Long before settlers arrived in the Appalachian Mountains, the Cherokee spoke of the Yunwi Tsunsdi’—the Little People. Said to stand no taller than a child, these elusive, ancient beings are described as protectors, tricksters, and watchers of the land. Some say they live in hidden caves and ridge-lines, appearing only to those who truly need help… or to those who wander too far off the path.

In this episode of Ghosts in the Mountains, we explore the stories, sightings, and spiritual significance of the Cherokee Little People. From whispered warnings passed down through generations to modern-day encounters deep in the woods, these mysterious figures remain one of the region’s most enduring and unexplained phenomena.

Are they guardians of the forest—or something far older and stranger?