Whiteside Mountain
Majestic peak with stunning panoramic views and the rare 'Shadow of the Bear' phenomenon. Offers a moderately challenging 2.1-mile loop trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shadow of the Bear phenomenon
Whiteside Mountain
Best Time
Shadow of the Bear phenomenon
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic peak with stunning panoramic views and the rare 'Shadow of the Bear' phenomenon. Offers a moderately challenging 2.1-mile loop trail.
"Whiteside Mountain: the hike that tricked me into thinking I’m an outdoors person. My favorite trail yet!"
🎯 Go Left for Easier Ascent
Take the gravel path to the left for a more gradual climb; return the same way for an easier hike.
🐻 Secure Your Food!
Bears are present. Keep dogs leashed and never leave food in your car or on the trail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shadow of the Bear
Rhodes Big View Overlook
Witness a rare natural phenomenon where a bear-shaped shadow appears on the mountain as the sun sets.
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Various overlooks along the trail
Breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and valleys await.
Unique Rock Formations
Eastern cliffs
Explore the dramatic sheer cliffs and interesting rock features that give Whiteside Mountain its name.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Shadow of the Bear
Trail Difficulty & Dog-Friendly Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Left for Easier Ascent
Take the gravel path to the left for a more gradual climb; return the same way for an easier hike.
🐻 Secure Your Food!
Bears are present. Keep dogs leashed and never leave food in your car or on the trail.
📸 Capture the Views
Numerous scenic overlooks offer fantastic photo opportunities. Allow 1.5 hours for the hike.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail can be steep and rocky in parts, especially after rain. Good hiking shoes are recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Left for Easier Ascent
Take the gravel path to the left for a more gradual climb; return the same way for an easier hike.
🐻 Secure Your Food!
Bears are present. Keep dogs leashed and never leave food in your car or on the trail.
📸 Capture the Views
Numerous scenic overlooks offer fantastic photo opportunities. Allow 1.5 hours for the hike.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail can be steep and rocky in parts, especially after rain. Good hiking shoes are recommended.
📱 Use AllTrails App
Great for trail details and navigation, especially if you're exploring new areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Whiteside Mountain for its stunning panoramic views and the unique 'Shadow of the Bear' phenomenon. The trail is generally well-maintained, offering a moderately challenging hike with options for easier routes. Some find the steeper sections challenging, and crowds can be an issue during peak times.
"Moderately difficult trail if you do the whole loop. The trail to the right is quite steep and was washed out in spots from recent rains which made it quite difficult. Also the top is at 4930ft. elevation, which also adds to the difficulty. Some but not all of the hard parts have stairs. If you want an easier trek, take the trail to the left both up and back. You will still be able to see all the views but the hike will be longer. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash and it is advisable since there are bears on the mountain! Also I would not recommend taking food on the mountain or leaving it in your car because of the bears.
The trail has many viewing spots with great views. This was well worth the time spent!"
Greg Hart
"This is a great hike for all ages. If you want to keep it easy go up and come back down the same way. The loop is more moderate. The views are amazing and worth the hike."
Paul W. Peel
"This trail is a 2.1 mile moderately hard look trail. The easiest is to go left up the gravel path and down the right side of the loop. Many great scenic lookouts. Totally a must hike trail. A normal walking pace with stops to enjoy the view and take pics, took us 1.5 hours. You could do it faster or slower but 1.5hrs is about average."
RSV4 Pilot
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Whiteside Mountain is located near Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina. Access is typically via Highway 64 West. Parking is available at the trailhead.
Yes, there is a parking area at the Whiteside Mountain trailhead. It can get busy, especially during peak seasons.
No, you cannot drive to the summit. The summit is accessible via hiking trails only.
The main viewpoints are accessible via the Whiteside Mountain Trail. For the 'Shadow of the Bear,' Rhodes Big View Overlook on Highway 64 West is recommended.
While the trail itself is free to access, some nearby attractions or parking areas might have small fees. Check local advisories.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Whiteside Mountain is a natural attraction and does not require tickets for entry to the hiking trails.
The trails are generally accessible from dawn to dusk. There are no set operating hours for the natural landscape.
Yes, Whiteside Mountain is open year-round, though trail conditions can vary with weather, especially in winter.
While there aren't official guided tours for the trail itself, local tourism offices or outdoor outfitters in Highlands/Cashiers may offer guided hikes.
Visiting on a weekday morning or during the shoulder seasons (spring/fall outside of peak foliage) can help you avoid the largest crowds.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The 2.1-mile loop trail typically takes about 1.5 hours to complete at a normal pace with stops for photos.
The trail is considered moderately difficult. The loop has steep sections, but an easier out-and-back option exists via the gravel path.
Restroom facilities are typically limited at trailheads in this region. It's advisable to use facilities in nearby towns like Highlands or Cashiers before you arrive.
Bring water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes, and consider layers of clothing. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also recommended.
Yes, families with young children can enjoy the hike, especially by taking the easier out-and-back route. You may need to carry younger children in certain spots.
📸 📸 Photography
The numerous overlooks along the trail offer stunning panoramic views. The 'Shadow of the Bear' viewing from Rhodes Big View Overlook is a unique photographic opportunity. 
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides beautiful lighting. Late afternoon is also ideal for capturing the 'Shadow of the Bear.'
Drone usage is often restricted in national forests and recreation areas to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant details.
The steep cliffs require caution when photographing. Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for varying light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and consider carrying younger children if they get tired. The moderate difficulty means it's a manageable outing that offers big rewards in terms of scenery. It's a fantastic way to introduce children to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Trail Enthusiasts
+1 Utilizing apps like AllTrails can provide detailed trail information and safety features. Trail enthusiasts will appreciate the varied terrain, from the steeper sections to the more gradual gravel path, and the consistently breathtaking panoramic views. The opportunity to witness the 'Shadow of the Bear' adds a unique natural phenomenon to the hiking checklist.
+1 Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans and estimated return time, as is standard practice for solo excursions. 📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
+1 The sheer cliffs and interesting rock formations provide compelling foreground elements for landscape shots. The 'Shadow of the Bear' phenomenon is a truly special photographic opportunity, drawing many visitors specifically to capture this elusive event.
+1 Photographers should be prepared for varying light conditions and potentially challenging terrain near the cliffs. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vastness of the views, and a telephoto lens can be useful for details or wildlife. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the 'Shadow of the Bear'
+1To best witness this event, head to the Rhodes Big View Overlook along US Highway 64 West, situated between Cashiers and Highlands. It's recommended to arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to secure a good viewing spot and watch the shadow take shape. While the phenomenon is natural, its appearance is dependent on clear skies and the specific angle of the sun.
+1Many visitors consider seeing the 'Shadow of the Bear' a bucket-list experience and a highlight of visiting the Western North Carolina mountains. It's a testament to the unique beauty and natural wonders found in this region, offering a memorable experience for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Navigating the Whiteside Mountain Trail
For those seeking a less strenuous hike, the trail to the left is a more gradual, gravel path. Many visitors recommend taking this path for both the ascent and descent to enjoy the views without the intense climbs. This option still provides access to the spectacular overlooks that make Whiteside Mountain so popular.
Regardless of the route chosen, the trail is well-maintained and offers numerous viewing spots. Hikers are advised to wear sturdy footwear, bring water, and be prepared for changing mountain weather. The elevation at the summit is approximately 4,930 feet, which can add to the perceived difficulty for some.
Wildlife and Safety on the Mountain
To prevent attracting bears, it's crucial to properly store all food items. This means not leaving any food unattended on the trail and ensuring that no food scraps are left behind. It's also strongly advised not to leave food in your vehicle, as this can attract bears to the parking area. Following 'Leave No Trace' principles is essential for preserving the natural environment.
In addition to bears, hikers may encounter other local fauna. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and avoid feeding them. By being mindful and prepared, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Whiteside Mountain while contributing to the preservation of its ecosystem.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit