In one of the Cherokee legends from the Great Smoky Mountains, the Great Rabbit commits a scheme to steal the best coat in all of the animal kingdom. Ancient physicians erroneously thought the tooth-like projections on the white rhizome of the Toothwort meant that it could cure a toothache. If you're looking for a good fright, check out three of our favorite Smoky Mountain ghost stories. Have you ever stopped yourself before walking under a ladder? Smith says that one cold November night he was riding his bike home after dark when he heard a friend run up behind him. [14] Damaging winds can also be generated by strong thunderstorms, with tornadoes and strong thunderstorm complexes (also known as mesoscale convective systems) occasionally affecting the Smoky Mountains. Residents of predominantly Union Cades Cove and predominantly Confederate Hazel Creek routinely crossed the mountains to steal one another's livestock. Add to that the many free ranger-led programs run by the park night hikes, storytelling by the campfire, morning porch talks (free coffee provided), Appalachian culture fairs and you have the makings of one of Americas most remarkable budget-friendly getaways. Reportedly, some claimed to have seen the Mothman at the bridge shortly before its collapse and believed its presence was a harbinger of doom. If you hear things that go bump in the night and you swear you dont have a pipe rattling or anything like that, you think its a spirit, he says. 5 Legends and Myths From the Smoky Mountains You Should Know The key to Shultss counterfeiting project was stolen gold coin reproduction plates that were given to Perry by a friend who used to work for the U.S. mint. [76] Religion was a central theme in the lives of the early residents of the Smokies, and community life was typically centered on churches. If youve spent any time in the Smoky Mountains, youve likely heard a tall tale or two. Smoky Mountain Ghost Stories. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. The hauntings began sometime between 1817 and 1821, when the Bell Witch would show up disguised as an animal, such as a dog or bird. Another popular myth in Appalachian folklore, the Flatwoods Monster originated in Braxton County, West Virginia. READ MORE:The 20 Best Fall Festivals in Georgia. Come with a backup destination in mind and park responsibly with all wheels out of the roadway. The Great Smoky Mountains stretch from the Pigeon River in the northeast to the Little Tennessee River in the southeast. [40], The Smokies are home to a diverse bird population due to the presence of multiple forest types. [42] Bald eagles and golden eagles have been spotted at all elevations in the park. The northwestern half of the range gives way to a series of elongate ridges known as the "Foothills," the outermost of which include Chilhowee Mountain and English Mountain. A booger was related to the idea of a boogieman, a monster who lives under your bed or creeps around at night. Never close a knife you didnt open, or youll have bad luck for 7 years. As the Park continues to gather data, the model will become more accurate and we will be able to add more species. [63], By the time the first English explorers arrived in Southern Appalachia in the late 17th century, the Cherokee controlled much of the region, and the Great Smoky Mountains lay at the center of their territory. The Great Smokies are also home to over 450 species of non-vascular plants, and 2,000 species of fungi.[21][22]. Gatlinburg, READ MORE:30 Fascinating Blue Ridge Mountains Facts, READ MORE: The 15 Best Fall Festivals in Georgia. Having to decide whether its real or fake takes all the fun out of it.. There were hundreds of eyewitnesses, says Jeff Wamsley, owner of Point Pleasants Mothman Museum. Plan Your Visit - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National The real story behind the tale of the Bell Witch has never been uncovered. After that, the Bell Witch bid farewell and promised to return in 107 years. On the Tennessee side, 74% of Cocke Countians, 80% of Blount Countians, and 96% of Sevier Countians voted against secession. It wasnt long before Trulie Jane talked Basil into buying a metal bed for their cabin. All three of these operations failed within their first few years, however, after their dams and boom systems were destroyed by floods. Some came as curiosity seekers and some as skeptics trying to debunk what the Bells were experiencing. When the Cherokee aligned themselves with the British at the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1776, American forces launched an invasion of Cherokee territory. In the unlikely event the bear approaches you, stand your ground, make yourself tall and make a lot of noise which usually deters the bear. A string of Overhill villages, including Chota and Tanasi, dotted the Little Tennessee valley north of Chilhowee. Wilma Dykeman, The French Broad (New York: Rinehart, 1955), 167-174. Because they could only see in the dark, the Cherokee called them the Moon-Eyed People. Mavis was born during a thunderstorm, and due to a local superstition, she believed that she was destined to be struck by lightning. Hold your feet up when youre crossing a railroad track, or youll lose your boyfriend. Made famous by a 1997 episode of The X-Files and the 2002 film The Mothman Prophecies, the Mothman is a fearsome creature with broad wings and red eyes who originated in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The name likely derives from the word catawampus, a mountain folklore saying that describes a boogeyman, or something that has gone badly. They are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, and form part of the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province. There is no train service to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many wildflowers grow in mountains and valleys of the Great Smokies, including bee balm, Solomon's seal, Dutchman's breeches, various trilliums, the Dragon's Advocate and even hardy orchids. About | Privacy Policies | Business Resources | Sitemap | Made with by IMEG. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Because of their prominence, the Smokies receive a heavy annual amount of precipitation. [17] On the other hand, Gatlinburg's climate is four-season subtropical (Cfa) under Kppen (oceanic Do under Trewartha), typical of Tennessee. Two couples Roger and Linda Scarberry, and Steve and Mary Mallette reported seeing a large flying humanoid with a 10-foot wingspan and glowing red eyes following their car. In July 2016 the Charlotte Observer reported that Forest Service officers had reported close-up encounters on the mountain with beach ball sized orbs that floated by and then vanished. The northern hardwood forests of the Smokies constitute the highest broad-leaved forest in the eastern United States. Backcountry camping is free, although you do need a reservation and a permit. That would have been in 1935. In fact, the Smokies are among the oldest mountain ranges in the world! When you look at how long the story has endured and how many people have put forth theoriesdoctors, lawyers and preachers back in the day signed eyewitness manuscripts saying they witnessed these things, says Fitzhugh. John Bell grew so concerned by these violent escalations that he shared his story with a family friend, James Johnston. Spruce-fir forests occupied the valleys and slopes below approximately 4,950 feet (1,510m). Spread across 500,000 acres in the Southern Appalachian range, the park is a four-season wonderland, famous for both its colorful spring wildflowers and the fiery blazes of autumn. [citation needed] According to the National Park Service, 80% of the Smokies was clear cut in the 1900's. In addition, there are over 100 backcountry campsites and shelters, the park offers exceptional possibilities for multi-day treks. Encompassing over 800 square miles in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, no other area of equal size . The fact that the UFO sightings, men in black presence, and the Silver Bridge disaster all happened during the Mothman sightings intrigues many people, says Wamsley. The Smokies are entirely admission-free, thanks to the many area residents who gave up their land and contributed funds to create the park. Shults had another reason to be secretive: he was using gold from his mine to counterfeit coins! Legend tells of a brutal battle betweenCherokee and Catawba warriorson Brown Mountain,which left many dead on the battlefield. The influx of settlers at the end of the French and Indian War brought conflict with the Cherokee, who still held legal title to much of the land. There are a number of stories that supposedly explain the origins of the name Boogertown. Biological diversity, or 'biodiversity', means the number and variety of different types of animals, plants, fungi, and other organisms in a location or habitat. Sep 3, 2020 - The Smokies are famous for their supernatural tall tales! Visitor centersSugarlands and Oconalufteemirror each other across the state line separated by many miles of deciduous forest. the park offers myriad opportunities for exploring and discovering both the natural and cultural history of these ancient mountains. [70], In the 1780s, several frontier outposts had been established along the outskirts of the Smokies, namely Whitson's Fort in what is now Cosby and Wear's Fort in what is now Pigeon Forge. history, supernatural it covers all areas! Many of these mountain folklore sayings were passed down by my great-grandparents, but still live on a century later. The state boundary line bisects the park, which is one of the largest in the eastern United States. One could be walking into a hornet's nest, or opening a can of worms, or even, as some say around here . Some people say that Shults fled from the Smoky Mountains and left a treasure trove of gold coins buried somewhere in the Greenbrier area. Amy is excited to share her passion for the outdoors through her writing! These ancient mountains are full of history, diverse flora and fauna, and breathtaking views. Much of the work was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps throughout the Great Depression, and the national park was officially dedicated in 1940. [45], Timber rattlesnakesone of two venomous snake species in the Smokiesare found at all elevations in the range. From Cherokee legends to tall tales from Cades Cove, the Smokies are brimming with supernatural yarns that have been passed down for generations. As timber resources in these regions became exhausted, and as the demand for lumber skyrocketed after the Civil War, entrepreneurs began looking for ways to reach the virgin forests of Southern Appalachia. [65] The Cherokee called Gregory Bald Tsitsuyi , or "rabbit place," and believed the mountain to be the domain of the Great Rabbit. Many other indigenous tribes had their own version of a large, hairy monster, but the myth of the Sasquatch was the first to be recorded by European settlers. [72], Cades Cove was settled largely by families who had purchased lots from land speculator William "Fighting Billy" Tipton. There are 2,900 miles of streams in the Smokies but only about 800 miles contain fish. Great Smoky Mountains maintains 10 campgrounds within the park. The Smoky Mountains' urban legendsor rather rural mythsare a sure-fire way to strike up conversation. Wanda Stalcup is the Director of the Cherokee County Historical Museum in Murphy, N.C. [60] Fortified Mississippian-period villages have been excavated at the McMahan Indian Mounds in Sevierville and more recently in Townsend. Nevertheless, the soldiers sighting of a booger gave the town its memorable name. If I had to pick one Id say that the most commonly held thought is that the monster is a fun and interesting bit of folklore, says Smith. Appalachian Legends | Mothman, Bell Witch, Brown Mountain Lights When I stop, it stops. Spooked, Smith took a shortcut home through his grandparents backyard. The larger rainbow and brown trout outcompete the native brook trout for food and habitat at lower elevations. Another epic trek in the park is the Mountains to the Sea Trail, which runs from its western terminus at Clingmans Dome all the way to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Some of the best legends in East Tennessee have been passed down for generations, usually just by word of mouth. Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN - Choice Hotels Wolf packs do not roam this region due to extirpation. Explore. People soon began traveling to the Bell farm to experience the supernatural phenomenon for themselves. When the smoke cleared, she found Basil lying on the floor, charred to a crisp, where the metal bed had once stood. If you want to spend some time exploring the Smokies without camping or renting a cabin, there are numerous RV rental companies in Knoxville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge the later being two towns that are unofficial gateways to the Smokies and home to attractions like Dollywood. Extensive work and research is being done to preserve the biodiversity of the Smokies. Rumors quickly spread through the company, where the name Bigfoot soon caught like wildfire. [77] In the North Carolina SmokiesCherokee, Haywood, Jackson, and Macon countiesabout 46% of the population favored secession. Smoky Sunset Fog lingers among the forested hills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which spans the southern Appalachians along the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Decades ago, a booger didnt have anything to do with Kleenex. I had to, he says, and there beside the grapevines was a seven-foot creature. Everything you need to know to plan a trip to Great Smoky Mountains Born and raised in town, Wamsley was only five years old when the Mothman showed up and began terrorizing his neighbors. [71], In 1802, Edgefield, South Carolina resident William Ogle (17511803) arrived in White Oak Flats where he cut and prepared logs for cabin construction. But a major flood in 1916 changed that theory. In one tale, a Civil War soldier was riding through the area when he saw a pair of mysterious eyes peering at him through the bushes. [85], The second-largest operation was the Ritter Lumber Company, which logged the Hazel Creek watershed between 1907 and 1928. If cows are laying down, or leaves are upside down, its going to rain. Don't miss the opportunity to check out this mountain-themed, world-class family indoor/outdoor water park, which is ideally located at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park in Gatlinburg. Elevations in the park range from 850 to over 6,000 feet; a change in elevation that mimics the climate and habitat variations found from Georgia to Maine. The commission also had to deal with the Tennessee and North Carolina legislatures, which at times were opposed to spending taxpayer money on park efforts. 2023 Visit My Smokies, The ONLY site you need to plan your Smoky Mountain vacation, is a website owned and operated by Sevier County, Tennessee. To punish him, the witch set her sights on the man, giving him a beating that had Jacksons men begging to leave. Hang a horseshoe upside down to keep good luck from running out. Speaking of bears, theyre generally quite shy and avoid human contact, though if you do come across one, keep your distance and dont disturb the bear. The Wampus Cat (a.k.a. For further assistance in planning your next journey into the beyond, please call (423) 743-WALK (9255) year-round, 11 AM to 11 PM, daily. Learn more about the park's fee program changes for 2023, including a new initiative: the Smokies Parking Tag program. The legend holds that a Cherokeefemale was cursed by tribal elders for witnessing a sacred pre-hunt ceremony. Here are the best places to climb. Pseudoscymnus tsugae, a type of beetle in the ladybug family, Coccinellidae, has been introduced in an attempt to control the pests.[56]. They modernly reside in Alaska, portions of the Great Lakes region, all northwestern American states and Canada. Demand for parking often exceeds capacity. Recorded accounts of Brown Mountain Light sightings happened throughout the 20th century, especially as the Linville area gained access to electricity. Typically associated with the small town of Murphy NC, the Moon-Eyed People are short, stout, and white-skinned, withbearded faces and large blue eyes. Stories of Bigfoot also abound in Native American oral tradition, and the unexplained ape has been studied by scientists and scrutinized on the Internet. The cove hardwood forests of the Smokies are mostly second-growth, although some 72,000 acres (290km2) are still old-growth. It might seem obvious to readers, but the Moon-Eyed People were most likely just European settlers. Top 5 Smoky Mountain Tours Where You Can Explore the Smokies with a Guide The museum is home to a statue that was found at the confluence of the Valley and Hiwassee Rivers in the early 1800s. [58] Woodland period (c.1000 B.C. Although much of the tribe was forced west along the Trail of Tears in 1838, a fewlargely through the efforts of William Holland Thomasmanaged to retain their land on the Qualla Boundary and today comprise the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Appalachian Folklore, Monsters and Superstitions - Blue Ridge Mountains [48] The imitator salamander is found only in the Smokies and the nearby Plott Balsams and Great Balsam Mountains. On December 15, 1967, the Mothman was credited for the collapse of Silver Bridge, which killed 46 people. Some thought they did it for money, but the Bell family never charged a cent to anyone staying over in their home., Though Fitzhugh has considered many theories, he says he cant say one way or another what the Bell Witch truly was. Today. 2023 Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide |, 30 Fascinating Blue Ridge Mountains Facts, The 7 Best Caves & Caverns in North Carolina, Visiting Expedition Bigfoot Museum (AKA Sasquatch Museum) in Cherry Log, GA, The 10 Best Haunted Houses inNorth Carolina, The 15 Best Things to Do in SWVA (Southwest Virginia), The Best Restaurants in Burnsville NC For Foodies, The 20 Best Things to Do in Dahlonega GA & Lumpkin County, Strawberry Picking in GA: The 10 Best Strawberry Farms to Visit, Visiting Deerwoode Reserve Cabin Rentals in Brevard NC, The 10 Best Historic & Covered Bridges in Virginia, The 15 Best Hotels in Asheville NC to Visit. We look forward to helping you design a getaway that is entertaining, educational . [86] Other lumbering operations included Three M Lumber and Champion Fibre, both of which logged the Oconaluftee watershed. Today you can celebrate this mythical Appalachian monster at the Bigfoot Festival in Marion NC. Balds include grassy balds, which are highland meadows covered primarily by thick grasses, and heath balds, which are dense thickets of rhododendron and mountain laurel typically occurring on narrow ridges. [82][83][84], Innovations in logging railroads and band saw technology in the late 19th century made large-scale logging possible in the mountainous areas of Southern Appalachia. On September 12, 1952, Edward May, Freddie May, Neil Nunley, and Tommy Hyer were playing at Flatwoods Elementary when they spotted a light shooting across the sky. The orange- to sometimes red-flowered and deciduous flame azalea closely follows along with the Catawbas. She even forced Betsy to break off her engagement with Joshua Gardner before eventually disappearing for good. Its just that your imagination and your emotions can fool you.. The crest of the Great Smokies runs in an unbroken chain of peaks for over 36 miles. To experience these Appalachian legends for yourself, visit the Historic Bell Witch Cave, which located in Adams TN. TN The Little Tennessee River passes through five impediments along the range's southwestern boundary, namely Tellico Lake, Chilhowee Lake, Calderwood Lake, Cheoah Lake, and Fontana Lake. Some of the more industrious farmers operated gristmills, general stores, and sorghum presses. There are numerous supernatural legends originating in the Great Smoky Mountains. Over time, the noises became more intense and more frequent. Known around the world as Sasquatch or Yeti and locally as Wood Booger or Boojum, Bigfoot is an ape-like creature that conceals itself in the deep, dark forest, leaving behind footprints so large they could not belong to any man. Today, on the main road into town, there is a sign that reads Welcome to Flatwoods: Home of the Green Monster. The UFO sightingor whatever that wasis in the past but not forgotten. [19], By the end of the Paleozoic era, the ancient ocean had deposited a thick layer of marine sediments which left behind sedimentary rocks such as limestone. Read on to find three of our favorite Smoky Mountain ghost stories. If youre new to camping or spending time outdoors, read up on Leave No Trace principles before you head out, or check out these guidelines on how to RV or vancamp responsibly. An episode of the X Files reasons that the lights are caused by UFOs. Are There Feral Humans In The Smoky Mountains? Permanent settlers began arriving in these areas in the 1790s. The black bear has come to symbolize wildlife in the Smokies, and the animal frequently appears on the covers of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's literature. Never give someone a set of knives as a gift. When federal agents caught wind of Shultss scheme, Perry allegedly tossed the treasury plates into the Pigeon River and stopped his illicit activities. [93], The Tennessee Smokies baseball team plays in Sevierville, Tennessee and is named for the mountain range. It stated its purpose was to kill John Bell.. They consist primarily of metamorphic gneiss, granite, and schist. Prior to the 20th century, Bigfoot was known by names like Sasquatch (a Salish word meaning wild-men) or Yeti (in Himalayan folklore). The Sasquatch was a hairy creature, known for bellowing, stealing livestock, and shaking trees. Located in Sevier County, this area is officially known as Oldham, but it is far more famous for its unusual nickname. You have your UFO true believers and skeptics who think it was a misidentified barn owl, Smith explains. Or held your breath when youre passing a cemetery? Jane Goodall has even weighed in on Bigfoots existence, telling reporters that she wants to believe that Bigfoot is real. Trailheads for some of the most popular hikes and some of the park's key historic sights are found along this two-lane road. The story of the Bell Witch is one of the most popular examples of Appalachian Mountain folklore, and it began in Robertson County, Tennessee. Report. Suddenly, youre certain of what you saw, and it definitely wasnt a black bear. The tale of Bigfoot has been traced back to the European Wild Man, a mythical figure that had hair all over his body and lived like a beast. While they may not be as widely practiced today, these myths and mountain folklore were passed down by countless generations. From the expected (panoramic trails and viewpoints) to the unexpected, these are the top 10 things to do at Grand Canyon National Park. It made national headlines, says Smith. If you spill salt, throw a pinch over your left shoulder so you wont have bad luck. The Brown Mountain Overlook, Wisemans View Overlook, and Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook are the most popular places to see them. Mount Le Conte is the tallest (i.e., from immediate base to summit) mountain in the range, rising 5,301 feet (1,616m) from its base in Gatlinburg to its 6,593-foot (2,010m) summit. For over a year, the Bells remained silent about the strange events taking place in their home, worried about what the members of their church might think. The first logging operations in the Smokies, which began in the 1880s, used splash dams or booms to float logs down rivers to lumber mills in nearby cities. For more information on this infamous Appalachian monster, visit the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, where you can take a selfie with the massive Mothman statue displayed prominently outside. If you drop a knife, a man is coming to visit. The tundra vegetation disappeared, and the spruce-fir forests retreated to the highest elevations. To learn more about this Appalachian scary story, visit the Flatwoods Monster Museum in Sutton WV. [81], While selective logging occurred in the Great Smoky Mountains throughout the 19th century, the general inaccessibility of the range's forests prevented major logging operations, and lumber firms relied on the lowland forests in the northeastern United States and the Mississippi Delta in the southeast. It covers a section of Tennessee and North Carolina in the Southern USA that was once home to the Cherokee, and later by Scotch-Irish settlers. To many eyewitnesses, the lights appear as glowing orbs that hover in the sky above the mountain before suddenly disappearing or soundlessly exploding. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. [3] The Albright Grove along the Maddron Bald Trail (between Gatlinburg and Cosby) is an accessible old-growth forest with some of the oldest and tallest trees in the entire range.[25]. Read our Privacy Policy. Legend says that the local Native American tribes waited for the full moon to drive the Moon-Eyed People from their underground caves. Intrigued, May, her sons, and some other local boys, headed out to the farm. . READ MORE: Visiting Expedition Bigfoot Museum (AKA Sasquatch Museum) in Cherry Log, GA. Found in the Blue Ridge Mountains ofNorth Carolina, the Brown Mountain Lights are a true Appalachian mountain mystery. Over 130 species of trees are found among the canopies of the cove hardwood forests in the Smokies. TN Theres a 3-foot- tall sculpture of two conjoined figures thought to represent Moon-Eyed People,which was found in the early 1840s. For example, Mount LeConte (6,593 feet [2,010m]) rises more than a mile (1.6km) above its base. [1], The Great Smokies are part of an International Biosphere Reserve. Many lives were lost. And the Mothman sightings continued. Their children and grandchildren spread out southward into the Sugarlands and Roaring Fork areas. Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Smith says that what makes the Flatwoods Monster so interesting is that there werent many UFO sightings back in the 1950s. Hiking aside, there are many ways to experience the Great Smoky Mountains. It makes it more than just your standard folktale.. Nature - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) The Southeast harbors its own climbing magic among its ancient mountains and leafy canopies. 17-year-old Eugene Lemon, a National Guardsman whod also tagged along on the adventure, said he saw a pulsing light and pointed his flashlight toward it, revealing a pair of bright eyes in a tree and a 10-foot monster with a blood-red face and a green body that seemed to glow. The monster then hissed and floated towards the group, causing Lemon to scream and drop his flashlight. [17], Most of the rocks in the Great Smoky Mountains consist of Late Precambrian rocks that are part of a formation known as the Ocoee Supergroup. This years festival falls on September 17 and 18, 2022. [57], Native Americans have likely been hunting in the Great Smoky Mountains for 14,000 years. 3 Tall Tales from the Great Smoky Mountains - Visit My Smokies The first reported sighting of the Brown Mountain Lights was in 1913 by a fisherman who claimed to see odd red lights dancing above the horizon. But what makes the legend so shocking is that it dates back hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus discovered America. [49], Two other speciesthe southern gray-cheeked salamander and the Southern Appalachian salamanderoccur only in the general region. The frightened man believed that he was being stalked by a booger in the woods. The Smoky Mountains are home to over 1,500 black bears, and they can become used to being around people, making them less scared to go near areas with large concentrations of people. The lights, claim the legend, are the ghosts of grieving women still searching the mountainside for the bodies of fallen warriors. Tourism is key to the area's economy, particularly in cities like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in Tennessee,[92] and Cherokee, North Carolina. From ancient mountain ranges and remote islands to historic forts, Virginia's national parks call out to modern-day explorers. The park is dominated by plant-covered, gently contoured mountains that formed perhaps 200-300 million years ago. [8], The Smokies rise prominently above the surrounding low terrain. [51] The legendary hellbender inhabits the range's swifter streams. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie. Michael Rivers, lead investigator of the Smoky Mountain Ghost Trackers and an author who has written extensively about Appalachian folklore, says that the Appalachian Mountains are ripe with paranormal activity. What was found was gathered and sent to Washington D.C. and never seen again.. The Wild Man can be found in literature as early as the second century BC. Others say that Shults sayed in Greenbrier, but suffered a stroke before he could tell his wife where his fortune was buried.
French 
English