Abstract:
There are many legends and mysteries surrounding Hickory Nut Gorge in western North Carolina. The early settlers found gold, tso-lungh (a magical, legendary tobacco), legends of talking animals, the mysterious Little People who lived among the craggy peaks of the gorge, and ominous sounds of Rumbling Bald Mountain. This article describes these stories and relevant tourist destinations at the gorge, Chimney Rock, and Lake Lure.