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Come February, seeing the shadow of a certain furry creature brings the dread of a longer winter. But in Jackson County, North Carolina, nature lovers eagerly await the shadow of another wild animal. In the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains, now is the time of year to catch a glimpse of The Shadow of the Bear, a natural phenomenon that happens for a short time, just twice a year.
Not an actual bear, of course, the phenomenon involves the position of the sun behind the mountains which casts a shadow that looks just like a pretty chill ursid lounging in the evening glow. From mid-February to early March, locals and in-the-know tourists head from Highlands or Cashiers, NC along Highway 64 to Rhodes Big View Overlook, the best spot to see the shadow. Cue the Insta gold.
As the sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain, the shadow grows from a small dark spot to a full-fledged bear shape. Beginning around 5:30pm, the phenomenon lasts for a mere 30 minutes. Conditions have to be just right, however: it must be a sunny day and the sun has to be at a certain angle, hence the brief viewing window in February and March. Mountain haze, rain, and other conditions can hamper the appearance as well.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate for a February/March viewing, all is not lost. The towns of Cashiers and Highlands are well worth a visit on their own. Plus, you can enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains during one of the quietest times of the year. Scenic drives, snowy mountain views, waterfall hikes and popular trails are all the more enjoyable with fewer people around. You can also try again in mid-October through early November, when the bear’s shadow is enhanced by the stunning reds, yellows and oranges of the region’s famed fall foliage.