Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower
Jocassee Gorges, South Carolina · 3,553 ft
South Carolina's high point carries a steel tower that clears the treeline and opens views into the Jocassee Gorges and across the state line. The deck is open on all sides, so sunrise and sunset both work from the same footprint.
Typical peak
Oct 16 – Oct 24
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Works at both ends of the day
Crowds
moderate
Fills up mid-morning. Arriving for first light is usually enough.
Getting there
Drive F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway off US 178 at Rocky Bottom to the summit lot, then walk about 200 yards of paved path to the tower.
What turns here
- red maple
- northern red oak
- sourwood
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 20Typical color progression for Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower. 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.
Color starts around Sep 29.
Light at peak
Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower on October 20, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:15 AM |
| Sunrise Rises ESE · 102° | 7:41 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 8:15 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:16 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 6:16 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 258° | 6:50 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:16 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 11h 9m · 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.