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• High Country Outing: Doughton Park Wildflowers

  • When
    July 25, 2026
  •  
    6:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Registered
    2 registrants

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  The High Country Region is headed to Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway on Saturday, July 25, to photograph wildflowers. The area is known for its colorful displays from mid to late summer. 

  We'll be meeting at the flower field at Fodder Stack Overlook. Here's a link to Google Maps to help with navigation, if needed.

  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y3Qj6N7KEnvsjGwGA
  

  Since Golden Hour is the ideal time to capture outdoor flower images, the official meet up time will be around 6:00am (sunrise occurs at 6:26am). You're welcome to arrive a little bit later, if you prefer. 

  We'll plan to shoot at Fodder Stack until around 8:00am before venturing out to other spots around Doughton Park. In addition to flowers, there should be opportunities to practice capturing close-up shots of bugs and butterflies. 

  The area's historic Bluffs restaurant will open for lunch at 11:00am for anyone who would like to get together to debrief and talk shop!

  Please RSVP if you're considering attending so that we'll know to look for you and to receive any updates to the outing itinerary.

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• High Country: Elk in Cataloochee Valley

  • When
    September 19, 2026
  •  
    7:00 AM
  • Location
    Cataloochee Valley, North Carolina
  • Registered
    6 registrants

  Register

  Join the High Country Region for an outing to photograph Elk in the Cataloochee Valley near Cherokee, NC. We will be visiting during the start of the rut season when antlered bulls (males) bugle and fight for domination and the right to breed with the cows. We'll meet at 7am at the parking area near the Chapel. Bring a long lens for closer views of the action (park regulations require keeping a distance of 50 yards of Elk). A second camera or wider lens  is also recommended for capturing dramatic environmental images of the Elk in their surroundings. 

  We are grateful to High Country Region photographer Lisa Wilmoth for leading this outing!

  Be advised that portions of the road leading to the Valley are unpaved and winding, so plan for some extra driving time for safety. 

  Here's a Google Map link showing the route from a waypoint near Waynesville.

  https://maps.app.goo.gl/QQhWKUwv1zyRET7K7
  

  For those wishing to stay overnight before and/or after the outing, Waynesville and Maggie Valley are good options. 

  Questions? Email high-country-coordinator@cnpa.org

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