Over 1800 photos were submitted into this year’s fall photo contest. Because of the overwhelming response, our judges had quite the task of narrowing the photos down to their top 35 finalists.
From those finalists, the judges chose first, second, and third places overall. They also chose winners for each categories, including landscapes & places, people, animals, and black & white.
Photographer’s Note: The end of a wonderful day of ballooning at the 39th Carolina Balloon Festival at the Statesville Municipal Airport in October 2012.
Photographer’s Note: Photo was taken during sunrise on October 7, 2012 at at Moses Cone Manor.
Photographer’s Note: Farming has long been an important part of North Carolina’s economy with many small family farms scattered across the state. This wonderful scene greeted me as I came to this farm one morning to photograph the fall foliage on the surrounding ridges in Morganton.
Photographer’s Note: On the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Cowee Mountain Overlook. When the sun went down, everyone went home except for one.
Photographer’s Note: Buck Cooper has been in the dairy business since 1946, operating on his family farm. Located on the Ashe/Watauga line, the farm has been in the family for over 150 years and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Cooper’s advice for living a long and healthy life is simple; drink plenty of milk every day.
Photographer’s Note: The ‘bull’ keeping watch on his harem as they feed in the early morning fog. The bull protects his territory and runs other bulls off when they try to hang around his cows. Photo taken at Newfound Gap Road.
Photographer’s Note: While cycling in the 2011 MS150 charity bike ride, I stopped to photograph this abandoned house in the rural countryside of Craven County. This surreal setting provided a painful reminder of the hardship people endure in life.
Our State‘s Fall Photo Contest is presented by Bryson City and GreatSmokies.com. Visit us for travel information, event listings, and trip resources.
The First Place winner will receive a package including three-nights accommodations provided by Hidden Creek Cabin Rentals, a fully-guided raft trip for a family of four from Nantahala Outdoor Center, and breakfast for four at Fryemont Inn (approximate total prize value: $1000, some restrictions will apply). Details of this and all prizes can be found in the Official Contest Rules.
The Second Place winner will receive a package including two-nights accommodations provided by Lands Creek Log Cabins, a ½ day fly fishing tour for one from Fly Fishing the Smokies, and breakfast for four at the Fryemont Inn (approximate total prize value: $750, some restrictions will apply.) Details of this and all prizes can be found in the Official Contest Rules.
The Third place winner will receive a package including Great Smoky Mountains Railroad tickets for a family of four and breakfast for four at Fryemont Inn (approximate total prize value: $350, some restrictions will apply.) Details of this and all prizes can be found in the Official Contest Rules.
Prize still to be determined by sponsor. Each prize will not exceed $75 in value.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Welcome to The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad where you can see the Smokies in style! Located in the heart of downtown Bryson City, North Carolina, our scenic rail excursions take you from our historic depot through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina. Our variety of train excursions and special event trains makes us a perfect choice for creating those special memories with friends and families! Dine in our First Class Cars with a private attendant or take in the views while riding in an open air gondola! Step on board Western North Carolina’s only scenic train excursion for your next rail adventure!
Call us for more information at 800-872-4681. Prize value varies by season; approximately $300. Please call for details and blackout times.
Fryemont Inn
From the moment you enter the historic Fryemont Inn you will feel transported back in time to the warmth and friendly charm of a rustic Adirondack mountain lodge — in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Its massive stone fireplaces, timber beams and chestnut paneled walls are reminiscent of a bygone era when America was just discovering the adventure, majestic beauty and cool breezes of the Western North Carolina mountains. Not your typical bed and breakfast, the Fryemont is a true country inn with a tradition of excellent dining. A hearty country breakfast and a memorable evening of dining are all included in the affordable price of your stay while the Historic Lodge is open, mid-April through November. The Fireside Bar is a popular meeting place for both Inn guests and locals. Situated on a mountain shelf overlooking the quiet village of Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Fryemont Inn and Cottages offer you secluded comfort and a uniquely nostalgic atmosphere.
Call us for more information at 800-845-4879. Prize valued at $45. Please call for details.
Land’s Creek Log Cabins
A genuinely unique mountain experience begins when you enter the scenic grounds of Lands Creek Log Cabins. Tucked away on 80 wonderfully secluded acres adjoining the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Choose from 18 cabins in a variety of creekside, ridgetop and wooded mountain settings. The perfect spot for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Always clean, comfortable and cozy. The completion of our creekside clubhouse, “Harmony Hall,” offers a one-of-a-kind setting for weddings, reunions, or any special event. A great spot for seminars and business meetings who desire a more “laid back” surrounding and a rewarding change of pace. Open year round with paved roads and drives for easy access and parking. We’re secluded yet convenient to all mountain activities and area attractions. Just 3 miles from historic Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and only a short drive to the Nantahala River, Tsali Mountain Bike Trail, and Cherokee.
Call us for more information at 888-346-9793. Prize value varies by season; approximately $500. Reservations not available June 1 through November 1, weeks of Easter, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas AND New Years NOT AVAILABLE. CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS STAYS ONLY. NO PETS ALLOWED.
Hidden Creek Cabins
Hidden Creek Cabins are close to everything you want to do in the North Carolina mountains. Choose from over 25 vacation cabins — one, two three-bedroom and larger cabin rentals — or rent several together for your group. Near Bryson City and Cherokee, North Carolina, our cabin rentals are convenient to Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Nantahala River rafting, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bryson City is one hour west of Asheville, just 3 hours from Atlanta and Charlotte, and 2 hours from Greenville/Spartanburg, Chattanooga and Knoxville.
Call us for more information at 888-483-3630. Prize value varies by season; approximately $900. Reservations not available June 1 through November 1, weeks of Easter, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas AND New Years NOT AVAILABLE. CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS STAYS ONLY.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Since 1972, NOC has shared the outdoors with millions of guests on white water river rafting trips, with all varieties of kayak and canoe instruction, on mountain bikes and around the world with our adventure travel trips. Located in western North Carolina near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NOC is within easy driving distance of Atlanta, Charlotte and Knoxville. With NOC, you can expect the highest quality service and top-notch equipment, with almost 40 years experience leading adventures in SC, NC, GA, TN and even destinations abroad. We’re confident that we have a trip to match every experience level, with Family-Friendly Trips and Action-Packed Adventures. When you visit our Nantahala headquarters, you’ll also find a complete outdoor destination with lodging options, three restaurants and a pub, a fully-stocked Outfitter’s Store, the Wesser General Store and Fly Shop and the Nantahala Welcome Center. Make NOC your destination for rafting adventures and more!
Call us for more information at 800-232-7238. Prize value varies by season; approximately $250. Valid anytime except Saturdays and Sundays in June, July, and August. Reservations required. Non-refundable/non-transferable. Expires 10-31-2013.
Fly Fishing the Smokies
With Fly Fishing in the Smokies, you’ll learn to fly fish in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Bryson City, North Carolina. Discover the majestic streams and mountains while enjoying a day of guided fly fishing with some of the Great Smoky Mountain’s best fly fishing guides. Since 1999 we have guided anglers of all ages and skill levels to some of the most beautiful trout streams in all of the southeastern United States. Welcome to Fly Fishing the Smokies! A professional outfitters and guide service operating guided fly fishing trips daily out of Gatlinburg, TN and Bryson City, NC. We serve the surrounding mountain towns of Pigeon Forge, TN, Sevierville TN, Asheville, Sylva, Franklin, and Dillsboro.
Call us for more information at 828-488-7665. Prize value varies by season; approximately $200. Please call for details and blackout times.
From fossil pits to a helicopter simulator, the littlest Carolinians will discover wonder at these one-of-a-kind museum exhibits across the state.
Don’t just drink your Cheerwine — eat it, too! From cakes to pies to cocktails, you can incorporate this crimson Tar Heel treasure into your next kitchen creation.
Local NC Cooperative Extension experts preserve cherished recipes and introduce kids to the thrill of summer camp — and that’s just a taste of what they provide to their communities.
One of our state’s most common fishes has a rare talent. In the fresh, clear waterways of the mountains and Piedmont, bluehead chubs build nests for their young, stone by tiny stone.
