Valentine’s Day is here, so what better time to give you a little history of Appalachian Folk Magic? Who hasn’t wished they could conjure up a couple of love spells this time of year? Well, luckily for you, many of our Appalachian ancestors didn’t have the mainstream disdain for a little practical magic.
History
Appalachian Folk Magic, sometimes referred to as Granny Magic, dates back to the 1700s when many Scotts and Irish immigrants settled into our wise old Appalachian mountains. When these two old-world traditions blended with existing Cherokee traditions, a new recipe of magic was born. Folk magic evolved to let mountain people utilize the earth’s energy for healing when doctors weren’t available, and justice was necessary to maintain a peaceful community.
Practical Magic
Granny Magic, like many of the older magical practices, were passed on within families through generations. Because of the rural and secluded nature of the mountains, Appalachian families relied on Mother Nature in a way unfamiliar to most city folk. The fertility of crops, the weather, livestock, and even hunting conditions drew on various polytheism deities’ faith, as well as monolithic religions (even Christianity). Witchcraft was not the taboo it became in urban regions. Our ancestors often reached out to Witch Doctors for all variety of healing, Water Witches who doused for water or energy vortexes, Power Doctors who worked magic through breath, or Goomer Doctors who could remove hexes. With that said, we offer a couple of love spells to make your Valentine’s Day one to be remembered. Although, according to Byron Ballard, from www.myvillagewitch.com, she refuses to do love spells. “The problem is that they work. And sometimes the person asking for the spell ends up not being as interested as they thought they were, or they draw a person to them in an unhealthy way, such as stalking.” But for the brave, or possibly irresponsible, we’ve tracked down a couple of Appalacian love spells and charms for you to try. NOTE: we do not recommend any illegal activities to obtain materials for this spell and are not responsible for any magical outcome.
Love Spells and Charms
Collect a handful of violet buds, think romantic thoughts, and then toss them in front of you. Look at the patterns they form on the ground. They should suggest a name or the initials of your future mate. If you get better results with white blossoms, then your mate will always be faithful. If you get better results with purple blossoms, your marriage will be passionate.
Tossing myrtle into a fire is said to cause the face of your future mate to appear.
A white dove flying over your house is an omen that there will be a marriage in your family within a year.
For love, take a pair of scissors and inscribe your name on the inside of one blade and his name on the inside of the other, then bury the scissors.
We hope you have a memorable Valentine’s Day this year, but be sure to act with caution when reading or influencing your fate. Maybe consider a bouquet of roses instead.
For other Valentine ideas in the Smoky Mountains, check out these posts:
The Peaceful Side of the Smokies is home to a vibrant, growing art scene. From galleries to makers markets and hands-on studios, here are some of the best places to experience local creativity.
Janke works primarily in alcohol ink, a vibrant medium known for its movement and color, and creates one-of-a-kind Southern Long Leaf pine needle baskets.
This August and September, she will teach several hands-on classes in alcohol ink painting and basketry. Students are encouraged to email to reserve a spot, and space is limited.
Local artisans gather at the Townsend Artisan Guild to celebrate craft and connect with the community. From Shibori fabric dyeing to bird-themed acrylic painting workshops, their classes make space for creativity at any experience level.
Coming up:
Shibori Fabric Dyeing, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon
Bluebird Acrylic Painting Class with Carol Robin King, Aug. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Demonstration Day, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Classes are held at the Townsend Art Center on Lamar Alexander Parkway. If you’ve never tried your hand at fiber or paint, these short, welcoming workshops are a great place to begin.
Studio 212 Arts in Maryville offers clay and painting classes for both adults and kids. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist looking to refine your technique, there’s something for you.
Coming up:
Yard Totem, Starting Aug. 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. (4 sessions)
Adult Pottery Wheel, offered Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Winter Village, offered Sundays
Try a Pot, offered Saturdays
Their seasonal and one-time classes are especially popular around the holidays, and spots tend to go fast. Keep an eye on their calendar and consider signing up for a private session if you’re looking for something more personal.
Creative Spark Studio, also in Maryville, offers a broad mix of mediums. Drop in for a class or pick up a take-home kit with options like pottery painting, alcohol ink, acrylic pour or holiday décor.
Their rotating workshops include everything from bookmaking and silk painting to wire-wrapped jewelry, soap making and macrame. If you’re looking for something fun and messy, the Splatter Vault lets you fling paint at a canvas and leave with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
The studio also hosts private parties, corporate events and Scout badge workshops.
Now through Aug. 21, the DENSO Gallery inside Maryville College’s Clayton Center for the Arts is home to a group show from A1LabArts, a Knoxville-based collective that’s all about creativity, collaboration and community.
This nonprofit’s work ranges from traditional exhibits to hard-to-categorize creative experiences. The show is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, and the closing reception on Aug. 21 is free and open to the public.
On Aug. 2, the East Tennessee Makers Market returns to McArthur Pavilion on the Maryville College campus from 5 to 9 p.m. With over 90 local makers, live music and hot beignets, the East Tennessee Makers Market is a full-sensory celebration of local talent.
You’ll find woodworkers, jewelers, painters, ceramicists, soap-makers, textile artists and plenty of one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t see anywhere else. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas shopping.
If you can’t make it, craft vendors also join the Maryville Farmers Market once a month. Upcoming dates include Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18 and two holiday markets, set for Nov. 8 and 15.
If you’ve ever wanted to step inside a painting, now’s your chance. The Van Gogh Immersive Experience is at Foothills Mall in Maryville through Sept. 28.
The exhibit surrounds you with 360-degree visuals of Van Gogh’s most iconic works. A VR experience titled “A Day in the Life of the Artist in Arles, France” lets visitors explore eight paintings from the artist’s perspective. And you can even create your own digital art to project onto the walls.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
On the Peaceful Side, the start of the school year doesn’t have to mean the end of summer fun. Your family won’t want to miss out on these exciting weekend adventures planned for August and September.
Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival
Celebrate the start of the school year with the sixth-annual Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Townsend Visitor Center. Enjoy a stunning display of colorful hot air balloons set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains.
For just $25 per person, your family (ages five and up) can experience a private tethered balloon ride. On the ground, explore a variety of craft and food vendors, and participate in fun activities for all ages. Stick around until dark to catch a spectacular laser show.
Some of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department and the Townsend Elementary School.
Miles for Maryville
In honor of National Wellness Month, kick off the school year with some fit fun at the Miles for Maryville Race on Saturday, Aug. 24. Choose from a 10K, 5K or one-mile fun run/walk.
If long-distance running isn’t your thing, the one-mile fun run/walk offers a great chance to create memories with your family. Tickets for the fun run are $25 per person. Register by noon on Aug. 14 to receive a commemorative t-shirt.
Proceeds will benefit the Maryville City Schools Foundation, which supports educational programs for students in Maryville City Schools.
Music at Montvale
On the evening of Aug. 24, experience Music at Montvale from 5-10 p.m. at the historic Montvale Springs in Maryville. The night will open with a performance by David Childers, a North Carolina singer-songwriter and banjo player, followed by Scott Miller, a rock singer-songwriter recently inducted into the East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame.
Relax under the stars while enjoying Miller’s Appalachia-inspired performance and savoring food from local vendors. Tickets are available online for $30 per person, with free entry for kids 12 and under.
Get your kids moving at the “Gotta Tri” Kids Triathlon hosted by Parks & Rec on Sept. 8 from 2-4 p.m. “Tiny Tots” (ages three to six) and “True Troopers” (ages seven to nine) will run, bike and splash (not swim) their way to the finish line.
Register by the Friday before the event for $17 or $20 the day of the event. Pre-registered participants are guaranteed a t-shirt and medal, while same-day registrants will receive these items while supplies last.
Railroad Days Heritage Festival
Celebrate local history at the Railroad Days Heritage Festival in Townsend on Sept. 28 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ride the hand pump car, check out the reproduction Elkmont Observation Car and delve into the history of Tuckaleechee cove through special exhibits and artifacts.
There will be local food vendors and craftsmen, as well as live music. Your kids will love operating the garden railroad and sampling “Steam Cream” homemade ice cream.
The event is free to attend, but donations are encouraged to support the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company nonprofit museum.
Will your family be attending any of these events? We’d love to hear about it. Be sure to tag us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Summers in Blount County are long and hot, and there’s no better way to take a break from the heat than to step on out and treat yourself to something cold and frosty. There are plenty of places to choose from in Blount County; here are a few worth checking out! Scoops & Slices Alcoa’s Scoops & Slices is a must-visit for fans of pizza and ice cream. Besides classic pizza combinations, they offer a dessert pizza (which is a chocolate peanut butter pie) and all the ice cream sundae, shake, and soft serve combinations that you would expect from a restaurant committed to longtime favorites and good fun. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Bruster’s Real Ice Cream in Maryville offers a big menu of ice cream treats every day – around 40 flavors! They actually make around 150 flavors all together, and one of the company’s signature features is how Bruster’s handcrafts each flavor in the store. Instead of making everything at a central location, Bruster’s ships the cream and other basic ingredients to their locations, where the ice cream is mixed and made locally. Little River Village Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe The Little River Village Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe is serving up more than just fudge – they’ve got large scoops of Blue Bell ice cream on offer, too. Customers can choose from classics like Rocky Road or new favorites like banana pudding, and chocolate-dipped cones are also available. Check them out in Townsend! Capitol Coffee & Ice Cream Parlor This treat stop located at the Capitol Theatre in Maryville offers gourmet coffee and blended drinks, as well as ice cream delicacies. Everything on the menu has its own old-timey cinema theme, with beverages like the Here’s Lookin’ at You Kid, an espresso drink with caramel and macadamia nut, and sundaes like the The Midnight Showing, which features chocolate ice cream with Ghirardelli dark chocolate, dark chocolate chips, whipped cream and a Ghirardelli chocolate square. Now that’s some movie magic! Maryville’s Dairy Queen Sometimes there’s nothing like an American classic. Dairy Queen was founded in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, and it’s been spreading cheer across America ever since. The Grill & Chill location on West Broadway in Maryville offers everyone’s favorites, from Dilly Bars to Peanut Buster Parfaits, and it also keeps up with the latest DQ trends nationwide. Now that you’ve gotten to know a few of the local joints a little better, why not plan your next visit to one of Blount’s hot spots for sweet treats?
On the Peaceful Side, a heat wave doesn’t have to mean cancelled plans. There’s plenty of ways to keep cool—inside, on the water and even underground. Here are our favorites for beating the summer heat.
Savor a Frozen Treat
The Capitol Theatre Ice Cream Parlor is a local favorite for cooling off with a cone in a vintage, small-town setting. It’s a great place to slow down and savor a sweet treat in the heart of the community.
New spots like Andy’s Frozen Custard and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers have quickly become summer go-to’s. Andy’s is known for seasonal specials like the All-American Cherry Pie Concrete, available July 2–8, with real cherries and creamy vanilla custard. Freddy’s, and Culver’s of Alcoa, both offer classic frozen custard treats all season long.
Go Spelunking
Tuckaleechee Caverns is the perfect underground escape. The caverns feature massive stalagmites, clear streams and the Big Room, a space large enough to hold a football field. The steady 58-degree temperature makes this a refreshing way to spend a summer afternoon while exploring one of the Smokies’ natural wonders.
Get Crafty
Local art studios offer great ways to stay cool while making something new. Creative Spark Studio has a full lineup of summer art camps for kids, plus sewing and welding classes for all ages.
At Townsend Art Center, July’s clay handbuilding workshops let you craft floral wreaths or decorative masks, with a follow-up class to complete your piece with a patina finish. Over at Gracehill Fine Art & Basketry, you can try out hands-on basketry and alcohol ink painting workshops.
Go Tubing or Take a Dip
Tubing with River Rat is a beloved summer tradition. Choose between two routes: a gentle and family-friendly one, and another with a few more rapids. Whichever you pick, it’s a relaxing, refreshing float that captures the easygoing spirit of the Peaceful Side.
If swimming is more your style, head to the Townsend Wye. Just inside the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Wye offers shallow spots for wading, deeper pools for swimming and plenty of space to unwind along the water’s edge.
Watch a Performance
When it’s time to head indoors, the Clayton Center for the Arts hosts performances and cultural events all summer long. In late July, the Broadway Center for the Arts will present Frozen Jr. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.
What’s your favorite way to stay cool on the Peaceful Side? Tag us on social media (@PeacefulSmokies) for a chance to be featured.
Some summer days are just too much to handle. It’s too hot for anyone to be comfortable, the humidity is heavy, and it seems like the sun is never going to give in and retreat behind the clouds. There’s only one thing to do with weather like this: grin and bear it. How on earth, though, are you supposed to come up with a reason to grin? When excessive heat and the suffering it brings seems never-ending, what do you have to smile about?
Luckily, There’s One Thing That’s Better in the Heat
Ice cream was made for days like this, andBruster’s Real Ice Cream in Maryville has dozens of flavors! They’ve got classics like rocky road and strawberry, as well as new flavors, like “Pucker Up,” which is lemon ice cream with blue raspberry and sour cherry ribbons, plus Nerds candy, and “Cotton Candy Explosion” a cotton-candy-flavored ice cream with popping candy, so there’s plenty to choose from at Bruster’s. In fact, Bruster’s recipe book contains about 150 different flavors, and there are around 40 flavors to pick from daily. This wide variety is possible because of the way Bruster’s ice cream is made, which is also one of the company’s hallmarks. Basic ingredients are delivered to each Bruster’s shop, and the ice cream is handcrafted right there in the store. It never sees the inside of a deep freezer, which is why it has such a rich taste. It also has a short shelf life, but it always disappears before that becomes an issue!
More Than Just Ice Cream Cones
There’s more to choose from at Bruster’s than just a couple scoops in a cone. Bruster’s also offers sundaes and splits, both available in either a waffle cone bowl or a regular bowl. Love banana splits? Every Thursday at Bruster’s is Banana Thursday, where customers can bring their own banana and get ½ off the price of a banana split. Other treats include blasts – soft serve with mix-ins like Oreos and Reese’s Pieces – milkshakes, freezes made with sherbet or Italian ice, and ice cream sodas and floats. Even your dog can join the fun! Bruster’s offers free “doggie sundaes” every day they are open. Looking for something to suit a crowd? Bruster’s will hand-pack pints, quarts, and half gallons of their ice cream for you to take away, and they also offer pies and ice cream cakes. Ice cream cakes are available for pickup anytime, but they can be easily custom ordered with different flavors of cake and ice cream, as can the pies. Both are iced with Bruster’s vanilla ice cream, so there’s more than enough good feeling to go around.
Where to Find Ice Cream in Maryville
Bruster’s is located on 1400 W. Broadway in Maryville, Tennessee, and is open from 11 AM to 11 PM, 7 days a week. Next time the heat gets to be too much, you know where to go!
Warm summer nights, good music, friendly conversation, and local craft beer – what else could you ask for from an evening in the East Tennessee Mountains? Our Hops in the Hills brew festival isn’t just another regional beer fest; it’s an event planned with both patron and brewer experience in mind.
Only 1000 tickets are sold for this Hops in the Hills event, keeping lines short and allowing brewers to discuss brewing processes and product distinctions with an engaged crowd. And don’t worry about spending additional money on top of your ticket price because each ticket also gets you tastings, food, an official event t-shirt, and great live music.
Are you an IPA guy or a Porter gal? Have you always wondered how a grapefruit Saison tastes? Spend the evening sampling a wide variety of drafts from 30 of the most well-known breweries in the region. Past partners include Yeehaw Brewing Company, Blackberry Farm Brewery, Black Horse Brewing Company, and Fanatic Brewing Company.
For those of you with a competitive streak, we offer games like life-size beer pong and Jenga, or you can challenge your friends to a neighborly game of cornhole. Located in the Maryville Greenway Amphitheater, this Celebration of Fermentation is a great way to dive into summer and experience the joys of craft beer.
“Hops in the Hills is a great way for people to join the community and experience the Smoky Mountains and Maryville’s vibrant, historic downtown and thriving craft beer scene,” says Blount Partnership Tourism Director Kim Mitchell. “It’s always a highly-anticipated event.”
Join us from 5:00 – 9:00 pm on Saturday, June 24th, 2023, for a tasting experience you won’t forget! Tickets can be purchased online at www.hopsinthehills.com for $65 per person or $40 per designated driver, which will include everything but the beer.
Don’t just come for the evening; join us for the whole weekend. Friday night, start your experience with our Hops in the Hills Craft Brew Crawl, provided by Knox Brew Tours. Purchase tickets for $15 per person. The night will begin at The Casual Pint – Maryville (this is where you will get on the bus, receive your wristband and Brew Crawl Official Cup), and buses will run continuously throughout the night, from 6:00 – 10:00 pm, allowing you to stay as long as you like at each stop. Stops will include Casual Pint – Maryville, Brackins Blues Club, Two Doors Down, Tri-Hop Brewery, and Blackberry Farms Brewery.
As part of the weekend-long Summer on the Broadway celebration, Hops joins other exciting festivities such as a sanctioned BBQ Cookoff, Farmer’s Market and Craft Fair, Car Show, Dock Dogs, Kid’s Zone, and the Headphone Silent Disco. Dance the night away with your own headphone set, choosing from two different DJs to find your favorite genre.
So, whether you want to start your adventure with a hike, see the area on horseback, or take a refreshing float down the river, we have it in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Local accommodations are ready to welcome you with southern hospitality and charm, so get your tickets and book your rooms today!
For more events like these, check out the following posts:
What makes a good fishing spot? Well, quite simply, lots of good fish! That’s not the whole story, though. There’s more to a good fishing spot than just the fish, and while not everybody looks for the same thing in a fishing spot, there are some generally agreed-upon factors that make one fishing spot better than another. Let’s take a look!
Peacefulness, Accessibility, and a Clean Environment Every kid who has been taken fishing has heard the story about how “talking scares the fish away,” and every adult fisherman has a moment of realization when they figure out that the grown-ups were just looking for a little peace and quiet.
There is some truth to this, though – fishing should be at least somewhat relaxing, and if you’re on a crowded bank, it’s hopefully with people whose company you enjoy. One of the best ways to enjoy your experience is to find a secluded spot, which is what many fishermen and women prefer. In addition, nothing wrecks the ambience like litter and pollution, for both you and the fish. This may be more of a consideration for bank fisherman than boat fishermen, but it still applies when boating: nothing takes you out of the wilderness experience more than sitting in your boat in the middle of what seems like a pristine waterway, only to see a clump of garbage float by. It just won’t do!
Tailwaters of the Fort Loudon Dam Spots that meet these criteria can be found all around Blount County, but some of the most legendary fishing is associated with the tailwaters of Tennessee Valley Authority hydroelectric dams. The Fort Loudon Dam area, in particular, is known for its catfishing, though it’s strictly for sport – large catfish are available, but PCB contamination makes them (and largemouth bass over 2 pounds) poor candidates for a dinner plate.
There are other fish available, however; the free-flowing water in Fort Loudon Lake provides a pleasant habitat for a number of different species of fish, including crappie, sauger, and even the state-endangered lake sturgeon. A record of a successful catch and release of a lake sturgeon will actually earn you a certificate from the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency for your efforts!
Chilhowee Lake It’s technically a lake, but it feels more like a river, which is actually to the benefit of fishermen and women. Water that flows provides better oxygen levels and variations in marine life that support the kinds of fish people prefer to catch.
The lake is most accessible from boat ramps along the lake’s northern border, near U.S. Highway 129, and popular catches are trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass, but other available species include crappie, catfish, and sunfish. The lake isn’t known for the prize catfish Fort Loudon is, which also means it’s generally a more quiet and peaceful choice.
Don’t Forget Your License Anglers over the age of 13 need a license to fish on public waterways in Tennessee, as well as a separate permit for trout fishing in some locations. Make sure you’re following all the requirements by checking out the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’slicensing page, which will also connect you to an online shop where you actually purchase your licenses. Nothing spoils a day out faster than an unnecessary fine! Once you’ve got that squared away, the fun can begin. Make sure to think of Blount County the next time you’re planning a fishing trip, and get ready to enjoy beautiful marine environments and prize catches.
Some of us live to wake before dawn to witness the promise of a new day as the sun crests the horizon, sending away the navy and blue with its crimson and yellow joy. Others, however, relish as life begins to slow down, pulling the sun through cotton candy skies until it gracefully slides behind the horizon. There is a profound sense of peace when the sun and horizon meet. A Smoky Mountain sunrise refreshes the soul and offers a never-ending opportunity for change. At the same time, a Smoky Mountain sunset leaves us in awe at the majestic expanse of the endless night sky.
We’ve put together a few of our favorite spots to catch the sweeping shades of nature’s glory as the sun sets and rises in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
Photo Courtesy of Up ‘N Adam Adventures
Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 feet. Once you’ve parked at the lot area along Newfound Gap Rd, follow the half-mile paved path to the observation tower. Here you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Smokies, perfect for viewing sunrises and sunsets.
Cades Cove
Voted amongst the “45 Most Beautiful Places in America” by the magazine Country Living, Cades Cove is America’s most beautiful valley. It offers a small valley full of meadows, rolling hills, a variety of wildlife, and historic sites. When the sun transitions here, a unique glow envelopes the area and carries you to an ethereal moment in time.
Beautiful horizontal shot of a frosty sunrise in the Cades Cove section of The Smokies.
Look Rock Observation Tower
Look Rock Observation Tower offers a 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains. It is a kid-friendly location with an easy, paved hike that even offers several sitting rocks, which make for great family photo opportunities. You can start your family’s day with a short, glorious sunrise hike or end the day hiking into twilight and star gazing after sunset.
Photo by Adam Williamson
Tips for Watching Smoky Mountain Sunsets or Sunrises
You snooze, you lose. If you want a great spot, get there early. Some of these spots are popular, and you want to beat the crowd. Check for scheduled sunrise/sunset times and make the arrangements to get there early.
Don’t forget your camera. These views are legendary and have seen more than we mere humans can imagine. Besides, you don’t want to miss the chance to get that perfect Christmas Card picture.
Be Present. Let kids be kids and let go of any expectation of perfect; imperfection = fun! As mentioned above, sunrises and sunsets are great photo opportunities, but they are much better memories.
“Dusk is just an illusion because the sun is either above the horizon or below it. And that means that day and night are linked in a way that few things are. There cannot be one without the other, yet they cannot exist at the same time. How would it feel, I remember wondering, to be always together, yet forever apart?”
The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival returns to Townsend on Saturday, May 3 for its fifth year—bringing legendary creatures, live music, food trucks and a full day of cryptid-themed fun. This family-friendly, pet-friendly event is just as much for true believers as it is for anyone looking for a unique outing on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
This year’s theme is a “Legendary Family Reunion,” and Bigfoot isn’t coming alone. Expect nods to Yeti, Mothman, Dogman and more—as well as guest speakers, including Adam Davies, a British researcher who’s explored jungles, deserts and the Smokies in search of the unknown.
Davies recently joined the team at Bigfoot in the Smokies, a gift shop in Townsend. We caught up with him ahead of the festival to talk sightings, skepticism and what keeps him curious.
What first drew you to the field of cryptozoology and exploration?
When I was very young, I had a sister that died of neuroblastoma. It was very painful, and it taught me not to take life for granted—even at that young age.
Later, I was hit by a police officer’s son who was illegally riding a motorbike on the sidewalk. My leg was shattered in several places, and the doctors told my parents I’d probably never walk again. But that wouldn’t happen. I committed to rehab, did a lot of swimming, and a year later, I became a swimming champion. That experience showed me I had real determination.
I’d always been fascinated by unknown species and tracking animals. I read constantly and eventually found my way into forests and wilderness areas. That’s how it all started.
Can you share how your interest in Bigfoot developed over the years?
My interest in Bigfoot specifically gelled in 2008 when I was making a film with Dr. Jeff Meldrum in China about the Yeren, the Chinese Wildman. He and I talked about the Pattlin-Gimlin film [about Bigfoot], and he told me why he thought it was credible. I decided to turn my interest to Bigfoot in that stage and come to North America.
You’ve explored some of the most remote regions on the planet. How do the Smoky Mountains compare in terms of terrain and mystery?
I love the terrain. I’m not just saying it because I live here—the forest life is wonderful. It’s a vibrant ecosystem. I’ve been out in the jungle in the Congo and Sumatra, […] but I prefer the forests here. They’re my favorite in all of the world.
Have you investigated any firsthand accounts of Bigfoot sightings in the Smoky Mountains?
Yeah, I have, and I recently was interviewing a witness who’d seen something at White Oak Sinks. She was talking about how it moved like liquid, which is fascinating because that correlates with my experiences of people talking about it in Nepal.
What tools or techniques do you rely on when searching for cryptids like Bigfoot?
I plan carefully. Before any expedition, I assess the viability of the area, research the historical pedigree and contact local guides. Of course, sometimes you have to adapt quickly—especially in dangerous situations, like I’ve had to do in Congo. But overall, I like to be as prepared as possible.
Have you had any dangerous encounters in the Smokies?
No, not really. You’ve always got to be careful with bears, of course. And I’ve been exhausted a few times. But most of the hikes around here are wonderful and exciting—and so beautiful.
How do you handle skepticism? Do you mind that some just see it as something fun?
No, I don’t mind that at all. I’m not here evangelize people. I’m not here on behalf of the “Bigfoot Party.”
I’ve had an encounter with Bigfoot—on the land between the lakes on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky. So, I know it’s around. I’m interested in questions like how intelligent it might be and things like that. But you know, if people [see it as a curiosity], that doesn’t trouble me. It’s up to them.
What was the Bigfoot encounter you describe like?
It was extremely intense. We were setting up for a night shoot when it happened. Several creatures appeared. One was behind a tree, throwing sticks and stones. Another one, about nine feet tall with red eyes, was roaring. It was astonishing.
The cameraman, bless him, freaked out and tried to run. The producer had to grab him. What struck me most was how the creatures used strategic thinking. One seemed to be drawing us in while others flanked us. It was a remarkable experience.
When you have experiences like that, is it always something incomparable to the last?
The first thing I want to say is that it’s very rare. I’ve been doing things like this for many years, and instances like that hardly ever happen. […] Each cryptid experience is very, very different. If I can gather scientific evidence which can be objectively analyzed by scientists, then I do that as well.
What type of scientific evidence do you gather?
It depends. The best sort of evidence can be analyzed and corroborated. DNA evidence would be really good, but that’s something I’m working towards.
Nowadays, with Photoshop and all these things, it’s difficult. Photos wouldn’t be enough on their own to convince people of the existence of Bigfoot. However, if it were analyzed and found out not to be fake, it would be very interesting for potentially learning about the anatomy of the creature.
With witnesses, I am used to cross-examining people because I used to work for British government. I approach it quite carefully because people can be completely genuine but mistaken. Particularly in the Smokies, if you accept that someone is telling the truth, you still have to consider that it could be a bear.
You recently started a YouTube channel sharing local stories. What role does storytelling play in your work, and in keeping interest in Bigfoot and other cryptids alive?
I love the subject, and I love talking to people about it. I really got into it because I wanted to answer questions for myself.
What’s next for your research? Any upcoming expeditions related to the Smokies or elsewhere?
When I’m not working, I’m pretty much normally out in the Smokies, searching and enjoying the mountains. Sometimes, I’m just hiking, but I’m researching every week.
The views expressed in this interview are those of Adam Davies and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or positions of SmokyMountains.org. Those interested in learning more about Davies and his work can visit www.adamdaviesexplorer.com. He is open to answering questions.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Bigfoot in the Smokies may be elusive, but Sasquatch enthusiasts were easy to find in Townsend, TN.
The city hosted the first annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival on Saturday, May 22 at the Townsend Visitor and Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
A 5K and fun run kicked off the festival with sightings of ‘Squatch and Sassy Squatch along the course. The day’s events included a Sasquatch woodcarving competition and auction, square dancing with Sasquatch, live music, numerous food, drink, and bigfoot-themed craft vendors.
Cliff Barackman from the Discovery show “Finding Bigfoot” spoke and gave a Bigfoot-calling demonstration, which was surprisingly loud for such an elusive creature.
Among the more atypical events on the schedule were a “Bigfoot wedding,” and performances from “Slashquatch,” a guitarist whose wardrobe combines elements of Bigfoot and musician Slash, and “Saxsquatch” a Bigfoot saxophonist.
“Nothing compares to the mysterious world of Bigfoot,” says Brian Johnston, event coordinator. “This festival was a rare glimpse into the life of the reclusive creature.”
This will be a perfect chance to learn more about and possibly encounter Bigfoot in the Smokies.
Three routes on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are now part of BikeTN, a statewide program from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development that highlights road and gravel rides across Tennessee. The local additions include a shorter paved ride in Townsend, a gravel climb into Cades Cove and a longer Foothills Parkway challenge.
At 19 comfortable miles, the Townsend Out-and-Back is the easiest of the three. While riders can start in several places, the route guide points to Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe in Townsend, with easy access to parking, restrooms and food.
From there, the route heads west on the bike path, drops through the tunnel beneath Highway 321 and continues toward the Townsend Sunshine Covered Bridge. After crossing the bridge, riders turn onto Old Walland Highway, a former main road that now carries mostly local traffic.
The first several miles follow the Little River. The road rolls but trends downhill early. Around mile five, the route passes under Foothills Parkway, then pitches up into a short climb before dropping into Walland. After another stretch along the river, the road opens into farmland and ends at Ellejoy Road, where most riders turn around.
The Townsend/Cades Cove Gravel Loop is the most distinctive of the three, totaling 31 miles. Like the Out-and-Back, it starts at Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe.
From Townsend, the route climbs Rich Mountain on gravel. Grades stay steady, generally between 4 and 6 percent, and the surface stays smooth and compact. Much of the climb stays shaded beneath dense forest, with occasional overlooks through the trees.
A series of switchbacks drops the route into Cades Cove, calling for a controlled pace. In the cove, the route opens into meadows, historic cabins and one of the best-known landscapes in the national park. Wildlife sightings are common.
The Foothills Parkway Challenge is the hardest of the three. It’s 63 miles long with about 8,100 feet of elevation gain.
The route starts in Walland at the pull-off where the two completed sections of Foothills Parkway come together. The route returns there halfway through, so riders can restock or stop early.
The ride breaks into two out-and-backs. Riders head west first on the older section of the parkway. That side opens with a steady climb, then another, with overlooks and views of the Smokies and surrounding valleys along the way.
Near the top, riders can detour to Look Rock for the overlook and observation tower. After that comes a long descent toward Highway 129, then the full climb back up.
The second half follows the newer section. The grades bite sooner, and the views open wider as the road climbs. Riders can stop at a higher overlook for a shorter ride or keep going to Wears Valley before turning back.
Bike Safety in Tennessee
In Tennessee, bicycles count as vehicles. Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic, obey traffic signs and signals, and use hand signals when turning or stopping.
Cyclists under 16 must wear a helmet. Anyone riding at night must use a white front light and a red rear reflector or red rear light visible from 500 feet. Tennessee law also requires drivers to leave at least three feet when passing a bicycle.
Riders should stay far right on descents and blind curves, especially on roads with frequent switchbacks. They should also carry enough water and nutrition, especially on longer routes with limited services.
Two cycling events are on the calendar this year. Tour de Blount returns to Maryville on May 23 with 25-, 50- and 75-mile options. Tour de Rocky Top follows in Townsend on July 11, with options ranging from shorter local rides to longer mountain routes.
Cycology Bicycles in Maryville also hosts free, social-paced group rides on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
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