Field Notes: The clear autumn views up on Sassafras Mountain
Persons react to the look at from the observation tower on Sassafras Mountain in different techniques. Some stand silent, in awe of the spectacular scene laid out before them. Some can’t assist expressing out loud, “Whoa! I experienced no idea how attractive it is up here.” Some others remark about the quietness and serenity of the setting and the ethereal sensation that you get of standing “on prime of the environment.”
No doubt about it, Sassafras is a unique position.
The observation deck is situated squarely on the condition line that separates North and South Carolina. As a subject of simple fact, a black line is painted on the stone floor of the deck to demonstrate in which the historic boundary is positioned. The condition line, at this point, is also both equally the Japanese Continental Divide and the southern limit of the large Tennessee River watershed.
But previously mentioned and over and above all the things else, it is the watch that dominates as the key attraction. On a distinct day, you can see for 40 miles. That helps make this time of calendar year the excellent opportunity to pay a visit to the Palmetto State’s greatest level. The summer season haze no more time dims the perspective. Humidity is small, temperatures are average and vivid blue, crystal clear skies are widespread.
Every time I go up on Sassafras, I am reminded of why they get in touch with them the “Blue Ridge.” The blue haze is assumed to be brought about by terpenes, volatile organic chemical substances introduced into the air by coniferous trees. The terpenes reflect and scatter the blue wavelengths of light-weight, ensuing in the various shades of blue that characterize our storied chain of historical mountains.
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Looking to the west, the chalky white cliffs of Whiteside Mountain in close proximity to Highlands, North Carolina, stand out versus an expansive qualifications of inexperienced, gray and brown. In the foreground are lakes Jocassee and Keowee, together with the well known peaks of Laurel Fork and Cane Mountains in the coronary heart of the Jocassee Gorges house.
Hunting towards the northwest, you can evidently see Richland Balsam Mountain, the maximum point on the 469-mile-lengthy Blue Ridge Parkway. In the foreground is Indian Camp Mountain, where by for hundreds of years the Cherokees gathered for their yearly deer hunts. Hunting northeast, those people with binoculars can make out the Television set tower on Mount Pisgah, close to the preferred Pisgah Inn restaurant and motel on the parkway. You can also see the Television tower on Prosperous Mountain, just outside the house Brevard, North Carolina.
Related: Following a long time of exertion, new path to Sassafras Mountain summit opens
Pivoting to the correct, you can see nevertheless one more Television tower just outside of the peak of Caesar’s Head Mountain. The view of Table Rock Mountain is blocked by tall trees along the ridge that defines the western boundary of the city of Greenville’s Desk Rock watershed.
But you can evidently see Hickory Nut, the tallest mountain in South Carolina — alongside with Pinnacle, extended considered to be the tallest mountain in South Carolina but actually coming in at 2nd spot. Even though it is the greatest point in South Carolina, half of Sassafras is in North Carolina, so it is not in the working.
Even if you have been to Sassafras right before, when circumstances were possibly less than perfect, you ought to go back again and verify it out this time of yr when apparent skies prevail and you can see eternally.
Dennis Chastain is a Pickens County naturalist, historian and previous tour tutorial. He has been crafting aspect articles or blog posts for South Carolina Wildlife magazine and other outside publications given that 1989.
