Ancient Names Pt. 1 | Historic Namesakes of the Smokies

Have you ever picked up a trail map and snubbed your nose by some of the trail names wondering who in the world named it that or why? Maybe you’ve been looking up places to visit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a few names stood out as odd or even intriguing to you. In part 1 of our Ancient Names series, we will review a few of the historic names of the Smoky Mountains where we will touch on pronunciation and the meanings behind these ancient names of the Smokies.

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Namesakes in the Smokies:

Abrams Falls and Abrams Creek: 

Abrams Falls is a bursting waterfall that resides in Cades Cove. The headwaters to Abrams Creek are also located in Cades Cove. Both the falls and the creek were named after a Chilhowee Cherokee Chief. This Chief was once known as Oskuah and was later renamed, formally known as Abraham or Abram. Chief Abrams village was once located downstream from the falls and creek. 

Cades Cove: 

Legend says that Cades Cove was named after a Cherokee Chief named Chief Kade (Cade). Chief Cade claimed possession of the land within the valley as his hunting grounds.

Chimney Tops: 

The Cherokee named the peak we know as the Chimeny Tops Duniskwalgunyi (meaning “forked antler”). If you view the Chimneys from a particular angle they show the shape of the antlers of a buck. Later, the name Chimney Tops took popularity as the peak features a doubled-up hump.

Lead Cove Trail: 

Near Cades Cove, Lead Cove Trail’s name origin comes from the ore that was harvested in this area in the 1800s.

Newfound Gap: 

Back in the 1850s, settlers came across a new, shorter route (or gap) through the main range of the Smokies. It was known as the new, shorter gap which contributes to the name Newfound Gap.

Follow along to part 2 for more historic facts and fun!

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