Springtime Sunset in Montford Cove
If you’re driving to Lake Lure or Chimney Rock from I-40, you’ll pass through this tiny hamlet along your way. There’s no town, just a Baptist church, but the valley raises Black Angus cattle and high protein hay. There’s a 1,900 foot mountain with a wonderful southern view toward Charlotte and South Carolina. Sunset seems to be the best time of day for color and texture.
That’s Long Mountain on the left, with a very distant King’s Mountain to the far right horizon. Charlotte is just near the center, and is visible at night.
The distant ridge is Tryon Mountain along the South Carolina line. Next comes Bill’s Mountain just east of Lake Lure.
This decaying 19th century farmhouse stands guard over expansive hay fields.
Long Mountain hides in the shadows as the last rays stream across the fields.
A panoramic view of the valley shows the first greens of spring spreading up the slopes.
Living in The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina- A Blog 
Just beautiful photos. The view of Long Mt and King Mt, almost looks like a painting, Love all the different hues of blues, a dash of orange then purplish color pops at you in the one of Tryon Mountain. It’s a shame that farmhouse is left to decay, such a pretty setting. And lastly the glorious sunset on Long mountain. I’m sure everyday as you trek around more green will be showing and more surprises. Thanks as always for sharing
I just came across these on a Google image search. The first photo is now the McClure farm but was originally in my family (the Harrises) for over a century. The green pasture was originally plotted in soybean and fodder. Obscured by the colorful hillock in the bottom right would be my family’s home place, an old white wooden farmhouse built by my great grandfather, Bulo Harris, in the 1890s, who built several houses around the Covey. Regarding the third picture and the decaying farmhouse, my great aunts were the last to live in what we always called “the brick house” as we were always told it was the first house made of brick in Rutherford County (and likely may have been slave brick). It’s indeed a shame it was left to decay and was never salvaged for historical preservation. I’ve seen a lot of the world, but the Cove is a magical place and the light and clouds there can be like no other. Your photos captured it well.
Thank you so much, Greg… I love that area, and pass through it almost daily. Grassy Mountain, Pinnacle Peak, all have meaning for me. Everett Mountain has the best color of anywhere in all of North Carolina. Please “follow” my blog so you will always see what I’m posting. Vann Helms