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  • Home
  • How You Can Help
  • Our Plan For The Future
  • A Steward's Handbook
  • Images
  • FILE DOWNLOADS
  • Species Survey
  • Tipping Point Grant Index
  • About
  • Whiffle Dodger Gallery

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The Legend of the Swannanoa Whiffle Dodger

  

Deep in the forests of western North Carolina, there is said to be a small, mysterious creature known as “The Swannanoa Wiffle-dodger”. For generations local legends have told of this mischievous little gremlin who is said to bedevil the unsuspecting people whose paths he may cross.

According to the tales, the Wiffle-dodger is barely larger than a child, but possesses the strength of ten men. His very gaze is said to stop hens from laying, make fruit drop from the vine and cause milk to sour in the cow. His wide, sharp-toothed grin, bulging eyes and lonesome nighttime howl are said to strike fear into the hearts of even the bravest of souls.

Despite his fearsome reputation however, the Wiffle-dodger is also known for his mischievous streak. He delights in playing pranks on the unsuspecting, stealing food and supplies from campsites, tampering with machinery and generally causing chaos wherever he goes. 

The legend of the Wiffle-dodger was told by the early settlers who considered him both a source of fear and a wild force of nature. The legend was passed down through generations of residents of the Swannanoa Valley who blamed all manner of unexplained troubles on him and told the stories of his antics to their children at night to get them to behave. Many began to leave offerings of food and other gifts in early April (when he was said to emerge from his underground winter slumber) in hopes of appeasing his mischievous nature and earning his favor.

Even today, the Wiffle-dodger is thought by many to roam the forests and wild places of Swannanoa where some claim to have seen him darting between the trees or causing havoc in the dim, shadowy hours just after dusk. He is said to inhabit wild patches of forest and creek, occasionally edging close to the homes of humans whom he delights in tormenting.

Though his true nature may never be fully known, the legend of the Wiffle-dodger continues to captivate the imaginations of many, reminding us all of the mysterious and powerful forces that may still be lurking in the forests and fields at night while our modern world sleeps..

Find out more about Fox Creek Park

Photo Gallery - March 29, 2026

    Videos

    The Truth Is Out There

    Ethan (or is it Maya?)

    Assorted Clips

    The Bard of the Apocalypse with Alex Willis (and surprise guest)

    The Band Arrives - captured by Kayla Naas

    Music Video

    Asheville Second Line Band - Arrival

    Asheville Second Line Band - Departure

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