5 of Georgia's Best Sunrise and Sunset Views
Traveling and camping around Georgia, I've seen my fair share of gorgeous skies. These five destinations are the best places to experience twilight transformations.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Magnificent ruins, wild horses, and miles of sandy beach make camping on Cumberland Island an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, the day-use visitors ferry back to the mainland, leaving behind a limited number of overnight campers. There’s nothing like watching the sun rise over the Atlantic from the deserted beach on Cumberland Island.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
The twilight hours are glorious in the Okefenokee Swamp. The glassy blackwater reflects pretty pinks and orange hues of the clouds above. Birds and frogs join voices with a chorus of crickets. In the evening, the sun makes way for the best view of stars in Georgia. In the mornings, carefully woven spider webs glisten with droplets of dew. It's a magical time for visitors in the swamp.
Brasstown Bald
When it comes to watching the sun set over the great state of Georgia, there is simply no comparison to this view. A visit to Brasstown Bald takes visitors to the highest summit in the state. As the sun rises and sets, the rolling silhouette of the Northeast Georgia mountains is a spectacular sight to behold.
Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island
A well-known location for hauntingly beautiful photos, Driftwood Beach is located on the northern end of Jekyll Island. The twisted, gnarled remains of island trees are especially beautiful as twilight colors scatter across the sky, creating an interesting play of light and shadow.
Bell Mountain
The Bell Mountain Park and Historical Site overlooks the tallest mountain in Georgia, Brasstown Bald, the small town of Hiawassee, Lake Chatuge, and North Carolina. The road to the first parking lot is very steep and winding. Once at the parking lot, a short trail leads to the summit, where a second viewing platform (at 3,424-foot elevation) overlooks Lake Chatuge. The 360-degree view of the surrounding forests, lake, and mountains is awe-inspiring, and night viewing offers a fantastic view of the stars.
