Western NC wildlife photo ops?

I tagged along for a spur of the moment trip up to the smokies in Bryson City, NC and was hoping someone might be able to tell me where a good place might be to see some wildlife and maybe get some shots. Being from south FL my first instinct is "walk in to the woods", but I dont think thats a good idea lol. Were only up here until the end of the day today and its pretty much a free day since we took care of our business already.

Thanks in advance.

take the smokey mountain railroad from Bryson City to Topton and back.

If you have a wide angle, the Road to Nowhere makes for a cool shooting destination that is slightly eerie. Also I believe The Great Smokey Mountain National Park is within driving distance. The section close to Bryson City has some beautiful waterfalls that are wonderful photo ops. Good luck! I love Bryson City and its surroundings!

The Cades Cove area of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. This part of the park is actually just across the state line, in Tennessee. But if I was in western North Carolina and wanted to photograph wildlife, that is most certainly where I would go. Just google Cades Cove wildlife and you'll get a good idea of what you can expect there.

Instead of Cade's Cove (which is usually packed with tourists), consider going to Cataloochee Valley in SMNP. Here there in Sept to shoot elk in rut.

http://www.nps.gov …yourvisit/catal​oochee.htm