Set in the rugged hills surrounding Oneida, Tennessee, the Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival is a unique convergence of Appalachian folklore, ghost stories, and outdoor revelry. Visitors walk a fine line between narrative and nature—where each tale draws you deeper into the woodlands that surround this small town. The festival thrives in these shaded hollows and winding ridges, where the breeze carries whispered legends as surely as the creek dares you to follow its murmur.

The setting demands respect: steep inclines, uneven forest trails, and thick undergrowth carve the edges of this experience. Paths vary from short, 1-mile loops for casual listeners to more strenuous 4-mile hikes for seasoned adventurers, with elevation gains pushing up to 600 feet. The terrain intersperses rocky steps with soft leaf-covered trails, punctuated by the occasional stone wall or abandoned homestead—silent witnesses to long-forgotten stories.

Arrive prepared. Solid hiking boots anchor your feet to the demanding ground, and hydration is key—the hills can drain energy quickly, especially in humid months. Timing your visit for late afternoon offers the best blend of daylight and atmospheric shadows, with storytelling sessions often spilling into early night around bonfires, under a sky that feels alive with stars and secrets.

The festival isn’t just an event; it’s a dialogue with the hills themselves. Creaking branches seem to lean in, pressing in with stories aged like the hickory bark. Flickers of firelight on faces, the crackle of leaves underfoot—each sensory detail adds layers to the tales of former residents, restless spirits, and the land's eerie presence.

For planners, logistical points matter: parking is limited near the main festival grounds, so arriving early or carpooling saves hassle. Weather shifts rapidly here, so layered clothing and rain gear are smart bets. Local food vendors offer simple but satisfying Appalachian fare, grounding the experience between tales. And though the focus is on storytelling, take a moment to explore nearby Look Rock, a site offering commanding views of the surrounding hills that inspire many of the festival’s narratives.

Haunting in the Hills blends literary craft with physical adventure: a journey through terrain and tradition that challenges participants to hold space for both the real and the imagined. It’s an event where the lines blur—between hiking and hearing, between the present and the past, between the earth underfoot and the spirits carried on the wind.