CONTENTS F E AT U R E S 16 Mountain Blue: Reader Poll Results From favorite lake or river to water-tied state parks, outfitters and more, here are our readers' watery favorites from all over the mountains. 28 Rivers Run Through Us: Beautiful Flows in the Mountains Getting to know a baker's dozen of the region's most inviting rivers. BY ANGELA MINOR 38 Splash! A Photo Essay Our contributing photographers celebrate the region's wondrous water bounty. 42 Yes, There was a Real Col. Sanders Well, many of us knew that, but generations are growing up thinking the king of fried chicken is a character played by an actor. BY JOE TENNIS 44 Lakes with a Story to Tell We visit four mountain impoundments that offer fun and history. BY JOE TENNIS 50 Whither Lake Moomaw? The Virginia mountain lake came into being with hopes to become a destination. Circumstances including COVID 19 have frozen it in time. BY JOAN VANNORSDALL DEPARTMENTS 53 Northeast Tennessee Quick Guide Here's your guide to year-round fun. BY ANGELA MINOR 5 Letters/ Contributors 6 From the Editor 8 Mill Creek Stories 10 Creature Feature 11 The Good Walk 15 Country Roads 64 Singing in the Garden 66 Guest Column ON THE COVER Below the Devil's Bathtub in Virginia's George Washington and Jefferson National Forests sits a large pool of crystal-clear water that many Scott County residents use as a swimming hole. This is an aerial view of that lower pool. PHOTO BY JOSHUA MOORE. ON THIS PAGE Grotto Falls is the only waterfall you can walk behind in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Easiest access is via Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail just outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The strength and sound of this 25-foot waterfall are best felt from behind it. PHOTO BY BILL LEA JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 3