Burnt Mountain Preserve
Burnt Mountain Preserve offers a rewarding hike through dense hardwood forest down to Champions Creek, where a series of rock slide waterfalls and mossy boulders create intimate, natural compositions worth the steep descent. The creek level is where you will spend most of your shooting time, working with the cascades as they sheet over smooth granite slabs and pool between rocks. A wide-angle lens works well for capturing the full flow of the slides with surrounding foliage, while a short telephoto lets you isolate textures in the rock and water. Overcast days are ideal since the forest canopy can create harsh dappled light in full sun, and a polarizing filter helps cut glare on the wet stone. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail is steep and can be slick near the water. Arrive early to avoid crowds on weekends and give yourself time to explore both directions along the creek. (Jasper, Georgia, United States)
