What is an Appalachian Holler?

[@natalieshannon7659]

When I was a kid back in the 1980s my family would go to Cheat Lake, in West Virginia. My father hated the interstate roads, so he traveled the back hollow roads. My father was crazy enough to pull a boat behind his car. Everybody would watch us and shake thier heads. One year on a very hot day, the cars brakes went out. (while pulling a boat trailer.) My father honked the horn to warn people. People came out of their houses to see what was going on. My dad managed to pull the car into a ditch. People came running. Somebody said that they were wondering for years if something like that was going to happen. They all called my father crazy. They helped us out. Fed my family. They were very nice.

[@Rocket_Queen_Australia]

I'm in Australia and our country is beautiful but when I see videos of Appalachia, I almost cry at the beauty. I am fascinated by the the Appalachian culture, such spirit strength and pride. I hope I get to experience it in real life one day 😊

[@realappalachia]

That is so heart warming to read! I hope you get to visit as well!! - Melody

[@subatomic10]

My sentiments exactly! I'll be there next week but unfortunately will only get as close as South Carolina

[@jamesspiker6024]

I live in West Virginia it’s beautiful but a little drab in the wintertime because I don’t like snow it’s cold and I’m old come it the spring it is a beautiful time of year

[@beach2986]

I hope you do too

[@allenelswick6961]

You are more than welcome to visit. The Appalachian mountains cover a big area i believe eight states total. From Alabama all the way through New York state.

[@FASDND]

back in 1991, I broke down on a side road in WV. Some incredibly nice folks took me to their home, let me get cleaned up, fed me, then fixed my car enough for me to continue on my trek to my post in Southern Virginia. I tried to find the place when I passed through there a few years ago, but could not. Thanks to those people who helped a soldier out. Much appreciated.

[@brianpinion5844]

times have changed brother, still plenty good folk but most are in the ground. 91 whole different time , rite after that the pain pill mills flooded us, and now that they cut most of that out its meth and heroin. guess we just catching up with the rest of the world

[@jimmyruger7529]

@@brianpinion5844 man I feel ya , them Drs. had me on many narcs. in 99 to 2015 , with the help of Jesus Im a recovered addict since May 11th , 2015 I hate to see our young rot away with Bidens fentanyl and all the other garbage. They view it as population control

[@pattiegettemy3269]

ALMOST the same thing hPpened to me. My heart belongs to WV. Especially The Hare KrisnS. Im only 80 .iles away in Pa.

[@jasonwatson1412]

Doesn’t surprise me one bit. Don’t believe the media, while our country is having some issues at the moment and things feel very “divided” I can assure you there are still a whole lot of very good salt-of-the-earth folks living across the USA that would do just like you said here. I know in part because I needed help in a remote area of a Oregon not too long ago and got help from several in the tiny community. A Part for my car, tools to put it on, help putting it on, food and drink for my stranded and starving belly, and lots of friendly conversation. And these were folks with different political views than my own. At the end of the day when it comes down to it we are all Humans, flaws and all. We all want what’s best for our children and a safe place to live. Humanity is not an endangered species, so long as we all remember to embrace our differences.

[@urbanexmike]

Recently happened to me when I was heading to go skiing, a family in their truck towed me back to their house, gave me a warm meal and a shot of moonshine while the husband fixed my car, I had my alternator belt break and they happened to have one for my car, the best people in America come from the hollards and the mountains.

[@appalachianqueen8369]

A holler is the rural mountain version of an urban subdivision. Hollers comes with a natural stream, free range chickens and dogs and in the past…free range children. Smaller hollers that branch off the main holler road are the equivalent of side streets in a subdivision. The mouth of the holler is the entrance to holler and the head of the holler is the dead end of the main holler road. There are exceptions as sometimes the holler road leads over a hill or ridge to the head of another holler. Great adventures and natural beauty can be had and seen “riding “ the holler roads! Great memories with many miles and smiles. Thanks Melody and Shane.

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the input, good stuff

[@appalachiangunman9589]

A lot of times you’ll end up on a strip road at the head of the holler.

[@thebeardofgaming81]

Thats a purdy dag on good explaination you got there. You get 2 thumbs up from this ole hillbilly.

[@bernardhardin580]

@@realappalachia bluefieldwest virginìA

[@sueslkarr2771]

I've never been down one. Thank you so very much. I lived in Tenn. For a year but being our first military base and being young we didn't venture to far from our trailer park and base.

[@charliehenderson38]

I live up in a holler in West Virginia and love it!

[@jeanettecastle7916]

You were driving in Pike County, Kentucky. If you would have went up the right fork to the top of the mountain (four wheel drive needed) you would reach the Letcher County line. I lived at the head of the Right Fork of Lick Fork for a lot of years. Raised my son there. He had total freedom and so did his dogs. He will tell you he had a perfect childhood. The old strip road is a good place for four wheelers and dirt bikes. Yes, everyone is related towards the head of the holler And, yes if you go up a holler everyone knows it. And, they want to know what you're doin up there, lol. I live in West Virginia now. I have a lot of wonderful memories of Lick Fork. It was emotional watching this video. Thanks for posting. Wish you would have went up the right fork. It was just another quarter mile to the end of the pavement. I had more than one encounter with a bear up that holler. Met a few coyotes, a few deer. I've been on many hollers in my lifetime. But, when I think of what a perfect holler is, I think of Lick Fork. It really is the perfect example of a holler!

[@shirleyjbranham6829]

I've lived in a holler, overpopulated city, and now 82 in Senior Independent Living. The holler brings back my favorite memories.💖sjb

[@realappalachia]

glad we can bring back some good memories for you

[@moniqueengleman873]

We lived in Ball Holler.....and it was my understanding that a holler was the only way to communicate. It echos and everyone can hear you. YES. THEY HOLLER back and forth.

[@wythetrumpet6419]

There is nothing like living and working in a holler! I grew up in Coalwood, WV back in the 60's and 70's and lived in a great holler with many wonderful people! I ended up working over the mountain in Gary Holler working for U.S. Steel. Sadly we had to leave in 1987 when the mines closed. I will always be a Mountaineer who loves the simple, peaceful life. Even though I left the holler in Coalwood 50 years ago, I still remember the names of all the families that lived in our row of company houses. It was exactly like you said; it was a row of houses, a narrow road and a creek. As I have gotten well along in years I feel certain "there will be hollers in heaven"! I love your videos! Thank you!

[@realappalachia]

hollers in heaven is the line of the night, loved it. Thanks so much.

[@carolyn9andthecats653]

Have you ever met Homer, or the "rocket boys?"

[@wythetrumpet6419]

@@carolyn9andthecats653 Hi Carolyn, yes I knew Homer growing up. At that time we all called him Sonny instead of Homer, since his Dad's name was Homer. I lived just up the street from Homer and used to walk by his house each day going to and from Coalwood School. Like Homer I attended Big Creek High School and Miss Riley taught me math. My Dad worked in the Olga Coal Company Machine Shop. We used to go down to the coal slack yard and watch Sonny and his Buddies launch rockets. Coalwood was a wonderful place to grow up. It was sad when the mines closed in 1987. Olga Coal, Semet Solvay, and U.S. Steel all closed their mines. I worked as a Purchasing Agent at U.S. Steel in Gary, but still lived in Coalwood a few years. I thank God for the privilege of growing up there and knowing so many wonderful people.

[@iamfallin4ux3]

My father's side of the family are from West Liberty Kentucky I know all about hollers almost all family members live down one, it was a blast playing down in the creeks as a kid . Now I live in Florida where you don't have creeks and you don't just jump in any body of water gators

[@miss.coffee.9098]

I am from Wales, UK. I have an absolute love for Appalachia, I hope to walk the trail some time. Thank you for sharing a part of your world with us! X

[@realappalachia]

Best of luck to you, we both have some Welsh heritage in us so great to hear from you

[@freidastallard6407]

My family's is 65% Welsh and Scottish so the hollers are full of our folks!

[@allenelswick6961]

Most of the Appalachian people are descendants of Ireland and Scotland and England. If you do come here do your research on the walking trails. A great place to do this is in the Great Smoky Mountains.

[@KevinCleary-k4x]

I have been looking on and off for a few years for the description of the Holler. Great calm video!

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much, we really appreciate it!

[@talldude5841]

The word "holler" is much better than hollow. You have to be at least part Appalachian, which I am, to understand the difference. I always love to see these peaceful places instead of videos of Los Angeles or New York, ect. Another easy to watch and fun video from you two, or three? LOL Be safe you all.

[@realappalachia]

Yes sir, thank you from all 3 of us lol

[@sandy89107]

@@realappalachia ooooh. What does that mean ? 🤔 Oh, now I know....my mind went..um never-mind 😄

[@debbiephilbrick2628]

Me too❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@eddiemcguire6213]

born and raised in rural Northern Michigan where there aren't any hollars probably cause there aren't any mountains but there are small communities hidden in the backwoods leftover from the Logging industry. we have chickens and dogs in the road too. and when your here you are being watched closely lol. would love to visit one day. here the tires are chained to trees with for sale signs on em.

[@chrissyrose8189]

I have no idea how I came across you guys but here I am & I am hooked. I'm from Wisconsin so the accents & joy you two share with some of us is very enjoyable & a breathe of fresh air in these cruel, dark times we're living in. Thank you. ❤️

[@realappalachia]

Thank ya very much, that was awesome to read and makes our day

[@anthimatter]

Beautiful country. I'd feel so much more at home here than one of those horrible housing estates. I live in rural Queensland Australia and we're surrounded by places like this. I go driving around exploring them when I need to escape from everything.

[@realappalachia]

Sounds like a good escape!

[@twilakessler4532]

My cousin sent me your video for Lick Fork Holler & I loved it! My father, Alfred Elkins was born here and you passed by where the house was located and my dad still has a small parcel here. This looks completely different than my childhood because 23 came through with the highway and changed everything. In fact, Beefhide used to run into Lickfork, but now they are separated by 23. I played in that creek and have so many memories. You talk about how dangerous it can be to drive up the holler, but do not mention it is also because there were bootleggers. I remember driving up the holler and seeing smoke coming from outbuildings with no one in sight, but on our way back the smoke was gone and the porches were lined with people on the porch swings & rocking chairs. My Uncle Crit told us there was once a witch who lived way up at the head of the holler. Thank you so much for bringing back so many memories! If you go back to that area, visit Blazebranch Holler, that is where my other Mamaw lived and we played. Such a beautiful area.

[@jasonwatson1412]

We actually have a ton of what would qualify as a “holler” here in Oregon. Very similar landscapes, between two tree hill lines, mountain lines,ridge lines etc whatever you want to call them. Visually nearly identical to the one depicted here, frequently with a church, country store, mobile homes etc. many are near coastal mountain ranges. Obviously Kentucky has a sizeably different feel, culture and vibe but the core similarities are striking. Both areas are fiercely protective over regional identity. I loved my visit to KY, and felt right at home being a PNW longtime resident. So much in common. You have the absolute best bourbon, with such a rich history. Amazing! You all should be very proud of your state! Stunningly beautiful. I wouldn’t hesitate to live there if the opportunity presented itself.

[@LynxSouth]

I believe the terms 'mouth' and 'head' of a hollow come from the creek (or run) that is found in all true hollows. The stream, just like any river, begins at its head and flows down to its mouth, which is where it joins a larger body of water (and the hollow road meets a larger road).

[@allenelswick6961]

I have found where these same words are used in Ireland to this day.

[@caroljames6371]

Very interesting. I'm imagining what it is like to live there. Thanx for the tour and explanation.

[@realappalachia]

Glad you liked it, Carol

[@BKLYNGIRL222]

My best friend grew up in a “holler” in Indiana. Since I’m from a big city, it’s always interesting to learn about these places. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching

[@mikematerne4579]

I grew up in the city, but my family is from a hollow just outside of town. And everyone in the hollow is family, still to this day. Roanoke Virginia.

[@beverlycollett3077]

I find it hard to believe there is a holler in Indiana, it's mostly flat cornfields.

[@laurabrooks7655]

One time, I went to eastern KY to explore where my ancestors first settled and see the church and cemetery where some were buried. My dad gave me some rough instructions. I didn't have an official map or anything (pre-cell phones, which probably wouldn't have worked there anyway.). My hubby and I drove a LONG way up the holler and were "observed" by many residents along the way. After we checked out the cemetery, we had to decide whether to go back the way we came (MILES!) or continue the way we were going and hope there was another way out, and it was getting late. All the hollers I'd been in were one way in and out, but we decided to go forward because most hollers get less populated and more dilapidated as you went on and this one wasn't. We drove on and got more spooked by being stared in an unfriendly way from so many porches. We came to a fork and I was amazed as I'd never been in such a holler! So we decided to take the right fork because I figured it was more likely to circle back toward civilization. Lucky for us, it took us back to the main road before dark. Oh, the rejoicing!

[@laurabrooks7655]

It was in Pike County.

[@martinalewis2844]

Sounds very scary

[@allenelswick6961]

I believe i know this area well and you had nothing to worry about. When i was growing up people were always outside during the summer time but not so much now.

[@skandalmkdaniel3029]

These videos and your channel are so cool. I get an education and feel like I'm on this journey. Thank you both so much! 😊

[@realappalachia]

Thank you!

[@robinhaupt9119]

That was great, thank you Melody and Shane!

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it, Robin

[@buckmartin2525]

What a beautiful area. Just beautiful.

[@thelouiebrand]

I live in a holler. I grew up in Los Angeles and moved here a year ago @ 44yo. It’s def peaceful. The one I live in is very quiet. The people seem to all keep to themselves but if you’re in a pinch they will notice and come help you out. Otherwise you can only hear them most days but not see them. Ours isn’t paved and half of the road is Amish. There’s less than 10 homes along this road in about a 1/2 stretch. my area is about as rural as it gets. I’ve been down ever back road here and there’s nothing to be afraid of. I’m just in the other side of the river from point pleasant. I’ve been down just about every holler in a 20 mile radians. There’s no reason to be afraid. I’m still getting used to it.

[@fabriziosandrelli4408]

Thank you for letting me know what a holler is. I enjoyed the trip, by the way. Greetings from northern Italy.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you for watching. Glad to hear from someone in northern Italy. I imagine it’s beautiful there.

[@colsc55]

my mom was born in a holler in Jackson, Breathitt County. My dad was born in Horselick, a holler in Jackson County. We called it crik and mile was maw. I loved going to see my relatives. it was so much fun to explore.

[@Steamer1988]

We’ve got plenty of “Hollers” here in the North Georgia mountains where I’m from in Rabun County…. I’ve ridden in a lot of the areas you guys are videoing with my Valkyrie motorcycle buddies… brings back some good memories

[@sgc1959]

I love watching all your videos.It takes me back to simpler times.

[@realappalachia]

Glad you like them!

[@ottelisezipporah-isadora8070]

I am from Barbados, West Indies. I love these Appalachia videos and I love the hollers. The first I've ever heard of a Holler was in the movie, Big Business.

[@realappalachia]

I visited Barbados about 5 years ago and it was one of my favorite places on earth. So glad to hear from you.

[@benlaw4647]

I have lived at the mouth of a holler and I have lived at the head of a holler ....and yes my relatives lived in the holler....thanks enjoyed this ....very beautiful hollers ....stay safe...God bless.....🙏❤

[@realappalachia]

God bless you too, Ben

[@wg4299]

Love it!! Half my kin folk lived “over in the holler” the whole time I was growing up. Loved to play in the waterfalls and creeks over in the holler. Nothing like it! Another great vlog!! Thanks

[@mikefannon6994]

In the holler where my Grandma lived in SW VA the creek was called the "branch" and crossed by a "footlog." There are usually mobile homes in a holler as well. I've often wondered how they got them up those narrow curvy roads. Thanks for another good video y'all!

[@realappalachia]

good point about the mobile homes, for sure

[@samanthab1923]

Can I ask, why so many trailers instead of houses. There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of trees. Lumber should be plentiful.

[@mikefannon6994]

Trailers, or "manufactured homes" were very popular in the 60s and 70s. Prior to then residents built their own homes. By using mass production trailers were much cheaper. Sadly some were shodily built and quickly deteriated.

[@brianpinion5844]

its real fun i tell ya!!!!! i quit

[@allenelswick6961]

Here were i live some are called branches and the rest are called hollers.

[@roberthicks5704]

This was a beautiful drive in Spring with dogwoods and redbuds in bloom. Bet it's even more beautiful in Fall.

[@pamcoleman7299]

A holler is back in the old days before there was phones people lived close to each other, if they need someone they would holler to their neighbor they would past it until that person gets the message, that was what I was told by my grandma!!!!!

[@tacticalj5022]

My dad is from Pike County and my Mom is from Pound, Virginia but grew up in Letcher County. I haven't been there since my Granny passed in 2009. It always felt like home to me even tho I was born and raised in Louisville

[@celweh]

I too, am fascinated by this beautiful region and the folks who live here. These Hollers look more natural and community like than the cookie cutter neighborhoods that are dictated by frontage and zoning requirements.

[@judypierce7028]

Thank you for the video Shane and Melody! A great video on hollers. Julie, one of your commenters asked some great questions. As you are aware, I am a native Virginian and have been up many hollers. As a matter of fact, my first teaching position in Charleston included parents and children from two hollers. Now, neither holler had a church, but both had a stream. One holler had a dirt road and the other was paved. There was no delineation as to who lived at the head of the hollers where I taught. Sometimes who lives at the head of the holler is dependent on who arrived first in the area. Now, I lived in WV 30 years, North Carolina 10 years, Virginia 2 years, Tennessee 2 years, and Kentucky 31 years. I don 't have a WV dialed, but a mixture from all of the states where I have lived. Yes, Italians eat pizza and spaghetti as well as biscuits and gravy.

[@joejago5231]

From a NY guy that moved to the southern WV holler you got some explaining to do but man you cant beat the good people when they get to know ya

[@stevehannah5712]

Was in hart county today, out in the middle of nowhere.2 beagle hounds laying in middle of road.i stopped and said hello,real nice beagle hounds 🐓🐓

[@sandy89107]

That holler was the best looking so far. I think because it is so green and seems like most housing has a little more property 😍

[@realappalachia]

Yes, it was on the upper end of nice hollers for sure

[@lorettajohnson9066]

I was Hollar raised in Southwest Va....Trammel and Dante...loved it

[@craposnap]

These videos are some amazing education on the Appalachian culture, my family moved to far north Ga a few years ago and i had no idea we lived on a holler! Or the classic architecture and culture all around us. Very thankful for these videos.

[@twinlamps]

Love this video! Beautiful place. Kentucky is so pretty. Wish I had seen it - got as far as WV

[@allengriffin4361]

I was born and raised in a holler it was called keifer holler I enjoyed my child hood in a little place called keifer holler up in clendenin keep up the good work and take care.

[@realappalachia]

thanks so much, Allen

[@peterlogan7199]

In the early 70s I lived in a holler in Meigs County, Ohio. This is in southeastern Ohio about 45 minutes drive from Athens, home of Ohio University. I rented a 150 year old log cabin on 80 acres of land for $5/month. To get back to my cabin I had to park my motorcycle or pickup truck behind my neighbors house and walk back live railroad tracks for about a half mile. I always remember this time with fond memories!

[@realappalachia]

That sounds like a real adventure to live there

[@NCAdventuress]

What an amazing experience!

[@freidastallard6407]

Thanks for the ride down the holler. I used to live in one back in SW Virginia. Wise County. This was nostalgic and I enjoy your narration.

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@janetsmart-countryliving1059]

I grew up in a holler in WV. there was a creek running thru it, cemeteries up on the hills, coal mines back in the hills, kin living everywhere, a couple of churches, wide spots in the road where cars could pass easily, people had chickens and hogs, gardens and outhouses. That was back in the 60s. the holler is still there, but it has changed a lot. but I'll never forget growing up in a holler. great memories.

[@realappalachia]

That does sound like some great memories

[@thoward4051]

We had plenty of “hollers” where I grew up in NW Arkansas, and I always avoided the ones that were gravel because everyone in the area could hear you coming down the road. Many of them were beautiful and peaceful, while others were a bit unsettling. Thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@realappalachia]

that sounds very similar, glad you enjoy them - thanks for watching!

[@kittervision]

Oooh I wanna hear more about the unsettling ones.... 🤔

[@kindnessmakesmesmile6583]

Thanks, Melody and Shane!!! Sweet baby in the background!!! 🥰😊🌺

[@realappalachia]

she makes my heart smile all the time, thank you

[@bruceanderson7762]

In Santa Cruz mountains, there are lots of these interesting places...we call them gulches, lived in Lockheart Gulch ...close to Scott's Valley...in Cali.

[@brandymullins7480]

My Holler! 💙 I Love my Roots!! So proud of em!

[@disco07]

Shane, My great grandmother used to mention living in hollers or hollows but she migrated to the city. We would listen to her talk about the remoteness, no lights. Then the streets and alleys started to look good. Beautiful little girl, Ms. Melody too!

[@AnnC....]

Brings me back to the days, traveling through the holler's, in Tennessee 🎼🎵🎶

[@realappalachia]

Sounds like you’ve had a lot of fun

[@debbiephilbrick2628]

Anyone from Jewell Valley, Virginia??? Its not as it once was,but i loved it there!!!!!Had Cousin's there inthe 70s. Such a Peaceful place to live.I miss it so much ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@steveriggan8944]

Love this! I just visited the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas to see family and they call them “hollers” too! Lol! My grandmother has roots stretching back to the Appalachians of East Tennessee and southwest Virginia as well! Beautiful country.

[@stevefranklin9920]

Thanks for pointing out the fact that some folks that live in these hollers are still mighty peculiar and particular of who is driving up the road.

[@Indygrandma56]

My grandparents lived in a holler in Ky. Loved visiting and staying during the summer time. Running the hills and finding different plants for my grandma to either use for cooking or for a healin. Going with my grandpa to get spring water and bring it home and helping with his bees and fresh honey with the comb every morning!

[@realappalachia]

Great memories

[@drummersagainstitk]

You are doing a fantastic job. Appalachia is America.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you ❤️

[@mrbutch308]

Here in Pennsylvania there are two coal mining regions: in the southwestern part of the state where Bituminous coal is mined (nearer to greater Pittsburgh), and northeastern PA where hard coal or Anthracite is mined (a large area extending from just north of the state capital of Harrisburg all the way up to the northeastern corner of the state beyond Scranton). We do not use the term "Holler." The term we use is "Patch" or "Patch town." These are collections of homes, usually identical, built by the coal mining company for the miner and his family to live in near the mine and affordable enough for the miner to rent. As mines closed these houses were almost always sold to the family living there for a very modest fee. As families took possession of these houses they were almost always improved and individualized with new siding, new porches, additions, landscaping, etc. One authentic "Patch Town" has been preserved as a living history museum called Eckley. It is near the city of Hazleton.

[@madelineschultz4968]

Looks very much like where my Dad grew up in North West PA. It was heaven in the summer as a kid!

[@fezzik_007]

Beautiful country! Greetings from Quincy, Massachusetts!

[@maryefromky]

i live in Estill county in a holler in eastern KY, born and raised in Clark county but, i had to move a lil further east to the mountains. i LOVE it here. KY has always had my heart. our holler's access road is a little narrower than this one though, and it goes up the mountain to the ridge. and it is a treacherous road in some spots, lol! i'd love to record some video of it, the drop-offs make my stomach turn sometimes. anxiety, ugh. wintertime's the worst, should probably get some snow chains or something, cuz its very dangerous. i love it here so much though, the mountains have such an incredible effect on the whole region. nothin here but scenic vistas, woods and mountains, with a few houses scattered about. there's all this historical stuff, we're plum full of it here in this part of Appalachia. the old stone walls, old abandoned homesteads, old businesses and churches and graveyards, all kinds of stuff. there's fossils, agates and points, if you know where to look, and sometimes even other artifacts too. the music is INCREDIBLE. bluegrass is different from country. and even though Appalachia is so huge, and there is variation between the states, there's so much similarity too. we're one culture :) a diaspora. we have an amazing culture here, and i'm proud to be a Kentuckian, and an Appalachian.

[@MillerMeteor74]

This kind of reminds me of when we were on a road trip to Tennessee in 2012 (we had to go to a funeral). After going through Bristol we checked in at our motel. I had seen a sign somewhere for Bluff City. I said "hey, wait a minute, I know that name. There's a church there that I want to see." It was Ryder Memorial Presbyterian Church, a little log church built in 1932. I don't remember where I had first heard about it. But we went to see it. It was on Ryder Church Road, and at or near the corner of Possum Creek Road. The church is surrounded by National Forest. Maybe some time you guys could check that out for a video. Anyway, we saw a lot of cool things on that trip. If and when we take road trips, no matter what the original reason for the trip is, we always like to explore and check out things along the way.

[@realappalachia]

bluff city is just right down the road from me so we need to get there someday

[@MillerMeteor74]

@@realappalachia Oh wow. That's awesome. I'd love to see the church in one of your videos sometime.👍

[@justanotheralmaroad1923]

My neck of the woods.

[@sachikojackson737]

I'm from Bristol and Hickory Tree

[@lisatomlinson8009]

I have family in Wallins Creek. I have always loved visiting there and it’s always felt like home. We were just visiting eastern Ky last February. It seems like I saw a sign or something about Lick Fork. Love the hollers and it’s my dream to live up that way some day. Thank you for this video. Brings back memories of Wallins. 🙏🏻🥰

[@realappalachia]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Lisa

[@negf22]

They are similar (south eastern Ohio, southwestern PA, West Virginia, Kentucky); I don’t recall seeing any in Tennessee though. Beautiful country, great folks!

[@ralfgroh2719]

Never ceases to amaze me. Well done 👍!

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

Thank you for that video and explanation. I've often wondered exactly what a Hollar was. I thought I knew and I was right, but seeing one and having it explained helped. My ancestors lived in Appalachia back in the 1800's and I see why they would have wanted to... it's just so beautiful.

[@realappalachia]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and for the comment

[@kittervision]

Love the way she says "maintained" I'm subscribing for your accents alone. So cool to see different parts of my own country.... I'm intrigued

[@realappalachia]

Thank you and welcome to the family

[@benandcis]

I am addicted to your channel I watch for hours

[@Coalbucketlist]

Where they branch off is the fork of the holler. My grandparents house was at the head of the holler. You're right, you can't drive in there without people knowing you're there.

[@nicolebowerman7979]

Hello from Brisbane Australia ~ the scenery is so pretty

[@realappalachia]

I hear Australia is amazing too

[@Nick_J_]

In upstate NY, your comment about the homes also applies. You’ll see abandoned farmhouses right next to beautifully maintained split-levels and ranches and so forth. The valleys up here in NY are often much wider and broader in scale, with flat flood plains on the bottom, so there’s not near as many of the true hollers/hollows… but they’re there.

[@allenelswick6961]

Some of upstate New York country land reminds me so much of Eastern Kentucky.

[@DeeDee-dl7sl]

Beautiful!!!

[@nazfan01]

I grew up in the East Tennessee Smoy Mounains. I was so used to everyone saying " I live just a holler and a dipstick away from here"

[@hillbillydan4721]

Really enjoyed Y'alls video,reminded me so much of home, I'm from Johnson county Kentucky...only get to come home twice a year, Easter and Thanksgiving!! Glad I stumbled onto Y'alls video, I actually enjoyed riding with you fellers, take care and God bless !!!

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much! I’m glad we can bring a bit of home to you! - Melody

[@karenreichenbaugh856]

I liked the cabin also.

[@anaolguin2604]

This is exactly what we have all over the country in Mexico they are beautiful ,there’s also houses on the edge of cliffs which is creepy but to each their own 😊

[@colinkillian9265]

You must be from Michocain? I'm originally from KY but my Hispanic wife has family we visited about a decade ago in a city called Urapan I probably misspelled both the state and city lol.. You're right it is indeed gorgeous, the sad part is the violence that has kept us from going back. Since we're both very much native American English only speakers, her grandmother said it would be incredibly foolish for us to go there now with the cartels..

[@kevinbarrett5001]

New subscriber guys, love y'all's country videos. Appreciate ya and thanks so much 👍

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much, welcome to the family

[@bruinsfan8278]

I grew up in a Holler, i know ive told you before, im very proud of that fact, Thanks for an interesting and well told story about living in Holler! And just what that means and why !! :-)

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it sir, it seems to be a great lifestyle for a lot of people

[@conradveraguth1392]

Thank you both for another fine video. I always enjoy your posts.

[@realappalachia]

thanks so much, Conrad

[@martinalewis2844]

I always wondered what a Holler was. Thank you

[@michaelpatterson6062]

Thank you for making this. Very informative and clears up a big blind spot for me… and it was real easy to foller 😂

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chubbawubba9801]

Thanks for sharing! BTW nice narrator in the back seat, she be must adopted to say Hollow... lol

[@realappalachia]

i was floored when she said it that way lol

[@randykey5700]

Great to see y’all again, we’ve been busy again, traveling for the store, glad y’all are feeling better, if you get a chance holler at us sometime! We always enjoy your video’s! Catch y’all a little later!

[@realappalachia]

We hope to get down your way, we miss seeing y'all

[@debbiephilbrick2628]

BEAUTIFUL ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@letstalktruecrime01]

I was born in Letcher co and I live in Pike. I am very familiar with this area. I was in Letcher county today. Thank you for showing these videos of our region.

[@realappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it, that is awesome

[@mikematerne4579]

My family comes from a hollow in Vinton, (Roanoke) Virginia.

[@Joe-wo7rg]

My mom grew up in the holler in WV and also lived in the knobs.

[@brendalane4228]

I laughed out loud at Kennedy's hollow! That was so funny. I wonder how many vehicles end up in that creek each winter when it snows and gets icy.

[@realappalachia]

that reminds me of a time when my momaw drove straight into a creek and was just as calm as a kitten about it. Man, she was a great person but a terrible driver lol

[@brendalane4228]

@@realappalachia that is so funny!! It reminds me of the evening my Dad was getting his coal truck ready for work the next morning. After he did all the checks, added the oil, filled the diesel tanks up etc., he was backing up to the edge of Big Creek where he had parked it for years, ready to go in the morning. For some reason, after doing this for 30 years, he just kept backing up and finally ended up in the creek. My Mom heard the noise and thought it was thunder. Then all the neighbors came running to see what was happening. Dad was so embarrassed, but he went on to do this one more time before he quit driving.

[@brendalane4228]

@@realappalachia Shane, I am sorry but I have to ask....was this your Momaw Bertha??

[@realappalachia]

sorry, this comment got past me until just now...yes, it was her lol. Wonderful woman but a terrible driver lol

[@martinalewis2844]

It’s like a very rural area in any State. We have places like this here in AZ too.

[@dancrofford927]

Absolutely beautiful country side in that holler and its always good to have your little girl, I love love when my little girl is with me

[@realappalachia]

Couldn't agree more, little girls are the absolute best

[@bossup648]

Melody is gorgeous Almost as good as those mountain views.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you!!

[@elizabethcarpenter8895]

I always wondered what a holler is. That's sure a beautiful part of this country!

[@lavendermoonsisters1068]

At 9:14 there’s a home to the right with a yellow and blue flag? I heard that’s pretty folk right? Witchy? I read that somewhere, Is that correct?

[@helencalvert4688]

Here in PA that size stream would be called a run. A creek (I say crick) would be wider with more water. A river would be wider and even more water. It's all very interesting how things are named

[@rick3747]

I agree. I live in the Lehigh Valley area and I still say "crick" and not "creek."

[@sheilacape4794]

Where ye live? Down the holler! Thanks, great video, takes me back home!

[@zxtenn]

Thank you for the definition, i was wondering what it meant. I am on vacation until the 21st so i kight go back to the Beckley area and check that home for sale again on New Richmond bottom road, so QUIET there

[@larrym.johnson9219]

Love your holler video's thanks Shane and Medley.