Perhaps nothing connects us to the natural world better than sunsets. Whether the day behind us has been pleasant or painful, absorbing the brilliant hues of dusk is a most effective way to revitalize the mind and spirit, helping both to settle like the sun itself on the horizon.

Returning to favorite sunset places allows us to view the landscape through infinitely shifting patterns of light, owing most prominently to cloud formations and the sun’s angle and position.

A cascade of pink and orange one evening might be violet and turquoise the next, the rays’ reflections through trees, water and clouds endlessly moving and alive.

One of the more invigorating aspects of summertime life in the Upper Valley is our vibrant sunsets, the perfect complement to the landscapes we enjoy no matter the time of day.

Here are some of my favorite places to take them in:

Gile Mountain, Norwich

Gile’s fire tower is the area’s best spot for a 360-degree view of the heart of the Upper Valley — and well beyond. Watch the sun settle over Vermont’s Green Mountains, then make it back down this short (0.68-mile) trail before the end of twilight.

White River, Hartford Village

Ever notice how pretty the sunset is from the I-91 bridge in White River Junction? It’s even more invigorating on the banks of the White a bit farther west.

One of the best entry points is just south of the Hartford Village bridge, near the intersection of VA Cutoff Road and Old River Road.

U.S. Route 5

From Weathersfield to Newbury, Vt., scenic Route 5 is enhanced tenfold at dusk. Enjoy the sun’s reflection on the Connecticut River as well as the illumination of idyllic farm and field landscapes.

Wright’s Mountain Cabin Area, Bradford, Vt.

The region’s best pure westerly vista. About a 30-minute hike from the Wright’s Mountain Road parking area, the payoff at sunset is an open view of the Waits River Valley’s pastoral rolling hills. Enter from the Devil’s Den parking area on Chase Hollow Road for a longer adventure.

Mount Ascutney

Like Gile Mountain, an unfettered 360-degree view from a fire tower, only with better views of Mount Monadnock, Okemo, Killington and other southerly peaks. If going for sunset, just remember to bring a head lamp or flashlight for the way back to any trail head other than the auto road.

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