Ready for a hike? Be sure you have some good running shoes. They’ll be useful when you run out of the woods like a bat out of hell.
There’s more lurking around America’s nature trails than bears, mountain lions, and the occasional woodland hermit. You have some ghosts and other supernatural creatures to worry about.
Here are three creepy hiking trails you wouldn’t dare walk alone:
1. Metacomet Trail
- Location: Berlin/Meriden, Connecticut
- Distance: 62.2 miles
Metacomet Trail starts from Connecticut, crossing through cities like Plainville, Avon, and New Britain to the Massachusetts/Vermont border.
For any paranormal activity, visit Connecticut’s Hanging Hills area. There wanders the legendary Black Dog. Joy comes to those who see him once, sorrow if twice, and death three times.
The story was first reported in the Connecticut Quarterly in 1898. A geologist only named “F.S.” and his friend were both found dead (years apart) in the bottom of a cliff after seeing the mysterious black dog three times.
Some believe the Black Dog is merely a fictional tale. Real-life geologist William Harry Chichele from Harvard University submitted a short story to the Connecticut Quarterly about the spectral canine.
Maybe the story is only a tall tale. Hikers to this day report seeing a friendly black dog only to be gone as soon as they turn their heads.
Feel free to venture around Hanging Hills to meet the dog yourself. It’s best only to see it once and let it be if you know what I mean.
2. Rock Canyon Trail
- Location: Provo, Utah
- Distance: 5.5 miles
Long ago, Ute Indian chief Big Elk passed away in the Rock Canyon area from his battle wounds. His wife soon followed, attempting to climb one of the mountains. Squaw Peak is named after her.
To this day, people hear screams, battle drums, and witness ghostly figures running towards them before disappearing into thin air. Others have seen a man in 70s clothing and a spirit of a little girl lingering around a creek.
If you’re thinking about walking on the Rock Canyon trail, bring a friend or two (or an entire fleet).
3. Silver Star Mountain Loop
- Location: Skamania County, Washington State
- Distance: 5.7 miles
Not in the mood for ghost-hunting during your hike? Perhaps you’re more interested in Bigfoot.
In 2005, a hiker took a picture of what seems to be Bigfoot wandering through the high hills around Silver Star Mountain. No surprise there! According to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO), Washington has over 600 Bigfoot reports.
If you see Bigfoot on this trail, it’s best to leave him alone. He wants to take in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the scenery as much as you do.
If you’re looking for more creepy hiking trails, you should check out:
- The Appalachian Trail (From Georgia to Maine)
- Batona Trail (New Jersey)
- Bloody Lane Trail (Maryland)
- Ghost House Trail (Tennessee)
- Iron Goat Trail (Washington)
- Norton Trail Creek (North Carolina)
- Old Narrow Gauge Volunteer Trail (Maine)
- Transept Trail (Arizona)
Recommended books:
- Haunted Hikes: Real Life Stories of Paranormal Activity in the Woods by Maren Horjus
- Haunted Hikes: Spine-Tingling Tales and Trails from North America’s National Parks by Andrea Lankford
- Haunted Hikes of New Hampshire by Marianne O’Connor
- Haunted Hikes of Vermont by Tim Simard
Happy trails, my friend.
