For the thirty-second year, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area hosted the Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at Bandy Creek Visitor Center.
The event is free, including parking and admission. It takes place every year on the third Saturday in September. Big South Fork spreads throughout Tennessee and Kentucky protecting the South Fork of the Cumberland River. It is slightly under a three-hour drive from ETSU, but with all the activities to explore, it is well worth the trip.
The park celebrated its 50th anniversary this January, but the area’s hunting history dates back to the 1700’s. Park ranger Jordan Gibbs dressed up as Daniel Boone for the festival and explained the history of “long hunters” who set up camp throughout the 125,000 acres of what is now Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
“Long hunters hunted for long periods settling in forests away from their families mainly with the intent of obtaining animal hides,” said Gibbs.
A nearby information booth noted the Eastern Hemlock, a keystone species necessary for the “stability of the ecosystem” in the park. The trees are “important for stream temperature regulation and soil retention.” Some threats to the park’s ecosystem are the Spongy Moth, Imported Fire Ants and the Spotted Lanternfly.
There are many trails and several overlooks in the park claiming spectacular views and scenic sights, but if you venture out, be sure to take bear precautions. Never approach or feed bears and secure all food, garbage and recycling. Also, make noise on the trail and hike in groups.
The most well-known trails in the park are the upper and lower loops of the twin arches. The arches came into existence through eroding sandstone which formed striking “windows” in the sedimentary rock. Another popular attraction, according to a local park ranger, is Angel Falls Overlook Trail, which she says has the prettiest view. It is 5.6 miles out-and-back. An alternative overlook without the hike is the East Rim Overlook, a short walk from the parking lot. In addition to hiking, the park excursions include horseback riding, camping, whitewater paddling and rock climbing. There are also various events throughout the year.

(Contributed/scottcountychamber.com)

The Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival is one of the park’s largest events as people come from all over to hear spooky stories and get a taste of the local crafts, music and food in the outdoor atmosphere. The happenings start early in the morning with a birding walk but the main attraction begins around dusk when the haunting tales get increasingly frightening. The enchanted forest bordering the storytelling tent adds to the chills and thrills of the night.

Kayla Campbell, a local and owner of Campbell’s Sweet Treats, says, “People come from all over, it is amazing and fantastic. I didn’t even know about it until three years ago!” She was busy preparing for the crowds she predicted would hit in the late afternoon to early evening.
The main tent is filled with hay bales for guests to sit on but many people bring their chairs. A family of four sat in transportable hammock chairs that surely made for a relaxing day. The featured storytellers this year were Kucha Brownlee, Baba Tony Brown, Rona Leventhal, Paul Strickland and Darci Tucker. Brownlee and Brown began the storytelling at 11 a.m. telling stories about a talking turtle in Zimbabwe and a little girl who shaved her grandma’s chin hairs. At the end of their performance, they sang a song by Willa Brigham of North Carolina that went, “Something good is going to happen today and I can’t wait for that something good.”
It is a good reminder to keep a positive attitude about life despite the temptation to cower in defeat when life throws curveballs and disappointments. The storytellers imbued messages of hope, inspiration and gratitude until the evening stories took a frightful turn for the truly spooky which gives this festival its “haunting” title.
While not known for its spookiness, much closer to campus is the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee, which takes place Oct. 4-6, 2024. Tickets can be purchased on its website. The festival has been held since 1973 and offers some events on Livestream.

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