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Long known for his love of old, interesting structures, Apollo grabbed a quick lunch at a mom & pop in Cherokee, NC before taking a quick gaunt into the Great Smoky Mountains. Just a little ways into this way-cool national park, Mingus Mill lays waiting for quick Apollo Creed photo op.

Apollo was almost on his way in the water.

Apollo Creed admires how the old settlers in this region of the Smoky Mountains was able to construct such a useful structure, with honestly almost no impact on the environment.

From where Apollo stands, they partially divert the flow of water from Mingus Creek. Here, water is funneled down this wooden chute where it maintains a slight downstream angle to help increase the water’s rate of speed. At the end of the chute, the water is forced down via gravity where the channel narrows and the water pressure is greatly increased. The high-pressure water then spins a turbine, which through a series of gears and whatnot turns large grist stones which grind up wheat and corn. This leverages gravity to do all the work, because they sure didn’t have no power lines back in 1886, when Mingus Mill was originally built. After the water is done spinning the turbine in the mill, it’s emptied right back into the creek where it continues on its way through the Smokies. Apollo sure wishes industry could still be like this. Imagine what a greener planet.

More info on Mingus Mill

Apollo definitely recommends you scope out Mingus Mill, especially if you’re visiting the Cherokee area. In the summertime, it’s a sweet spot for family picnics and if you plan it right, you can catch demonstrations of the mill in action.

Directions

From Cherokee, NC, head two miles down 441 toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’ll see the Mountain Farm Museum and Oconaluftee visitors center on your right. Mingus Mill is about a half mile past the visitor center, and is on the left.

Oh, and here’s a little tip from Apollo Creed while driving in the Smokies. Driving through the Smokies is something that should be savored and enjoyed. If you are in a rush to get to/from Cherokee/Gatlinburg, you will be sorry. Traffic does not move fast through the Smokies, and nor should it. While it seems like it’s only a 30 mile trip and it should go by fast, plan on spending 3-5 hours traveling from one to the other, especially during peak holiday times and weekends where going 10mph is an accomplishment itself. Don’t say Apollo didn’t warn you!