Bearwallow Mountain, NC

Bearwallow Mountain, NC

Where do you want to explore with your family?

Hiking Adventure Photoshoot


While locals may be complaining about the hordes of tourists that stream into Asheville each season, the fact of the matter is I simply can’t blame them. It is truly a beautiful place. Downtown Asheville can be lovely, but really, it’s all in the mountains that surround us. The waterfalls in Brevard, the jaw dropping views along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the quaint downtown of Weaverville or Hendersonville, the grandeur of the Biltmore Estate, the trails and flowers at the NC Arboretum. There is so much to explore and as a local Asheville resident, sometimes it can be easy to take all these beautiful attractions for granted.


And this is the reason, as a family photographer in Asheville, I strongly urge you to take a moment and explore. And take a photographer with you to capture the adventure along the way. Whether you are visiting Asheville or live and work here, you simply can not beat the breathtaking backdrops that the mountains offer.

Parents look at each other while daughter plays with mountains behind them during family photoshoot.
Young girl with long curly hair and red dress smiles at camera in a rocky field during photoshoot.
A mother, father, and daughter stand together in rocky green field during photo session in Asheville, NC.
A mother, father and daughter hold hands while walking up hill with moon above them.

Bearwallow Mountain Preserve


I have had the pleasure of photographing this family a few times now, and returning families are my jam. There is a comfort and ease as they know what to expect from me during their photoshoot, and I already have a feel for their story. When they asked me if I would photograph their family during a sunset hike, I couldn’t say yes fast enough.


Bearwallow Preserve is such a lovely spot. I have taken my family there many times and it is easily accessible and appropriate for a wide range of ages. There is a winding hiking trail through the woods. It is not terribly steep but there are quite a few stone steps toward the top. There is also a gravel access road that is more direct to the top and while it is a bit shorter of a hike, it is also a little bit of a steeper grade.


An unexpected encounter along the way may be a herd of cows. They are typically at the top of the hike and make sure you watch out for evidence of their crossing (aka cow patties), but I also have been surprised to see them in the woods along the trail sometimes. Not to worry, they keep to themselves, and the kids are always excited to see them.

Parents and daughter sit together on rocks with mountains behind them posing for family photos.
Mother with hat on hugs daughter close and kisses her on head while she giggles and laughs.
Mother and father hold daughters hands while standing on hill with sun behind them at family photoshoot in Asheville.
Parents with sun shining behind them look down at daughter while she jumps on rocks.
Young girl in red dress stands on rocks with clouds and mountains behind her during family photoshoot.
Man and woman hold hands as they walk on gravel path during mountaintop family photoshoot at Bearwallow Mountain.
Young girl kisses mom's cheek while parents look at camera during Asheville photography session.
Mom in hat and daughter in red dress look at each other with mountains behind them in Asheville, NC.
Girl with red dress looks at camera while mom in hat looks at her during family photoshoot.
Mother, father and daughter huddle together in field with mountains behind them at Asheville family photoshoot.
Daughter is on father's shoulders while mom looks up at them during Asheville photography session.
Mother and father with daughter in front pose for photos on mountaintop in Asheville, NC.
Man with brown hair looks at wife with hat on in field with mountains behind them for family photos.
Close up of mother's hand playing with daughter's curly hair with mountains in the distance.
Mother and father look at young daughter in red dress playing in rocky field with mountains behind them.

Sunset Photoshoot


On this particular evening, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. We took our time and hiked up the wooded trail. I started by photographing the start of the hike in a casual manner, finding a few moments of the sun shining in through the trees, little Isla hopping from rock to rock. She loved to stop for posed photos here and there, but I also got some sweet moments of holding hands and spotting mushrooms. It was the perfect time for the family to get used to the camera following them and taking pictures without the pressure of sitting and smiling.


Once we got to the top, it was still quite sunny, but the sky was clear and the crescent moon was starting to make an appearance. I let them hike to the top of the ridge before me so that they could take in the expansive views.


I love opportunities that I can hang back and photograph families just being themselves and exploring. And this is the perfect spot to do this. There are rocks to climb on, there are views to take in, there is room to run and twirl. You can bring a blanket and picnic, or cuddle. And then for the grand finale, as the sun starts to set, on a clear night you can see for miles with mountain ridge layers that are just incredible.


And on this particular night, the clouds and sun hit just right and it was just magical. The colors, the outfits, the smiles. It was relaxed and fun, an Asheville photographer’s dream. I loved that this family had reached out before their photoshoot, to see what would be appropriate to wear and bring.


And as we wrapped up their photos, the sun quickly started to dip. I had to grab a few last photos with the moon and moonlight in all its glory. We said goodbye to the cows and started our trek back down to the parking area.


I won’t lie, it was almost completely dark by the time we made it back, but that just added to the adventure.



Parents hold child's hands on top of hill with blue sky and moon above them at sunset photo session in Asheville, NC.
Dad holds daughter in blanket as mom looks off in the distance as they stand on a gravel road with the moon behind them.

Tips for an Outdoor Family Photoshoot


  • Think about shoes and wardrobe - As a family photographer, I always know the trails and locations beforehand so that I can recommend to my families what to expect. No one wants to be uncomfortable for their photoshoot.
  • Timing - Have you ever heard of golden hour? It is called this for a reason. Every photographer is chasing the best light. And while I have experience photographing families in all different kinds of light, I know that my favorite time taking photos in the mountains is that late evening sun. It just hits differently.
  • Weather - As every Asheville family photographer knows, the weather here can be extremely unpredictable. One minute it is bright and sunny, the next it is a torrential downpour. I always keep an eye on the radar and have a backup plan. And sometimes you just roll with the punches and capture a dancing in the rain moment.


An adventure photoshoot isn’t necessarily for everyone, but if you want a laid back and unique experience and to capture your family in the beautiful mountains of Asheville, NC, then this might just be perfect. Reach out for details and availability to book your next adventure photoshoot!