Discovering Chapel Hill's Picture-Perfect Fall Locations: Most Instagramable Chapel Hill Photo Locations

As a family lifestyle photographer based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of fall each year. The vibrant foliage, crisp air, and golden light make this season ideal for capturing precious family moments. Here’s a list of my favorite locations around Chapel Hill that offer stunning backdrops for fall family photos.

1. Johnston Mill Nature Preserve

2713 Mt Sinai Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

For a more secluded and intimate setting, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve offers a serene escape into nature. The preserve's trails wind through lush woods and alongside picturesque streams, creating a peaceful ambiance for family sessions. The golden leaves and quiet trails provide a tranquil and picturesque environment, ideal for capturing candid moments.

2. Forest Theater

123 S Boundary St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

The Forest Theater at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a hidden gem with its stone amphitheater set amidst the woods. The surrounding forest bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors during the fall, providing a dramatic and enchanting backdrop. This location is ideal for families looking for a unique and picturesque setting with a touch of history and culture.

3. Merritt’s Pasture - Via Morgan Creek Trail

Parking access off of Fordham Blvd. in Chapel Hill

Merritt’s Pasture, accessible via the Morgan Creek Trail, offers expansive meadows framed by wooded areas. This open space is perfect for capturing the vastness of the landscape against the backdrop of the changing leaves. The gentle hills and open sky make it an ideal spot for families who love nature and want a more relaxed, outdoor setting for their photos.

4. Fearrington Village

https://fearrington.com

Fearrington Village is such a beautiful and magic space for family photos. Walk around the gardens, visit the goats, enjoy the cows - all the variety and animals make it a fun experience for children and adults alike.


Hello there and thank you for stopping by! I’m Katrina, the heartbeat behind Fifty Two Hundred Photo + Film, in Durham, North Carolina. I specialize in capturing meaningful and precious memories for remarkable families in North Carolina. I hope you enjoyed this story I shared today and if you are interested in learning more about The Time Capsule membership, or let’s connect. Not quite ready to connect, but you would like to follow along the journey? Follow me on Instagram and let’s be friends!


Katrina is a family photographer and family filmmaker in Durham, North Carolina. She offers lifestyle newborn photography, family photography and family videography which focuses on capturing authentic and honest moments for families. Her clients love that not only do they get digital files from their session but artwork to display in their home. She is happy to custom albums so you can revisit your favorite memories for years to come! Be sure to check out the Adobe partnership to see Katrina sharing her knowledge on capturing magical light to highlight the essence of each family. 

Want an easy way to make something beautiful out of all your phone photos and videos? Learn more about the Time Capsule Membership here

Katrina serves Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Carrboro, Apex, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Sarah Potts