Case file · Folklore / legend

The Blowing Rock legend

Updrafts over a cliff above Johns River Gorge return light objects thrown off it. A legend told at the attraction (opened in 1933) says the wind blew back a young warrior who leapt from the rock.

1933 CE · 36.13, -81.67 · status: legend

The sceptical view

The wind effect is real and simple: the gorge funnels air up the cliff. The 'Indian legend' is a commercial tale, not traceable to Cherokee or Chickasaw sources.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: Blowing Rock, North Carolina
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