains.
The Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens is centrally located being right next to UNC-Asheville. It is a great location if you don’t want to travel far from Asheville but also want a natural space with water features. Highlights include access to creeks and rocks, cool bridges, and a rustic cabin.
The NC Arboretum
Another central location, the gardens at the NC Arboretum have landscaped gardens, natural areas and even a view of the mountains.
Charles D. Owen Park
Located in Swannanoa, this public park boasts a lake, views of the mountains and an area to skip stones along the river bank.
Craggy Pinnacle
A mere 45 minute drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway brings you to this magical location. Want epic mountain views from on top of a mountain? Craggy Pinnacle is your location.
Black Balsam Knob
Another favorite epic location is Black Balsam Knob. This one is another ten minute hike, slightly more difficult than Craggy (but only slightly). The hike first takes you through a pine forest before opening up to those aforementioned epic views of the mountains.
Sam Knob
Expansive field, often full of wildflowers with Sam Knob rising magnificently in the background, this is a perfect iconic mountain location.
Waterrock Knob
Want photos with the mountains in the background but don’t want to hike to get to it? Waterrock Knob offers panoramic views of the mountains and you never even have to leave the parking lot.
Buck Spring Gap
Another low effort location, with views from the parking lot, but also a very easy, mostly flat hike through some forests and fields.
Morse Park
Located in Lake Lure, this public park boasts a lake and views of the mountains.
River Arts District
Located just minutes away from Downtown Asheville, this is a colorful, artistic and very “RAD” location for your portrait session.
Bailey Mountain Preserve
Located in Mars Hill, this site offers long range mountain views, an antique barn. It is a very easy to access location with very little walking and it has year-round access.
Jump Off Rock
Located in Laurel Park, near Hendersonville, this small public park with panoramic mountain views is open year round making it a great winter location choice.
Pearson’s Falls
With a 45 minute drive from downtown Asheville, Pearson’s Falls is one of the closest waterfalls to Asheville. It offers a beautiful and easy hike to the waterfall.
Looking Glass Falls
Located in the Pisgah National Forest, this gorgeous waterfall is a park on the road and walk down the stairs kind of place (easy to access).
Triple Falls
Located in Dupont State Forest, close to Brevard and Hendersonville, this waterfall was featured in the Hunger Games and is 120-ft. tall.
Hooker Falls
Located in Dupont State Forest, sharing the same parking lot as Triple Falls but the hike is in the opposite direction. While the falls are shorter than the ones at Triple Falls, the hike is easier and shorter.