One of my greatest finds in 2013 was a place I have been to and through many times, The Linn Cove Viaduct. The Linn Cove Viaduct is a 1243 ft long bridge built in segments to help get Blue Ridge Parkway travelers around the magnificent Grandfather Mountain. I have traveled through here many times coming or going to the many attractions that seem to be jammed into this area. I have seen the iconic view of the viaduct in gift shops on books, cards, postcards, t-shirts all over the parkway…….but I had never actually been on the spot where the shot is taken. I had assumed it was some overlook that I had “overlooked”. Wrong…..as it turns out, it’s location seems to be kept somewhat of a secret. This was my lucky Autumn though. While on the parkway this October to view and photograph the fall colors, a fellow hiker/photographer that I had a conversation with, helped get me to the iconic view I had been missing.
This view, the one pictured above is just off the north side of the viaduct. There is group of boulders about 20 feet up the mountain from the road. There are no signs here, or any room to park. Parking must be done at an overlook about 1/4 mile north, then walk south. On this day, there were a number of photographers doing this and I was just going with the flow, excited about the new photo opportunity. Along with the cool curvy bridge in the photo, the colors were near perfect, and the view of Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountains really tops it off. I just happen to be a big fan of the Linville Gorge area. This is just another reason to love Grandfather Mountain for me. Timing is key here too. I went back a week later to try and get some more shots but the leafs had all fallen….it’s still a beautiful place. My next goal here is to get some nice “snow” photos…..stay tuned!!
