Is it possible that the woman who raised Abraham Lincoln was actually his half-sister, and that the man he knew as his grandfather had conducted a scandalous affair with a servant girl? Was Nancy Dude really a murderous witch, or the victim of relentless calamities that would stretch anyone beyond the bounds of sanity? Should Horace Kephart be considered a hero for his work to protect the area of the Great Smokies, where a moutain was named in his honor, or a drunken scoundrel who uprooted families from the homes and farms they’d had for generations? From Sam Houston’s childhood among the Cherokee to the mysterious “road to nowhere”, Great SmokiesMyths and Legends makes history fun and pulls back the curtain on some of this national park’s most fascinating and compelling stories.

The eastern side of the Smokies abounds with spooky tales, like the story of a Shadow Woman who appeared to a farmer each morning and evening to beg for a cup of milk. Skinned Tom is another East Tennessee haunt, though his is a sinister tale that warns the unfaithful to steer clear of local lover’s lanes for their illicit trysting. From the farmer who finds a Cavern of Skulls to a moonshiner who makes a deal with a water demon; and the Half Shaved ghost seeking vengeance to the first (and only) meeting of the Asheville Ghost Club, the Great Smoky Mountains and its foothills abound with spooky tales. My favorites are in this collection.

The Great Smoky Mountains, at the border of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, are among the highest peaks of the southern Appalachian chain. Although this area shares much with the cultural traditions of all southern Appalachia, the folklife here has been uniquely shaped by historical events, including the Cherokee Removal of the 1830s and the creation of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park a century later. This book surveying the rich folklife of this special place in the American South offers a view of the culture as it has been defined and changed by scholars, missionaries, the federal government, tourists, and people of the region themselves. Here is an overview of the history of a beautiful landscape, one that examines the character typified by its early settlers, by the displacement of the people, and by the manner in which the folklife was discovered and defined during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Here also is an examination of various folk traditions and a study of how they have changed and evolved.

The Great Smoky Mountains and their surrounding region have some of the best wild brook and brown trout fishing in the United States. It is also home to a rich tradition of fly tying, giving rise to many patterns designed not only for the tumbling mountain streams that characterize the region, but also for some of the highly selective fish in the state’s many catch and release trout streams. Each chapter features a stunning macro image of the fly, a detailed recipe, and practical fishing information. In addition, author Kevin Howell explains the stories behind many of the flies, making this book an invaluable resource for anyone planning to visit the region as well as residents that want to learn how to catch more fish in their local waters.

The Spooky Side of the Volunteer State Tennessee is steeped in legend. From strange sightings to odd and macabre crimes, the Volunteer State is no stranger to lore. Author Alan Brown details the haunts, troubling crimes and spooky past.

Discover the history and lore of this region’s legendary outdoorsmen—and their faithful dogs: “Well worth reading” (Bear Hunting Magazine). Man versus beast—it’s an age-old struggle that has been part of the rugged terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains since humans first encountered the region centuries ago. Bob Plott, a descendant of the breeder of the Plott hound and an avid outdoorsman in North Carolina, takes readers on a quest back through time for a glimpse into the minds and the rifles of the region’s most intrepid hunters. From the primitive weaponry and prevailing tactics of the Cherokee to the audacious rifle-toting ridge runners, and even a gruesome gang of cannibalistic rogues, these stories are truly a gripping tribute to mountain life and the adventure of the game.

From the never-ending controversy over the Boston Massacre to the world’s first working (sort of) submarine, It Happened in the Revolutionary War looks at intriguing people and episodes that shaped the course of the war. Meet Banistre Tarlton, a ruthless British commander who showed no mercy, earning him a reputation as the meanest man in America. Relive the harrowing horseback journey of Betsy Dowdy, a sixteen-year-old who braved a 50-mile nighttime ride to warn the Patriots about British troop movements. And find out why the governor of Virginia shot a cannon at his own house.

This book is the fourth in a series about the Smoky Mountain “west-of-the-Ridge” section of Western North Carolina—its history, people, customs, traditions, and folklore—with a strong emphasis on Haywood County.

This study presents the myths, beliefs and customs of the indigenous peoples in North America. This collection is comprised of many bodies of traditional narratives associated with religion from a mythographical perspective. Contents: The Myths of the North American Indians Myths of the Cherokee Myths of the Iroquois A Study of Siouan Cults Outlines of Zuñi Creation Myths The Mountain Chant - A Navajo Ceremony

From majestic mountaintops to lush forests and untouched wilderness, experience the best of the Smokies with Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries: Unique and adventure-packed ideas ranging from one day in the park to a week-long trip The best hikes in the Great Smokies: Detailed hike descriptions with mileage, duration, elevation gains, and difficulty ratings, plus individual trail maps and options for backpackers Experience the outdoors: Cruise along Newfound Gap Road for epic views from scenic overlooks and watch "smoky" mists rise up through the valleys. Spot local wildlife like 700-pound elk, black bears, and vast herds of white-tailed deer. Savor the refreshing solitude of a night camping under the stars or enjoy a twinkling light show from Elkmont's synchronous fireflies. Trek a segment of the Appalachian Trail, wander through remnants of the region's historic settlements, or try your hand at fly-fishing Take a break: Unwind after a day of adventure at one of the trendy craft breweries that earned Asheville the title of "Beer City USA." Head to Dollywood for square-dancing, catching a show, or gliding down the lazy river at Splash Country. Soak in the sweet sounds of Tennessee's music scene, sample some fiery moonshine, or shop for Appalachian folk art How to get there: Up-to-date information on gateway towns, park entrances, and tours Where to stay: Campgrounds, resorts, and more, both inside and outside the park Helpful resources on Covid-19 and traveling to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Planning tips: When to go, what to pack, safety information, and how to avoid the crowds, with full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Expertise and know-how: Explore the park with nature lover and Smoky Mountains expert Jason Frye Find your adventure in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Moon. Hitting more of North America's national parks? Check out Moon USA National Parks. Road-tripping? Try Moon Drive & Hike Appalachian Trail or Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.