CNPA upcoming events

High Country: Sunrise & Rhodos at Roan Mountain (June 13, 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Join the High Country Region for an outing to Roan Mountain to capture the sunrise as well as Rhododendron blooms and other colorful seasonal flora.

We'll meet at 5:30am at the Carvers Gap trail head for the moderate (0.7 mile) hike to Round Bald. Sunrise is around 6:10am. After that, we'll shoot landscapes showcasing the incredible views. Opportunities for close-up photography of the blooms should also be in abundance.

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

Upstate: Monthly Meeting (June 14, 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 18:30:00 GMT

June 14th Monthly Meeting with Carol Paulk presenting - Unusual Items in Nature.
Also Members presentations of recent outings and events.

Triangle: Frank Schwartz Water Gardens Creations (June 20, 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

This is our annual outing to Frank Schwartz Water Garden Creations. Photograph water lilies and other aquatic plants along with frogs and dragon flies. The gardens are generally in the shade until mid to late morning. Bring a variety of lenses not just your macro lens. Strongly suggest you bring along lots of water, sun screen, hats, and bug spray. You'll be asked for a $5 contribution at the event.

Low Country: Albert Heacox (June 23, 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Huguenot Beach Outing. Royal Terns, Laughing Gulls, and Brown Pelicans are on the beach. They will be attending to their chicks which makes for some exciting photography. There is a 5 dollar entry fee per car to the park. Restrooms are available in the park. Things you will need: A long lens, Sunscreen, Something to drink, Shoes for walking in sand and water, A hat, tripod or monopod. Contact Richard Matheny for additional information
richardmatheny1@gmail.com

Upstate: Blue Ridge Parkway (July 10, 2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Overnight Outing on the Blue Ridge Parkway to photograph Sunset, Miky Way and Sunrise

High Country: Elk in Cataloochee Valley (September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

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