Quirky NC

In Search Of The Shadow Of The Bear

As the magic hour of 5-o'clock nears, they begin to gather on the side of Highway 64, right on the Jackson/Macon county line just west of Cashiers.

Many carry tripods and expensive cameras. Others bring small digital cameras or camera phones. A few are just here for the view. But All are waiting to see one thing: the legendary "Shadow of the Bear", a naturally-occuring phenomenon that makes its appearance for just a few weeks in the fall and the spring.

At just around 5:30 on a crisp October afternoon, one amateur photographer spots a small dark spot at the bottom of the valley. The half-hour shadow show has begun. The crowd on the side of the road marvels as the shadow grows, seemingly evolving from a turtle to a cat to a floppy-eared dog and finally into The Bear.

It is one of the most unique leaf-looking experiences in the country, and it is visible for 30 minutes on sunny days between 5:30 and 6 p.m. from mid-October through early November.

During that period, the bear-like shadow comes out of hibernation when the autumnal sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain. The mountain, with an elevation of 4,930 feet, boasts sheer rock cliffs that are among the highest in the eastern United States. It provides a splendid setting for viewing leaves throughout autumn, especially during the emergence of the bear.

Visitors come from near and far to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon, which also occurs in the late winter from mid-February through early March.

If you're interested in seeing The Bear, the best viewing spot is right off of Highway 64 in a place called the "Rhodes Big View Overlook".  If you're coming from Cashiers, the spot is on your left 4.3 miles west of the traffic light. If you're coming from Highlands, the viewing area is just over the Jackson County line on your right. Please be aware of busy highway traffic when parking, viewing, and leaving the site.

For more information, contact the Jackson County Visitors Center or Cashiers Area Travel and Tourism.

See a one-minute time lapse video of the shadow forming here.

added: October 20, 2010

updated: October 13, 2011