For a long time, the Appalachian Mountains have been a cradle for folklore and myth, and it’s not just because of their dense forests and rugged terrains. It’s something far more sinister and captivating – talk about cryptids – mysterious creatures that defy scientific explanations.
The tales surrounding these creatures have overwhelmed the imaginations of locals and tourists alike.
But are the cryptids of the Appalachian mountains real or just a figment of our imagination? We’ll leave you to make your own conclusions after you have read this article.
Where are the Appalachian Mountains Located?
These mountains, which are also called the Appalachians, extend for a couple of thousands of kilometres from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada to Alabama in the U.S. Interestingly, these mountains are in 15 states in the United States including;
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
What are Cryptids of the Appalachian Mountain?
The cryptids of the Appalachian Mountains are legendary creatures whose existence has not been proven by science. However, locals claim to have encountered them in the region’s vast and eerie wilderness.
We are in no position to decide if these creatures are real or not. However, we have compiled a list to help you make your own decision.
1. The Mothman
Very few cryptids in American folklore are as scary as the Mothman. This weird creature is a winged, 7-foot-tall humanoid creature with glowing red eyes. Witnesses reported the creature flying over their cars, its eyes reflecting like headlights.
One of the most significant aspects of the Mothman legend is its association with the collapse of the Silver Bridge in 1967, which killed 46 people. It is said that this creature appeared a few days before the disaster. This rumour cemented the creature’s reputation as a harbinger of doom.
Despite countless theories, the Mothman’s true identity remains a mystery. The creature has become a cultural icon, celebrated in festivals, documentaries, and films.
2. Flatwoods Monster
Also known as the ‘Braxton County Monster,’ this creature is deeply rooted in West Virginia folklore. Its first sighting occurred in Flatwoods, a town in Braxton County, thanks to a bright light that crossed the night sky.
According to witnesses, the Flatwoods Monster is a 10-foot-tall creature with a head resembling the ace of spades, an alien-like body, and glowing eyes. As unnerving as its appearance, the mist it emits is even more terrifying as it leaves witnesses feeling nauseated.
Today, the Flatwoods Monster has become a key part of local lore, inspiring a museum and yearly festivals celebrating its strange legacy.
3. Wampus Cat
The Wampus Cat is a legendary cryptid from Appalachian folklore. This cryptid is described as a half-woman, half-mountain lion creature that stalks the forests of the Appalachian mountains.
Rooted in Cherokee mythology, the Wampus Cat is said to have originated when a woman tried to spy on a sacred tribal ritual. She was discovered and cursed to live the rest of her life as the Wampus Cat.
The Wampus Cat is often depicted as having glowing yellow eyes that can drive people mad if they gaze into them. Some versions suggest the creature has other supernatural powers, including invisibility or the ability to paralyze prey with a single glance.
Newspapers published in the 1930s in the Piedmont of North Carolina have reported mentions of the cryptid killing livestock.
4. Appalachian Bigfoot
This cryptid, which is also called Bigfoot or Sasquatch, is a large figure believed to stalk the dense forests in the Appalachian Mountains. According to eyewitnesses, this creature is ape-like, over 8 feet tall, and covered in thick, dark hair, an appearance that evokes both awe and fear.
There have been reports of eerie encounters involving loud howls and massive footprints hinting at Bigfoot’s presence. Bigfoot’s overwhelming size, combined with its isolated location in the Appalachian wilderness, is enough to make any encounter terrifying.
It’s clear that the legend of Bigfoot is a core part of the local culture because it inspires festivals and tales that will preserve its mystery in the minds of many who hear them.
Read Also:
The Grootslang: Mythical Elephant Snake from South Africa.
The Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp.
5. The Smoke Wolf
The Smoke Wolf is a cryptid from Appalachian folklore. It is described as a dangerous, wolf-like creature that haunts the mountains. Unlike ordinary wolves, the Smoke Wolf is said to be larger, more intelligent, and more elusive. This mysterious creature is often accompanied by smoke or mist, which shrouds the forest and hides its appearance.
The origins of the Smoke Wolf legend may be tied to early settlers’ encounters with wolves or large predatory animals in the region.
Some versions of the tale describe it as a shapeshifter or spirit, while others see it as a physical, predatory beast that preys on livestock and, occasionally, humans.
6. The Raven Mocker
Unlike other creatures on this list, the Raven Mocker is a mythical creature from the mythology of the Cherokee people who live in the Appalachian mountains.
According to the stories, these creatures are witches that transform at night to hasten the death of those who are sick or dying. The creature torments these people by sitting on their chests to prevent them from breathing or by throwing them from their beds to the ground.
Once a creature fulfils its mission, it consumes the heart of its victim and gains the remaining years of the victim’s life. These creatures are called “Raven Mockers” because they sound very similar to ravens when flying at night.
The Raven Mocker is eerily similar to the WakWak of Philippine Mythology.
7. Loch Ness Monster Rumors in Appalachia
Although the Loch Ness Monster is well-known to be associated with Scotland, rumours have circulated of a similar creature prowling the lakes of the Appalachian Mountains.
Cryptid enthusiasts have described it as a large, serpent-like creature with a long neck and humps that emerge from the water, a close resemblance to its Scottish counterpart.
Some even say that perhaps this creature migrated from Loch Ness to Appalachia. Rumours about this creature contribute to the mystique and cultural impact of lake monsters in Appalachian folklore.