Go bear "hunting" near Cashiers and "shoot" one with your camera. The Shadow of the Bear is a unique natural phenomenon that appears for just 30 minutes daily on sunny days between 5:30-6:15 PM, mid-October through early November. 

Watch from Rhodes Big View Overlook on scenic US Highway 64, a few miles west of Cashiers and five miles east of Highlands. This natural spectacle draws crowds, so proceed with caution when visiting the overlook. 

Insider tip: Few visitors know the shadow also appears during a "Secret Season" from mid-February to early March, when you can enjoy the same views without the crowds. Visit on weekdays for maximum solitude, then explore charming inns and popular restaurants in the nearby mountain towns.