Made of giant chains and hung with shackles, this iron cross honors those unknowns who perished under American slavery.

A historic dam made famous for its turbines and feature in a Hollywood classic.

This winding road of 318 curves is a must-visit for (careful) motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts.

This road in the Great Smoky Mountains was supposed to assuage a displaced community, but ended up a $52 million dead end.

The highest point in Tennessee, Clingmans Dome bears witness to the ravages of one type of insect.

For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show.

This vast kitty-themed collection illustrates the history of human-cat interaction.

Some North Carolina Cherokee have been keeping their history alive for decades with a single play.

The remains of the iconic train crash from the movie The Fugitive can still be found rusting along the Great Smoky Railroad.

Step back in time on this preserved 1800s farm.

Mysterious ancient boulder carved with petroglyphs in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

An annual celebration of the region's successful elk reintroduction program.

These eerie outliers of the lightning bug family glow a mysterious blue color.

This Transylvania County city is home to a rare white squirrel population that is descended from an escaped carnival animal.

This granite rock face is named for the magnificent reflection that occurs when the sun hits it just right.

Who needs fancy modern water slides when this giant North Carolina rock works just as well?

The highest point in North Carolina and the United States east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell is named after argumentative explorer Elisha Mitchell.

Gnarled canopies of pink and purple wildflowers arch over the trail to the summit.

Every week, a festive public jam session breaks out in downtown Asheville.

A wonderful display of arts and crafts handmade by local artisans in the Southern Appalachians.

A wedding chapel, vintage clothing shop, and bar all under one roof.

The U.S. Supreme Court's secret Cold War relocation facility in the mountains of North Carolina.

This North Carolina museum is keeping the pinball craze alive, with a little Space Invaders on the side.

The enormous 250-room Vanderbilt mansion conceals hidden doors and secret passageways.