Sunset hikes

A short walk out, the whole show, and back at your car before dark. Times are estimates at a relaxed pace; give yourself extra buffer, especially with kids or in a group.

1. Bare Rock Trail & West Valley Trail 2 mi away

   Leave by 6:19 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:19 PM
   2. Sunset7:22 PM
   3. Head back7:37 PM
   4. At your car8:05 PM
   5. Dark7:50 PM

   Back at your car by 8:05 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.1 mi to the viewpoint · 500 ft climb · 71 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

2. West Valley Trail 2.8 mi away

   Be there by 7:02 PM

   1. Be there7:02 PM
   2. Sunset7:22 PM
   3. Dark7:50 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:50 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

3. Appalachian Trail;Highlands Trail 3.3 mi away

   Be there by 7:02 PM

   1. Be there7:02 PM
   2. Sunset7:22 PM
   3. Dark7:50 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:50 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

4. Appalachian Trail;Highlands Trail & Doris Duke Trail 3.3 mi away

   Leave by 6:41 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:41 PM
   2. Sunset7:22 PM
   3. Head back7:37 PM
   4. At your car7:54 PM
   5. Dark7:50 PM

   Back at your car by 7:54 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   0.7 mi to the viewpoint · 120 ft climb · 38 min of walking

5. Mombasha Lake & Appalachian Trail 3.3 mi away

   Leave by 6:40 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:40 PM
   2. Sunset7:22 PM
   3. Head back7:37 PM
   4. At your car7:54 PM
   5. Dark7:50 PM

   Back at your car by 7:54 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   0.7 mi to the viewpoint · 150 ft climb · 39 min of walking

6. Brushwood Pond–Gatun Pond, 14 sights 2.3 mi away

   Leave by 5:42 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:42 PM
   2. Sunset7:22 PM
   3. Head back7:37 PM
   4. At your car8:50 PM
   5. Dark7:50 PM

   Back at your car by 8:50 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.7 mi to the viewpoint · 500 ft climb · 152 min of walking

7. Eagle Lake–Crossover Trail, 6 sights 2.4 mi away

   Be there by 7:02 PM

   1. Be there7:02 PM
   2. Sunset7:22 PM
   3. Dark7:50 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:50 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

8. The Bog–Eagle Lake, 8 sights 2.5 mi away

   Leave by 6:50 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:50 PM
   2. Sunset7:22 PM
   3. Head back7:37 PM
   4. At your car7:46 PM
   5. Dark7:50 PM

   Back at your car by 7:46 PM — 4 min before dark.

   0.4 mi to the viewpoint · 100 ft climb · 21 min of walking

9. Five Ponds Viewpoint–Gatun Pond, 11 sights 2.6 mi away

   Leave by 6:05 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:05 PM
   2. Sunset7:22 PM
   3. Head back7:37 PM
   4. At your car8:26 PM
   5. Dark7:50 PM

   Back at your car by 8:26 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.9 mi to the viewpoint · 370 ft climb · 107 min of walking

10. Upper Erskine Lake–Gatun Pond, 15 sights 2.6 mi away

    Leave by 6:10 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:10 PM
    2. Sunset7:22 PM
    3. Head back7:37 PM
    4. At your car8:24 PM
    5. Dark7:50 PM

    Back at your car by 8:24 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    1.8 mi to the viewpoint · 280 ft climb · 99 min of walking

11. Warm Puppy Rock–Swan Pond, 10 sights 2.7 mi away

    Leave by 6:09 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:09 PM
    2. Sunset7:22 PM
    3. Head back7:37 PM
    4. At your car8:24 PM
    5. Dark7:50 PM

    Back at your car by 8:24 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    1.8 mi to the viewpoint · 310 ft climb · 99 min of walking

12. Brushwood Pond–Gatun Pond, 11 sights 2.7 mi away

    Leave by 6:09 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:09 PM
    2. Sunset7:22 PM
    3. Head back7:37 PM
    4. At your car8:24 PM
    5. Dark7:50 PM

    Back at your car by 8:24 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    1.8 mi to the viewpoint · 310 ft climb · 100 min of walking