A six-foot-tall Bigfoot led families on a summer journey across the seven westernmost counties of North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary, generating nearly 700 check-ins at eight regional businesses and attractions.
Carl, the Visit Smokies Bigfoot Buddy, spent the summer hiding at locations featured in the official Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina Travel Guide. More than a dozen determined hunters set out to find him at every stop in a competitive race to the finale.
Each time participants found Carl, they checked in, collected a commemorative token and followed the adventure on Facebook. Reveal videos documenting Carl’s journey were produced in part by Trailhound Media. One hunter from each location was selected for a prize-wheel spin featuring Sasquatch-themed surprises and gifts from regional businesses, including donated $25 Mast General Store gift cards.
The season’s highest honor awaited hunters who found Carl and collected all eight tokens: the title of Ultimate Sasquatch Hunter.
3-year-old Ultimate Sasquatch Hunter
One young hunter and her family from Cherokee stood out. Three-year-old Phoebe Lambert was the first participant to find Carl at his final hiding spot after following him across the region throughout the summer.
Phoebe calls herself “Carl’s best friend.” She celebrated the victory by twirling in her Ultimate Sasquatch Hunter crown.
For Phoebe’s mother, Dawna Paul, the hunt created a new family tradition. The family already enjoyed Waynesville Soda Jerks and its sodas made with real ingredients, but the hunt led them to discover the company’s storefront and soda bar, where sodas and slushies are served on tap.
“Now it’s our new little tradition,” Paul said.
Visit Smokies saw families travel together, residents discover businesses in their own communities and visitors explore places they may not have found otherwise. A few younger hunters were understandably cautious around the oversized, hairy traveler. Many more embraced Carl and the journey he created across the Smokies.
The businesses throughout the region brought fun, creativity and enthusiasm to every stop. Their participation played an essential role in making the season a success.
Carl’s eight hiding spots were:
- Highlands Aerial Park in Macon County
- American Museum of the House Cat in Jackson County
- Buck Bald Brewing in Cherokee County
- Stecoah Valley Arts & Heritage Center in Graham County
- Fryemont Inn in Swain County
- Oconaluftee Indian Village in the Qualla Boundary
- Waynesville Soda Jerks in Haywood County
- Tiger’s Store and Chinquapin’s in Clay County
Carl’s plans for next year remain a mystery, although Phoebe’s family has already offered one request.
“Next year, Carl needs to go somewhere they have crab legs,” Paul said.
Visit Smokies is now on the hunt. Businesses interested in becoming a future Great Sasquatch Hunt location or joining the Visit Smokies regional tourism network may contact [email protected]. Recommendations for the region’s best crab legs are also welcome.
About Visit Smokies
Visit Smokies, operated by Smoky Mountain Host of North Carolina, is the regional tourism organization representing Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, along with the Qualla Boundary and nearby neighbors. The organization connects visitors with the naturally wild, culturally rich and authentic communities of North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains.
The official Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina Travel Guide features attractions, communities, accessible waterfalls, recreation sites and locally owned businesses throughout the region. Visit VisitSmokies.org to plan a trip or request a guide.