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The Appalachian Mountains are steeped in mystery, filled with rich tales of strange creatures and paranormal beings. From the Virginia Devil Monkey to the Flatwoods Monster, the region’s folklore is brimming with cryptids and supernatural entities that continue to captivate both locals and adventurers.
These creatures have inspired countless stories, sightings, and ongoing debates, with many still eager to uncover proof of their existence. Here are 10 of the most chilling cryptids from the Appalachian region.
10. The Smoke Wolf
Legend has it that the Smoke Wolf of Appalachia is a terrifying nocturnal hunter, preying on livestock, wildlife, and occasionally unlucky humans who stray into its territory.
Physical encounters with the Smoke Wolf are incredibly rare, but those who have had the misfortune to see it describe it as a large, wolf-like creature with dark fur and glowing red eyes. Does anyone else get a Little Red Riding Hood feeling from this?
It also possesses the ability to morph into a swirling cloud of smoke, making it nearly impossible to track or capture. And if that isn’t unsettling enough, here are two more unsettling facts: It can only be repelled by the sound of rattling chains, and when heard, its noise resembles the howl of a wolf mixed with the scream of a demon.
The tale of the Smoke Wolf is relatively new, dating back to the early 1900s when reports of a mysterious smoke-like creature began spreading through the region. Some believe it to be a supernatural entity, while others suggest it could be an undiscovered species of wolf.
9. The Silver Giant
The Appalachian Silver Giant is a creature rooted in the folklore of the Appalachian region in North America. According to legend, this massive humanoid figure has shaggy silver fur and eyes that shine in the dark. It’s said to stand nearly 10 feet (3 meters) tall and weigh over 500 pounds (227 kilograms), making it an incredibly powerful and nimble being.
The Silver Giant is said to be a reclusive hunter, roaming the mountains and forests of Appalachia. It preys on livestock, wildlife, and occasionally humans. With its immense strength and lightning speed, it’s considered a terrifying adversary, and those who have crossed its path describe it as both a frightening and awe-inspiring sight.
Due to its fearsome reputation, the Appalachian Silver Giant is often depicted as a creature to be avoided at all costs. Many believe that encountering it signals an impending disaster or misfortune, with some legends claiming it can only be defeated by potent magic or divine forces.
The myth of the Silver Giant is relatively new, originating in the mid-20th century. Some speculate it could be a previously undiscovered species of primate or a mutated bear. Many locals still hold the belief that the creature is hiding somewhere in the region's forests and hills.
8. The Raven Mocker
The Raven Mocker is a creature from the folklore of Native American tribes in the Southeastern United States. According to legend, the Raven Mocker is a sinister spirit that preys on the ill and those on the brink of death.
It’s said to appear as a large bird with raven-like feathers and sharp talons, or sometimes as an elderly person. Known for its ability to glide silently through the night, it seeks out those whose time has come. Upon finding its prey, it uses its potent magic to drain their life force, extending its own existence.
The legend of the Raven Mocker is believed to have emerged from the fear and superstition surrounding death and disease in traditional Native American cultures, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole tribes. It served as an explanation for the unexplained deaths of loved ones and a way to understand the ominous forces of sickness and death.
Even today, the Raven Mocker is seen as a malevolent and dangerous spirit in many Native American communities. Its tale continues to be passed down through generations. Some believe encountering the Raven Mocker foretells death or disaster, and many customs and rituals persist to protect against its dark magic.
7. The Virginia Devil Monkey
The Virginia Devil Monkey is yet another creature from the folklore of the Appalachian region. According to legend, this beast is dangerous and malicious, often preying on humans.
The Devil Monkey is described as a medium-sized, ape-like creature, standing around 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) tall. It has powerful legs, sharp talons on its 3-toed feet, and a thick, muscular tail. Known for its remarkable strength and agility, it can swiftly move through the trees and navigate the rugged Appalachian terrain.
The story of the Virginia Devil Monkey is believed to stem from reports of unknown primates spotted in the Appalachian region. The creature’s ferocity and violent nature quickly became the focus of local legends, with many accounts of the Devil Monkey attacking and killing livestock and even humans.
6. The Dwayyo
The Dwayyo is a creature from Appalachian folklore, particularly from Maryland. It’s described as a large, wolf-like beast with shaggy fur, sharp teeth, and glowing eyes. Sounds eerily familiar, doesn’t it?
The myth of the Dwayyo dates back to the early 20th century, when rumors of a mysterious wolf-like creature started spreading through the area. Some believed it was a werewolf, while others thought it was an undiscovered species of animal. According to legend, the Dwayyo is the sworn enemy of the Snallygaster—another creature we’ll cover soon. Known for its incredible speed and agility, the Dwayyo is said to move with lightning speed through the forests and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Despite numerous accounts of Dwayyo sightings reported by University of Maryland students, there is no definitive proof of its existence. Some view the creature as a mere legend, while others believe it is a real but elusive predator still prowling the wilderness.
5. The Bell Witch
The Bell Witch is a famous ghostly entity from Tennessee folklore. According to legend, this malevolent spirit tormented the Bell family during the early 19th century.
The Bell Witch is said to have caused various supernatural events, including poltergeist activity, eerie noises, and physical attacks on the family members. It was also believed to possess the ability to speak, often taunting and insulting the Bell family.
The tale of the Bell Witch began in 1817 on the Bell family farm when their daughter became engaged. The strange occurrences, like knocking sounds and disturbances around the house, persisted for years. The haunting allegedly ended after the spirit threatened to kill the father, John Bell, Sr., and he was poisoned. Today, the Bell Witch is still feared as a dangerous and malevolent spirit in many Tennessee communities.
4. The Flatwoods Monster
The Flatwoods Monster, also known as the Braxton County Monster, hails from West Virginia folklore. According to the legend, this creature is tall, with glowing green eyes and a head shaped like a spade.
The legend of the Flatwoods Monster began in 1952 when a group of locals in Braxton County reported seeing a strange object crash into the woods. Upon investigating, they encountered the creature, which they claimed hissed and emitted a foul, unpleasant odor.
The event quickly captured national attention, and many people flocked to the area to investigate. Some believed the sighting was proof of extraterrestrial life, while others speculated it was either a hoax or a misidentification of a known animal.
3. The Snallygaster
The Snallygaster is another creature from the folklore of Maryland. Described as a terrifying beast with a reptilian body, bird-like wings, and a long, sharp beak, it is said to have an insatiable hunger, preying on livestock and even humans.
The Snallygaster legend dates back to the early 1700s when German settlers in the region reported seeing a winged creature they named the 'schneller geist,' meaning 'quick spirit.' Over time, the tale evolved, and the creature became known as the Snallygaster.
By the early 20th century, the Snallygaster had become a media sensation, with newspapers reporting sightings and even offering rewards for capturing the creature. Despite all the attention, the Snallygaster was never captured or proven to exist.
2. The Grafton Monster
The Grafton Monster is a creature from the folklore of West Virginia, USA. According to legend, this enormous, bipedal creature roams the forests and hills surrounding the town of Grafton.
This creature is reported to stand between 7 and 10 feet (2.1 and 3 meters) tall, boasting a muscular frame and a smooth, seal-like body. It is said to emit a whistling sound, which some speculate may be linked to a spaceship. There are even accounts that suggest the creature might not have a head at all!
The tale of the Grafton Monster dates back to the 1960s, when several people in the area claimed to have seen the creature. While some think it was just a misidentified bear or another animal, others argue that it’s a true cryptid—a species that has yet to be discovered. This legend remains alive in West Virginia folklore, and many locals still believe the creature prowls the woods and hills surrounding Grafton.
1. The Wampus Cat (Cherokee Death Cat)
The Wampus Cat, or Cherokee Death Cat, is another terrifying entity from Appalachian folklore. This fierce creature is believed to wander the forests and mountains, hunting both humans and animals for sustenance.
The Wampus Cat is described as a large, feline-like creature with glowing green eyes, razor-sharp claws, and a long, sinuous tail. It is infamous for its speed, swiftly navigating through the thick undergrowth of the forest.
The tale of the Wampus Cat is thought to have its roots in Cherokee folklore, where the creature is depicted as a mighty shapeshifter capable of assuming both human and feline forms. In some renditions, the Wampus Cat is described as a woman who, as punishment for breaking a sacred tradition, was transformed into the creature.
