Deep in the mountains of Jackson County, there sits a large soapstone rock that is completely covered with strange markings and symbols. For centuries, both the Cherokees and later the white man have referred to this weird boulder as Judaculla Rock.

Image
©Unknown
Judaculla Rock


Judaculla Rock is located on the banks of Caney Fork Creek, just outside Sylva. The rock is covered with various carvings that some archaeologists believe may be 2,000 to 3,000 years old. One of the symbols on the rock seems to be that of a big seven-fingered handprint.

The Cherokee Indians consider this site to be ancient and even predating their existence in the western North Carolina mountains. They developed their own legend to explain the mysterious rock and its meaning.

According to the old Cherokee legend, a slant-eyed giant that stood taller than the pine trees inhabited the area ages ago. His name was Judaculla and he was a mighty hunter. When thirsty, he could drink an entire creek dry. When he hunted game, the massive Judaculla could jump from one mountain top to another in a single bound. On the top of one mountain, he maintained his farm and kept a close watch over his territory, according to the book "North Carolina Legends" by Richard Walser.

One time, a Cherokee hunting party dared to venture into Judaculla's domain. From the top of his mountain retreat, he could see the Cherokee hunters and was angered that such small creatures had invaded his territory. Judaculla gave out a loud roar and jumped down to squash them. When he landed in the valley, Judaculla stumbled and put out his hand to steady himself. His thrust was so powerful that his seven fingers were pressed into the big rock that now bears his name. The imprint from his hand can be seen to this day, according to Walser's book.

For generations, the Cherokees have considered this site to be sacred. And in recent years, students from nearby Western Carolina University have used the spot for late-night initiation rituals. Folks have reported hearing ghostly noises at the site. Others have talked about seeing strange lights around the rock and even UFOs appearing in the clearing above it. The rock is considered to be a "paranormal hot spot" and believers in New Age religions are attracted to the place, according to a Web site.

Image
©Unknown
A drawing of the various symbols and images of Judaculla Rock

Judaculla Rock is now owned by Jackson County and it is not hard to find. It sits at the base of a mountain and tourists regularly go there to see it. Everybody who visits Judaculla Rock has a different theory about what the strange markings mean. Some think it could be a map, a battle plan, strange religious symbols or illustrations for some kind of ancient mythological tale. Those who have seen it agree that it is a special place, according to the Web site.

Sadly, the rock and its symbols are eroding. It is not protected from the weather or vandalism. There are also no restrooms or water fountains at its remote location in the Jackson County mountains. Those who go see Judaculla Rock should be respectful of the site and its mysterious past.