Episode Information

The Appalachians are a vast mountain chain, stretching along the East of the US, from Georgia in the south to Maine in the north. Along much of their length they are clothed in rich but unexplored woodland, secret rivers and waterfalls, caves and forest glades inhabited by bears and deer. Over the course of a year, this film looks at the natural history of these extraordinary forests through the eyes of the people living here: those that have an intimate bond, providing a unique perspective on the hidden worlds of Appalachia. These are the most diverse temperate forests on Earth. In spring, the ground is covered with a spectacular display of wild flowers and when autumn falls, the hillsides are transformed into a riot of gold and red. In winter, waterfalls freeze into bizarre ice sculptures. Human history here is just as rich as the natural history. Long before Columbus landed in North America, Cherokee Indians moved into these forests and learnt how to live here. Later, European settlers and then Americans moved here, forming their own unique and colourful culture.