Discover Chatham
10 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
New Hope Overlook Campsites Area A
Rolling Pinehurst sandhills, river overlooks and wooded campsites at New Hope Overlook Campsites Area A offer intimate landscape and nature shots — dawn/sunset light on the hills and water reflections are standout. Site accessible by car with parking; primitive campground so bring gear and bug spray. Weekends busier; best light at golden hour and after rain for richer colors.
Deep River Park
Deep River Park offers rocky shoals, broad river vistas and wooded trails — ideal for waterscape and landscape shots with reflections, long-exposure silk-water effects, and seasonal foliage. Best at golden hour and after rain when currents and colors pop. Easily accessible parking and short trails from the lot; generally free entry but check local signage for closures. Weekday mornings are least crowded; bring insect repellent in summer.
Jordan lake beach
Sandy shoreline on Lake Jordan offers wide waterscapes, mirror reflections, dramatic sunsets and migratory waterfowl—great for golden-hour landscapes and nature studies. Visit at sunrise or sunset for warm light and low crowds; weekday mornings are quiet. Parking at state recreation-area lots; bring insect repellent, a day-pass or parking sticker as required. Shorelines, small jetties and nearby trails provide varied compositions; wind affects reflections, so check forecasts.
Vista Point Campground
Ridge-top campground offering panoramic views over rolling Piedmont countryside and treelines — strong for sunrise/sunset vistas, starry-night skies, and intimate campsite detail shots. Best visited at golden hour for warm side-light; weeknights and shoulder seasons reduce crowds. Car-accessible with primitive parking at campsites; check campground reservation rules and quiet hours. Weather can be variable — spring and autumn give the clearest skies and color.
Vista Point Boat Launch Parking, Jordan Lake recreation area
Small parking/boat-launch on Jordan Lake offering wide open water vistas, shoreline reflections, and bird activity. Best for sunrise and sunset color across the lake, long exposures of moving water, and minimalist compositions with piers and boats. Accessible by car with public parking at N Pea Ridge Rd; expect mosquitoes in warm months and weekends can be busy. No entry fee for the lot; bring insect repellent and a tripod.
American Tobacco Trail - Pittard Sears Trailhead
A paved rail-trail through hardwood forests, wetlands and suburban edges — ideal for moody woodland compositions, leading-line shots of the straight trail, seasonal color (fall) and reflections after rain. Pittard-Sears trailhead has parking, no fee, and ADA-accessible sections. Best light: golden hour and soft overcast; weekday mornings minimize cyclists and dog walkers.
My Little Farmer Durham
Small family farm with friendly livestock, orchards and rustic barns—great for intimate animal portraits, candid family shots and pastoral compositions. Visit mornings or golden hour for soft light; weekdays are quieter. Property is largely walkable with on-site parking; check hours/entry/seasonal events on the farm website. Expect informal, family-friendly atmosphere and opportunities for close animal interactions.
American Tobacco Trail O'Kelly Chapel Road Parking Area
Trailhead and parking for the American Tobacco Trail offering long, straight rail-trail vistas through mixed hardwoods, occasional open fields and small creek crossings—good for leading-line compositions, seasonal color and birdlife. Easy, flat access with free parking at O'Kelly Chapel Rd; wheelchair- and bike-friendly. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; weekdays and early mornings minimize walkers and cyclists. No entry fee.
Constellation Park
Small community green space in Chapel Hill offering lawns, tree lines, walking paths and neighborhood views — good for intimate landscape and lifestyle shots. Visit at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and long exposures. Easily accessible with street parking; no entry fee. Weekdays are quieter.
Bear Creek
Small rural creek with tree-lined banks, mossy rocks and seasonal reflections — great for intimate waterscape and landscape images. Best at golden hour or overcast days for soft light and saturated greens; autumn brings color contrast. Accessible from NC-902 with roadside pullouts; confirm public access and respect private property. Minimal facilities or parking, so bring walking shoes and waterproof protection for gear.