Smoky Mountain Money
Every September, 'the Ginsengers' of North Carolina set out to earn a big payday... "to get while the gettin's good!" The price of White Panax Ginseng has hit $1,200 per pound, but the real prize is the "Monster 'Seng" root, which can fetch upwards of $10,000. We follow four teams, led by Ricky "The Legend" Reece, Carl "The Goat" Bateman, "The Ranger" Cody White, and "Young Gun" J.R. Parker. These mountain people cherish this federally protected endangered species. They want to conserve as they forage and only take fully mature ginseng. As well as fierce competition from other Ginsengers, they face treacherous rocky terrain, poachers, rattlesnakes and bears.
- 2014-2014
- 1 season
- National Geographic Channel
- Action & Adventure
Every September, 'the Ginsengers' of North Carolina set out to earn a big payday... "to get while the gettin's good!" The price of White Panax Ginseng has hit $1,200 per pound, but the real prize is the "Monster 'Seng" root, which can fetch upwards of $10,000. We follow four teams, led by Ricky "The Legend" Reece, Carl "The Goat" Bateman, "The Ranger" Cody White, and "Young Gun" J.R. Parker. These mountain people cherish this federally protected endangered species. They want to conserve as they forage and only take fully mature ginseng. As well as fierce competition from other Ginsengers, they face treacherous rocky terrain, poachers, rattlesnakes and bears.
Season 1 Episode Guide
6 Episodes 2014
Episode 1
Ginseng Kings
Wed, Sep 17, 2014 43 mins
It's a brand new ginsenging season and four top teams are striking out into the Smoky Mountains led by Ricky "The Legend" Reece, Carl "The Goat" Bateman, "The Ranger" Cody White, and "Young Gun" J.R. Parker on the hunt for ginseng.
Episode 2
Dirty Money
Wed, Sep 24, 2014 43 mins
The wild Ginseng season is in full swing and four teams of elite diggers hit historic trails and the deep woods looking for ginseng.
Episode 3
Sengin' in the Rain
Wed, Oct 1, 2014 42 mins
Thunderstorms soak the Smoky Mountains and while most sensible folks would call it a day to seek shelter, our ginsengers trudge deep into the most isolated peaks and hollows of North Carolina to get wet find some 'seng.
Episode 4
Family First
Wed, Oct 8, 2014 42 mins
Frost threatens the Great Smokies - a signal that winter is coming - but these four teams go up against the elements and each other to prove that they won't come home empty handed.
Episode 5
Upping the Ante
Wed, Oct 15, 2014 43 mins
Winter is closing in and with the end of the season nearing, the price of ginseng is skyrocketing. Diggers are desperate to make their season goals - even if it means compromising allegiances.
Episode 6
The Root Stops Here
Wed, Oct 22, 2014 42 mins
It's the last day of ginseng season in the Smokies -- the four teams go up against the elements and each other one last time to prove that they won't come home empty handed.