Region:

City: Asheville

GPS Latitude/Longitude:

Photo Category:

Tripods Allowed: Yes

Time of Day to Shoot: Daytime (nighttime I would be scared)

Opens/Closes: N/A

How to get there: From the Biltmore Square Mall in Asheville, take 191 South heading toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. Eventually you will see signs for the Parkway and the NC Arboretum. When you come to the traffic light, turn LEFT into a dirt parking area (Sandy Bottoms). Turning right would take you to the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Arboretum Entrance. (the Arboretum itself is a great shooting location). Park anywhere in Sandy Bottoms, and walk back toward the main road, and start walking back toward the Biltmore Mall. After about 500ft or so, you should see a very clear, unmarked trail that leads off toward the river. You'll see the old building within 1000ft or so.

Description:

There is this old mill or something, that is located off Highway 191 in Asheville, right near the North Carolina Arboretum. The property of this mill or whatever it is borders the French Broad River.

The building is really old and decrepit, there is TONS of graffiti and gang symbols and the place generally does not feel that safe, as it's tucked way back in the woods out of sight from the road and the parking area.

However, being in the woods, on the water, and easily accessible (not sure about tresspassing or not, proceed at your own risk) but it makes a good day of shooting everything from closeup graffiti and old building textures, to shooting landscapes of the French Broad River. This is a great place to spend several hours with a digital camera...

While I never saw a tresspassing sign during my last visit, this place might be a bit sketchy. Use caution if you go, as the place just looks sketchy. I've been several times though and never once saw another person, although it's apparent that many people do frequent this place. Great place for old gritty pictures though!

Enjoy!
Jim Jamesson
Groovy Adventures

Hazards: