Dry Falls

Fall has been somewhat strange around the very southern Appalachians this year. This shot of Dry Falls, outside Highlands, NC, was taken several weeks ago, befo...
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Fall has been somewhat strange around the very southern Appalachians this year. This shot of Dry Falls, outside Highlands, NC, was taken several weeks ago, before the leaves had yet to reach peak. I stopped by en route to Black Balsam Knob just to check out the color, fully intending to come back once peak color was reached in the area. This falls peaks earlier than many falls in the area, due to its high elevations - only a few miles outside 'High'lands, NC. Apparently the large storm a week and a half ago blew off most of the leaves before they truly reached peak color, leaving many of the trees that are showing some yellows, reds, and oranges here completely bare. Glad I visited when I did!

As always, I got here before sunrise to avoid the crowds and also to avoid other lingering groups of photographers. The drive from Atlanta is about 120 miles, so I made sure to leave around 5:15 AM to get here in time. I got the cliche shots of the falls I wanted, and had time to go into the gorge beneath the falls and get some atypical angles on the falls before any other photographers arrived. Dry Falls is a popular spot in the fall, and if you want to avoid the crowds (yes, crowds) and harsh sunlight on the falls you've got to arrive early!
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