Join us for an afternoon & early evening shoot at Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia (about 45 minutes from Jefferson, NC). The park is known for its scenic vistas, colorful fall displays and the many feral ponies that roam the ridges and trails.
Peak color is predicted for mid-month so the views should be impressive. We've chosen the later afternoon timeframe to take advantage of Golden Hour conditions starting around 6:20pm and sunset at 6:55pm.
The park entrance fee is $7. The gate is often unstaffed so please bring the exact amount in cash to place in the self-pay envelope when you arrive.
We'll meet up at the Massie Gap parking area at 3:45pm and hike the 1/3 mile Rhododendron Trail to the first viewpoint at 4:00pm. It's a well-maintained trail with a modest incline to the top (officially designated as moderate difficulty). Hopefully, we'll be greeted by ponies nearby when we arrive. There are several trails (varying difficulty) that branch off from this point for those who wish to explore further.
For anyone who is extra-ambitious, this particular night will offer one of the last good Milky Way photography opportunities of the year if the weather cooperates. The park features several expansive southern-facing viewpoints.
Please bring a flashlight and/or headlamp, just to be safe, for the return trip to the parking lot when you're done shooting.
A note about the ponies: Although they are "wild" they have become accustomed to people and may approach. Please try to keep a reasonable distance (150 feet by rule) and do not feed or pet them.
Carolinas' Nature Photographers Association
