Hibriten Mountain

Magic on the Mountain

Hibriten Mountain stands as one of North Carolina’s most recognizable natural landmarks, rising proudly above Lenoir and the surrounding foothills. Award-winning photographer Chad Austin has long been captivated by its presence—an obsession that led him to explore the mountain from every possible angle, in every season, and under every kind of light. Through his lens, Hibriten is more than a peak; it’s a symbol of place, memory, and enduring beauty, captured in compositions that balance artistic vision with documentary precision.

Chad’s deep connection to Hibriten Mountain extends beyond photography. He built and maintains the comprehensive website HibritenMountain.com, conducting extensive research at the Caldwell County Museum to chronicle the mountain’s history, legends, and cultural significance. Nearly every image on the site is his own, reflecting years of dedication to both the art and the story of Hibriten. This category is a celebration of that passion—a visual archive that preserves the mountain’s spirit for generations to come.