The Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains are known to be the oldest mountains in the US, as such, they are steeped in mystery and legends, that we find fascinating.  We will continue to collect information on these mysteries and legends and bring them to you as we get them. 

Blood Mountain one of the homes of the Nunnehi or Immortals

Check out the brass plaque near the Walasi-Yi Center where the Appalachian Trail passes through the center’s breezeway, it’s otherworldly to say the least. The plaque states; In Cherokee mythology the mountain (Blood Mountain) was one of the homes of the Nunnehi or Immortals, the “People Who Live Anywhere,” a race of Spirit People who lived in great townhouses in the highlands of the old Cherokee Country. One of these mythical townhouses stood near Lake Trahlyta. They were a friendly people that often brought lost hunters and wanders to their townhouses for rest and care before guiding them back to their homes.

Witch of Cedar Mountain

Just before you get to Dahlonega coming from Union County, at the crossroads GA 60 and Highway 19, you ’ll notice a rather tall stack of stones in the center of the junction with a large plaque accompanying.  The plaque tells of the Cherokee princess Trahlyta, enchanted with great beauty obtained from “Witch of Cedar Mountain,” is was said that the witch knew of the secrets of the magic springs of eternal youth located 3/4 of a mile from here. Trahlyta’s tribe lived on Cedar Mountain north of here.  Legend has it that Wahsega a rejected suitor kidnapped the great beauty Trahlyta.  Taken far from her homeland she lost the enchantment of her beauty.  Dying of a broken heart and away form the powers of the magic spring Wahsega promised to return her to her homelands and bury her near the magic spring.  Laid to rest under a large stack of stones, Trahlyta remains legendary to her people and her beloved mountains.   Travelers who passed by here would add a stone to the stack for good fortune. 

If you would like to share other Mysterious Places or Legends in the Blue Ridge or Smoky Mountains
please email
mysteries-legends@blueridgehighlander.com