Tourism

Today, a U.S. Forestry Service sign even marks the best area for viewing these mysterious lights. Write to: tarheel@unforgettable.com (http://members.nbci.com/ncghosts/lights.htm)

The following is an excerpt from a Pamphlet published by McDowell County Tourism: Brown Mountain Lights - The region's most popular mystery! On certain clear evenings, small but brilliant spherical lights or orbs can be seen bobbing up and down, disappearing and then reappearing. This mystery has attracted thousands of curiosity seekers over the centuries. Extensive scientific research has failed to explain the phenomenon..." - "Mountain Treasures" (Tourism Brochure) One of the members of the ATV Connection may have solved the mystery: MyScrambler wrote: "I plan on taking it easy on the trails during the day so I can site see but at night I plan on being one of the faster UFOs in the hills. Ya'll have heard the story of the Brown Mountain Lights haven't ya. The X-Files even did a show on them. It seems many people over the years saw the atv and truck lights bouncing around up on the mountain from far away and thought they were UFOs." Other information may be obtained at the Forest Rangers office at exit 90 of I-40. They will provide detailed instructions, a brochure on the Brown Mountain ORV area, a Map of the Trails, and a list of Emergency Phone Numbers. They also have a gift shop and a one-room museum. There is a Kawasaki dealer on the other side of the exit, if you need one. UNOFFICIAL DIRECTIONS: Nearest to Morganton, NC. I-40 to Morganton, North on 18 through town then 181 North. About 15 miles past Grandpas Music Barn on left. Right on Brown Mountain Road (right after Space Station). After first bridge, take a left on dirt road., continue to top. DIRECTIONS (from Brown Mountain ORV brochure) From I-40E take exit 100. Turn left. Drive without turning until you come to a T intersection with Highway 181. Turn left and travel on 181. Turn right on Brown Mountain Beach Road (State Road 1405) at a small wooden church on the right. The OHV entrance is about 5 miles east on the left side, 300 feet from a small concrete bridge at the Forest service sign. A map of Pisgah National Forest, including allowed activities, is provided at Pisgah Home Page For camping information, you can call Grandfather Ranger District (828) 652-2144. There is a daily users fee of $3.00 per ATV. Payment is through a voluntary pay system in the parking area. The Brown Mountain ORV area closes from January 2 through March 15. (http://trailrunners.bizland.com/reviewpage.htm)