Updated: The best family photography locations around the Asheville Area!

As we kick off another season of family photography here in the beautiful mountains of Asheville, NC. I wanted to update my list of favorite locations for family photo sessions. So many beautiful places to enjoy in this breathtaking area I get to call home!

The Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate has it all… mountain views, wild flowers, tall grass, beautiful trails, flower gardens, lagoons and of course stunning architecture. Bonus points because it is located within Asheville so there is little commute time. It does require an entry ticket unless your session is after 5pm and then you can enter the Estate grounds on my pass!

family photo in the mountains Asheville Photographer — Family Session on the Biltmore Estate

cute kids at the Biltmore House Asheville Photographer — Children’s Portrait Session on the Biltmore Estate

family in the wild flowers at the Biltmore estate Asheville Family Photographer — Family Photo Session in the wildflowers on the Biltmore Estate

The Observatory Lookout at UNCA

Okay, this location is kind of a hidden gem. Shhhh! It gets all the bonus points for being within the city limits and located on the campus of UNCA, only requiring a 5 minute walk from the parking area, and getting almost 180 degree mountain views. Even more points for the tall grass and wild flowers.

Family Photos in the Mountain Asheville Family Photographer — Family Photo Session at the UNCA Lookout Observatory

Mom to be in the mountains - maternity photographer Asheville nc — Maternity Session at the UNCA Lookout Observatory

Family in the Mountains - Asheville Family Photographer — Extended Family Photo Session at the UNCA Lookout Observatory

Children’s portrait session at the UNCA Lookout Observatory

The Bald at Craggy Gardens

I LOVE shooting at the bald at Craggy Gardens. This is different from the pinnacle hike which only leads to a lookout area. This location requires a 45 minute drive from Asheville and a 10 minute hike up a kid friendly trail, but it is 100% worth the effort with the tall grass, wild flowers and mountain views.

Girl twirling at Graggy Gardens Asheville Family Photographer — Family Portrait session at Craggy Gardens

Family Fun at Craggy Gardens Family Photographer Asheville NC — Family Portrait Session at Craggy Gardens

Black Balsalm Knob

This is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking places for photos in the area. It offers 365 degree mountain views, rocky balds and wildflowers. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway and requires a 15 minute hike up to the first bald with views. The elevation is so high that it can often be 10-15 degrees cooler up on Black Balsalm which is perfect in the summer and makes it a bit chillier in the fall and spring.

Family Photography Session at Black Balsalm Knob — Family Photo Session at Black Balsalm Knob

Mom and son in the sunset fog Asheville Photographer — Family Photo Session at Black Balsalm Knob

Family hugging at Black Balsalm Knob Asheville's Best Family Photographer — Family Portrait Session Black Balsalm Knob

The Never Ending Flower Farm

This beautiful flower farm is a perfect spot for family photos. It offers a variety of flowers from May through October as well as mountain views. The farm is a 20 minute drive North from downtown Asheville so it is easily accessible.

Children at flower farm Asheville NC Family Photographer — Children’s Photo Session at the Never Ending Flower Farm

family playing at the flower farm Asheville family photographer — Family Photo Session at the Never Ending Flower Farm

Little girl playing in the tulips - family photographer in Asheville NC — Children’s Photo Session at the Never Ending Flower Farm

The North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is a beautiful space of gardens and walking trails located just 20 minutes south of Downtown Asheville. It’s easily accessible with plenty of parking and very little walking. There is a fee of $10 – $20 per vehicle to enter the arboretum.