Part of Hammocks Beach State Park near Swansboro, NC, Bear Island is one of the state's many barrier islands. It's one of the few remaining unspoiled barrier islands in the state. A ferry runs hourly out to the island, or better yet a hour and a half kayak paddle yields a closeup view of the beautiful marshes and mudflats. Don't go without your camera!

The land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River from Wilmington south to Fort Fisher is known as the Cape Fear Peninsula. The area includes Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.

From the Appalachian Mountains, through the Piedmont to the Coastal Plains, the Carolinas feature a diverse and beautiful landscape.

Intimate close-up details and features of the mostly rural Carolina landscape.

Grayson County, Virginia sits in one of the southernmost counties of the state; the western side of the county includes Grayson Highlands State Park and overlapping sections the Mount Rogers National Recreational Area, a subset of the Jefferson National Forest. Just outside of the park is one of my Scout Troop’s favorite backpacking locations along the Appalachian Trail. The images in this gallery are from several recent trips through the park and surrounding area. Scientists tell us the area was considered an alpine forest during the last ice age. As the ice retreated, the alpine forest retreated to higher ground. As a result of the great loss of the American Chestnut in the early 1900s, loggers came into the area to retrieve the dead trees for it valuable lumber. The impact of this event along with the well-drained rocky soil, weather, spruce-fir & hemlock loss to pests, acid rain, and wild ponies all contribute to this unique biome. The terrain is absolutely stunning, especially in the fall, offering a tremendous opportunity for beautiful natural photography.

This gallery features grand live oak trees near the Intracostal Waterway at Holden Beach.

Though much smaller, Linville Gorge is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East. Part of the Pisgah National Forest, it’s rugged terrain and scenic vistas make it one of the most popular backpacking destinations in the southeastern United States.