Discover Montgomery
8 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Coal Mining Heritage Park and Loop Trail
Small heritage park and loop trail preserving Appalachian coal-mining relics amid mixed hardwood forest and meadow. Photograph rusting equipment, interpretive signs, forested trails and seasonal wildflowers. Best light: golden hour and diffused overcast for detail. Accessible loop trail with parking at 751 Merrimac Rd; free entry. Weekdays and mornings reduce crowds. Respect posted safety notices near relics.
Lovers Outlook
Lovers Outlook is a roadside scenic overlook in Montgomery County with sweeping views of the ridge lines and valleys — ideal for wide panoramas, intimate couple portraits against expansive sky, and seasonal foliage. Accessible by car with a small pull-off and short walk; no entry fee. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and layered silhouettes; fall and late spring offer peak color. Weekday mornings are quieter; bring wind protection for long exposures and tripod use.
Mid County Park Trail
Small community park with mixed woodland trails, wetlands and meadow openings — good for intimate landscape, seasonal color and birdlife. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for soft side-light through trees; after rain for reflections on puddles and wet leaves. Trail surfaces are packed dirt/gravel; parking available at the lot on Cinnabar Rd. No entry fee; trails are family-friendly but some sections may be uneven — bring insect repellent in warmer months.
Coal Mining Heritage Park and Loop Trail Parking
Small parking and trailhead serving the Coal Mining Heritage Park loop — prime for photographing industrial relics, interpretive signage, wooded trails, stream crossings and seasonal foliage. Best at golden hour or overcast for moody textures; weekdays and early mornings mean fewer hikers. Easy roadside parking; trails are moderate with some uneven surfaces. No special entry fees; respect historical markers and stay on paths.
Huckleberry Trail (Merrimac)
A paved rail-trail winding through mixed hardwoods, river corridors and small bridges — ideal for woodland, river reflections and seasonal foliage. Photographers can capture dappled light, mist over the creek at dawn, and intimate nature details. Trail access at Merrimac Rd offers parking and easy, accessible walking; no entry fee. Best visits: early morning for mist and soft side-light, or late afternoon for warm backlight; autumn for color. Weekdays are quieter; bring insect repellent in warm,
Old Belmont Swim Creek
Small wooded creek and classic swimming-hole setting with rock shelves, cascades and reflective pools — great for intimate waterscapes, long exposures and environmental portraits. Best light is golden hour or overcast days (soft light, saturated greens). Visit after rain for stronger flow; weekday mornings are quieter. Access is via a short, sometimes muddy trail from roadside parking; wear sturdy shoes or water shoes. Likely unstaffed — respect private land signs and pack out trash. Close to I-
Mid County Park
Small community park with mixed woodland, open fields and a pond—good for intimate landscape, reflections and seasonal color. Easy access from Cinnabar Rd with free parking and no entry fee. Best at golden hour and early mornings for soft light and fewer people; autumn brings strong foliage, winter offers stark compositions. Trails are mostly flat and family‑friendly; expect locals and occasional sports activity nearby.
Creed Fields Park
Small community park with open athletic fields, tree lines and a playground — good for wide grassy landscapes, low-angle sunset skies and environmental portraits. Easy roadside access off Riffe St with free parking and no entry fee. Visit at golden hour for warm light; spring and fall offer best foliage. Weekday mornings are quieter; trails and fields are wheelchair-accessible in parts.