SCARY CREATURES
A haunting is not the only paranormal event that can occur on or around bridges. Tales of frightening monsters, bizarre creatures, and unexplained events are also told from time to time. Cryptozoology is the study of forgotten animals—sometimes these are animals that are long extinct, sometimes they are the things of legend that many say have never existed. Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and Mothman are examples of such creatures.
This chapter is for the crypto junkies of the world. Bridges that are the stomping grounds for legendary beasts make up these tales. This could be one of the scarier sections of this book; ghosts on most occasions do not harm people, but what about a demon dog or a hairy biped (more commonly known as a Sasquatch)? Be cautious when visiting these locales. Sometimes the truth is, indeed, out there. And sometimes it is quite frightening.
Tilly Willy Bridge—Fayetteville, Arkansas
The story told about this bridge is unique in a couple of different ways. First off, the bridge in question is gone—it was demolished for safety reasons. But that hasn’t stopped activity from occurring at the spot where it once stood. Second, in addition to having an odd entity that reputedly hangs out in the vicinity, the bridge also has a ghost story associated with it.
The haunting is pretty straightforward. Sometime during the 1970s, a young woman was driving home with her kids when her car went off the bridge, killing them all (some locals will tell you there were actually two accidents of this variety here). Some say it was a deliberate murder/suicide; some say it was a pure accident. Either way, the spirit of the woman has been witnessed on the bridge and in the fields nearby. She is seen wearing a white dress.
However, if you visit this location along Wilson Hollow Road, you may see more than just a ghost … It seems that a pair of ghost hunters were checking out Tilly Willy Bridge in the 1990s when they saw something quite unexpected: A green goblin. Not the Marvel Comics bad guy—an actual green creature skulking about the area. They, of course, fled in fear.
Since then, others have reported seeing the exact same thing. Most believe the thing is an inhuman spirit that’s drawn to the bridge because of the associated deaths. Or could it be an actual goblin of some kind? Go and see for yourself …
Creek Road Bridge—Ojai, California
Just north of Camp Comfort County Park, a two-lane bridge is on Creek Road that crosses the San Antonio Creek. This bridge—as well as the entire area surrounding Camp Comfort—has a ridiculous amount of ghost stories associated with it. People have seen the ghost of a bloody bride, the spirit of a decapitated motorcyclist, and even the multiple apparitions of a group of children that were reputedly killed in a school bus accident. But all of these stories pale in comparison to the tales that surround two bizarre creatures that are seen in the vicinity of this bridge.
The first of these bizarre creatures is known as Char Man. He appears as a severely burnt man/thing with charred skin that will attack you if you dare to stop on the bridge and yell into the nearby woods for him (some say you have to yell for help). No one is sure where the legend of Char Man comes from, but most say he was once a man that was burned to death—either in a forest fire or a horrible car accident. The story of Char Man is so prevalent in this area that many even call the bridge “Char Man Bridge.” But, man or demon, he is not alone …
In addition to the ghosts and Char Man, there is also a vampire. In all versions of the tale of the Ojai Vampire, the creature is said to have immigrated to the area in the late 1800s. Shortly after his arrival, locals began to become suspicious of the odd new neighbor when he was never seen during the day and cattle started turning up drained of blood. It all came to a head when a posse was formed and the vampire’s tomb was found. Though the tomb is said to have been guarded by a massive black dog, the group managed to repel the beast and find the vampire within. Now is where the story splits … In one version, the vampire was staked and slain. In the other, the vampire rose from the tomb and fled into the setting sun.
People have attempted to find the old tomb numerous times over the years to no avail. Maybe you’ll have better luck.
Santa Ana River Bridge—Riverside, California
The circumstances concerning this particular story may seem familiar; apparently two different men by the name of Wetzel witnessed strange creatures in 1958. We are only concerned with the Wetzel who lived in Riverside. This sighting happened one evening when Charles Wetzel was approaching the Santa Ana River Bridge in his car. According to the legend, he was about to cross the span when a giant, reptilian creature approached him and began attacking his car. Frightened beyond belief, Wetzel managed to shake the creature from his vehicle, where he quickly ran it over. He then went to the local police station and made a report about the entire incident (presumably this is how we still know the tale today).
Since then, people have spoken often of the Riverside Monster, and, on occasion, have even seen the thing. Since 1958, several locals have reported having encounters with the creature either on the bridge or below it in the area surrounding the riverbed (it is presumed that the riverbed is actually closer to the original incident that happened in 1958 since the bridge is a replacement of an older one). It’s said the thing will leave behind a green residue after it attacks a vehicle.
Though I managed to only find one account of the monster attacking anyone, anything is possible. Take a trip to Riverside and do some exploring … but be careful!
Hopyard Road Bridge—East Haddam, Connecticut
When the subject of scary creatures is being discussed, there are perhaps none as frightening as the devil himself. And that’s who is said to walk the infamous Devil’s Hopyard State Park. The original tale concerning Satan at this location involves him sitting on a lone boulder that’s perched at the top of Chapman Falls. He’s said to often hang out there and play the fiddle. But that’s only the beginning of the story. The entire park is said to be haunted by the demonic spirits that accompany the devil. Witnesses have heard evil laughter in the trees, seen bizarre entities, and claimed to have had vaguely humanlike mists follow them.
Along Hopyard Road is trio of historic bridges that date back to 1937—and this stretch seems to be a favorite of the evil spirits that are said to roam the park. According to at least two witnesses, the area surrounding the bridges is the most active. Balls of glowing light, paranormal mists, and even dark voices have been heard on the bridges—and, indeed, all along Hopyard Road. While this haunting may have a sinister edge to it, people who live in the area say the spirits are harmless and simply want to get a scare out of those who are trespassing on their territory.
Judith Road Bridge—Hartly, Delaware
As you make the drive along this dark road, you will want to keep an eye out for a small bridge skirted on both sides by a strip of trees. It seems a nondescript place—almost too simple to have so many spooky stories associated with it. Investigators that live in the area, as well as thrill seekers, tell quite a few tales about this old bridge and the environs that surround it.
First off, the spirit of a young girl is seen in the area. She’s said to be associated with a haunted home that’s nearby, and she’s known to appear on the road approaching the bridge, as well as standing in nearby fields. Then there are the whispers and voices that many have heard coming from the forest just off the road—otherworldly voices that frighten anyone who hears them. And then there’s the creature …
Sounding like an infamous black dog from legend, the huge beast is said to stalk the road and bridge and has been seen by numerous people. Those who’ve had a glimpse say the thing is terrifying and that it appears as a massive canine usually silhouetted against a distant light. Thankfully, those who have had the unfortunate experience of seeing the thing approach them say that it typically disappears before actually attacking.
Brooks Bridge—Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Stories of the bizarre—and the paranormal—are often linked together. Such is the strange legend that involves this particular location. The Brooks Bridge was recently renovated to extend the life of this circa 1965 structure, so it should still be standing if you decide to check it out. Just be warned: You have to visit on the third Wednesday of the month at exactly midnight if you want to see the spirits here. You have to look at the water beneath the bridge.
And what will you see? Well, according to witnesses, you will see a group of ghostly wolves running across Santa Rosa Sound. Yes, you read that correctly—ghost wolves. People say the entities appear dark and blurry as they scamper along the waves, and that the phenomenon lasts about a minute. Now, with a story this strange you would think there would only be a single witness—maybe two—who tell this bizarre tale. You would be wrong. Locals say that many people have seen this event, and that the bridge draws a regular crowd on the evenings in question.
Holland Road Bridge—Hawkinsville, Georgia
Some stories are frightening, some stories are bizarre, and some stories are both. Such is the case of Pigman’s Bridge. If you wind along the long stretch of back country that lines Holland Road, you will eventually come across this bridge. Tales of the horrors surrounding this area are very well known in the area, so if you can’t find the place just ask a local. Once you do find it, you have to ask yourself if you want to stick around. When night falls, you may not want to see something as horrific as the thing that’s described here.
The Pigman has two background stories, each of them quite terrible. The tamest version of the tale involves a circus trainer who had an act that involved pigs—and when he retired from the entertainment business he decided to live under the bridge. But he couldn’t do away with his pigs. So he cared for them until the day they broke free from their pens and ate the poor man alive.
The second version of the story omits the circus and simply characterizes the old man as a reclusive hermit who lived off pigs. He didn’t want people coming around and bothering him, so he would place pig heads on stakes to ward off the curious. Eventually a nosy individual got a little too close to the guy, so he murdered the visitor and placed his head on a stake, too. Townies heard of the killing and stormed the old man, slaying him on the bridge.
In both legends, once the Pigman was dead, his spirit decided to stick around. These days he’s seen on the bridge by those unfortunate enough to come across him. Sometimes he appears as the grizzly, old man; sometimes he’s the horrible spirit of a man with a pig’s head.
Blood’s Point Bridge—Belvidere, Illinois
An entire book could be written just about the legends concerning Blood’s Point Road. There is a haunted cemetery where people say misty figures walk at night, tales of phantom vehicles driving along the road, and even a mysterious barn that’s said to appear (and disappear) at random. Then there’s the bridge.
Stories about this structure are quite varied as well. It’s said a bus once wrecked on the bridge, killing all on board, and now you can have your car pushed along by the spirits there. Parking by the bridge will also expose you to possible apparitions and the sounds of voices talking and whistling. But, perhaps, the oddest story of all is that of Beulah the Witch.
During the days of Arthur Blood—one of the founders of the area and the namesake of this road—it’s said he was plagued by the witch. His children claimed to see her under the bridge and said that she was able to conjure fire from her fingers. Legend says the witch would then go on to slowly drive the Blood family mad, eventually culminating with several suicides on the bridge by hanging. Other bizarre whispers about Beulah also include her murdering her own children, conjuring hellhounds that still patrol the area today, and still appearing on the bridge as a dark entity with glowing red eyes.
Bear Creek Bridge—Christian County, Illinois
Since I’m including evil witches as creatures, this chapter is a fitting place for this story. The circa 1916 truss bridge over Bear Creek is famous for thrill seekers—and along with nearby Anderson Cemetery, it makes for an interesting haunted location. As for the bridge, it’s said that it’s haunted due to the hanging of an old witch on the structure. Somehow a nearby stone house is involved—either the witch was a young girl who was from the place, or the witch magically made those in the house go crazy and kill each other (much like the Blood’s Point Bridge tale).
Whichever version of the witch you prefer, witnesses say the bridge is the spot the spirit of the witch likes to haunt. People see her hanging from the bridge, hear mysterious voices, and encounter a massive black figure that seems to hover about the structure. Others have reported seeing glowing balls of light floating about and claim that the spirits from the cemetery will often be seen walking from there to the bridge.
If you go over to the cemetery, be wary; you may want permission to be there at night. Once you secure your way inside, be on the lookout for the woman in black who is said to walk there. You might also want to take a trip around the perimeter; a new area is supposed to magically materialize when the sun sets that’s even more haunted.
Ceylon Covered Bridge—Adams County, Indiana
Sounding like the foundation of a horror movie, the stories surrounding this particular haunted bridge fall firmly in the realm of urban legend—but that doesn’t make visiting the spot any less frightening. Of course, the word frightening would only apply if you visit at night. During the day, this circa 1879 covered bridge is quite gorgeous.
Located on the outskirts of the town of Ceylon, this tourist stop is a popular dare for local high school students. Legend states that a group of teens once performed a séance on the bridge for fun—and all was, indeed, fun until one of their members fell over dead (some say the body was actually hanging from the bridge and that it fell during the séance). Since that night, the bridge has apparently become a portal to the netherworld.
People claim to hear hellish screams and see things that can only be described as demons. In addition to this, witnesses have also described evil black dogs standing in the road, misty apparitions floating about the area, and spooky laughter emanating from the bridge. If you visit, keep an eye out for teenagers—one of them just might jump out and do all the scaring.
Old Railroad Bridge—Columbus, Indiana
Like most train trestles, this bridge should only be approached with caution and staked out from afar. Do not attempt to actually cross this bridge. It is not safe! The first challenge in checking out this haunted location is actually finding it, though. Located near Noblitt Park, this dilapidated structure crosses the Flatrock River—and is said to be guarded by a bizarre creature with glowing yellow eyes. It’s unsure how, exactly, this thing came to be on this bridge.
There is a ghost story about a woman who leaped from the bridge with an infant—people claim to have seen the spirit of the lady and to have heard the cries of the baby. But there doesn’t seem to be any clear connection between the creature and the haunting. Paranormal investigators have captured some great evidence at this spot and one group claims that the evil deed of the woman (killing her baby) is what brought the demon that now patrols this area into the world.
If you don’t feel like hiking to a rickety bridge to possibly see a ghost or monster, you may want to get permission to visit the nearby park at night. Passersby claim to see the two anomalies there, too.
5th Road Bridge—Marshall County, Indiana
Snuggled between the towns of Bremen and Plymouth, this small bridge crosses the Yellow River along 5th Road. It’s just down the road from another popular haunted spot in Indiana, the Little Egypt Cemetery. Also known as the Ewald Cemetery, this place is a popular locale for ghost watching and has its own collection of interesting ghost stories—including a phantom farmer, a ghostly baby crying in the night, and spirits that like to touch your car when you park in the vicinity.
As for the bridge, it is the stomping grounds of your everyday, run-of-the-mill troll. Yep, that’s right—a troll. According to several witnesses, this seven- to nine-foot-tall creature likes to hang out around the Yellow River and is often spotted on the bridge, as well as underneath it.
Those who have been fortunate (or unfortunate?) enough to see the thing say it will throw stones and yell at anyone who gets too close, and that it will even give chase if you stick around long enough. If you manage to make the trip out into Marshall County to hunt the troll, be sure to take a camera. I would certainly like to see what this thing looks like.
Old Kankakee River Bridge—San Pierre, Indiana
So a couple things about this particular haunting should be mentioned up front. One, the bridge is no longer standing—reports say there are simply concrete support columns marking the spot where this bridge once stood. Second, do not visit this location alone. Besides the spooky stories associated with this area, there is a very real criminal element that has been known to visit here. You may also want someone else along with you after you hear the legend of … Dog Face Bridge!
The story goes like this … A couple was on their way home when they started crossing the bridge one night. Suddenly, a dog ran in front of their vehicle. They hit the dog, then swerved off the bridge into the river below. Everyone was killed, but when the aftermath was searched, the dog and the woman in the car had been decapitated. And to make matters worse, the head of the dog and the body of the woman were not found at all.
Now it’s said that the bizarre apparition of a woman with a dog’s head is seen in the area around the old bridge. People claim to see the creature, hear ungodly growls and howls in the night, and to have even been chased by the thing. If you ask people in San Pierre about the story, you will get an earful. Every unexplained death in the region has been attributed to the Dog Face Lady.
Is this a twisted tale designed to frighten people or a bizarre ghost story? That seems to be the real question when one looks at the details of this odd haunting. The bridge that crosses the Skunk River along Neptune Street is said to be the hangout of a creature known locally as the Mud Monster of Metz or, sometimes, Mud Man.
Legend states the thing was created after an accident that caused a man to drown/suffocate in the mud below the bridge. Most believe the story was created to scare teenagers away from the river (it seems this is a popular make-out spot), but some say the thing is real—and many have claimed to have seen the monster wandering the river and even stalking the bridge itself.
Odd photos and video have captured a dark, vaguely manlike being around this area. The only eyewitness account I found online stated that the Mud Monster doesn’t like anyone invading his territory and that he will chase you if you linger. Just be careful he doesn’t chase you to the nearby Sugar Grove Cemetery. It, too, has quite a few ghostly tales uttered about it. And who wants to deal with a Mud Man and a ghost?
Taylorsville Road Trestle—Fisherville, Kentucky
No chapter on creature-infested bridges would be complete without the bizarre tale of the Pope Lick Monster. But before jumping into the strange story of this mysterious Goat Man, it should be noted that this old train bridge is quite dilapidated and extremely dangerous. Spooky things aside, more than one unlucky person has lost their footing on this structure and tumbled to their demise, so watch for the monster from afar—do not attempt to get on the actual train tracks or trestle.
Now, the details of this particular case make for quite an interesting read. Being half goat and half man, most say the thing was part of a traveling circus that managed to escape from a train that passed through the area. Others say it is something supernatural entirely, and that it shouldn’t be toyed with. Actually, everyone believes it probably shouldn’t be toyed with.
Reputedly, sightings of the Goat Man started at the turn of the 1900s, became frequent during the 1940s and 1950s, faded for a while, and have now surged again. People say it lives somewhere under the trestle, but it will become infuriated with those who invade its home, often chasing people down the train tracks. Those who have been unfortunate enough to actually see the beast say it is horrifying—almost a demon-looking thing in the flesh. Your best bet to go looking for it would be along Taylorsville Road leading up to the tracks. But, again, do not attempt to walk the trestle. The area doesn’t need ghosts in addition to the monster.
Cody Road RR Bridge—Independence, Kentucky
The story of Pig Face is an odd one, with a bit of history involved to boot. During the days of prohibition, this area of Kentucky was rife with moonshiners. Moonshiners who had fierce rivalries to produce and sell the best (and most) white lightning. Because of this, violent acts were commonplace then. Pig Face is said to be the product of this era.
The story goes that one shiner decided to burn down the house of a rival, but he didn’t realize there was a woman inside. She was killed, but she never left. Soon after the horrible act, shiners running their wares started to notice a woman with an odd face walking along the tracks. When she was approached, she would disappear. Tales, as well as sightings, of Pig Face have persisted ever since. Interestingly, there is another version of the story that states Pig Face was struck and killed by a train, and that is the reason her face is messed up.
If you decide to hunt out this specter, know that you do not have to actually mess with the bridge itself. The bridge is actually a train trestle that crosses Cody Road. You can park below it and stake out the tracks for the spirit. One word of warning: Below the road is actually a creek. You will notice there are gates that block off the creek during flooding. If these gates are closed, or if you notice the water is high, don’t linger. This spot is known for flash floods and people have been washed away in the past.
Acton Lane Bridge—Charles County, Maryland
This bridge shares a story with a second bridge—Governor’s Bridge listed in the crybaby bridge chapter of the book. They are both visited by a creature known locally as the Goat Man. This bizarre beast has been featured on many television programs and is one of the most well-known legends in the area.
The story goes that a scientist was working at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center on experiments involving goats when something went awry. He became a half man, half goat abomination. If that wasn’t bad enough, the transformation also caused him to become an ax-wielding maniac. And now the Goat Man spends his time wandering the countryside attacking cars, and whatever else he can find, with his weapon of choice.
Sightings date back to the 1950s, with most of them occurring at the nearby Lover’s Lane or at this bridge. It’s said that if you visit this spot at night and park for a while, you will begin to hear a grunting/snorting sound coming from Mattawoman Creek below you. It is, of course, the Goat Man. And he’s probably coming for you. If you want to avoid such an encounter (ax-made dents are going to be hard to explain to your auto insurer), think about making the trip here during the day. You can always hunt for goat prints along the creek …
Dice Road Bridge—Hemlock, Michigan
While a warlock isn’t necessarily a creature, it feels like this bridge belongs in this section. Scary oddities seem to be the routine when people decide to go legend tripping at this now famous haunted bridge. Located just down the way from a cemetery (which is also known for its spooky sightings and tales), people claim to see a dark figure roaming the area that is thought to be the aforementioned warlock. It’s said he became enraged after three girls mistakenly trampled his wife’s grave, so he took them to the bridge and hung them.
In addition to sightings of the wizard, people have heard the screams of the girls in the night, as well as other odd voices that seemingly speak from right beside you as you are walking Dice Road. This could have something to do with the other stories about the area. The cemetery was, reputedly, the site of Satanic rituals and many claim that it was frequented by an insane individual known to locals as Crazy Larry. If all this isn’t enough, add in stories concerning a killer who roams the roads and now shows up in a phantom car that disappears when it approaches you (but you can see the headlights) and ghost lights that are seen bobbing in the direction of the tombstones. This is quite a popular place for the teens to do a little bit of dare action, so be cautious in the area and be respectful of the cemetery and private property.
I-10 Bridge—Gautier, Mississippi
While the creature in this listing isn’t particularly frightening, it certainly makes for an interesting tale. The Pascagoula River has been known for centuries as the Singing River due to a bizarre, musical sound that seems to emanate from the water. It’s been estimated that the sounds have been heard as far back as 1699 when French settlers inhabited the area. There are some strange theories involving the source of the singing—including fish, seasonal insects, and even ghosts of the Pascagoula Native American tribe (imagine that)—but the story that raises the most eyebrows is that of the mermaid.
Apparently, the Native Americans in this region believed a mermaid populated the waters and even erected an idol to her. They said she would sing to them when she felt like blessing them with her presence, and they would sing back. When Hernando de Soto arrived, it’s said his missionaries saw the mermaid during one of the ceremonies held by the tribe. Today, this bridge makes a good landmark for finding a spot along the Pascagoula to hear the mermaid for yourself. Locals say you have to ask for the singing to hear it; and, of course, the mermaid has to bless you with her presence.
Enoch Knob Bridge—Franklin County, Missouri
This through truss bridge over Boeuf Creek was recently replaced with a new version, and it’s unclear if the old span was destroyed, is awaiting demolition, or is still standing nearby. It doesn’t really matter, since the stories involving this spot have a lot to do with the creek and surrounding area—and will most likely carry over to the new bridge.
The most common tale whispered by the locals involve a black demon dog that has been seen stalking the area. Some say you can see its approach because of glowing red eyes (others say the eyes are green). It’s a frightening beast either way, say witnesses. But the stories don’t stop there. Documented deaths on the bridge have also, seemingly, fueled ghost stories about the span. An accidental death in 1987 and a homicide in 2005 are both public record, so there are incidents that could have resulted in a spirit being left behind at this spot.
Locals have heard disembodied voices on the structure, experienced the failure of electronic devices (including entire vehicles shutting down unexpectedly), and on one occasion, even seen an apparition. For those who enjoy legend tripping, this may be an ideal spot; the reports and activity seem to be of an interesting variety. But it should be noted that people tend to get frightened at this location. Whether it’s the vibe in the air or the history of the actual deaths, most do not forget a trip to Boeuf Creek.
Highway 130 Bridge—Westville, New Jersey
The legend associated with this bridge is often lumped in with the general spookiness of the adjoining River Road. Big Timber Creek was a sacred spot for the Lenape, a Native American tribe that once inhabited the area. It’s said that the mysterious mermaid that visits the area surrounding the bridge is an extension of that tribe’s folklore.
Sightings of the mermaid are sporadic—and some claim that people still put tributes to it at the site. Otherwise, not much is said or known about this particular phenomenon. Around the corner, though, River Road is known for a female ghost that’s said to appear quite regularly. Witnesses say she floats along the road, quite high above the ground, and seems to be wearing either a long dress or a nightgown of some sort. The origins of the spirit are not known, but the two of these stories paired together make for an interesting walking tour.
Take a stroll through downtown Westville and be sure to visit some of the local amenities. After all, how often do you get to visit two paranormal sites that are in close proximity to diners, pubs, and even a bowling alley.
Tar River Bridge—Pitt County, North Carolina
The old bridge that was located at this spot was recently demolished and replaced with a new concrete span. Don’t worry, though, the legend here involves more of the area than it does the bridge itself. What legend? How about “The Legend of the Tar River Banshee”!
It’s an old folktale that tells of a Revolutionary War hero named David Warner. David was a miller who supported the patriots and was discovered by the British to be a sympathizer. He was tied to a large stone and tossed into the Tar River, but not before he cursed his killers to be plagued with a banshee. The redcoats’ commander, ashamed at the actions of his miscreant troops, ordered the murderers to man the mill as punishment. And they did so until the banshee appeared and took care of them in short order.
Today, the bridge is in the middle of all this spooky action. They say if you hang out on the banks of the river and listen during a moonless night, you will hear the wail of the banshee as it still stalks the area. Sightings of the banshee happen along the river all the way into Edgecombe County. On a side note, there is also a lesser-known ghost story about the bridge. Apparently a young man was accidentally killed by his friends during some horseplay on the span, and now his spirit roams here, too.
SE 119th Street Bridge—Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
There are a couple scary things about this bridge—one definitely a creature; one not so much. Located across a small tributary running from Kitchen Lake, this bridge and the entire surrounding area host a lot of legendary stories. The most well known, and the source for most legend tripping, is the “Witch of Kitchen Lake.”
The remains of a burned home are nearby and is said to be where the witch lived until it caught fire, killing her and destroying the house. These days the evil spirit of the witch is said to roam, causing mischief and burning things at her whim. She also likes to mess with people on the old bridge; vehicles are said to stall indefinitely while crossing, people see rocks flying through the air, and assorted burnt items are often heaped beside the span. In addition to this, sightings of a bigfoot-type monster occur here, too. Some eyewitness accounts describe the thing pretty much like a standard Sasquatch, but some descriptions lean more toward a bearlike thing that gets angry if anyone comes near it.
If this isn’t enough for you to take a drive across this bridge, also consider that sightings of spook lights and eerie mists take place here. It’s a ghost hunter’s dream spot.
Sheard’s Mill Covered Bridge
—Haycock Township, Pennsylvania
Located along Covered Bridge Road, this circa 1873 covered bridge crosses Tohickon Creek. Folklore historians know it, along with most of the surrounding area, for stories concerning a race of almost-human albinos that roam the region. These demi-humans are known to terrorize those who venture onto Haycock Mountain (known locally as Ghost Mountain), as well as be superstitious themselves. They avoid places on the mountain that they find frightening—such as haunted bridges.
The story goes that if you drive through the bridge, then turn around so that you face it from the other side, and then turn off your car and turn on your lights, you will see what looks like a man hanging inside the bridge. This ghost is also known for appearing on the road as a black mass/figure floating along. This is enough to keep the bridge free of harassment from the albino things—but not enough to keep the ghost hunters away. Interestingly, some say the demi-humans roaming the hills are cannibals.
Joppa Bridge—Burnet County, Texas
Researchers usually operate in a very structured manner: You observe, gather evidence, and then conjecture based upon that evidence. If you’re lucky, your theory will hold up to testing and eventually be proven as fact. The case of the Joppa Trolls is nothing like this. In fact, nobody seems to know anything about the origin story of the supposed creatures inhabiting this area.
The creatures are said to be cowering beneath this historic bridge (it dates back to the early 1900s). Locals say that, if you cross this bridge at certain times, you will hear the noises of trolls beneath. What kinds of noises? Grunting, heavy panting, and the sounds of them scurrying away. Why trolls? Why couldn’t this be some sort of animal? Who knows? Trolls!
Since the bridge was replaced with a new version for vehicular traffic, this span is now for pedestrians only. This, of course, is good news for any would-be troll hunter who wants to stake out the area for the monsters.
Old Alton Bridge—Denton, Texas
If this story hasn’t been made into a horror movie of some sort then there are a lot of Hollywood producers who are missing out on a good story. With just enough fact/history mixed with a healthy dose of legend, this may be one of the best spooky bridge tales in all of America.
Constructed in 1884 for the now defunct community of Alton, this old span over Hickory Creek is no longer open to vehicular traffic; a new bridge was built nearby, so this one is now used for pedestrians and equestrians who are using the Elm Fork and Pilot Knoll Trails. This is good news since it means getting there and checking it out is no problem.
The sinister side of this location begins in 1938. A local African-American farmer by the name of Oscar Washburn became well known in the area for his success—and his goats. When the Ku Klux Klan got word of this, they dragged Washburn to the bridge and hung him. However, when they peered below the bridge, the noose was empty. Not knowing if he was alive or dead, they rushed back to his farm and killed the members of his family. Oscar was never seen again (and was presumed dead).
Flash forward thirty years. It’s the 1960s and people are seemingly going missing in the area of the bridge. At least three abandoned vehicles and multiple missing person reports indicates something is afoot. Then sightings of a satyr begin. What’s a satyr? Essentially, it’s a Goat Man. This bizarre spirit/creature has been seen on the bridge and along the creek many times. Add in a mixture of additional scary activity—phantom footsteps/carriage sounds on the bridge, moans and screams in the surrounding woods, and rumors of Satanic rituals—and you have one frightening bridge.
Pecan Creek Bridge—Hamilton, Texas
It was a toss-up whether this particular bridge should be listed in this chapter or the section about unaccounted oddities. Here’s why …
Locals claim that if you take a hike along the Pecan Creek Trail (you can drop into the trail in the Pecan Creek Park) you will eventually come to a bridge that crosses Pecan Creek. Go to the bridge and take a look around; there should be a large, metal drainage pipe nearby. But you may not want to get too close to that pipe. There’s supposed to be some sort of creature that lives inside it.
I don’t recommend actually doing this, but word on the street is that if you crawl inside a short ways you will see the thing inside peering at you. Some say it is a feral human who found his way into town; some say it is some sort of Goat Man (what is it with Texas and goat men?). Take a buddy along to check out this place—it might be safer that way.
Donkey Lady Bridge—San Antonio, Texas
In a state full of odd tales about their bridges, it should come as no surprise that one would be known for a terrifying Donkey Lady. This bridge over the Medina River, as well as the neighboring nature park, is said to be the stomping grounds of this bizarre, well, I suppose creature is as good a name as any for what she is.
Ask locals about the thing and you’ll get this story: A man and his son were camping when they heard some frightening noises coming from the woods. They decided to pack up and leave and had just loaded the car when the Donkey Lady emerged from the trees and leaped on their vehicle. The man took a shot at her then drove to the closest police station to make a report. Sightings of the lady have continued ever since.
So what is this thing? Well, here’s another story … Most say she was a normal person until her home burned down. The fire killed all of her family and horribly burned her, giving her the terrifying look she has today. After that event, years of wandering and mourning in the woods have driven her insane. Now she attacks anyone she sees, hoping to maintain her solitary existence.
Woman Hollering Creek Bridge—Schertz, Texas
This bridge/creek, like many others in the American southwest, is one of the hangouts of the infamous La Llorona. But here the legend exists with a twist. In most cases, La Llorona is the spirit of a woman who is searching for her dead child; she is known to appear to small children by the water and to approach them, wailing because she is mistaking them for her own. At this bridge, though, the hollering woman is thought to be a succubus—a female demon that sucks the life out of men via sex.
For several decades, people have claimed that the apparition of the wailing woman has wandered the creek and will even attack men who are near the water. So far there haven’t been any reports of any ghostly rapes perpetrated against men—but, hey, you never know what can happen these days.
Rather than trying to catch a glimpse of the spirit on the bridge, find a spot along the creek and keep your eyes open. Oh, and the actual name of the place is Woman Hollering Creek by the way. That’s not a local nickname.
Wellington Lane Bridge—Wichita Falls, Texas
What’s better than having a state with a Goat Man legend? How about a state that has two bridges with a Goat Man legend! Yes, it’s true. Unlike the previous bridge in Denton that has a lot of details and historical notes, this spot is pretty much your basic urban legend fare.
This tiny span on Wellington Lane is supposed to be the lair of a Goat Man who lives underneath it. Apparently a cult/Satanic group was running rampant in the area in the 1970s, and they would use this spot as a dumping ground for sacrificial bodies (mostly animals according to the story). This spawned the demonic thing that now harasses anyone who stops at the bridge. Those brave enough to test the tale have heard growls/cries, seen glowing eyes in the darkness, and even spied the horrible beast itself.
This location is quite popular with local high school students, so the scariest thing you may see if you visit this site is a bunch of underage kids partying and hanging out.
There are actually three bridges in the city of Newport that cross the south bay of Lake Memphremagog. Any of them would probably be fine for the purposes of this listing, but the Long Bridge is the most historic of the three (and is due for some renovations soon).
The best spot to do your monster and ghost hunting would probably be on the shore of the lake. Though it is rarely seen close to the city, the entirety of the lake (and it’s a big lake that covers some 687 square miles, stretching as far as Magog, Canada) is the hunting ground for a lake monster that’s been dubbed Memphre. It has been described to look pretty much like the infamous, and fake, Loch Ness Monster photo with a long neck and almost brontosaurus-like build.
I don’t have to tell you that, with a body of water this huge, your chances of catching a glimpse of the creature are pretty slim. You probably have slightly better odds of seeing one of the two other, better-known, regional lake monsters (Champ and Ogopogo). But while you’re here, you might want to take a look around for a ghost that’s said to hang out, too. It’s been claimed that the ghost of Revolutionary War hero General Anthony Wayne also likes to hang out by the lake.
Silver Memorial Bridge—Point Pleasant, West Virginia
Growing up, one of the earliest memories I have of reading about scary places involves the infamous Mothman and the collapse of the Silver Bridge. On December 15, 1967, the massive bridge collapsed during rush hour traffic, killing forty-six people. It was a horrific tragedy that became a national oddity when writer John Keel unleashed the mystery of the Mothman upon the world.
Said to fall somewhere between space alien, monster, and demon, the Mothman has been seen by numerous locals and has been cited as the cause for quite a few paranormal events in the town of Point Pleasant (including possibly predicting the collapse of the bridge). In the years since the 1960s, there have continued to be sporadic sightings of the Mothman—usually along the water beneath the new bridge or in the surrounding countryside. In addition to this, the bridge has also been the site for a few ghost visitations, too. It seems that some of the souls who drowned in the frigid Ohio River still linger here.
It’s a sad story with a healthy dose of the paranormal. There’s lots of interesting reading and viewing concerning the Mothman (a movie was made with Richard Gere called The Mothman Prophecies) so give it all a look before you head over to this site.
Shoshone River Bridge—Cedar Mountain, Wyoming
Known also as Spirit Mountain, this spot was a sacred location for the local Native Americans. Standing at 7,890 feet next to a sister mountain, the peak is known for its awesome trails, wonderful views, and the breathtaking Spirit Mountain Cave. It’s a great spot for someone to visit to enjoy the great outdoors. But don’t be surprised if you notice something else enjoying nature with you—someone about eighteen inches tall.
Much like other tribes in the area, the existence of “little people” was an accepted fact back in the day. Sometimes dubbed dwarves by those who have seen them, stories about the little people vary between frightening and mundane. Many of these sightings have taken place along the Shoshone River between the two mountains, so this bridge makes an excellent landmark to begin your adventure. Should you choose to look for these things that is. Lewis and Clark, the famed explorers of the early 1800s, made reference to the little people. They called them little devils and said they would fight anyone who invaded their area using spears/pointy sticks. Sound fun?