The Morning Sunrise At Red Bluff (Morgantown, MS)

Red Bluff is a popular location during the weekends. You're apt to see a steady stream of motorcycles and auto clubs upon Highway 587. Since I was first introduced to Red Bluff, I've been back several times to visit. There's one particular time, though, when I've been striving to visit if I could ever force myself to do so.  Yes, the dreaded morning! Waking up in time to make the long-haul to that exact location. From where I live, the trip would take an hour, but that's an hour before sunrise and I'm not an early bird by no means.

Saturday, August 20th, 2011, I was able to do the impossible. I got on the road around 5:30AM and traveled the route along Highway 84 and then south onto Highway 587 from Monticello, Mississippi. The drive was peaceful and only once did I pass a vehicle on the way to Red Bluff. When I got to the bluffs, I could tell something was different from all of the times that I visited. You see, Red Bluff faces the east/northeast. So, it's perfect for sunrise, but most people visit at mid-day or sunset.

This photo of Red Bluff was taken on Sunday, August 14th, 2011 at around 3:00PM. Generally, most people who visit Red Bluff will see the mid-day or evening views.

A few clouds were in the sky and I could see rays of sunlight hitting those clouds. I then knew that the sun was approaching over the horizon. What I saw before sunrise was amazing. With the colors of the bluff in the foreground, a backdrop of trees and rising fog created a magical scene.

This photo of Red Bluff was taken just before sunrise.

A scenic overview of Red Bluff and the Pearl River Valley at sunrise. Rays of sunlight shine into the bluffs from the east. Fog rises over the Pearl River in the distance.

Rays of sunlight fill the scene at Red Bluff

If you've never been to Red Bluff before, it's worth taking a scenic drive to visit this place. It's not a state or national park, but there are signs on Highway 587 that will show you the direction to Red Bluff. To many, it's spectacular and often visited.

Here's a project for you. Try going at sunrise. The difference between mid-day and sunrise is amazing. Personally speaking, it ranks as one of the most beautiful events that I've ever witnessed in Mississippi. You almost don't believe what you are seeing is actually taking place in Mississippi, but in the mountains instead. It is hard for a camera to capture what you actually see with your own eyes. You'll just have to make the trip.

So, what do you do to prepare? Check out the sunrise time for Red Bluff at the U.S. Naval Observatory web site. Enter the closest town, which is Monticello, MS followed by entering a particular date. Then, get on the road to make it there by that time.

U.S. Naval Observatory: http://aa.usno.navy.mil - Get sunrise times for traveling to Red Bluff and witnessing a breathaking event for Mississippi.

Related Blog Article: Red Bluff — “Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon” A Popular Destination On The Winding Motorcycle Highway MS-587 - Read about an experience at Red Bluff and find the location.

View Gallery & Order Prints: Red Bluff - "Mississippi's Little Grand Canyon" -  In addition to regular prints, you can order a framed print with the options available.

Reflections Gift Shop: View Gift Items - Buy postcards, coffee mugs, greeting cards, and more featuring Red Bluff.

Red Bluff on Facebook: Red Bluff - Morgantown - The Facebook page for Red Bluff in Marion County, Mississippi.