Smoky Mountain Long Cold Full Moon

Smoky Mountain Long Cold Full Moon is on the rise! The final full moon for 2020 will appear on Tuesday, December 29th at 10
28 p.m.. This lunar event is sometimes called the “Long Night’s Moon” or the “Full Cold Moon.” During this moon phase the moon will sit above the horizon much longer than it normally does.

The “Long Cold” moon is the harbinger of the bleakness associated with the beginning of winter. This event is followed by several months of cold temperatures and short days. Winter is a favorite time of year for many lovers of the Smoky Mountains. Fewer out of state visitors reduce congestion in cities and on hiking trails.

Be on the lookout for the moon to appear a few minutes before sunset. The moon should be visible in the Smoky Mountains by 5:10 p.m. That time assumes you are in a spot with a good vantage point like Clingmans Dome or Cades Cove. If you are down in a deep holler it could be much later and depending on the surrounding mountains you may not see the moon at all.