Appalachia is Bigfoot territory. In a big way. This week, we look at the mythical beast's legend, lore and sizable economic impact in the region. And we follow one reporter’s journey through the mountains and foothills of western North Carolina in search of Sasquatch.

This episode originally published on July 18, 2024 and features a trip to the Western North Carolina Bigfoot Festival in Marion, NC. The 2026 festival is scheduled for August 29.

Featuring:

• Emily Cataneo, reporter for The Assembly

Links:

• Check out Emily's story on Appalachian Bigfoot culture at The Assembly here.
• You can find a transcript of the episode here.

Cover image: Jerry Millwood walks into the woods in western North Carolina during a Bigfoot hunt with journalist Emily Cataneo. (Cornell Watson for The Assembly)

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