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Editor's note: How well do you know our community? Are you itching to try something, or somewhere, new in 2019? This week, the Times-News is running a series of stories about local activities, events or places that should be on your bucket list for 2019. You don't have to travel far to go on an adventure, try a new cuisine or brewery, or make an impact. What's on your bucket list? Send your ideas for Bucket List 2019 to [email protected] or find the story posts on Facebook and we'll share it in a future article.
Sunsets happen every day, but Western North Carolina offers the chance to view the sun setting from one its many peaks with views of mountains in the distance and valleys below.
Here are a few great spots in the area to catch a sunset.
Jump Off Rock, Laurel Park
4501 Laurel Park Highway, Laurel Park, NC 28739
The top of Echo Mountain offers a panoramic view of Pisgah National Forest to the west. It’s easily accessible, too, by car. All it takes is a curvy drive up Laurel Park Highway to the end.
The overlook is only a short walk from the parking lot. There’s also a short network of trails to walk along as you wait for the sun to set over the mountains. There is sign that points out the mountain peaks such as Mt. Pisgah and Cold Mountain.
Bearwallow Mountain, Gerton
A bit harder to access but still worth the trip is a hike up Bearwallow Mountain near Gerton. The mountain’s summit features a grassy meadow with a 360-degree view more than 4,000 feet above sea level.
Aside from a great place to watch the sunset, you can also view Mt. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River, Hickory Nut Gorge and a historic fire lookout tower.
It’s about a two-mile hike round trip, moderately strenuous, and then an easier trail to the summit. The trailhead is located on Bearwallow Mountain Road, about a two-mile drive from Gerton and U.S. 74 Alt.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Of course, the Blue Ridge Parkway is an easy way to catch a sunset with its numerous overlooks. From Hendersonville, the parkway can be accessed via U.S. 276 through the Pisgah National Forest or N.C. 191 near the N.C. Arboretum.
It’s about a two-hour drive from taking the parkway from Hendersonville, but Waterrock Knob, at milepost 451.2, is one of the most popular spots along the parkway to view the sun setting on the Great Smoky Mountains on the horizon. The hike to the summit offers views from sunrise to sunset, but the parking area is also great spot to view the sunset.
Other nearby sunset viewing spots on the parkway, as recommended by www.southeasterntraveler.com, include Craggy Gardens (milepost 364.2), Mt. Pisgah (milepost 408.6), the top of Devil’s Courthouse (milepost 422.4) and Cowee Mountain overlook (milepost 430.7).