The Shadow of the Bear,

Whiteside Mountain, NC

The Shadow of the Bear is a natural occurrence in the Great Smoky Mountains, specifically in Rhodes Valley below Whiteside Mountain, Jackson County.  Comes from the natural phenomenon, where the autumnal sun forms a bear-shaped shadow on Whiteside Mountain's valley floor. It appears as a bear-shaped shadow, caused by the autumnal sun's position.

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The shadow can be seen for approximately 30 minutes daily, between 5:30 and 6:15 PM, from mid-October to early November and mid-February to early March. Weather conditions may affect visibility.

The Best Viewing Spot is at the Rhodes Big View Overlook, off US Highway 64, is the recommended spot.  It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and marks the entrance to Jackson County.

Tips:

• Arrive early for a good viewing spot.
• Bring a camera.
• Exercise caution due to the steep and uneven terrain.
• Note that visibility can vary due to the natural nature of the phenomenon.
• Consider weekday visits to avoid crowds.

The term "Shadow of the Bear" emerged in the mid-20th century, although the phenomenon predates this by thousands of years. It's thought to have been coined by early settlers and explorers.

Bear Symbolism

The name reflects the bear's importance in many cultures and languages. For instance, "arktos" is the Greek word for bear, also used for the constellation Ursa Major, or the "Great Bear". Similarly, "ursus" is the Latin word for bear, leading to the names of the constellation and the English term "ursine", meaning "bear-like".  The French word for bear, "ours", has a similar origin in Latin.

The name "Shadow of the Bear" not only refers to the natural phenomenon but also underscores the cultural and linguistic significance of the bear in various societies and mythologies. It's a tribute to the enduring human fascination with the bear.

In summary, the name "Shadow of the Bear" is a mid-20th century development, directly tied to the bear-shaped shadow and acknowledging the bear's cultural and linguistic importance across different societies and histories.

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