When the sun dips below the Smoky Mountain skyline and the neon hum of the Parkway begins to fade into shadow, a different kind of storyteller emerges from the mist. Dressed in a long black vest, adorned with trinkets that look like they’ve been plucked from an apothecary cabinet, and wielding a red-striped umbrella and a lantern like a gothic pied piper, Mr. Adams is not your average tour guide.
No, Mr. Adams is the keeper of Gatlinburg’s darker tales.
Joining one of his ghost tours is like stepping into a living folklore novel. His deep, theatrical voice floats through the twilight air as he beckons guests to gather around—first near the historic cemetery perched on the hillside, then through the shadowy alleys and cobblestone corners of downtown. With every stop, he peels back the cheery tourist-town facade to reveal stories of heartbreak, mischief, mystery… and maybe even murder.
There’s something undeniably theatrical about him. Maybe it’s the top hat and blood-red glasses. Maybe it’s the way he leans in close when talking about old spirits lingering near the candy shop. Maybe it’s just the way the lantern flickers when he tells a particularly chilling tale.
If you’re looking for something different to do after dark in Gatlinburg—something that makes your skin tingle and your imagination run wild—follow the man in black. Just don’t be surprised if you leave with a few more questions than answers.
