The Photos on our Home Page

I have been asked about the scenic locations of the photos on our home page.  I took the photos, so here were the locations:

The beautiful waterfall is Looking Glass Falls located off US Hwy 276 between Waynesville and Brevard.  If you look closely at the bottom of the photo you will see people swimming and wading in the pool at the bottom of the falls.  We usually have one or two deaths each year in Western NC from tourists falling over waterfalls.  Remember, the only safe way to look at a waterfall is from the bottom looking up- never from the top looking down.

The amazing, round- topped, granite mountain is Looking Glass Rock, as seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 420.  There is a great trail that goes up the back side of this rock.  It is a moderate hike, due to the elevation climb, but no rock climbing is needed to negotiate the trail.  Be careful at the top of the rock, however, the gentle slope of the rock can lull you into a false sense of security.  Many times you will see rock climbers testing their abilities on the steeper faces of this rock.

The snow-covered mountains are the Plott Balsams out to Water Rock Knob.  This photo was taken last winter after a 12 inch snow, at the base of Utah Mountain.  The Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the opposite side of this beautiful range, as well as a portion of the Mountain to the Sea Trail.

The Elk photo was taken in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in beautiful Cataloochee Valley.  The Elk were re-introduced there a few years ago.  The re-introduction was very successful.  Many residents here in Maggie Valley occasionally see Elk in their yards.  We are fortunate here in Haywood County to have the privilege of seeing these wonderful creatures.  The males can weigh from 800 to 1000 pounds.  My wife, Barbara, and I will often drive to Cataloochee Valley after diner to view the Elk and other wildlife.

The photo of Downtown Waynesville were taken from the Ingles Market parking lot off Russ Avenue.  I love this location for taking photos of Waynesville.  The church steeples and mountains in the distance remind me of a quaint town in Vermont or New Hampshire.

Let us know if you have more questions about our area, or our website.  If you don’t yet live here— what are you waiting for?

Danny Pugh,  MtnLandPix.com