Tanasee Bald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tanasee Bald |
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Tanasee Bald viewed from the Blue Ridge Parkway
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,561 ft (1,695 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Haywood / Transylvania counties, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Parent range | Great Balsam Mountains Blue Ridge Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Sam Knob |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Tanasee Bald, also known as Tennessee Bald, is a cool mountain in western North Carolina, in the United States. It sits right on the border between Haywood and Transylvania counties. This mountain is super tall, reaching 5,561 feet (about 1,695 meters) into the sky!
Tanasee Bald is part of the Great Balsam Mountains, which are a section of the larger Blue Ridge Mountains. These mountains are all part of the huge Appalachian Mountains range. A "bald" mountain means its top is mostly open grassland, not covered in trees.
This special mountain is also the southernmost place where the northern saw-whet owl likes to breed. These small owls usually live in the cold boreal forests of Canada. It's pretty neat that they come all the way down to Tanasee Bald!
Contents
Cherokee Legends: The Myth of Jutaculla
Who is Jutaculla?
The Cherokee people have many old stories, called folklore. One of these stories says that a giant named Jutaculla lives on top of Tanasee Bald. His Cherokee name is Tsul'kălû', and sometimes his English name is spelled Judaculla.
Jutaculla is described as a "slant-eyed giant." In Cherokee stories, he is a powerful hunter and a master of the mountains. People believed he could control the weather and the animals. He was a very important figure in their legends.
Jutaculla's Rock
While the legend says Jutaculla lives on Tanasee Bald, there's a famous rock with strange markings nearby. This rock is called the Judaculla Rock. Many people believe these marks are Jutaculla's footprints or handprints. It's a mysterious place that connects the mountain to ancient stories.
Exploring Tanasee Bald
Hiking and Nature
Tanasee Bald is a great place for hiking and enjoying nature. The Blue Ridge Parkway, a famous scenic road, runs very close to the mountain. This makes it easy for people to visit and explore the area. Hikers can enjoy beautiful views and fresh mountain air.
Wildlife on the Mountain
Besides the northern saw-whet owl, many other animals call Tanasee Bald home. You might see deer, bears, and various birds. The open "bald" areas are unique habitats for certain plants and animals that thrive in high-altitude grasslands.
See also
