North Carolina Bigfoot sightings have captivated the imaginations of residents and researchers alike, with over 100 documented encounters painting a vivid picture of a mysterious, elusive creature roaming the state’s rugged landscapes.
From the misty peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the shadowy swamps of the coastal plains, Bigfoot sightings in North Carolina span a diverse array of environments, fueling a rich tapestry of folklore and intrigue.
These reports describe a towering, hairy, bipedal figure—often called Sasquatch—with a musky odor, glowing eyes, and thunderous vocalizations. Ranking 17th among U.S. states for reported sightings, North Carolina stands as a cryptozoological hotspot, drawing enthusiasts and skeptics into a debate that blends Native American legends, modern investigations, and unexplained phenomena.
This article delves into the history, detailed accounts, investigative efforts, and comparisons with other cryptids, offering a comprehensive exploration of the Tar Heel State’s enduring Sasquatch mystery.
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North Carolina Bigfoot Sightings
North Carolina Bigfoot sightings are a cornerstone of the state’s cryptozoological legacy, with 107 documented reports compiled by the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) as of 2025. These encounters stretch across 45 counties, from the dense forests of Montgomery County to the coastal marshes of Onslow County.
Witnesses consistently report a creature standing 7 to 10 feet tall, covered in shaggy fur ranging from reddish-brown to black, often accompanied by a pungent smell, eerie howls, or massive footprints.
Below is a comprehensive table of some of the best-documented reported sightings of Bigfoot in North Carolina, organized chronologically from the earliest known encounter to the most recent in 2025, based on credible accounts from the BFRO and other sources.
Table of North Carolina Bigfoot Sightings
| Date | Witness | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 1968 | Anonymous (U.S. Army soldier) | Fort Bragg, Cumberland County | During a nighttime military exercise, a soldier heard heavy footsteps and saw a large, upright figure with glowing eyes cross a fire lane, emitting a low growl. The figure moved swiftly through dense brush, unlike any known animal. |
| Summer 1976 | Michael Greene | Uwharrie National Forest, Montgomery County | While camping, Greene, a former U.S. Army tank commander, observed a 7-foot-tall creature with dark fur and immense strength. It moved rapidly through the forest, leaving 15-inch footprints with distinct dermal ridges. |
| August 1988 | Anonymous | Pisgah National Forest, Haywood County | A hiker reported hearing a deep, guttural howl followed by the sight of an 8-foot-tall, hairy figure standing near a ridge. The creature threw a rock before retreating into the trees. |
| June 1995 | Anonymous | Croatan National Forest, Craven County | A fisherman saw a large, bipedal figure with reddish-brown fur wading through a swamp at dusk. The creature emitted a musky odor and left 18-inch tracks in the mud. |
| July 2000 | Anonymous | Nantahala National Forest, Macon County | A camper heard loud whoops and saw a 9-foot-tall creature with black fur peering from behind a tree. It fled after breaking a branch, leaving large footprints. |
| May 2004 | Anonymous | Uwharrie National Forest, Montgomery County | A group of hunters found 17-inch footprints and later saw a massive, hairy figure moving through dense underbrush at night, accompanied by a strong smell. |
| August 2006 | Anonymous | Cleveland County | A farmer reported a 7-foot-tall creature with dark fur crossing a field at dawn. It left behind broken saplings and large tracks. |
| July 2009 | Anonymous | Henderson County | A motorist saw a tall, ape-like figure cross a rural road near Hendersonville. The creature’s glowing eyes were visible in the headlights before it vanished into the woods. |
| October 2010 | Anonymous | Onslow County | A hunter observed a bipedal figure with shaggy brown fur near a swamp. It emitted a piercing scream and left 16-inch footprints. |
| January 2012 | Anonymous | Madison County | A hiker heard tree knocks and saw a large, hairy creature standing on a ridge. It moved silently, leaving no tracks due to rocky terrain. |
| June 2013 | Anonymous | Burke County | A camper reported a 10-foot-tall figure with reddish fur watching from a distance. It threw rocks and emitted a low growl before disappearing. |
| June 2016 | Anonymous | Buncombe County | A jogger near Asheville saw a massive, upright creature with black fur cross a trail. It left behind a musky smell and broken branches. |
| August 2017 | John Bruner | Lake James, McDowell County | During a Bigfoot911 expedition, Bruner and team saw a 7.5-foot-tall creature with dark fur in moonlight. It moved swiftly and left faint tracks. |
| August 2019 | Doug Teague | McDowell County | Teague, retrieving game cameras, observed three large, hairy figures moving through dense forest. They emitted deep grunts and left 18-inch footprints. |
| June 2020 | Anonymous | Montgomery County | A hiker in Uwharrie National Forest saw a 9-foot-tall creature with reddish fur. It threw a stick and left large tracks with toe impressions. |
| August 2021 | Anonymous | Croatan National Forest, Craven County | A camper saw a massive, hairy silhouette moving rapidly through dense foliage at night. The creature’s speed and size were unlike any known animal. |
| July 2022 | Anonymous | Linville Gorge, Burke County | Four hikers heard heavy footsteps and saw an 8-foot-tall shadowy figure moving among cliffs. It vanished quickly, leaving no tracks on rocky ground. |
| June 24, 2022 | Anonymous (daughter) | Orange County | A 17-year-old saw a large, bipedal figure at the edge of woods at dusk. Dogs did not bark, and the creature walked away quickly when noticed. |
| July 1, 2022 | Anonymous (father) | Orange County | A father heard a stick snap and saw a large, upright being 30 feet away in woods, moving down a path. It matched his daughter’s earlier sighting. |
| May 2023 | Anonymous (family) | Nantahala National Forest, Macon County | A family found 18-inch footprints and later saw a hairy, 8-foot-tall figure emerge from trees at night. It stood motionless before retreating. |
| July 2025 | Anonymous | Macon County | A hiker reported a 7-foot-tall creature with dark fur crossing a trail. It emitted a loud whoop and left broken branches but no clear tracks. |
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Patterns and Hotspots
Bigfoot sightings in North Carolina are concentrated in specific regions, with Montgomery County leading at 15 reports, primarily in the Uwharrie National Forest. Other hotspots include Cleveland, Onslow, Macon, and Swain counties, where dense forests, rugged mountains, and swampy lowlands provide ideal cover.
The consistency of descriptions—large footprints, musky odors, and vocalizations like whoops or screams—suggests a shared phenomenon, though skeptics attribute many sightings to misidentified bears or hoaxes. Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee, have long spoken of Tsul’Kalu, a hairy, forest-dwelling giant, which may connect modern reports to ancient lore.
Cultural Significance
The Sasquatch legend in North Carolina is deeply rooted in cultural narratives, from indigenous stories to modern festivals like the Western North Carolina Bigfoot Festival in Marion. These events celebrate the creature as a symbol of wilderness and mystery, with activities like Bigfoot calling contests and storytelling sessions. The town of Marion even declared Bigfoot its “official animal” in 2019, reflecting the creature’s integration into local identity.
Investigation Efforts in North Carolina
Investigating North Carolina Bigfoot sightings involves a dedicated community of researchers, enthusiasts, and organizations beyond the well-known Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO). These groups and individuals employ a range of methods, from fieldwork to technological tools, to document and analyze potential evidence, though conclusive proof remains elusive.
Bigfoot911
Bigfoot911, based in Marion, is a leading group in North Carolina’s cryptozoological scene. Led by John Bruner, the team conducts expeditions in hotspots like McDowell County, where they reported a 2017 sighting of a 7.5-foot-tall creature near Lake James.
Their methods include night patrols, baiting with glow sticks, and capturing images, such as a 2019 photograph of a shadowy figure. Bigfoot911 collaborates with local media and hosts community events to encourage reporting, fostering a network of believers and curious locals.
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Catawba Valley Bigfoot Research Club
The Catawba Valley Bigfoot Research Club, active in the foothills, focuses on McDowell and surrounding counties. Member Doug Teague’s 2019 encounter with three Bigfoot-like figures while retrieving game cameras highlights their hands-on approach.
The club uses trail cameras, audio recorders, and plaster casting to document footprints, often sharing findings through local news outlets. Their work emphasizes community engagement, encouraging residents to share stories without fear of ridicule.
North Carolina Bigfoot Investigations (NCBI)
The North Carolina Bigfoot Investigations group, operating online and in the field, explores sightings across the state, particularly in the Uwharrie and Pisgah National Forests. Led by enthusiasts like Jeff Carpenter, a Sylva-based outdoorsman, NCBI combines traditional tracking with modern tools like thermal imaging.
Their investigations often focus on physical evidence, such as tree breaks or stacked rocks, believed to be markers of Bigfoot activity. NCBI’s online presence fosters a community for sharing tips and sighting reports.
Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum
Located in Littleton, the Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum serves as a hub for Bigfoot enthusiasts and researchers. Founded by Stephen Barcelo, the museum displays footprint casts, photographs, and artifacts related to North Carolina Bigfoot sightings.
It hosts events where witnesses share firsthand accounts, such as a 2015 Uwharrie encounter by Michael Greene, a former Army tank commander. The museum also explores paranormal connections, linking Bigfoot to unexplained phenomena like the Brown Mountain Lights.
Independent Researchers and Methods
Individuals like Michael Greene and Jeff Carpenter play significant roles in North Carolina’s Bigfoot investigations. Greene’s 1976 Uwharrie sighting, where he observed a 7-foot-tall creature with immense speed, led to decades of research using night-vision cameras and audio recorders.
Carpenter, known for his tracking skills, investigates reports in the Smoky Mountains, noting patterns like intentional branch formations. These researchers often face skepticism but persist, driven by compelling witness testimonies and physical clues like 18-inch footprints with dermal ridges.
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Challenges and Controversies
Investigations face hurdles, including the lack of verifiable DNA or skeletal remains. A 2017 McDowell County incident, where a shaman named Gawain MacGregor claimed he was mistaken for Bigfoot while wearing animal skins, underscores the risk of misidentification.
Skeptics argue that many sightings involve bears or hoaxes, while enthusiasts point to consistent patterns across reports. The absence of conclusive evidence fuels debate, but the dedication of North Carolina’s investigators keeps the Sasquatch mystery alive.
Detailed Case Studies: Notable Bigfoot Sightings
Three North Carolina Bigfoot sightings stand out for their detail, credibility, and impact on local lore. Below are expanded accounts of these encounters, focusing on available witness testimonies and specific details, with no fabricated information.
Nantahala Night Watch (May 2023)
- Date: May 2023
- Location: Nantahala National Forest near Bryson City, Macon County
- Witnesses: Anonymous family
- Description: A family camping in the Nantahala National Forest discovered 18-inch footprints with distinct toe impressions near their campsite. That night, under a clear moonlit sky, they observed an 8-foot-tall, hairy figure emerge from the trees. The creature stood motionless for several seconds, its dark fur glistening, before retreating silently into the forest. The family reported a musky odor and found broken branches the next morning. The BFRO classified this as a Class A sighting due to the clear visibility and physical evidence, noting the family’s reluctance to publicize their names due to fear of ridicule.
Linville Gorge Legend (July 2022)
- Date: July 2022
- Location: Linville Gorge Wilderness Area near Boone, Burke County
- Witnesses: Four anonymous hikers
- Description: A group of hikers in the rugged Linville Gorge heard heavy, resonant footsteps echoing through the cliffs at dusk. Investigating the sound, they caught a glimpse of an 8-foot-tall, shadowy figure moving swiftly among the rocky terrain. The creature’s silhouette was visible against the fading light, with long arms and a hunched posture. It vanished within seconds, leaving no tracks on the rocky ground. The hikers reported a sense of unease and noted the creature’s speed as unlike any bear or human. The BFRO’s follow-up investigation confirmed the group’s credibility, citing their detailed, consistent accounts and familiarity with the area.
Coastal Creature (August 2021)
- Date: August 2021
- Location: Croatan National Forest near New Bern, Craven County
- Witness: Anonymous camper
- Description: A lone camper in the Croatan National Forest reported seeing a massive, hairy silhouette moving rapidly through dense foliage at night. The creature, estimated at 7.5 feet tall, navigated the swampy terrain with unnatural agility, its dark fur blending with the shadows. The camper noted a piercing scream and a strong, musky smell lingering after the figure disappeared. No footprints were found due to the wet, muddy ground, but the camper’s detailed account to the BFRO described the creature’s human-like gait and immense size, ruling out known wildlife. The coastal setting makes this sighting unique, challenging assumptions about Bigfoot’s preferred habitats.
These cases highlight the diversity of Bigfoot sightings in North Carolina, spanning mountainous, forested, and coastal regions, and underscore the emotional impact on witnesses.
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Bigfoot Sightings vs Other Cryptid Sightings in North Carolina
While Sasquatch dominates North Carolina’s cryptozoological landscape, the state is home to other enigmatic creatures that enrich its folklore. Comparing these cryptids to North Carolina Bigfoot sightings reveals both similarities and distinctions, with shared habitats sparking speculation about potential connections.
Other Cryptids in North Carolina:
| Cryptid Name | Description | Location | First Reported/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beast of Bladenboro | Large, cat-like creature with glowing eyes, blamed for livestock attacks | Bladenboro | 1953–1954, killed dogs and livestock; theories include panther or hoax |
| Lake Norman Monster | Serpent-like creature, nicknamed “Normie,” resembling a giant snake | Lake Norman, Mecklenburg County | 1960s, reported by fishermen; no physical evidence |
| Knobby | Bigfoot-like, 7–8 feet tall, hairy, ape-like figure | Cleveland County, Uwharrie National Forest | Late 1970s, gained fame via local media |
| Uwharrie Beast | Ape-like, dark fur, glowing red eyes, similar to Bigfoot | Uwharrie National Forest, Montgomery County | 1970s, noted for eerie howls and musky odor |
| Wampus Cat | Panther-like, glowing eyes, eerie scream, possibly a cursed woman | Appalachian Mountains, statewide | Cherokee legend, seen as a supernatural guardian |
| Cape Fear River Monster | Large, snake-like entity | Cape Fear River, Wilmington | 1980s, sporadic sightings by boaters |
| Fort Fisher Ape | Smaller, ape-like figure, elusive, less than 6 feet tall | Fort Fisher, New Hanover County | Early 1970s, coastal sightings challenge Bigfoot norms |
Comparative Analysis
Knobby and the Uwharrie Beast share striking similarities with Bigfoot sightings in North Carolina, including ape-like features, bipedal movement, and forested habitats. However, the Uwharrie Beast’s glowing red eyes and smaller stature in some reports distinguish it from typical Sasquatch descriptions.
Aquatic cryptids like the Lake Norman Monster and Cape Fear River Monster differ significantly, with serpentine forms and water-based habitats. The Beast of Bladenboro and Wampus Cat, with their feline traits, contrast with Bigfoot’s humanoid appearance, though all share remote, wooded settings.
Shared elements, such as glowing eyes or eerie vocalizations, suggest possible misidentifications or cultural overlap in folklore, but no concrete evidence links these cryptids directly to Sasquatch.
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Other Unexplained Phenomena
North Carolina’s paranormal landscape extends beyond cryptids, with phenomena like the Brown Mountain Lights—mysterious orbs in Pisgah National Forest—attributed to ghosts, UFOs, or natural gases. Ghostly apparitions, such as those reported at the Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum, and UFO sightings in rural areas add to the state’s mystique.
While these events are distinct, their occurrence in Bigfoot hotspots like Uwharrie and Pisgah fuels speculation about a broader supernatural connection, though no definitive links exist.
Conclusion
North Carolina Bigfoot sightings weave a compelling narrative of mystery and exploration, with 107 documented encounters illuminating the Tar Heel State’s wild heart. From the Uwharrie National Forest to the Croatan National Forest, these reports paint a picture of a creature that is both elusive and enduring, captivating researchers and locals alike.
Investigation efforts by groups like Bigfoot911, the Catawba Valley Bigfoot Research Club, and the Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum highlight a relentless quest for truth, despite skepticism and the absence of definitive proof. Other cryptids, from the Beast of Bladenboro to the Lake Norman Monster, enrich North Carolina’s folklore, sharing spaces with Sasquatch but remaining distinct in form and legend.
Whether Bigfoot sightings in North Carolina reflect an undiscovered species, misidentified wildlife, or cultural imagination, they remain a powerful symbol of the unknown, inviting curiosity and wonder in the state’s untamed landscapes.
