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In honor of the 60th anniversary of The Wilderness Act of 1964, Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) invited amateur photographers to participate in our adventurous Wilderness Photo Contest! These incredible entries took us on a visual journey through the beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Wilderness Photo Contest winners were announced at the 2024 Wilderness Skills Institute (WSI) at the Cradle of Forestry, North Carolina, on May 20th. Cash prizes were awarded to the top four finalists. The People's Choice Award photo was selected by participants at WSI. This Southern Appalachian Wilderness Amateur Photo Contest was made possible in part by North Carolina Horse Council. Thank you for your generous support!
We were blown away by your photo entries and inspired to steward our wild landscapes even better. Thank you for sharing your talents and special adventures with us. Below are the top photo finalists who will also be featured in our 2025 Wilderness Stewardship Calendar which will be available for purchase soon here at our store!
WILDERNESS PHOTO CONTEST FINALISTS
Rocky Ridge Dawn
Photographer: David Johnston Location: Dolly Sods Wilderness
*FIRST PLACE WINNER
Wilderness provides an opportunity to explore a natural area with (relatively) few human artifacts, embellishments, or intrusions. This about as close as we can come to meeting nature on its own terms, experience both vulnerability and challenge, and sometimes be invited to reassess our own place in it.
An October Sunrise in the Linville Gorge Wilderness
Photographer: Adam Bean Location: Linville Gorge Wilderness
*SECOND PLACE WINNER
In the 21st century, wilderness means that we, humanity, show restraint with special areas set aside for the flourishing of natural ecosystems as free from negative human impact as possible. As the old definition went, in wilderness we are only visitors, not residents. Wilderness is not the only kind of conversation approach, but it should remain a vital one.
Unaka Mountain Inspiration
Photographer: Somer Stahlman-Pickel Location: Unaka Mountain Wilderness
*THIRD PLACE WINNER
I find solace and hope in southern Appalachian wilds that I cannot find anywhere else. I feel closest to my oldest daughter, who we lost when she was 18 months old. In the stillness I feel her love intermingling with robust the life surrounding me.
Cataloochee Bull in the Golden Morning
Photographer: Alex Dills Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
*PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNER
To me the wilderness is the real world, everything in our natural world is intricately connected that it never ceases to amaze me when I'm lucky enough to be in its presence.
Wild Peace of Ramseys Draft
Photographer: Joshua Tao Location: Ramseys Draft Wilderness
To me, Wilderness is about preservation. To experience raw wilds as untrammeled as can be. To let nature run its course without human's ever-expanding interference.
Hidden Grotto
Photographer: Branden Zebley Location: Pisgah National Forest
Wilderness to me is about the places free from the intrusion of modern man. A place to recenter and connect with the natural world. A refreshing break from the noise of today and a glimpse into the quiet chaos of nature. A world of its own with beauty in the grand landscapes to each small pebble and leaf.
Looking North on the Art Leob
Photographer: Aracelia Skridulis Location: Shining Rock Wilderness
Wilderness is a place that is as free as possible from human development.
Cycle of Change
Photographer: Carol Haff Location: Linville Gorge Wilderness
For me, it is the ability to get away from the everyday life and what it brings, allowing for quiet time to enjoy nature's surroundings and wildlife.
Sunset on the Heath Barrens
Photographer: David Johnston Location: Dolly Sods Wilderness
Wilderness provides an opportunity to explore a natural area with (relatively) few human artifacts, embellishments, or intrusions. This about as close as we can come to meeting nature on its own terms, experience both vulnerability and challenge, and sometimes be invited to reassess our own place in it.
Spotted Owl
Photographer: Amanda Cline Location: Peters Mountain Wilderness
Wilderness is a necessity, and should be protected, respected, and honored.
Thanks again to all the photographers and photo submissions for sharing your talents and special wilderness adventures with us. We hope to connect with you again in 2025!
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