The North Carolina mountains are full of mystery and magic, and one you can experience for yourself is the Shadow of the Bear. Seasonally, twice a year, the elusive shadow appears on the side of Whiteside Mountain.
Twice a year, in autumn and early spring, the shadow appears. This season, it can be viewed from mid-October to early November. The shadow begins to take form at 5:30PM and is visible until six. It's an incredible sight for those who have yet to see it. Be sure to bring your camera!
Near Cashiers off US 64, Whiteside Mountain is 4,390 ft. in the sky and home to sheer rock cliffs that are some of the highest on the east coast. The best spot for catching the Shadow of the Bear is off US 64 at Rhodes Big View Overlook.
Visit NC posted this incredible video to their YouTube account to give you an idea of what it's like to witness it in person. Watch below
You don't want to miss out on witnessing the shadow of the bear for yourself! You know it's magical when it only occurs twice a year, and your chance to see it this season is now! Have you ever seen the Shadow of the Bear?
This Natural Wonder in North Carolina Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a stunning garden where visitors can enjoy a children's garden, conservatory with orchids and tropical plants, canal garden, walking trails, and much more. In all, the garden features about 30 acres of beautifully manicured gardens. The botanical garden also hosts regular events and seasonal events.
North Carolina has incredible, must-see sites, from Biltmore to the Outer Banks and Great Smokey Mountains National Park. In addition to these popular, widely recognized places, there are many more hidden gem attractions. Belmont, North Carolina, a small city about 20 miles southwest of Charlotte, is home to a showstopper. The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is 380 acres of beautifully preserved land.
Daniel Stowe, a textile businessman from Belmont, North Carolina, reserved the land and established a foundation to care for it in 1991. He wanted to see the property developed into one of the best botanical gardens in the world. In the years since, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has figuratively and literally thrived. A 13,000-square-foot Visitor Pavilion opened in 1999, and an orchid conservatory opened in 2008. There's also a children's garden, Perrenial Gardens, the Four Seasons Garden, and Cottage Garden, each with distinct natural features. The Ragan Canal Garden is centered around a long, narrow canal bordered by seasonal plants and water features.
Indoors in the Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden during the annual Art & Orchids event. The display featured exotic plants and orchids as well as displays showing how to grow and care for orchids. The Orchid Conservatory is part of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden which is a 380 acre botanical garden founded by Daniel J. Stowe who was a textile executive. The Garden has fountains, trails, formal gardens, a children’s garden and natural areas.
Visitors can enjoy many activities at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. After exploring the Visitor Pavilion, which has gardens, fountains, restrooms, and a garden store, visitors can check out the five-story glass conservatory with orchids and tropical plants. Kids can explore the playspaces and amphitheater in the children's garden. The property also has trails, including the Carolina Thread Trail, Persimmon Trail, and Meadowood Walk. Some trails run near Lake Wylie, offering walkers stunning water views.
The botanical garden hosts many events throughout the year. There are seasonal runs and event series like Immersive Garden Mornings, where attendants connect with nature. Several specific events occur during the holiday season, like Holidays at the Garden, where visitors can enjoy holiday lights displays, visits with Santa, holiday cocktails, and rides on a trackless train. The garden also hosts wreath-making, jazz music, and sip-and-paint events. The Bright Lights 5K is an annual fun run through the garden's lights displays.
Daniel Stowe Canal Gardens in Belmont, North Carolina, the Canal Garden
Belmont, North Carolina, is known for its role in the early 20th-century textile industry. It has about 15,000 residents and fantastic antique malls, like the Catawba River Antique Mall and Piccolo Antique Mall. Sammy's Neighborhood Pub serves delicious pub food in Belmont. The Abbey Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, known colloquially as the Belmont Abbey, is a beautiful and historic place to visit. The abbey is closely tied to a Benedictine monastery where monks live, work, and teach at the nearby Belmont Abbey College.
If you'd like to visit Belmont, North Carolina, consider staying at the Hampton Inn Belmont at Montcross, which is very close to Belmont Abbey College.
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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Red vintage bicycle with basket and flowers leaning on wooden fence at beach.
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.
