MountainLore

In the 1820s, a man named Johnson from North Carolina fell gravely ill after stealing money from a cattle buyer. With the help of a wise granny woman, he discovered a remedy, but it came at a great cost. Discover the tale of Johnson's theft, his mysterious illness, and the supernatural wisdom of Granny Weiss, … Continue reading "Granny Weiss And The Cursed Money"

In Georgia, the Walsingham place, haunted by restless spirits and terrifying phenomena, drove a brave man to madness after a night of unspeakable horrors. Discover the chilling tale of the Walsingham family and their encounter with the supernatural, where eerie sounds and ghostly apparitions led to their hasty departure and about the man who later … Continue reading "The Haunting of Walsingham Manor"

In the mountains of Appalachia, a grieving widow named Rhodey experiences an eerie omen before her husband's tragic hunting accident, leading her to a profound belief in the supernatural. Discover the haunting tale of Rhodey and Alamander, where a white feather becomes a symbol of impending doom and a connection to the otherworldly. You can … Continue reading "The White Feather"

In the mountains of North Carolina, tales are told of a haunted spring where, on a dark night, you might witness a chilling procession of seven possums, seven ghostly men, and seven coffins—each an eerie echo of a long-forgotten tragedy.   Discover the legend of the seven spirits, believed to be the restless souls of … Continue reading "The Seven Sprits of the Haunted Spring"

In the mountains of western North Carolina, a headless dog was said to emerge from an old schoolhouse grave to chase travelers, fueled by his and his human's tragic end at the hands of evil men.  This week, Steve and Gena tell the tale of the Headless Dog of Cove Creek, another one of the … Continue reading "The Headless Dog of Cove Creek"

In the mountains of North Carolina, the mysterious and feared witch Phoebe Ward once roamed from place to place, weaving spells and leaving a mysterious legacy in her wake. Phoebe's life was as wild and twisted as the mountain trails themselves, and her legend only grew after a chilling encounter with some men one cold, … Continue reading "The Tale of Phoebe Ward, The Witch of the North Carolina Mountains"

One cold December day over 140 years ago, 19 shackled convicts lost their lives crossing the Tuckaseegee River in North Carolina to go work on a railroad tunnel.  Ever since that day folks swear that they can still hear the ghosts of those chained prisoners inside the walls of the Cowee Tunnel, including the three … Continue reading "The Haunted Cowee Tunnel"

This week we tell the strange tale of Silas McKean, a young man whose life took an extraordinary turn when he encountered a radiant ball of light between two ancient pine trees. This supernatural encounter led to, of all things, a profound relationship that transcended the mortal realm and changed Silas' life forever.    Join … Continue reading "The Haunted Pines"

We've been away for a spell, but we're back with a new tale and a new release date, Monday evenings! In this episode of MountainLore, we share the eerie tale of a remote holler, where a widower's new wife harbored a dark secret, one that chilled the entire community to its bones as restless spirits … Continue reading "Haints in the Holler"

In this episode of MountainLore, we tell the tale of a once beautiful old house nestled deep in the woods. For over a century and a half, whispers of the house's haunting have echoed through the hills, all stemming from the tragic and untimely end of its reclusive occupant, a man known simply as Johnny. … Continue reading "The Ghost Came A'Knockin'"

In this episode of MountainLore, we tell the tale of Old Bill Mullins and his fiery reckoning. A man known for his sinful ways and a life lived in defiance of the divine, Bill's story is a cautionary whisper among the pines and a legend that has echoed through the hills of Appalachia for many … Continue reading "Old Bill Mullins and the Burning Bible"

Today's tale takes us deep into the mountains of Southwest Virginia, where a legend tells of two sisters whose very souls seemed woven from the darkest threads of the mountains. In this episode of MountainLore, we delve into the sinister saga of these two, whose wickedness was whispered to be the devil's own handiwork. Even … Continue reading "The Wicked Sisters of Appalachia"

Today we tell a tale about a mysterious and unsettling visit to an old, grand house nestled deep within the Appalachian hills—a place where ghosts laugh and taunt you when the sun goes down and long into the night.   It's a story of terror that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural, leaving … Continue reading "A Cold Slap to the Cheek: The Tale of an Appalachian Haunting"

Today we tell a tale about a mysterious and unsettling visit to an old, grand house nestled deep within the Appalachian hills—a place where ghosts laugh and taunt you when the sun goes down and long into the night.   It's a story of terror that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural, leaving … Continue reading "A Cold Slap to the Cheek: The Tale of an Appalachian Haunting"

Venture with us into the stormy hills of Southwest Virginia, where a stop on a preacher's journey brings him a ghostly plea for justice in this episode of MountainLore. As the heavens unleash a rainstorm, our man of God seeks refuge in an old farmhouse, rumored to be haunted by restless spirits. What follows is … Continue reading "The Preacher and the Ghost Of The Blackwater Farmhouse"

In the dark hollows of Appalachia, a tale as twisted as the branches of an ancient oak unfolds in this episode of MountainLore. We're taking you back 150 years to a time when a grand old oak tree stood sentinel on the edge of a small town, its boughs a meeting place for a coven … Continue reading "The Twisted Tree of the Witch's Wrath"

In the dark hollows of Appalachia, a tale as twisted as the branches of an ancient oak unfolds in this episode of MountainLore. We're taking you back 150 years to a time when a grand old oak tree stood sentinel on the edge of a small town, its boughs a meeting place for a coven … Continue reading "The Twisted Tree of the Witches' Wrath"

On this ghostly journey through the heart of Appalachia, we recount the spine-tingling tale of two brothers, Jacob and Ritchie Vail, and their fateful encounter with a haunted tavern along the Ohio River. As the brothers seek lodging one night, they stumble upon a mysterious establishment with a dark past and an even darker presence … Continue reading "The Haunted Tavern of the River's Bend"

On this ghostly journey through the heart of Appalachia, we recount the spine-tingling tale of two brothers, Jacob and Ritchie Vail, and their fateful encounter with a haunted tavern along the Ohio River. As the brothers seek lodging one night, they stumble upon a mysterious establishment with a dark past and an even darker presence … Continue reading "The Haunted Tavern of the River's Bend"

In this chilling episode of MountainLore, we delve deep into the eerie tales of western Pennsylvania as we recount a story that's lingered in the whispers of the hills for over a century. We venture to a forsaken square frame house nestled in the mountains—a house that now stands forlorn, its glory days long past. … Continue reading "Old Richter's Ghost"

Today we tell a tale from southwest Virginia about a man, his young son, and the family's cows, which the son tended during the day up in the mountains.   That man tried to teach his boy a lesson in being home on time.  That's NOT how things turned out, however. Don't forget to subscribe to … Continue reading "Big Fraid and Little Fraid"

One summer, many years ago, a small community in the mountains of Kentucky suffered through the worst drought any of them had ever experienced. Searching for a cause for their misery, they found one: an older woman who lived at the head of their holler, Hollow Branch, who many had whispered had unearthly and evil … Continue reading "The Hollow Branch Witch Trial"

Bill and Elie had a long life together, made even longer by their utter dislike for each other.  One day Elie disappeared and Bill became a man set free. All was grand, until that cursed lilac bush came along. Be sure to subscribe to the MountainLore podcast.  We're on Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Spotify, Audible or … Continue reading "The Tell Tale Lilac Bush"

We have reached a milestone:  200 episodes! To celebrate, we bring you a folktale from the mountains of western North Carolina… A hunter resting one evening at a historic mountain pass in North Carolina happens to see a ghostly sight: three indistinct soldiers at the edge of a clearing, staring in his direction, not at … Continue reading "Ghosts of Days Gone By"

On May 2, 1891, Octavia Hatcher of Pikeville, Kentucky, died from a strange, new illness. Well, no she didn't, but nobody knew that at the time. You see, that illness caused her to go into a coma so deep that doctors at the time assumed she was dead and pronounced her so. Then she was … Continue reading "The Tragedy of Octavia Hatcher"

Bobby and Clara, together since high school, lived in a small Appalachian town, leading normal lives…until Bobby broke off their relationship to marry another woman. There followed a chain of events that led to Bobby being tormented by a spirit from the afterworld. That, dear listeners, is our tale this week! Be sure to subscribe … Continue reading "The Ghost Stalker"

Many years ago, it's said, a moonshiner running his still had a supernatural encounter that changed his life, another bit of MountainLore for you! Be sure to subscribe to the MountainLore podcast so you don't miss any of our stories. We're on Spotify, Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, Audible, or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for … Continue reading "A Ghostly Run of Likker"

There are those in these mountains who have an ability to find good underground water with nothing more than two sticks or wires to guide them.  Years ago a good dowser was worth his weight in gold. Some of these folks had other abilities, which you'll find out about in today's tale… Be sure to … Continue reading "The Water Witch"

Today we tell a tale about a superstition, once widely believed, that it was bad luck for a couple to get married while on horseback. One young couple did that many years ago, resulting in one bad thing after another happening to them, each one worse than the last. You can subscribe to the MountainLore … Continue reading "Marrying on Horseback"

Bunnies are cute and fluffy.  The Bunny Man is not; in fact the Bunny Man can and will kill you. This week we tell a tale about a man in a rabbit suit with killer instincts.  And in this case some of the story is definitely true. You can subscribe to the MountainLore podcast on … Continue reading "The Tale of The Bunnyman"

A tragic accident in the mines brings profound grief and anguish to a coal miner until one day, while working his shift, he finds the peace he had been missing for so long. Be sure to subscribe to the MountainLore podcast so you don't miss any of our tales from Appalachia; we're on your favorite … Continue reading "Ghostly Redemption: A Coal Miner's Tale"

Christmas is upon us, so we thought we'd share not a tale this week, but a story about how Christmas was celebrated in Appalachia over the years, along with some holiday folklore. We hope you enjoy! Be sure to subscribe to the MountainLore podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Goodpods, Audible, Spotify or wherever you get … Continue reading "Appalachian Christmas Traditions and Folklore"

Many years ago, it's said, a man who lived up between Norton and Pound, Virginia, was surprised by a strange dog standing in his kitchen when he returned home one night.  That encounter led to not only a broken toe but to a neverending search which consumed this man for the rest of his life. … Continue reading "The Devil Dog and the Broken Toe"

Did you know that Christmas has a dark side? It does, at least in some parts of not just Appalachia but around the world, in the form of a shaggy, horned man-goat named Krampus! If you want to catch all our tale from Appalachia, be sure to subscribe to the MountainLore podcast.  We're on your … Continue reading "Krampus: The Dark Side of Christmas"

In Franklin County, Virginia, a man is buried along with all his money, apparently with the intent of paving his path to the afterlife with gold. Only problem was that the money soon went missing, and therein lies our bit of MountainLore today! Be sure to subscribe to the MountainLore podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, … Continue reading "You Can't Take It With You"

One of life's lessons is “respect your elders.”  A lot of folks ignore that advice, earning them not much more than a scolding or a shake of the head from folks.   If the elder in question, though, has the power of witchcraft at their disposal, you'd best remember that life lesson…unless you want to reap … Continue reading "The Witch's Revenge"

A tragic tale of two young women, best friends, who were divided by their desire for the attentions of a young man.  Jealousy turned to murder which itself turned into the ghost story we have for you today. Be sure to subscribe to the MountainLore podcast at Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite … Continue reading "A Ghostly Reckoning"

We are back after a couple of weeks of being under the weather, but that time was put to good use in gathering up the story we have for you this week! A home renovation project a hundred years ago went well, not disturbing the neighbors. It did, however, disturb someone, or should we say, … Continue reading "The House of the Vanishing Chains"

Once upon a time an Appalachian preacher had a son who loved to swing back and forth on the front door of his farmhouse. We'll tell you the rest in today's tale. Be sure to subscribe to the MountainLore podcast on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss any of our stories. We're on … Continue reading "The Haunted Door"

There's nothing like a rustic log cabin nestled in a picturesque Appalachian valley.  Folks dream of having such a place in which to live. What they don't realize is that in some cases those dreams can become nightmares. Today we tell that tale. Be sure to subscribe to the MountainLore podcast at Spotify, Spreaker, Apple … Continue reading "The Log Cabin Ghosts"

Today's story comes from a listener, who remembered the bare bones of this tale but not the entire story. We've taken that “ghost” of a story (about a ghost) and put together the tale you'll hear in this episode. It's the story of the mysterious ghost rider of southwest Virginia, another tale from Appalachia. You … Continue reading "The Mysterious Ghost Rider of Southwest Virginia"

During the Great Depression, times were hard.  Many men were forced to take to the road to find any kind of work or handout they could get, just to survive.  These men, or “hobos,” as they were called, road the rails across the country and were a common sight in Appalachia. Today, in a repeat … Continue reading "The Mysterious Tale of the Headless Hobo"

There's an old story from the mountains of southwest Virginia about a witch named Bill Boggs.  It was said that Boggs got his powers from a chestnut tree on top of a ridge, and around this tree was a zone of death in which no plant nor animal could live.  One old farmer decided to … Continue reading "The Bewitched Chestnut Tree"

The Civil War came to East Tennessee in the form of Confederate raids against the mostly Union sympathizers who lived there.  Today's tale recounts a story told about one such raid which cost the life of a resident of Carter's Valley. His spirit demanded justice and got it…through his hand, brutally severed from his body … Continue reading "The Hand of Justice"

The final battle of the Civil War in West Virginia was fought at Droop Mountain.  Apparently, the spirits of many of the fallen soldiers, North and South, remain on that beautiful mountain to this day, as we'll tell you in today's podcast episode. Be sure to subscribe to the MountainLore podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, … Continue reading "Haunted Droop Mountain"

Once upon a time a man, Brother Johnny as he was known, decided to throw a party, with moonshine being part of the festivities.  Brother Johnny invited several friends to this get together, including a young man and his wife from over the mountain.  This couple took off for Brother Johnny's place and rode for … Continue reading "The Running Rattlesnake of Bear Creek"

What, dear listeners, has wooly fur, goat horns and a naked possum tail?     A critter/cryptid known as the White Thing, or, as we'd prefer to call it, the Sheepsquatch. Join us as we tell the tale of this mysterious being! Don't miss any of our tales…subscribe to the MountainLore podcast on your favorite podcast … Continue reading "Sheepsquatch"

Somewhere in Scott County, Virginia, is an old house, abandoned since the death of a mother at childbirth. Listen closely, though, and you might hear the sound of a ghostly hammer coming from the kitchen. Today we tell the story of the ghostly whispers from the haunted Lovell house. Be sure to subscribe to the … Continue reading "Whispers From the Haunted Lovell House"

About a hundred years ago, according to newspaper accounts of the time, a young boy outside Bluefield, West Virginia, had a strange encounter with what apparently was a witch but was saved by his father's quick thinking. Today we tell that tale. Be sure to subscribe to the MountainLore podcast so you don't miss any … Continue reading "Breaking the Witch's Spell"

We have a two for one podcast special for you!  Not one, but two ghost stories, one from West Virginia told to explain strange lights on Cole Mountain, and another from east Tennessee, about a ghostly dog said to haunt parts of the area around Surgoinsville.   Thanks for listening! Be sure to check out our … Continue reading "The Lights of Cole Mountain/The Legend of Long Dog"

Once upon a time, as some folks would say, a farmer had made the acquaintance of a woman and her young daughter.  At the same time, wild animals were eating everything in his garden and he was determined to stop it. That's when things went terribly wrong. You can subscribe to the MountainLore podcast at … Continue reading "The Deer and the Fawn"