Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Prime Minister of Yemen’s Houthi Government Killed in Israeli Strike

2 days ago

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Law Redrawing Congressional Maps

2 days ago

US Air Force will Offer Military Funeral Honors to Slain Capitol Rioter

3 days ago

US Republican Senator Joni Ernst Will Not Run for Re-Election, CBS News Reports

3 days ago

Wall Street Falls as Dell, Nvidia Drive Tech Losses

3 days ago

US Denies Visas to Palestinian Officials Ahead of UN General Assembly

3 days ago

Minneapolis Children Revealed Courage, Absorbed Fear During Church Shooting

3 days ago

Ford Recalls Nearly 500,000 Vehicles Over Brake Fluid Leak

4 days ago

Fresno-Bound Passenger Says Delta Attendant Slapped Him, Seeks $20M

4 days ago
Haunted Hikes and Campfire Frights Give Campers the Chills Across the US This Summer
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 1 year ago on
July 23, 2024

Thrill-seekers are hitting haunted trails this summer, hoping to encounter ghosts and supernatural entities. (Food Drink Life)

Share

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Hikers are seeking not just the most scenic trails anymore but ones lingering with spirits and paranormal activity. Increase the stakes this summer and find out whether you’re brave enough to join thrill-seekers on a chilling adventure. From the ghosts that roam the Appalachians to creepy campfire tales, prepare to dive into the eerie unknown.

Eerie Hikes of the Appalachian Mountains

Besides being almost 2,000 miles of beautiful ridges and valleys, the Appalachian Mountains are home to several haunted trails where hikers have experienced strange, unexplainable phenomena. Thrill-seekers visit these specific trails, hoping to encounter ghosts and other supernatural entities.

The Ghost House Trail in Big Ridge State Park, Tennessee, is well-known for its paranormal activity, hence its name. This loop takes you through the Hutchinson family home, where the daughter, Mary, died of tuberculosis. People have reported hearing a ghost dog panting and running behind them; others have heard Mary’s cries from the family home. The trail also runs by a cemetery, where visitors have spotted a ghost of a Civil War soldier.

The Norton Creek Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also part of the Appalachians and has a reputation for being haunted. Many years ago, a settler was killed in these woods while searching for his missing daughter. Hikers who have gotten lost have reported being guided out by a ghostly light, which is believed to belong to the settler who is now trying to help others avoid the same fate as his daughter.

The Mysterious Woods of the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is a region in the northwestern United States and Canada, bordered by Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia. This region is known for its collection of eerie hiking trails.

In 1910, an avalanche struck the area where the Iron Goat Trail in Washington now lies. Most of the victims who passed away were railroad workers. Hikers have reported being grabbed by the ghostly figures of the victims, hearing screams and even having conversations with these entities in the old tunnels.

If you ever want to catch a glimpse of Bigfoot, the Olympic National Park in Washington may be your best bet. Numerous sightings of this large, hairy creature have been spotted within the park’s dense forests. Verify whether legends are true by going on a wild chase in these woods.

Ghostly Tales Around Campfires

Surrounded by the dark, mysterious forest, the flickering campfire creates a spooky atmosphere for sharing stories of the supernatural. It’s the perfect way to end a day of hiking haunted paths. As you pass around snacks like vegan spam and huddle closer together, it’s time to share captivating stories that will get people jumping out of fear from their seats.

The Jersey Devil of the Pinelands is a tale most effective when shared camping in New Jersey’s Pinelands. The Jersey Devil is described as a creature resembling a kangaroo, with a horse-like head, bat wings, horns and a tail. It was believed to have been the thirteenth child of Mrs. Leed, a resident of the Pine Barrens. Mrs. Leed was so distraught with being pregnant for the thirteenth time that she cursed the child to become the devil. For over 250 years, the Jersey Devil has been rumored to rampage the area, causing damage to crops, killing animals and frightening residents.

The Allure of Being Spooked

You may wonder who in their right mind would seek out these frightening entities as a pastime. Instead of having a normal hobby like cooking taco casserole on a Saturday afternoon, enthusiasts are setting foot on haunted paths, hoping to encounter the ghosts of the Hutchinson family.

It turns out that the appeal of these adventures is psychological. According to Concordia University St. Paul, experiencing scary things triggers a rush of adrenaline. After physical reactions like heavy breathing and fast heart rate wear off, people feel intense relief as endorphins and dopamine flood the brain. Those who enjoy this up-and-down tend to have a higher sensation-seeking trait.

The tradition of storytelling also serves as a form of cultural preservation. Although spooky, these ghostly legends reflect local history and discuss immoral behaviors. The art of storytelling is kept alive through campfire sessions, passing down tales to new generations.

Safety Tips for Haunted Explorations

If you’re itching to explore trails with a creepy atmosphere, remember to prioritize safety during your adventures. Hike in groups and let your friends and family know of your plans. Stay on marked trails and bring extra layers of clothing and flashlights for night hikes. Pack water, snacks or light meals, like a slice of that leftover chicken tamale pie , in case of emergencies. When telling stories around the campfire, remember to practice fire safety – the most successful spooky adventures are the ones where everyone remains safe.

Are you ready for some spine-tingling thrill?

The mysterious trails hidden in the Appalachian and the Pacific Northwest are inhabited by some of the most frightening spirits encountered by fellow hikers. For brave souls searching for a chilling outdoor adventure, journey with caution as you never know what may be lurking nearby. As night falls, gather around a campfire and share eerie legends that will give you goosebumps. Venture into the unknown carefully, and get ready to experience a spine-tingling thrill.

 

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Fresno County Garnet Fire Grows to 18,748 Acres in Sierra National Forest

DON'T MISS

US Judge Blocks Deportations of Unaccompanied Migrant Children to Guatemala

DON'T MISS

Israel Pounds Gaza City Suburbs, Netanyahu to Convene Security Cabinet

DON'T MISS

Thousands in Australia March Against Immigration, Government Condemns Rally

DON'T MISS

Trump Says He Will Order Voter ID Requirement for Every Vote

DON'T MISS

Greta Thunberg Joins Flotilla Heading for Gaza With Aid

DON'T MISS

Chicago Mayor Says Police Will Not Aid Federal Troops or Agents

DON'T MISS

Post-War Gaza Plan Sees Relocation of Population, ‘Digital Token’ for Palestinian Land: Washington Post

DON'T MISS

Labor Day Quiz: Do You Know What a Knocker-Upper Is?

DON'T MISS

Bulldogs Check All the Boxes in Runaway Win Over Georgia Southern

UP NEXT

US Judge Blocks Deportations of Unaccompanied Migrant Children to Guatemala

UP NEXT

Israel Pounds Gaza City Suburbs, Netanyahu to Convene Security Cabinet

UP NEXT

Thousands in Australia March Against Immigration, Government Condemns Rally

UP NEXT

Trump Says He Will Order Voter ID Requirement for Every Vote

UP NEXT

Greta Thunberg Joins Flotilla Heading for Gaza With Aid

UP NEXT

Chicago Mayor Says Police Will Not Aid Federal Troops or Agents

UP NEXT

Post-War Gaza Plan Sees Relocation of Population, ‘Digital Token’ for Palestinian Land: Washington Post

UP NEXT

Labor Day Quiz: Do You Know What a Knocker-Upper Is?

UP NEXT

Bulldogs Check All the Boxes in Runaway Win Over Georgia Southern

UP NEXT

Judge Blocks Pillar of Trump’s Mass Deportation Campaign

Thousands in Australia March Against Immigration, Government Condemns Rally

16 hours ago

Trump Says He Will Order Voter ID Requirement for Every Vote

16 hours ago

Greta Thunberg Joins Flotilla Heading for Gaza With Aid

16 hours ago

Chicago Mayor Says Police Will Not Aid Federal Troops or Agents

16 hours ago

Post-War Gaza Plan Sees Relocation of Population, ‘Digital Token’ for Palestinian Land: Washington Post

16 hours ago

Labor Day Quiz: Do You Know What a Knocker-Upper Is?

16 hours ago

Bulldogs Check All the Boxes in Runaway Win Over Georgia Southern

1 day ago

Judge Blocks Pillar of Trump’s Mass Deportation Campaign

1 day ago

Classic Cars Will Still Need a Smog Test in California After Lawmakers Reject Jay Leno Bill

2 days ago

Visalia Driver Arrested for DUI After Multiple Crashes and Pedestrian Injured

2 days ago

Fresno County Garnet Fire Grows to 18,748 Acres in Sierra National Forest

A lightning-sparked wildfire, the Garnet Fire, in the Sierra National Forest has burned 18,748 acres in Fresno County and remains at 8% cont...

15 hours ago

Photo: USDA - Forest Service Tanker 40 at Fresno Air Attack Base. The Fresno County Garnet Fire in the Sierra National Forest has burned 18,748 acres and is 8% contained as crews make progress on containment lines while bracing for possible thunderstorms early this week. (Sam Wu/USFS)
15 hours ago

Fresno County Garnet Fire Grows to 18,748 Acres in Sierra National Forest

U.S. flag and Judge gavel are seen in this illustration taken, August 6, 2024. (Reuters File)
16 hours ago

US Judge Blocks Deportations of Unaccompanied Migrant Children to Guatemala

Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, August 31, 2025. (Reuters/Amir Cohen)
16 hours ago

Israel Pounds Gaza City Suburbs, Netanyahu to Convene Security Cabinet

Demonstrators hold a banner during the 'March for Australia' anti-immigration rally, in Sydney, Australia, August 31, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams
16 hours ago

Thousands in Australia March Against Immigration, Government Condemns Rally

President Donald Trump walks on the grounds of the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, U.S., August 30, 2025. (Reuters/Nathan Howard)
16 hours ago

Trump Says He Will Order Voter ID Requirement for Every Vote

Activists Yasemin Acar, Greta Thunberg and Thiago Avila attend a press conference before the departure of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian expedition to Gaza, at the port of Barcelona, Spain August 31, 2025. (Reuters/Eva Manez)
16 hours ago

Greta Thunberg Joins Flotilla Heading for Gaza With Aid

National Guard troops wear gas masks during protests against federal immigration sweeps, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 12, 2025. (Reuters File)
16 hours ago

Chicago Mayor Says Police Will Not Aid Federal Troops or Agents

A view of tents sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli military offensive, in Gaza City, August 23, 2025. (Reuters File)
16 hours ago

Post-War Gaza Plan Sees Relocation of Population, ‘Digital Token’ for Palestinian Land: Washington Post

Search

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Send this to a friend