Black Rock Mountain Summit Overlook
Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia · 3,622 ft
The summit overlooks sit on the Eastern Continental Divide and drop into the valleys toward North Carolina, stacking ridge lines four and five deep. Morning fog pools below and leaves the colored ridge tops standing above it.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Oct 16 – Oct 24
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
Drive Black Rock Mountain Parkway from US 441 in Mountain City to the visitor center lot at the top, where the overlooks are a few steps from the parking area.
What turns here
- red maple
- tulip poplar
- northern red oak
- sourwood
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 20Typical color progression for Black Rock Mountain Summit Overlook. No change from Sep 12 to Sep 29. First color from Sep 29 to Oct 8. Approaching peak from Oct 8 to Oct 16. Peak from Oct 16 to Oct 24. Past peak from Oct 24 to Nov 3. Bare from Nov 3 to Nov 17.
Black Rock Mountain Summit Overlook is typically at no change on this date.
Light at peak
Black Rock Mountain Summit Overlook on October 20, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:18 AM |
| Sunrise Rises ESE · 102° | 7:43 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 34 min of low, warm light | 8:18 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:18 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 34 min before sunset | 6:18 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 258° | 6:53 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:19 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 11h 10m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.