Ancient legends and recent reports assert that many unusual cryptids inhabit our national parks.
While we understand a sense of skepticism, we suggest reading up on these beasts before your next trek into the great unknown.
We’re digging into the tales of the mysterious critters lurking on our public lands.
Let’s fly!
Do Cryptids Really Hide in Our National Parks?
Across the globe, folks have passed town tales of mysterious creatures for generations. In fact, stories of ape-like beings, monstrous figures, and otherworldly abominations have appeared in all kinds of cultural lore.
Some of the most famous include the Loch Ness Monster of Scotland and the Yeti of the Himalayan Mountains.
While many of these entities have descriptions pulled from fantasy books, others closely resemble animals mainstream scientists believe to be extinct. Nessie is a good example, as the only existing images look a lot like the head of a dinosaur.
In other cases, we’ve discovered that beasts thought to only exist in folklore actually do live on our planet. For example, many attribute the fabled Kraken to the now-proven giant squid, a species that lives deep within the ocean, only venturing to the surface on rare occasions.
According to legend, America’s national parks are home to various cryptids. We can’t say definitively that this is true, but we can offer seven creatures you might meet on your next hike.
#1 Creature from the Deep
Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park may harbor a cryptid rarely seen by keen-eyed outdoor enthusiasts. Indigenous Klamath peoples observed sightings as much as 8,000 years ago. However, park visitors have also reported more recent encounters.
Dragon-like and serpentine, this beast can move on both land and water. Those who’ve laid eyes on the Creature from the Deep say it’s especially powerful when maneuvering in the lake.
When you consider Crater Lake the deepest of its kind in the US, it’s easy to imagine this critter lurking beneath the surface, munching on rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Other unusual occurrences in the park include frequent UFO sightings, unusual disappearances, and reports of paranormal activity.
#2 Jackalope
People have claimed to see Jackalopes throughout the American West since the 18th century. Part jackrabbit, part antelope, this elusive beast has the body of a bunny with the antlers of a bovine.
Folks hoping to spot this mysterious cryptid will want to head to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
However, we suggest venturing east to Douglas if you fail to find one during your hikes through the recreation area. This small town is considered the home of the Jackalope. You can even buy a hunting permit that’s good for one horned specimen. That said, it’s only legal to capture them on June 31st. Good luck!
Hungry for more? Find out if Jackalopes are Real Animals!
#3 Mothman
Of all the cryptids in our national parks, Mothman might be the most terrifying. It stands as tall as a human with massive, insect-like wings, the face of a moth, and glowing red eyes.
West Virginian grave diggers first spotted the creature in 1966. They stated the beast soared high overhead at 100 miles per hour and hopped among the treetops.
Dozens of reports came out over the following year. However, according to legend, Mothman played a role in the Point Pleasant Silver Bridge collapse in 1967. Afterward, sightings screeched to a halt. Many believe it’s been hiding in the area of New River Gorge National Park ever since.
#4 Bigfoot
Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Skunk Ape. Whatever you call it, folks have claimed to see this beast in locations across the country. From the Pacific Northwest to the Florida Gulf Coast, it seems this creature isn’t limited to the borders of any singular national park. That said, Yosemite is a known hotspot for the manimal.
This cryptid resembles an ape with the posture of a human. It stands six to nine feet tall, is covered in dense fur, and leaves behind footprints two feet long and eight inches wide.
Some believe Bigfoot is a missing link in human evolution, dating back to pre-neanderthal times. In fact, you can find evidence of its existence in 1,000-year-old petroglyphs created by Indigenous Americans.
Looking for more unexplained phenomena? Check out 7 Places to See UFOs on Your RV Trip!
#5 Wendigo
Deep in Minnesota’s north woods lives a terrifying beast called the Wendigo. Algonquin and Ojibwe Peoples have documented the creature’s existence for centuries.
The menacing monster stands 15 feet tall, possessing characteristics of both an emaciated man and a rabid deer. They say it can mimic human voices and lure victims to their demise. While some claim this is how Wendigos are created, others believe they form when humans resort to cannibalism.
Allegedly, the lake-spotted lands of Voyageurs National Park are home to this horrific cryptid. Be wary of any voices you hear in the forest. They might try to draw you to your doom.
#6 Slide-Rock Bolter
In the 19th century, lumberjacks in Colorado reported seeing an enormous, whale-like beast in the mountains.
They said its camouflage flesh allowed it to blend into the landscape. It held onto the mountain peaks with a fluted tail, resting its colossal body below. When unsuspecting explorers crossed its path, it would release its grasp and fly down the slope, scooping up its victims with a hideous, gigantic mouth. Despite the Slide-Rock Bolter’s massive size, it used gravity to its advantage to gain impressive speeds.
Although no one has spotted the cryptid in recent years, legend has it that it resides in Rocky Mountain National Park to this day.
#7 The Squonk
The final cryptid on our list is one we’d love to hug and offer some words of encouragement. It’s called the Squonk, and it’s one sorrowful beast.
According to the 1910 publication Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods, the Squonk is a hideous, four-legged monster covered in warts and saggy skin folds. It slowly wanders the woods of northern Pennsylvania, avoiding its own reflection.
You see, the Squonk is a dejected beast, horrified by its own appearance. It’s constantly roaming the land, sobbing over its revolting physical form. Unfortunately, its tears also dissolve its flesh, which puts the critter in quite a predicament.
If you track down this cryptid in Allegheny National Forest, please be kind and give the poor creature a reason to smile.
Start your cryptid research with a copy of Legends of the National Parks Guide Book!
Cryptids Just Might Haunt Our National Parks
We don’t have scientific proof of the mythological creatures that roam our lands, but we like to believe there’s more out there than meets the eye. There’s a lot of unexplored real estate in the US, so it makes sense that there are beasts we haven’t yet discovered.
We suggest venturing into your favorite national parks to see what cryptids you might find!
We’ll Help You Find the Best Free Camping in the USA
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours to enjoy. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: