Smoke Hole Cave - A Place of Legends and Mystery

A remote canyon lined with cliffs and caves, mountain lore, and pioneer haunts, join us as we explore the Smoke Hole Canyon to learn of its history and of its famous namesake cave used by Indians. Few know its location, fewer have been there. In this episode you will be part of the exploration.
#smokehole
Music selection by The Critton Hollow String Band and can be found at: www.crittonhollow.com

[@marygarner5249]

Five Thumbs up love your Adventures thanks for taking us with you

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Mary Garner thanks!!!!!

[@robertcarter4457]

Nice adventure , grateful to see and hear about west virginia history and scenery. You son does a wonderful job on the pipes.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

robert carter thanks. I’m proud of him.

[@larrymccready6778]

Todd, your son had no problem climbing, the baby girl did great to. Awesome bagpipe music. How can you not love the mountains.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Larry Mccready I’m glad you liked it. I’m proud of both these kids and them wanting to do it in spite of my warning them to it’s steepness.

[@thegreatowl4912]

My mother's side of the family settled into Smoke Hole in the 1750's. Back then, the road in was on the other side of the river. That's how they got so deep into the canyon. My grandmother and grandfather were born in Smoke Hole in the 1920's I know every inch of road and holler all through that area. My gramaws people owned the 350 acres that later became Big Bend camp grounds and most of my kin are buried right there in that cemetery. Thank you for showing Smoke Hole in a respectful manner. It made my heart happy to be back there again!

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Tony Custer wow I love learning about your families connection to it. When I was a kid, I remember an old log cabin in the Big Bend campground near the river. I’m not sure if it just rotted to the ground or the flood took it. Smoke Hole is a very beautiful an interesting place and I spent a great deal of time fishing down there but doing this story gave me a whole new appreciation and connection to the place. Thanks for the comment and for the backstory. I would love to do a follow up video at some point on the pioneers themselves.

[@Mark-dm4dd]

Are you a Ketterman? My maternal grandmother is one and her people are from that area. I think from the Pendleton gap. Anyway many of them are buried in the Ketterman Cemetery. I'm trying to find info on one specific person in there.

[@thegreatowl4912]

@@Mark-dm4dd I am certainty kin to the Kettermans on my grandmother's side. But, it's my understanding that just about everyone was related one way or another in Smoke Hole.

[@babytempi]

The history is that Ketterman's had a whole town where Big Ben campground is located. It used to have a school, playground, fire dept, and the first post office. It's now a trail that you walk down and the big chimney is from the post office. The story goes that William was fighting with his brother Jesse and refused to be buried in the Ketterman cemetery so he was buried on the hill. He is my great great grandfather. My dad is James Andrew Ketterman. My grandfather was James JR(at the hospital they actual put Junior on his birth certificate), and my great grandfather was James Andrew, and my great great grandfather was William Edward Ketterman.

[@lesahanners5057]

This was delightful Todd. It reminded me of all the adventures my step-dad took us kids on. Mountain climbing, fishing, hunting, camping. All wonderful childhood memories. This cave was fantastic and the Chigg should see it, even if it isn't a tight squeeze...ha ha ha... The Shreves store I found interesting too. My 6th grt. grandparents, James Shreves and Mary Williams-Shreves were married in Loudoun county Virginia about 1777. I know that is nowhere near where you were there in West Virginia, but the name Shreves is a historic one, most are descendants of my 10th grt. grandfather Thomas Sherriff/Shreve, who emigrated as an indentured servant from England circa 1633-36 to Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. Many served in the Revolutionary war under Gen. Washington, and received their land grants in the West because of it. Thus spreading all over the new west and nation. Once again you have done a fantastic job of telling us interesting history, and taking us on a wonderful family adventure too. Thank you so much! Also a big thank you to your son for the delightful bagpipe music, and for doing such a fine job helping his sister up and down the mountain. My eldest son attempted to learn the bagpipes in his youth, but unfortunately his asthma made it impossible. We were very involved with the Scottish Games in Portland, Oregon too, but time and relocation, made that also impossible. To hear the bagpipes again brought back many wonderful memories, it was marvelous. Thank you once again and have a great day!

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Lesa Hanners thanks for the long and always thoughtful comment. Walking in that gorge and into the Shreve store is like stepping back in time. I bet its a relation of yours. Loudoun is only about 3 or 4 counties to the East so not far.

[@frankforrest1597]

Todd your awesome! Thank you for this adventure with your children. Please keep doing what you are. The educational system leaves so much out of the curriculum; I commend you on all your efforts, in addition to sharing with your children, hopefully they too will show and teach their children. Braden is awesome with the bagpipes, has true talent. Thanks again, do be safe 👍✌

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Frank Forrest hey many thanks brother! I’m really proud of my son wanting to learn to play the pipes and letting me use him playing them. I’m also proud my little girl braved the mountain and wanted to go up there with me.

[@altonriggs2352]

The definition of a gentleman.." He owns bagpipes and doesn't play them" G.B Shaw Just pulling your chain..loved it

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Alton Riggs my son learned when he was 10 he was 14 when I recorded this. I’m very proud of him. It’s a hard instrument to play. He’s always wanted to go see this cave.

[@milestogo8451]

The flower is an Aquilegia canadensis, I think! Amazing place to explore, thanks.

[@VickieV1333]

Ya had me at the bagpipes... Get the Chigg there! He would be in Cave Heaven! That is a magnificent cave! The entrance was breathtaking! Let not your heart be troubled, a much needed verse in these times, thank you. You are making memories with your precious children, I honored to tag along 🥰

[@maryleh9373]

Excellent. Great dad and wonderful children. We love watching you channel! Thanks for keeping the Revolutionary War soilder's memory alive.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Mary LEH thanks. It is a unique dot on the map and one I had not intended to film but I’m glad I did. My kids will always remember it.

[@debbiegradowski9885]

Your son plays a mean bag! I love that thank you so much ! Great story too! ♥️

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Debbie Gradowski thanks!

[@alabamadixiediggers4714]

Very cool !!! Great job Todd. The Chigg would definitely like that one. See ya on the next

[@alabamadixiediggers4714]

@@AppalachianHistoryDetectives The Me Miner one has definitely been great..... I was hoping you were going in...😁😁

[@f.d.miller3903]

Awesome, just pure awesome 👌. Thank you Todd.... and family.

[@raymondhill3446]

Hi Todd, Another fantastic adventure! I love the history and stories behind your trip! Brayden is great on the bagpipes! Well done. You were worried about the children, they scurried up the mountain like little goats! You on the other hand is who I was worried about making! Poor Chig! What a wonderful day with your your family! Take care and stay safe!

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Raymond Hill thanks. It was tough on me. I’m not young and thin anymore. Haha. I wanted them to see if before something happens to me. The place is almost lost to history.

[@simplynaturalhomeschoolmom7367]

Fantastic job on the bagpipes Brayden! Love it! That climb to the cave 😳 Gives this momma a heart attack, but the kids seemed to take it on with ease. Little girl is a trooper! Beautiful cave and intriguing history. Thanks for sharing.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Simply Natural Homeschool Moms thanks! I’m proud of both kids for taking up the challenge and wanting to do it.

[@Kaufeetimevideo]

I believe Chigger would love to explore this cave. It's a great that you took your children. They will remember this adventure when they have their own children. A great memory was made today.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Kaufeetimevideo yep I want them to see it before I pass away. Not many know where this is anymore.

[@marthariddlegarcia2991]

Appalachian History Detectives, you remind me so much of my own dad. Many a weekend and memories were made hiking all over the Santiam canyon in Oregon looking for old homesteads and mines. He also taught us to pan for gold, that was a lot of fun. Sadly, I lost my dad to cancer when he was only 47yrs old, but I cherish those memories to this day. I also want to compliment you on how well you and your wife are raising your son. He has no problem helping his little sister up the difficult spots. Your daughter is really cute.

[@jalpa9642]

Thanks Todd & Kids....! That was quite the journey up those steep inclines, y'all were like Goats climbing up there. I got big kick out of your daughter once you were inside the cave when asked them what they thought about it, and your daughter said "I wouldn't recommend it"..! LOL...... But you all did super well together worked as a team helping each other (kids) get up there..! Awesome.... Love those old places & the History..! =)

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Ja L Pa my daughter never shies from adventure and adversity. My son makes me feel proud with his music and the fact he still likes hanging out with me. Enjoyed your comment.

[@scornell66]

Looks like another beautiful area of our country. Loved those bagpipes....excellent job Brayden!!! Thanks for sharing this adventure.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Scott Cornell thanks. It’s wild country for sure and I hope it stays that way a little while longer.

[@johnnyvscustomsgaragetassie.]

Hi guy's Awesome story and trip. That Flower was called an Aqualigia or Columbine or Granny's Bonnet depend's where in the world you live. Cheer's Tassie John

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

John Verhaegh thanks for the comment. We have purple ones here. The red ones I had not seen before.

[@cotydenise]

Thanks so much Tod! What an adventure! So glad that you took your children there to learn actual history. I really enjoy your channel.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

cotydenise many thanks for watching and commenting.

[@CatalinaThePirate]

😃 Braden's pipes are very cool. Loved listening to them. 😏 Your daughter's a real trooper - she seemed to have limitless energy and didn't stop talking (haha!). What are you feeding her? 😺 That was quite a climb! (It's always easier ascending than it is descending) At least you spared us the sight of the rescue helicopter that took you down from that precarious cliff (if you can call it that) you ended up on! 😆 Neat cave! Yes, Aquachigger would probably love it. 😏 I thought the graves were neat. Eagle's was cool because he had an "official" veteran's headstone. I wonder why he was laid to rest exactly *there*. Rather convenient for the historic monument, don't you think? Hmmm... Great vid, thanks for posting! I hope we all can stay safe and stay healthy! Blessings! 💕

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Thanks for the thoughtful comment. She is a trooper. I call her whippersnapper.

[@CatalinaThePirate]

😺@@AppalachianHistoryDetectives

[@rlsingle00]

Oh my gosh! The great shots of the scenery! Sooo good! Great historical research. Amazing service to history. Great family adventure. Your son is very talented. He also helped his sister on the way up the trail. The camera does not give justice to how steep the trail is! Thank you for documenting the adventure.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Ricky Singleton thanks for the comment and being a faithful fan. It was super steep and I’m proud of them both. I was proud my son let me record him. He didn’t want too but I convinced him.

[@leannkennedy6568]

You've made such a wonderful memory with your children. They're very respectful towards each other and you. 💕

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Yes, thank you.......not all the time though...haha...but most of the time, they are loving and helpful to each other

[@aapex1]

LUCKY kids! Mine have thanked me for all the adventures and yours will too. You can't get this from a computer and TV is just toxic. Mine, now adults, are adventurous, fearless, and curious about everything and I'll bet it has a LOT to do with excursions like this one. GREAT job Dad! I wish I had thought of Bagpipes. Hey Chigg, you too old for this?

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Brian Pierce is Chigg wants to go I’m in trouble. Haha. It was harder than I remembered

[@alanstackhouse2939]

Awesome video Todd!! I bet the kids will remember that day forever.😊

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Alan Stackhouse I think so too.

[@ptaylor4923]

It makes me crazy that I'm not there & I'm stuck here in California. It was like me fishing with my Dad in the Rockies when I was her age. I cannot describe the high anxiety I felt with you and the kids climbing that steep hill. It's amazing the roadside graves have survived years if floods in what is obviously a "V" canyon. -- Thanks so much. Wonderful!!!

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Sorry about you being there in California too...haha. The mountain was steeper than i remember as a kid, but I knew even then it was a mountain climb. Times here in the mountains haven't changed so much and it's nice to get away from the crazy world we are in and be transported back to better times.

[@kayesdigginit1519]

I really enjoyed this video!! Your kids are real troopers there 👍☺ Amazing history and amazing pictures with the gorgeous WV mountains as a backdrop. Awesome trip deep and elevated into both Native & American sites! Just awesome 😀 Thank you so very much!!

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Kaye's Diggin It you’re welcome. Thanks for the thoughtful comment.

[@jeffp6013]

Awesome adventure Todd The cave would be Chig heaven Brayden is Fantastic playing the bagpipe Total cool video many thumbs up would love to hunt the area could be some neat finds

[@jeffp6013]

@@AppalachianHistoryDetectives Todd yes we have the same thing around here. The thought is nice but wouldnt dare not worth it

[@michaelfennessy9685]

I think Chigg would love it . Man that looked steep .

[@DigginWithDeej]

Great exploring adventure! Yes, the Chigg needs to go back with you.

[@mercedithcompala8148]

Wonderful film, great cave and Brayden is a very good musician!

[@debbaker676]

Your kids are very agile and brave and you're a terrific dad for giving them this experience !Thanks for my once in a lifetime trip,too!!

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

You are so kind I hope they remember it fondly when they grow old and recall times spent with me. I'm 50 so these times of hikes will be less and less frequent and soon they will be on their own.

[@haroldwebb2532]

Bo needs to be there but couldn't he run up that mountain LOL love when you 2 are together your son did great on the pipes great video

[@kayesdigginit1519]

@@AppalachianHistoryDetectives Beau would definitely give it his all to get up there. Now to coax him into accepting your invite 🤔

[@DesertJeff]

Amazing cave! I love features like that. The difficult and strenuous hike was worth it when you arrived. The cool air inside, the damp and rich cave smell, and even the largest flash light want enough to set it all. It amazing this came is on top instead of down below.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Desert Jeff yes and it is hard to find. It’s almost unknown now. Not many could make it up there it’s so steep.

[@bhajandaniel9771]

I was in this cave thirty-five years ago. Glad to see it on KZbin.

[@waso122463]

I like what your daughter said "I wouldn't recommend coming here because its a far way down" I was kind of worried but knew you made it or you wouldn't have shown someone falling.

[@dogmosatchmo]

The grave was touching. I like that people still leave coins. And someone planted some flowers/plants. Really awesome. What a cool cave! That place is full of adventure. I'd love to take a kayak out there. I'm glad you got to throw a line in the water.😎😎😎

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Dogmo Satchmo thanks man. It is a beautiful and special place.

[@richwhite4331]

GREAT Adventure TODD!! God Bless you for exposing your kids to our history!! Your kids are AWSOME ! Expecially your Daughter, WOW and THANKS!!

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Thanks 👍 My littlest one is a trooper. I call her my whippersnapper.

[@silverwheelspatriot1764]

Beautiful job. Loving the history.

[@jeanniebuchholz9923]

Thanks for sharing, that is a neat place with a good story.

[@jbelme1]

Very interesting. Really enjoyed seeing Eagle’s grave.

[@WVRelicmetalDetecting]

Awesome tour ..Been in that area many times .Love that cave . Never had seen it 😁👍. Outstanding bagpipe music, Brayden 👍👍 Take care gang .

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

35th State - Relic Hunters thanks guys. Hopefully our paths will cross. Lots in these hills to explore.

[@richardperkins6132]

Todd, thanks for taken us all on another great history adventure. Had herd of the cave but never been to until today. As you took us to it, an educated us on the historic site. Really loved it. You know as a kid growing up, that's something most all of us did. We would be outside playing an exploring everything we would come across. Always wanting to know what it is, what it was used for, who were the people that used to live here, an so on. If we found a cave, then would want to go see whats inside the cave, an see where it would take us. Hoping to find them gold coins 😁. Today with the younger generation, there to focused on the video games an social media to go out an explore the great big world in our back yards as we did as kids. Awesome to see that you are getting your kids out an teaching them the real history of the land an getting them involved. What a great dad. There are so many kids out there today that just wish they had a dad to go out an do something with. So involving your kids is awesome. Your son seems to really enjoy the bag pipes. He done a great job playing them. 👍 Todd thanks for takeing us on another great adventure. An teaching us about the cave an the history of the area an the settlers that lived in the area, in the days gone bye. Like I always say so many places are disappearing everyday. So the more videos an stories we can tell, an make on video, we're just helping them stay around for a very long time. Thanks again Todd for taken us along. As always safe an happy hunting. 😁👍👍

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Richard Perkins hey thanks for the great comment. Not many know where the cave is anymore and my kids heard my stories and wanted to see it. I’m glad I decided to film it.

[@roelf8653]

Great adventure Todd. Thanks for taking us along.

[@juliealbert9222]

I love the bag pipes! Very talented young man you have there, Todd. You sound so out of breath ... I'm sure I would be too. Great video thank you for taking me along.

[@lynnerodgers4461]

Now this is how you learn about history and life! Adventuring about like this will be in their memories forever. We used to take Sunday drives when I was a child and explored around Virginia and WV with dad, grandad and my great grandmother. Loved those adventures. I took my daughter and stepsons to many of the same places. Thanks for the experience. Definitely the only way I can experience that climb. I may just have to take a roadtrip though. Love your kids!

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Thanks Lynne. We love taking Sunday drives in the country and mountains. Our kids love them too and the side adventures I take them on. Chigg is always encouraging me to film these and share, but when starting a channel, it is risky because its hard to know what your audience likes to see.

[@johnnyphillips9735]

That's an awesome place Todd and you got great kids thanks for sharing

[@davekellar9049]

Well done, thx for bringing us along.

[@robertgilchrist5415]

Your children are awesome hikers, you should be one proud Dad!

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Robert Gilchrist thanks I am and especially my son’s playing the pipes for me.

[@bakerboy4581]

👍Awesome video brother.. Thanks for sharing your adventures! 👍

[@EZDiggin]

What an amazing family adventure Todd. It's good to see siblings help each other. Brayden plays the bagpipes really well. I think Chigg would love to go there. Thank you for bringing us along. HH and be well

[@EZDiggin]

@@AppalachianHistoryDetectives LOL I will leave a comment on his new video saying take the climb

[@zw5509]

As a Scotsman, I compliment the Piper! Good choice of music. What an area to live in. Thanks for your explanation! Those aren't children, they're Mountain Goats! What a hike! That looks like a brachiopod fossil, 400my BP, maybe there are some trilobites in the layer too. I have been rock hounding further north in those deposits and found some good specimens.

[@zw5509]

@@AppalachianHistoryDetectives There is a type of sedimentary rock called Coquina which is like that. It can be associated with Carboniferous deposits. They think it formed from offshore shell bank deposits. My family is from The West of Scotland near the Mull of Kintyre area. Beautiful area. You can see why the Scots were drawn to those areas to live. Your son was a very good big brother and your daughter was so brave!

[@Gadophoto]

What a great adventure with your kids mate making memories for them for ever with there dad

[@dogmosatchmo]

Yay!! Going to be a great day!

[@terryhunt6107]

Fantastic historical video again .It's great to see a family living and rediscovering their history.Great story again Todd .Watching in Ireland.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Thanks again! Some of these mountain sounds hopefully is familiar, but maybe not. These instruments were popularized here by the Irish and Scots.

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

Rest in peace Mr. Ketterman and Mr. Eagle. Who would have thought, I did a search for Booger Hole West Virginia and accidently stumbled upon your channel and this video. I loved the cave exploration and hike to it, and I subscribbed to your channel. Stay safe and keep up the great work showing us the wonderful rich history of the Appalachias.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Thanks Whispers....funny I came up in a Booger Hole search. Ninety percent of my videos I'm guessing are in West Virginia, and maybe more than that. There is a lot of lost and unknown history to be found there that is still virtually untouched and awaiting for its story to be told. I started this channel to preserve local, written and oral history with a tangible twist.

[@davidgraham8658]

Would love to visit this place. Love old history

[@marthariddlegarcia2991]

I always have loved the sound of bagpipes. Irish blood flows through my veins.

[@mikemcguire8351]

Yelp.

[@patricatfurever4051]

Love it that your children are interested in this type of adventure!

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Thanks!

[@lisapino6739]

I wouldn't say that you're crazy. Just adventurous 😀 Great video. Thanks for taking us along. Beautiful area. Brayden is amazing on the bagpipes. Both your kids did fantastic climbing up those steep areas. Stay safe. Take Beau along. He might whine but he will love it😉

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Lisa Pino haha yes he will whine and say I’m crazy. I don’t think he will do it and if he does, it might be my son taking him. Haha

[@allanwilkerson6426]

Your daughter is so adorable. What she lacks in stature...she makes up for it in heart. She hung in there and held her own against you two big guys. I haven't heard of this place. There's no way I would make it up there now anyway...not with emphysema and congestive heart failure. But...I'm glad I got to see it through you and your efforts. Thank you. My wife and I were at Cass, and Durbin, WV a few years back to ride the trains...it's a beautiful area for sure. Is Eagle Rock near Elkins or Cass ?? Just curious...I live in S.E. Ohio.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Allan Wilkerson not far from Cass or Durbin. It’s more remote though. Very scenic part of the state. I’m glad I could take you along.

[@jimjustice581]

Your kids are adorable, and they can climb like mountain goats! When they get to your age, they’ll be telling their kids how cool their grandpa is. This is an adventure they’ll definitely remember. As usual, a great adventure. Beautiful countryside and breathtaking caving.Thanks again.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Thanks Jim. I keep telling them that. They think I’m weird.

[@jimjustice581]

@@AppalachianHistoryDetectives 😂

[@johnclawson3613]

WOW! Very cool! What a hike.

[@popperbeans]

thank you, what a beautiful video, please please keep doing it

[@chuckcross3985]

Absolutely love this video. My cousins had told me about this area when I was visiting WV several years ago but we never got time to go. Now this video just makes me want to go see it all the more. Keep up the great videos. ( and ignore what people are going to say about having kids climb hills)

[@lynneperg6853]

This was fascinating, both historically and pictorally. I loved the bagpipes, fiddle and the hammer dulcimer. Kids remember times like this forever. When mine were young I made sure to spend a lot of time in the outdoors with them.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

I'm hoping they will always remember...I sure remember with fondness now doing things like this with my parents. I didn't appreciate it so much at the time, but the older I got, the more I see those as the best times of my life and I wish I realized it then. Hopefully they will always have these videos to go back to when I'm dead and gone and be proud they did have a part in them.

[@rontucker1086]

Great adventure! Beautiful place to visit. It's great that you brought your kids along so they got to see how people lived back then. Plus great exercise for them and yourself!

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

So true! I need the exercise more than them. Not sure how many times I will make it back up that mountain, as this was my first time in about 35 years. It brought back fond memories for me too.

[@williamallen3715]

Jeez.. it’s just my opinion Todd, but when your doing these kinds of video, with your awesome kids....exploring with history I would never no about.. no digging needed. That kind of episode is the the episode. The memory’s you’re kids are gathering...and their loving it . They will be...possibly...the future Appalachian history detectives. I just watched you climb a pretty steep Rocky Mountain, explore caves... with your kids! You are the Man, well done.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

William Allen thanks for the beautiful comment. I hope they will always remember it.

[@johnrobertson8156]

I love it when your daughter says it's cool but she wouldn't recommend coming up there. Great fun and I ejoyed the trip. You don't need the chigg, it was just a family moment. Be safe.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Thanks John. It was a tough climb but more to me...haha. I was a teen when I did it last and as agile as my son. Time has a way.,,, Alina loved it and has told everyone about this adventure

[@johnnybottles2344]

Another awesome adventure. Cool to see you take your children back to a childhood location. Great to see brother & sister working together. 😀👍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Thanks 👍 I'm going to start working on the videos with you. They will likely be showing in late August - Sep timeframe. Thanks for commenting JB.

[@johnnybottles2344]

@@AppalachianHistoryDetectives looking forward. Hope everyone had a great holiday.

[@shellythom7248]

Get chigg there omg would love that. He’d be in every hole. This keeps you guys young! Keep it up. Love it

[@arnoldhillbillygrizzlyputm1493]

Really love this an those pipes sure took me back to my viking roots . Great video as always

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Arnold hillbilly grizzly Putman thanks and I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@arnoldhillbillygrizzlyputm1493]

Thats also treasured memories for the kids too an glad you got it documented for historys sake .

[@frankrice5364]

Love seeing family enjoying nature at it,s best

[@waso122463]

I'm glad you were able to make it.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Waso gignitz me too. I’m getting too old to do it many more.

[@derekmorse8171]

A delightful family and a thrilling adventure, well done from England.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

derek morse thanks for watching and commenting. One day I hope to make it to England to research my family there.

[@libbynester1814]

Another awesome video. Thank you and your family for taking your fans along.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

You bet

[@zekesgirl100]

A place right out of my imagination!! Absolutely awesome. Great job on the pipes.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Thank you very much! I almost didn't shoot the video but from reading comments like yours, I'm glad I did.

[@mikegroves4450]

Great video. This is the best one yet.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

mike groves thanks man.

[@ColinHarperSummerson]

Great video, very interesting and some hike, my respect to you, taking your kids up there, educating and having fun, with their awesome Dad, giving them precious memories to look back on , wonderful 👍, looks a really beautiful place to visit and all that wonderful history, all the music was just Fantastic, especially the pipes, thank you for sharing with us, Gid bless you and your wonderful family 👍🙂

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Colin H-Summerson thanks for the thoughtful comment. I’m sure my kids will never forget that hike just like I never forgot. Just a piece of unique history that I was glad to share.

[@dennisatkins9837]

Thanks for bringing us along. Nice pipes too.

[@chrisbarber3658]

I really enjoyed this one. I watch all of your videos I can because I am a lover of history and many of the places you go remind of places where many of my ancestors lived in eastern Tennessee. Keep making these, you're awesome.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Chris Barber thanks. I LOVE East TN and plan on retiring there. Beautiful country there. Thanks for watching and supporting my channel and providing feedback.

[@Heartmedicemtp]

Fantastic video!!!!!!!

[@debbiemills1312]

Thank you for this! I have always heard of this, but never got to explore it. I truly enjoyed this adventure!

[@michaelcarter3448]

Thanks cool place so much history

[@patricialenaburg6553]

Oh, when I heard the bagpipes it actually gave me chills, I love music, but bagpipes are my favorite. Your son plays them beautifully, and like you say, they are hard to play. Enjoyed this little adventure, and see you soon. I am trying to catch up with your older videos. You have some good looking kids.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Thanks. I have only been doing this for a year so it’s not so many videos but I hope you find them all just as fascinating. I’ve learned a lot myself just doing them.

[@paulr6922]

Excellent film, a great adventure for your kids. You must all be as fit as fiddles.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Paul R you are my new best friend....I was dying trying to get up that mountain....haha

[@Rktect3902]

A unique and intriguing place.

[@catfishinpappy1591]

Excellent video. Please keep them coming ! Really enjoy your work..... THANKS !

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Thanks, will do!

[@jonmoore7445]

Awesome adventure and awesome video Todd. I've said it before, love to see you sharing your adventures withe your children. Thank you for taking us with you as well. Your videos just keep getting better. Love the format too. So informative, it makes me want to go to these places too. Keep the content coming. May God bless you and your family and all your future adventures.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Jon Moore thanks for the thoughtful comment. I almost didn’t film it. Wasn’t sure if anyone would want to see it.

[@jonmoore7445]

@@AppalachianHistoryDetectives Never think that. What you do is interesting. It allows people a glimpse at locations they'll otherwise never know about. You have a great personality and you are setting a good example for dads everywhere to spend some time with their kids just having fun and exploring. I love to see the places you go. I live in southwest Virginia and there are lots of beautiful places and history I pass on my way to work but almost never go and appreciate them. I metal detect (I have 4 machines in the car most of the time)and pan the rivers and streams and I've magnet fished a bit but no notable finds really and my kids are not really interested. So its nice to live vicariously a bit i suppose. Count yourself blessed my friend you go to amazing places and you dig some cool artifacts and as a bonus to us all you research the history. That's a nice package for us KZbin watchers. And you have a great family that supports and sometimes joins you. Oh and having a friend like the Chig... well you really couldn't get better connected. His videos got me interested. And speaking of the Chig, if you get him on that climb we just have to see that video and it would need no editing. LOL! You gotta love the Chig.

[@shellythom7248]

God that’s beautiful those mountains. Love it.

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

It really is! It is always calling you home....I lived on the coast for many years but every time I drove west into the mountains, my spirit leaped. Now I don't want to be anywhere else.

[@MichaelKilby]

Awesome. Lived here all my like and hiked extensively but never been to Smoke Hole. Thank you!

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Michael Kilby it’s hard to find.

[@reneebrazeal788]

That was an amazing adventure ! Thank you.

[@bethshadid2087]

That looked like so much fun and I bet that water would taste so cool and refreshing 💗

[@frankrice5364]

They are blessed to have a crazy dad keep doing what you are doing they grow up fast

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

yep. My son is applying for colleges in a year. I hate they grow up so fast. I try getting them out there with me so they have these memories (and videos) to show their kids when I'm dead and gone.

[@mathewpennington7049]

That is an awesome place. That room could make a great shelter.

[@maryleach859]

I love love bag pipes. Thank you so very very much.

[@loriward5512]

Awesome video. Your kids are Blessed to have you taking them to these historical places

[@loriward5512]

Did you notice at 13:38 it looks like a face to the right? I done a screenshot but it doesn’t have the option to show you

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Yes, thank you

[@jerryhuntjj2885]

Awesome video thanks for showing us Appalachian history

[@thomaslockwood8870]

Fun to watch.

[@patrickfrank76]

Absolutely righteous video buddy! I love the pipes and your boy plays them very well!

[@AppalachianHistoryDetectives]

Thank you kindly Patrick. With it being a non Metal Detecting one, I wasn't sure how well it would be received but it seems like it has been well received by most everyone.