Smoky Mountains adjacent.

The Smoky Mountains are indescribably awe-inspiring, they’re one of my favorite places in the world. GSMNP is apart of the Appalachian (Appa-La-CH-UN) Mountain Range meaning they’re rich in culture, music, and older than our fossil records. They’re hauntingly beautiful, inspiring, and standing in the wake of the mountains leaves you feeling humbled, overwhelmed with respect.

However, being the most popular National Park in the US- yes, even more popular than anything on Colorado, Utah, and Alaska- lends to puttin’ a hitch in our giddy-up when it comes to photography. The GSMNP is a free National Park, meaning you don’t have to drop 30-80 dollars to enter the park and camping is usually pretty cheap. The Appalachian Trail runs through the mountains which also drives a lot of traffic into the area with both day hikers and thru-hikers. So, picture a busy, heavily trafficked National Park with ~800 miles of trail systems that require no permits and no lottery system to hike through- crowded is an understatement. This isn’t to say you can’t find alone time at the park or to discount the serenity found there.

But, imagine trying to find somewhere to be alone for the duration of a session whether that be an elopement or couples or portraiture session- truth be told, you can’t. Like most National Parks the GSMNP has a strict permitting system putting time-limits on photography sessions which adds a layer of stress to any session- as in, here’s 15 minutes for your ceremony and people will probably be waiting just behind the photographer for you to get out of the way so they can take a selfie. Permits aren’t cheap either.

The GSMNP sits right on the state-line between TN and NC, but it’s not the entire mountain range. It’s composed of some of the higher peaks and higher bear populations. The mountain range extends in all directions in National Forests and Public Land which means- there are no permits, you can bring your dogs with you, and we won’t be over-crowded or set on a time limit.

Ashley’s session was shot in one of my favorite places in TN, just about a forty-five minute drive West of the Smokies while still technically being a part of the Appalachian Mountain range. I’ve hiked through this forest for years- I’ve pieced together my favorite trails, back-packing trip, and even horse back riding trails.

We were able to spend two hours up on the peak without seeing a single other family- IN FACT, the whole day we only say a total of less than ten other people throughout the whole forest. There’s absolutely no permitting system required for adventure elopements of portraiture sessions, hundreds of miles of trails, roaring rovers, and stunning mountains. Additionally, there’s no restrictions on pets as long as they’re kept on a leash. You can swim, fish, kayak, go horse-back riding- and just about every other outdoor activity you can come up with.

I’ve deiced to hike every single trail open in the forest- if that tell you anything about how spectacular this area is and how dedicated I am to prioritizing my expertise as a steward to those that I work it. I want those that I work with to feel secure in my authority in the area, photography, and the outdoors.

Over here we follow strict Leave No Trace principles and prioritize leaving our favorite locations better than we found them. And, don’t worry- I have a full LNT guide that I can send you and I’ll double check everything we do day-of so you don’t have to worry about a thing. That being said unless the area we’re shooting in is very popular or well known I tend to not reveal exact locations, trail names, or anything beyond a general area in order to help preserve and protect public lands.

Ready for an adventure? Done holler at me!