In an isolated valley in Southwest Virginia, about eight miles north of Marion, in Smyth County, in the Alleghany Mountains, between Walker’s Mountain and Little Brushy arises a tributary of the Middle Fork of the Holston River, which acquired the unique name of Hungry Mother Creek. It was along that creek that Hungry Mother State Park was built by the CCC in the 1930’s.

No real proof exists supporting the origin of the name Hungry Mother. The historical fact does exist proving the original name of the creek was HUNGER’S MOTHER. Indians might have changed it to Hungry Mother. No research supports the tales of the starving mother or the hungry mother or the hungry child. Today the stories are considered a true legend supported only by speculation, hypotheses and theories.

Up the road...

...around the bend...