[8], The Smokies rise prominently above the surrounding low terrain. Born and raised in town, Wamsley was only five years old when the Mothman showed up and began terrorizing his neighbors. 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. 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. The understories of the cove hardwood forest contain dozens of species of shrubs and vines. Elevations in the park range from approximately 850 to 6,643 feet. The Smokies are entirely admission-free, thanks to the many area residents who gave up their land and contributed funds to create the park. Dive deeper at your own risk. Stroll down the Townsend Riverwalk Trail, which is a paved route with five miles of walking and biking trails on each side of Highway 321. Although Ogle died shortly after returning to Edgefield, his wife, Martha Jane Huskey, eventually returned with her family and several other families to White Oak Flats, becoming the first permanent settlers in what would eventually become Gatlinburg. Cherokee Death Cat) is a large cat similar to a mountain lion or cougar, with tan-yellow fur, six legs, and large yellow eyes. From Cherokee legends to tall tales from Cades Cove, the Smokies are brimming with supernatural yarns that have been passed down for generations. Sightings continued, and in 1922 the U.S. Geological Society investigated, determining that the Brown Mountain Lights were really just the headlights of cars or passing trains. Needless to say, I made a hasty departure home.. There are over 800 miles of trails, ranging from easy rambles along scenic boulder-filled streams to challenging all-day hikes. Fort Mountain, a Georgia State Park near Ellijay GA, contains the ruins of an 850-foot-long stone wall that is said to have been constructed by the mysterious tribe. Or held your breath when youre passing a cemetery? [58] Woodland period (c.1000 B.C. [11], Strong damaging winds (80 to 100mph (130 to 160km/h), or sometimes greater) are observed a few times each year around the Smoky Mountains during the cool season (October through April), as a result of a phenomenon known as mountain waves. Hold your feet up when youre crossing a railroad track, or youll lose your boyfriend. Be sure to let a non-hiking partner know where youre going and when you plan to be back. There are plenty of accommodation options outside the park, too. In the dark skies above Brown Mountain, North Carolina, eerie ghost lights have been spotted in the night sky for over a century. About 10,600 acres (43km2) of the spruce-fir forest are old-growth. [10] For comparison, the surrounding terrain has annual precipitation of around 40 to 50in (1,000 to 1,300mm). . Clingmans Dome (1 mile round-trip) is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, at 6,643 feet, with truly unbeatable views. Seven years later Kate did return, visiting John Bell Jr. who was not living at the Bell farm at the time. The hike to the peak is only a half-mile from the Clingmans Dome parking area and it's fully paved, but be warned -- it's very steep. 107 Park Headquarters Road Rumor had it that Perry Shults had discovered gold in the Smoky Mountains! The northern hardwood forests of the Smokies constitute the highest broad-leaved forest in the eastern United States. Never leave a rocking chair rocking, or you will invite spirits. Hike Mt LeConte, explore Cataloochee, and raft on Pigeon river; all with your trusted travel companion. [43] Peregrine falcon sightings are also not uncommon, and a peregrine falcon eyrie is known to have existed near Alum Cave Bluffs throughout the 1930s. Theorists have also turned to other supernatural explanations, including aliens, Wendigos, Bigfoot, and portals to other dimensions. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the. All campgrounds have running water, flush toilets, picnic tables, and firepits . Unlike the Grand Canyon and most other national parks, this one wont cost you a penny to enter. The story of the Mothman began on November 15, 1966. Demand for parking often exceeds capacity. The park has partnered with the University of Tennessee to use analysis modeling and data visualization to predict the locations of the parks species. Mixed oak-pine forests are found on dry ridges, especially on the south-facing North Carolina side of the range. Can't wait to read more! Make sure you have sturdy walking shoes (preferably waterproof hiking boots), ample water and snacks, warm clothing (it gets chilly at higher elevations, even in the summer) and gear for rain (precipitation is a year-round possibility). The tundra vegetation disappeared, and the spruce-fir forests retreated to the highest elevations. Most of the forest is a mature second-growth hardwood forest. They saw an odd-shaped thing that appeared to be glowing red with smoke and steam coming off of it, says Andrew Smith, Executive Director of the Braxton County CVB and curator of the Flatwoods Monster Museum. Many believe it is a depiction of the Moon-Eyed People. You stand frozen in place, eyes locked to that shadowy spot in the woods, waiting for the animal to move. The forests of the Smokies are typically divided into three zones: Appalachian baldspatches of land where trees are unexpectedly absent or sparseare interspersed through the mid-to-upper elevations in the range. When you drop your fork, it means a woman is coming to visit. But what makes the legend so shocking is that it dates back hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus discovered America. Three days later, two young couples were driving together near an abandoned World War II TNT plant about five miles north of Point Pleasant when they saw a large flying man with 10-foot wings, and eyes that glowed red. They tried to flee the unidentified animal, speeding down the road at a reported 100 miles per hour, but the creature followed them back to Point Pleasant city limits. [20], Between 16,500 and 12,500 years ago, the glaciers to the north retreated and mean annual temperatures rose. Backcountry camping is free, although you do need a reservation and a permit. The company also established company towns at Townsend (named for the company's chief owner and manager, Wilson B. Townsend), Elkmont, and Tremont. Some of the best legends in East Tennessee have been passed down for generations, usually just by word of mouth. Since settling in the mountains in the 18th and 19th centuries, Appalachian people have developed a unique blend of cultures that has its own way of thinking. The 1540 expedition of Hernando de Soto and the 1567 expedition of Juan Pardo passed through the French Broad River valley north of the Smokies, both spending a considerable amount of time at Chiaha. There are no motels or rental cabins within the park. We took a look at six of the most popular legends in our region. [47] A type of Jordan's salamander known as the redcheeked salamander is found only in the Smokies. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Cades Cove and Smokemont campgrounds are open year-round, and the rest are open seasonally. 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. Why such a wondrous diversity? There is no train service to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We may never discover the truth behind Boogertowns backstory, but listening to all of the theories and tall tales sure is a lot of fun! For backcountry sites that are accessible only via hiking trail, you can make reservations through the parks backcountry permit office either in person or online. 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. Other nearby airports include Asheville, NC (an 80-minute drive), Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (a 3-hour drive), and Chattanooga (a 2.75 hour drive). Never close a knife you didnt open, or youll have bad luck for 7 years. As for temperatures, the average temperature difference between the mountains (Newfound Gap around 5,000 feet (1,500m) MSL and the valleys (Park Headquarters around 1,600 feet (490m) MSL in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is between 10 and 13 F (6 and 7 C) with highs and between 3 and 6 F (2 and 3 C) with lows. The northern hardwood understory is home to diverse species such as coneflower, skunk goldenrod, Rugels ragwort, bloodroot, hydrangea, and several species of grasses and ferns. 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. The Smokies are also home to an astonishing variety of plant and animal life from lumbering black bears to dazzling displays of synchronous fireflies. There is no fee to enter the park, but camping is . Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains some of the largest tracts of wilderness in the East and is a critical sanctuary for a wide variety of animals. 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. When I move, it moves. After uncovering a shallow streak of gold with his pick and shovel, Shults chartered a mine in search of a great fortune. Never feed animals by hand, dispose of trash properly in approved receptacles, and use bear canisters or bear lockers to keep your snacks from attracting critters to your campsite. The sources of several rivers are located in the Smokies, including the Little Pigeon River, the Oconaluftee River, and Little River. From black bears to salamanders, old-growth forests to spring wildflowers, log cabins to gristmills. Activities are free and open to the public. National and state parks are reopening in the US in phases - heres what we know, 7 reasons staycations are going to be our saviour in 2020, This corner of northeastern Utah is the wilderness only locals know about, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Because of their prominence, the Smokies receive a heavy annual amount of precipitation. The Overhill town of Chilhowee was situated at the confluence of Abrams Creek and the Little Tennessee, and the Overhill town of Tallassee was located just a few miles upstream near modern Calderwood (both village sites are now under Chilhowee Lake). Before long, people all over the east and southeast knew about it, says Fitzhugh. As the legend goes, the Moon-Eyed People eventually abandoned their homeor were driven from itand traveled west, never to be seen again. Below is our list of the top offbeat attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains: 1. Much of the work was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps throughout the Great Depression, and the national park was officially dedicated in 1940. Smith says that one cold November night he was riding his bike home after dark when he heard a friend run up behind him. The national press picked up the story, and Mothman became a sensation. Forever left to wander alone through the mountains, the Wampus Cat acts out in anger at being cut off from her former life. Like much of Appalachia, the Smokies were targeted by logging companies seeking rich stands of timber. For example, Mount LeConte (6,593 feet [2,010m]) rises more than a mile (1.6km) above its base. The parks hiking opportunities include a 71 mile portion of the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through the center of the park between Fontana Dam and Davenport Gap. Many claim that the lights seen today are the spirits of the Catawba women, still searching for their loved ones. If a black cat crosses your path, turn and go a different way. I had to, he says, and there beside the grapevines was a seven-foot creature. 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. During the Ordovician period, the North American and African plates collided, destroying the ancient ocean and initiating the Alleghenian orogenythe mountain-building epoch that created the Appalachian range. 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. As with much of the southern Blue Ridge, the area qualifies as part of the Appalachian Rainforest. The range has the densest black bear population east of the Mississippi River. Information accessed 3 September 2007. This years festival falls on September 17 and 18, 2022. These wolves were removed from the park and relocated to the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina. [72], Cades Cove was settled largely by families who had purchased lots from land speculator William "Fighting Billy" Tipton. [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. It was leaning forward making a hump where its neck and back join, says Smith. In 1801, the Whaley brothers, William and John, moved from North Carolina to become the first settlers in what is now the Greenbrier section of the park. While playing football at the playground of the Flatwoods school, theyd witnessed a bright UFO streak across the sky and land on the property of a local farmer. The largest logging operation in the Smokies was the Little River Lumber Company, which logged the Little River watershed between 1901 and 1939. On December 15, 1967, the Mothman was credited for the collapse of Silver Bridge, which killed 46 people. [15], The climate of Clingmans Dome is hemiboreal (Kppen Dfb, Trewartha Dcb[16]). Environmental factors such as air quality,water quality, and non-native species are monitored and fires are used as a tool to maintain healthy ecosystems. Bluegrass songs claim that the lights are the ghost of a slave searching for his lost master. Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of historical structures maintained by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, "Great Smokies Parkway Top List of Visitors", "Old Growth in the East: A Survey. Its wise to plan well ahead so you can get your first choice when it comes to accommodation. Back in the pioneer days, Cades Cove was home to Basil and Mavis Estep, a married couple who lived in a two room cabin on Whistling Branch. Over time it seems this thing, whatever it was, fed off of attention and peoples fears, says Fitzhugh. The bobcat is the range's only remaining wild cat species, although sightings of cougars, which once thrived in the area, are still occasionally reported. Wilma Dykeman, The French Broad (New York: Rinehart, 1955), 167-174. The Asian Jumping Worm is a non-native species, great for fish bait, but destructive to habits and food sources for species in the Smokies. [59], The increasing reliance upon agriculture during the Mississippian period (c.9001600 A.D.) lured Native Americans away from the game-rich forests of the Smokies and into the fertile river valleys on the outer fringe of the range. If youre flying in, the closest airport to the park is Knoxvilles McGhee Tyson Airport (about a 70-minute drive to the one of the parks main gateways near Gatlinburg). And there are many places in the park that can send a chill down your spine if you're in wrong place at the wrong time. He said, something is following me. 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 other venomous snake, the copperhead, is typically found at lower elevations. Species that thrive in southern hardwood forests, such as the red-eyed vireo, wood thrush, wild turkey, northern parula, ruby-throated hummingbird, and tufted titmouse, are found throughout the range's lower elevations and cove hardwood forests. 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 commission also had to deal with the Tennessee and North Carolina legislatures, which at times were opposed to spending taxpayer money on park efforts. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. [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. Skeptics accused the Bell family of doing it by knowing how to act and using ventriloquism. Along with convincing logging firms to sell lucrative lumber rights, the Park Commission had to negotiate the purchase of thousands of small farms and remove entire communities. [31], The main difference between the spruce-fir forests of Southern Appalachia and the spruce-fir forests in northern latitudes is the dense broad-leaved understory of the former. Today, tourists come from all over the country to visit the home of the Flatwoods Monster. Mollusks, millipedes, and mushrooms reach record diversity here. (See Also: 8 Shocking Secrets of Cades Cove You Wont Believe). Understanding where species are in the park is critical to their conservation. Generally, the communities on the Tennessee side of the Smokies supported the Union, while communities on the North Carolina side supported the Confederates. 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. Streams in the Smokies are part of the Tennessee River watershed and are thus entirely west of the Eastern Continental Divide. The persistent freezing and thawing during this period created the large blockfields that are often found at the base of large mountain slopes. The Brown Mountain Overlook, Wisemans View Overlook, and Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook are the most popular places to see them. [3], In the Smokies, the northern hardwood canopies are dominated by yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are two options: camping or hiking up to LeConte Lodge. 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. That means that, aside from car rental, expenses are minimal. First, she made him swear that he would never sell her quilts, which she lovingly sewed for the family. Horseback riding stables are located in Cades Cove, Sugarlands and Smokemont. 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. Locals and tourists alike have reported glowing, orb-like lights in blue, white, orange, and red, hovering approximately 15 feet off the ground in the Brown Mountain area near Morganton NC. [53], Fish inhabiting the streams of the Smokies include trout, lamprey, darter, shiner, bass, and sucker. Flash flooding often occurs after heavy rain.[9]. As such, most of the brook trout found in the park today are in streams above 3,000 feet in elevation. [54], The lightning-bug firefly Photinus carolinus, whose synchronized flashing light displays occur in mid-June, is native to the Smoky Mountains with a population epicenter near Elkmont, Tennessee. Perry used the forge at his blacksmith shop to melt gold nuggets into authentic looking money that he could spend in town. [33], Other mammals in the Great Smokies include the white-tailed deer, the population of which drastically expanded with the creation of the national park. Though scientists have not been able to determine what causes the lights, ball lightning and naturally occurring mountain gases are two widely accepted theories.