The Legend of Trahlyta: Visiting her grave

The legend of Trahlyta has everything a good story needs: a princess, a rejected suitor, a fountain of youth, and a custom that lives to this day. 

Trahlyta was said to be a striking Cherokee princess who lived with her family on Cedar Mountain. Everyday, she drank from magic springs that brought her eternal youth and beauty. Her stunning beauty made her an object of desire for many suitors, all of whom she rejected.

Upon being shunned by Trahlyta, one warrior named Wahsega refused to take no for an answer. Angry, he kidnapped Trahlyta and kept her away from her home.  As the days passed, her beauty faded, and she grew weak. She pleaded with Wahsega to take her home so she could heal.  He refused.  As she lay dying, Wahsega would promise to bury her near her home and the fountain of youth that kept her young for so many years. 

Trahlyta is supposedly buried at what is now the intersection of Highways 60 and 19 in north Georgia, just south of Cedar Mountain.  The site is known as Stone Pile Gap. Over the years, leaving a rock at the site has become customary and will bring you good fortune.  When we visited, the pile of stones was head-high.  Clearly, many people believe. Of course, with good luck comes bad. Legend has it that if you remove a stone, you will be cursed with bad luck. 

At nearby Vogel State Park at the base of Blood Mountain, Trahlyta Lake and Falls are named after her. A delightful one-mile hike will take you to the lake and the falls. It’s especially nice in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.