Do I need any prior photography experience?

No prior experience is needed, but basic familiarity with your camera helps you take advantage of photography guidance.

Is there any hiking involved on this tour?

No, the tour is designed without hiking to ensure accessibility and comfort.

What time of year is best for elk viewing?

Fall, especially during the rutting season, is ideal for elk behavior and photo opportunities.

Are meals or snacks provided?

Meals are not included; bringing light snacks and water is recommended.

How large are the tour groups?

Groups are kept small to minimize disturbance to wildlife and enhance the experience.

Can I use my smartphone for photography?

Yes, smartphone photography is encouraged and supported by guides with helpful tips.

Elk Viewing Photo Tour in Great Smoky Mountains | Sightseeing Tour | Guided Tour

The Great Smoky Mountains, spanning the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, offer a prime setting for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. Just outside Asheville, the Elk Viewing Photo Tour promises an immersive half-day adventure bringing you face-to-face with the region's majestic elk herds. These iconic animals roam the lush Appalachian forests and meadows, their antlers casting dramatic silhouettes against the mist-shrouded ridges. What sets this tour apart is its impeccable 100% elk sighting success rate, curated by expert guides who know these landscapes inside out.

Unlike typical hikes, this experience requires no strenuous trekking, making it accessible to photographers and nature lovers of all skill levels. The tour includes convenient pickup, eliminating the guesswork of route planning or gear carry. Along the way, guides offer in-depth insights on elk behavior and ecology, as well as specialized tips for capturing crisp, evocative images whether you’re wielding a DSLR or a smartphone.

The region’s fog-laden valleys and diverse flora, including towering hardwoods and flowering rhododendrons, create an evocative backdrop that changes with the shifting light. The Smokies’ long-established elk population is a result of successful reintroduction efforts, tying this tour to important wildlife conservation stories. Observing these animals in their natural habitat, without disturbing their rhythms, remains a priority.

For travelers based in Asheville, this tour is an accessible gateway to one of North America’s most celebrated national parks. It breathes new life into wildlife photography and natural history, offering a rare blend of education and visual storytelling nestled within the rugged Appalachian wilderness.

About WNC Photo Tours

WNC Photo Tours is a professional photography tour company based in Asheville, North Carolina, offering guided photo experiences across the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. The company runs private and small-group tours designed for photographers of all skill levels, from mobile shooters to advanced DSLR users. Popular offerings include full-day Roan Highlands trips, custom half-day and full-day tours, fall color excursions, elk-viewing safaris in Cataloochee Valley, waterfall shoots, and mountain portrait sessions.

Each tour emphasizes comfort, safety, and local knowledge: optional pickup from Asheville, snacks and water on many itineraries, and route choices that accommodate varying fitness levels. Experienced, award-winning photographers lead tours, provide targeted instruction on composition, exposure, filters, long-exposure techniques for waterfalls, and wildlife settings for elk photography. Photo delivery and editing are included for portrait sessions, with at least twenty edited images provided online for clients on the mountain portrait photo tour.

WNC Photo Tours highlights private customization, allowing guests to tailor locations, hiking intensity, and lesson focus. Seasonal specialties include guided fall color photography and winter elk-viewing trips with a consistently strong success rate for elk sightings. The operation focuses on teaching practical camera techniques in the field and creating memorable images without requiring formal classroom lessons.

Visitors can expect clear communication at booking, knowledgeable local guides, and a variety of tour lengths—from half-day outings to eight-hour full-day adventures—designed to maximize scenic opportunities throughout Western North Carolina. Bookings include flexible scheduling, clear pricing, and the option to add personalized editing or prints available upon request.