Southern Mountains

In Search Of The Shadow Of The Bear

As the magic hour of 5-o'clock nears, spectators begin to gather on the side of Highway 64, right on the scenic and mountainous 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 there for the spectacular view. But all are waiting to see one thing: the legendary "Shadow of the Bear,” a naturally-occurring phenomenon that makes its appearance for just a few weeks in the fall and the spring. It is one of the most unique leaf-looking experiences in the country.

The Bear is visible for 30 minutes on sunny days between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. from mid-October through early November. It starts with a small dark shadow at the bottom of the valley, and it grows seemingly evolving from a turtle to a cat to a floppy-eared dog and finally into the Bear. See a one-minute time lapse video of the shadow forming here. 

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. The best viewing spot for The Bear is right off Highway 64 in a place called the “Rhodes Big View Overlook,” but be aware of busy highway traffic when parking and leaving the site. This phenomenon also occurs in late winter from mid-February through early March.

By the numbers:

5:30 p.m.: The time of day the “Shadow of the Bear” begins to form

30 minutes: The number of minutes the Bear is visible

6 weeks: The total weeks out of the year “The Shadow of the Bear” is visible

4,930 feet: The height of Whiteside Mountain, where the “Shadow of the Bear” can be viewed

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

added: October 20, 2010

updated: September 12, 2012