The Viewing Area

Wiseman's View (top)

Hawksbill and Tablerock mountains

Sten-

Here is where WE view it from (there are reports from various angles, but this is the popular one here). Go to topo maps, search on "Wisemans View" in North Carolina. You will need to zoom in to the closest or next closest range to see Wisemans View labeled. We look eastward out over the Linville Gorge, over "Tablerock Mtn." and Hawksbill Mtn. I have not taken the time to see how this relates to the view you recommended--I could not figure out where I was in that view. This overlook viewpoint is our viewing place. There are reports of seeing them from a Blue Ridge Parkway overlook and from Blowing Rock, far to the northeast. Dan

Note:

1...There is a road that goes southward from Hawksbill Mountain to about half-way to Table Mountain where it turns into a dirt road. There are a number of spots where car headlights would be seen on the ridgeline as the car turns towards the Wiseman's Viewing area.

2...Dan mentions a small airport. The topo map shows no such feature within 10 miles eastwards of the Wiseman Viewing area looking due east.

1....The best place for trying to view the lights is from a scenic overlook on Route 181. Just head north from Morganton on Route 181 for about 12 miles. (see above map) The overlook is a gravel parking lot off to the side of the road. The overlook affords a good view of Brown Mountain which is about 3.5 miles due east. ((http://www.busprod.com/michael/spooklight/BrnMtn.htm) )

2....The best place to view them is at Wiseman's View on Highway 105 near Morganton. Curiosity -seekers will line this stretch of road in the early evening hours and are rarely disappointed. By looking to the southeast, the watchers will suddenly see a light appear that is about the size of a basketball, or so it appears. (http://www.prairieghosts.com/brownmt.html)

3....The best viewing spots are found near Morganton, NC. On Route 181, about 12 miles north of Morganton is a scenic overlook. From the overlook, the mountain is about 3.5 miles due east. Another good spot is at Wiseman's View on Highway 105, and cars often line up along the side of the road for a good view. From there, look southeast to see Brown Mountain. (http://pa.essortment.com/mysteriouslight_rgks.htm)

Brown Mountain Overlook Located 20 miles north of Morganton, on NC highway 181, 1 mile south of the Barkhouse Picnic Area. Wiseman's View Overlook Located 5 miles south of the village of Linville Falls on Kistler Memorial Highway a.k.a Old NC 105 or State Road 1238. Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at mile-post 310, 2 miles north of the NC highway 181 junction. (http://www.westernncattractions.com/BMLights.htm)

4....If You Want to Go Take Highway 181 North out of Morganton. At Milepost 20, you'll come to a large turn-out area on the right that affords a great view of the countryside, even if you don't see any lights. But on clear nights, of course, this parking area fills up rather quickly, so you might want to plan on getting there a little early to ensure a parking spot. Wiseman's View on Highway 105, just outside of Morganton, is also supposed to be one of the best places to catch the lights on a clear night, but this is a dirt road, so leave your porsche at home. Write to: tarheel@unforgettable.com (http://members.nbci.com/ncghosts/lights.htm)

5....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)