The Brown Mountain lights have been puzzling travelers, locals and scientist for nearly a decade. These strange orbs of light appear over Brown Mountain after night falls. They're in different shapes and sizes, different colors. Some rise from the trees while others merely appear in flashes. From the overlook, you can witness them...if you're lucky. The past summer, the lights barely made an appearance. While some have visited time and time again with no luck, one scientist has dedicated his studies to proving their existence and perhaps figuring out what they are.
Some believe they're marsh gas, others believe ball lightning and some blame supernatural or paranormal occurrences. Dr. Daniel Caton and colleague Lee Hawkins from the physics and astronomy department of Appalachian state have been working to capture evidence of the lights since 2011. While they're visible with your own two eyes, rarely are they captured on film or video. Right before Caton almost ended the study, he captured something truly amazing on timelapse. Below, witness for yourself the anomaly of the Brown Mountain lights captured on video.
It's pretty incredible to witness it with your own two eyes, and even more incredible all of the mysteries that hide within the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you want to read about another mystery, click here to learn about the phantom hiker of Grandfather Mountain.
Hike The Kent Mitchell Trail in North Carolina for an Unforgettable Adventure
Take in the Sights on the Kent Mitchell Trail on Bald Head Island in North Carolina and enjoy an island getaway. The transportation getting there is the most fun part!
I love North Carolina. It is such a diverse state that offers pristine beaches on one end and rugged mountain wilderness on the other. It truly amazes me the varied experiences from East to West. If you are a coastline explorer, then this one is for you: The Kent Mitchell Trail on Bald Head Island. The pace of life slows down the second you step onto an island and this trail allows for you to stroll through a rare coastal preserve and soak up the tranquil beauty. So next time you need a beach in North Carolina to explore then head over to Bald Head Island and allow all of your worries to melt away in the hot sun.
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Before you hop on the trail, you will need to get over to the island. In order to set foot on Bald Head Island you will need to take the ferry over from the Deep Port Marina in Southport. You could also travel over in your own vessel if available, but once on the island, you won’t find a vehicle. Your options for transportation are limited to a bicycle, golf cart, or your own two feet. This especially is a draw for the island because you won’t believe how peaceful it is without cars. I have always found that whenever I am on an island, life just slows down naturally, and not having a car to zoom around with makes this a destination where the pace is part of the joy.
Since a day spent on Bald Head Island is meant to be a relaxing getaway, it seems only fitting that a hiking trail also has a similar feel. The Kent Marshell Trail offers a simple paved path and boardwalks over marshlands, but if you have more time then there is a beautiful forest to explore too. If you take your time then you will get the chance to see much of the wildlife that finds their homes on the island. Some people even just go to sit on the bench and soak up the view.
Forests like this are rare along the southern coastline and are being taken over by development, so it helps to appreciate the uniqueness still offered in this preserve. The hanging moss, gnarled ash-colored trees, and bright green palm fronds make for a gorgeous backdrop for a relaxing walk.
As you meander around, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for many forms of wildlife. One prized find is spotting the endangered loggerhead turtle. On Bald Head Island, you can also see otters, alligators, and busy little crabs, among many other creatures.
You can hike as long or as little as you would like, and then after, you have a whole island to explore. Lounge on the beach, explore the lighthouse, ride a bike around the peaceful roads, or enjoy another walk. The sky is the limit!
The Kent Mitchell Trail on Bald Head Island is just the start of this ocean-side getaway. It certainly is a wonderful trail but the island as a whole makes the experience even more special. I also find it helpful while exploring an area with multiple trails to have my AllTrails app handy to check on where the paths may intersect. I would suggest doing the same before embarking on this great adventure to the east coast.
You Might Be Pleasantly Surprised to Hear the Predictions About North Carolina’s Milder-Than-Normal Upcoming Winter
This upcoming winter in North Carolina should be relatively mild. We'll see some snow and chilly temperatures, but thankfully, it shouldn't be a season of extremes.
Winter in North Carolina is always a mixed bag. Thankfully, with the help of long-range weather predictions, we're able to prepare with a certain level of confidence. One such resource that has been relied upon for generations is the Farmers' Alamanc. The Farmers' Almanac 2024 winter in North Carolina predictions are officially live, and you might be relieved to hear that this winter will be relatively "calmer and gentler." Of course, we can never be completely certain about weather events; however, these time-tested predictions give us some reassurance.
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So, how exactly does the Farmers' Almanac make its predictions each year? The answer is a mathematical and astronomical formula that takes into account several factors, including solar activity, positions of the planets, and even the moon's tidal action. This formula was developed in the early 1800s and has been passed down anonymously ever since. Most impressive of all? The almanac typically boasts an 80 percent accuracy!
By and large, throughout the entire U.S., "temperatures will be up and snowfall down." Areas that traditionally receive snowfall during winter will still see it, just not to the same extent.
The Farmers' Almanac 2024 winter in North Carolina predictions divide the state into different regions, North Carolina spanning a couple. The Appalachian region of Asheville and Western North Carolina will experience a cold and dry winter, with a bit of snowfall. The snowiest periods will occur in late December, late February, and early March.
For the rest of the state, winter will be slightly cooler in the east and along the coast and slightly warmer than normal in the west. The coldest bouts of weather will arrive in late November, late January, and late February. Precipitation will also be slightly above normal this winter for the Southeast, and the best chance of snow will be in late January and early February.
In short, it seems as though winter in North Carolina this year will have a little bit of everything: chilly temperatures and a bit of snowfall. However, compared to other years, the numbers aren't looking as extreme. No matter the forecast, though, it's never a bad idea to be prepared. For more information, check out this helpful guide on how to winterize your home. Those who live in Western North Carolina know all too well how devastating unexpected winter events can be. (Here's how you can help those still affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene).
Do you look forward to the winter season in North Carolina? What are some of your favorite things to do? If you're looking for some ideas, we've got a whole list of our recommendations for fun winter activities and adventures in North Carolina. Plus, here are nine favorite day trips to take in North Carolina when it gets cold. Don't forget to wear your coziest winter jacket!
For more information about North Carolina's upcoming winter weather forecast, check out the Farmers' Almanac predictions for the upcoming winter in North Carolina.