Shadow of the Bear NC Mountains

October 7, 2021

Places To Go

“The Shadow of the Bear” NC Mountains Annual Fall Visitor

The Shadow of the Bear NC mountains’ annual fall visitor will make an appearance soon. Every fall foliage season Whiteside Mountain in Jackson County gets an unusual visitor. At sunset, this visitor slowly creeps across the valley of the mountain growing larger with every minute. The unusual visitor is a bear, or “The Shadow of the Bear”. When conditions are just right in late October as the sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain the “shadow of the bear” is visible for about 30 minutes between 5:30-6:15 PM. It must be sunny and it only lasts for about 30 minutes. Conditions must be just right. Rain clouds, fog, haze, or cloudy conditions can prevent the shadow from being visible.

When And Where

It takes place only for about 3 weeks, from mid-October (10/15) through early November (11/10). Its trek across the mountain valley is a treat to see during the fall foliage months. But “the shadow of the bear” also repeats its journey in winter from mid-February through early March.

To see the Shadow of the Bear you must be very lucky or very dedicated. Weather conditions must be just right. And it may take multiple trips to the overlook on different days before the conditions are right and the shadow can be seen shadow crossing the valley. And taking a photo is even more difficult!

Whiteside Mountain

Whiteside Mountain has an elevation of 4,930 feet. Its sheer rock cliffs are among the highest in the eastern United States. Whitetop Mountain is located in Jackson County, NC. The shadow of the mountain at sunset cast upon the lower valley looks very much like a bear walking across the treetops. To view this unusual site go to Rhodes Big View Overlook on US Highway 64. The overlook is a few miles west of Cashiers and five miles east of Highlands. But the overlook is not marked! See directions below to find Rhodes Big View Overlook.

Directions

From Cashiers – Beginning at the traffic light at the intersection of Highway 64 and NC 107 in Cashiers, travel west on Highway 64 (toward Highlands) for about 4.3 miles. The Rhodes Big View Overlook, which is not marked, is on the left. If you reach the sign for the entrance to the Whiteside Mountain Trail, you have gone too far and missed the overlook.

From Highlands – Head east on Highway 64 and travel a little over 5 miles. The overlook is just past the sign to Whiteside Mountain Trail and just over the Jackson County line. The overlook will be on the right. Park in the pull-off area across the road from the overlook. Be careful, the area can be crowded, and beware of oncoming traffic.

From Asheville – Take I-26 to exit 40/Highway 280/Airport exit to Brevard. Then follow U.S. 64 to Cashiers. About 70 miles and about 2.5 hours driving time.

Shadow of the Bear Location and Map of Highlands and Cahiers Area

 

Rhodes Big View Overlook

Cashiers, NC

64 Cashiers Rd, Highlands, NC 28741

Highlands, NC 28741

 

The Cullasaja Gorge

While in the area of Highlands, NC a ride on the Cullasaja Gorge is a must. It is located along US 64 between Franklin and Highlands, NC. The gorge is a 7.5-mile ride along the Cullasaja River. This road is narrow, steep, and full of twists and turns. Drive slow and be very cautious of oncoming traffic.

The views of the mountains, the forest, and the river are just spectacular. There are several waterfalls located along the way. The waterfall Bridal Veil Falls, just 1.2 miles west of Highlands.  Dry Falls has a 75-foot waterfall with a nice view of the river. From Dry Falls parking area, a short trail leads you behind the waterfall ( so you stay dry). Also, a walkway provides a great view of the waterfall from the parking area. Other falls along the Cullasaja Gorge are Quarry Falls and Cullasaja Falls. In autumn a ride on the Cullasaja George is so beautiful when the leaves are golden yellow, orange, and red.

 

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