Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, West Virginia’s misty mountains and sprawling forests harbor tales of a mysterious creature known as Bigfoot, or the Old Man of the Mountain.
With over 106 documented Bigfoot sightings in West Virginia, the state stands as a beacon for cryptozoology enthusiasts seeking evidence of this elusive, hairy biped. From the dense woodlands of Pendleton County to the shadowy trails near Sutton Lake, West Virginia Bigfoot sightings weave a rich tapestry of folklore, eyewitness accounts, and unanswered questions.
These encounters, often marked by eerie vocalizations, massive footprints, and fleeting glimpses of a towering figure, have sparked curiosity and debate for decades.
This article delves into the history, investigations, and most compelling cases of Bigfoot sightings in West Virginia, alongside comparisons with other cryptids that haunt the Mountain State’s rugged terrain.
Table of Contents
West Virginia Bigfoot Sightings
West Virginia’s rugged landscape, with nearly 80% of its land cloaked in dense forests, provides a perfect haven for a creature like Sasquatch. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) has cataloged 106 Bigfoot sightings in West Virginia across 33 counties, with Pendleton (14 sightings), Randolph (10), Pocahontas (8), Greenbrier (6), Nicholas (5), and Fayette (4) leading the tally.
These encounters often describe a towering, fur-covered humanoid, sometimes accompanied by a foul odor, deep growls, or enormous tracks. Reports span from fleeting glimpses along rural highways to chilling close encounters in secluded woodlands, cementing West Virginia’s place in Bigfoot lore.
The following table compiles 55 documented sightings from BFRO and local sources, organized chronologically from 1969 to 2025, focusing on the most detailed and credible accounts.
Table of Bigfoot Sightings in West Virginia:
| Date | Witness(es) | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 1969 | Not specified | Near Greenbrier River, Pocahontas County | Deer hunter reported a daylight sighting of a tall, hairy creature moving through woods. |
| Summer 1987 | D.A. and friends | Krofford Hole, Gauley River, Nicholas County | Three friends saw a 7-foot-tall, hairy brown animal, estimated by tree limbs’ height. D.A. stated, “I am a believer now and I will always be.” |
| Summer 1990 | Not specified | Near Marmet cemetery, Kanawha County | Man saw a large, hairy creature near a cemetery at night. |
| November 1989 | Two hunters | Outside Elkwater, Randolph County | Observed a creature from tree stands, described as large and bipedal. |
| October 1991 | Not specified | Wildell Bottom, Pocahontas County | Deer hunters found large footprints in the area. |
| October 1994 | Not specified | Sherwood Lake, Greenbrier County | Man and son saw three creatures ripping limbs and bark from trees. |
| November 1994 | Cave explorers | Seneca Creek Backcountry, Pendleton County | Reported bizarre experiences, including strange noises while camping. |
| October 1996 | Not specified | Outside Circleville, Pendleton County | Creature made repeat approaches, leaving tracks and a strange odor. |
| September 1997 | Not specified | Dolly Sods, Randolph County | Tracks seen, loud screams heard, and a pungent smell detected. |
| December 1997 | Two hunters | Not specified, Nicholas County | Heard screams resembling a woman’s cry in the woods. |
| January 1998 | Not specified | Near Upper Tract, Pendleton County | Motorist saw a large creature crossing the road at night, moving swiftly. |
| October 1998 | Residents | Near Minden, Fayette County | Heard characteristic vocalizations at night during fall and winter. |
| July 1999 | Campers | Not specified, Pendleton County | Nighttime visitor screamed and left a large imprint in the ground. |
| July 2000 | Family | Near Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Randolph County | Heard possible vocalizations on summer nights. |
| Summer 2001 | Not specified | Near Droop, Pocahontas County | Motorist reported a creature crossing the road, described as tall and dark. |
| August 2002 | Not specified | Near Upper Tract, Pendleton County | Daytime road-crossing sighting by a motorist. |
| July 2003 | Not specified | Logging area, Monongahela National Forest, Randolph County | Heard possible whoops in a remote logging area. |
| January 2004 | Not specified | Near Judy Gap, Pendleton County | Mother and daughter found large footprints in the snow. |
| October 2004 | Not specified | Near Spruce Flat, Pocahontas County | Possible vocalization and stalking reported by a hiker. |
| April 2005 | BFRO expedition | Pocahontas County | Possible sighting during BFRO’s West Virginia expedition. |
| April 2005 | BFRO expedition | Pocahontas County | Participant observations during BFRO WV expedition. |
| January 2005 | Not specified | East of Elkins, Randolph County | Woman and daughter recalled a close daytime encounter with a hairy figure. |
| January 2007 | Not specified | Hwy 55 north of Seneca Rocks, Pendleton County | Motorist reported a road-crossing sighting at night. |
| January 2007 | Backpackers | Otter Creek Wilderness, Randolph County | Heard possible vocalizations in a remote area. |
| June 2007 | Not specified | US 33 / St Rt. 55, Seneca Rocks, Pendleton County | Late-night sighting by motorists of a tall figure. |
| July 2007 | Not specified | Seneca Rocks, Pendleton County | Hiker reported an afternoon sighting of a large, bipedal creature. |
| July 2007 | Not specified | Hwy 33 near Seneca Rocks, Pendleton County | Nighttime sighting by a motorist, describing a swift-moving figure. |
| July 2007 | Not specified | Hwy 33 near Seneca Rocks, Pendleton County | Separate nighttime sighting by a motorist, similar description. |
| July 2007 | Not specified | Cranberry River region, Nicholas County | Driver spotted a large, hairy creature along the river. |
| November 2007 | Not specified | Near New River Gorge Bridge, Fayette County | Hunter observed a large humanoid through a rifle scope, 60 yards away. |
| Winter 2008 | Not specified | Along US Hwy. 219, Greenbrier County | Creature reportedly ran alongside a moving car. |
| Summer 2008 | Russ Jones | Kanawha State Forest, Kanawha County | Found a Dora the Explorer sippy cup and a white golf ball, possible Bigfoot signs. |
| August 2008 | Not specified | Outside Valley Head, Randolph County | Possible nighttime encounter during raccoon hunting. |
| May 2009 | Not specified | Mountains near Smoot, Greenbrier County | Girl saw a large creature outside her home at night. |
| November 2009 | Not specified | Near Cabin Creek, Kanawha County | Deer hunter believed he saw a large, hairy creature. |
| October 2010 | Not specified | Greenbrier County | Timber man recounted past sightings of a tall, hairy figure. |
| November 2010 | Turkey hunters | Near Brandywine, Pendleton County | Heard a howl and bipedal steps approaching their camp. |
| January 2011 | Not specified | Crossing I-64 west of Lewisburg, Greenbrier County | Daylight sighting of a large creature by a father and son. |
| April 2012 | Fishermen | Camped at Wildell, Pocahontas County | Heard loud screams at night near their campsite. |
| June 2012 | Not specified | Allegheny Trail near Durbin, Pocahontas County | Hiker woke to rock clacks and heavy footfalls. |
| August 2012 | Not specified | Near Sugar Grove, Pendleton County | Traveler heard possible vocalizations during a roadside stop. |
| November 2012 | Not specified | Near Franklin, Pendleton County | Hunters heard vocalizations and saw a large head peeking from boulders. |
| September 2013 | Not specified | Near Pax, Fayette County | Homeowner reported possible interactions involving hunting dogs. |
| August 2013 | Not specified | Bear Heaven Campground, east of Elkins, Randolph County | Heard possible vocalizations at night. |
| September 2014 | Not specified | Near Quinwood, Greenbrier County | Close nighttime observation of a creature crossing the road. |
| November 2015 | Not specified | Behind a home in Summersville, Nicholas County | Hunter observed a creature through binoculars during the day. |
| November 2015 | Not specified | Curtain Mountain, Nicholas County | Squirrel hunter saw a creature peeking from behind a tree in the morning. |
| September 2016 | Not specified | Half mile from Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, Pocahontas County | Motorists reported a possible sighting of a tall figure. |
| July 2017 | Not specified | 6 crow miles NE of Elkins, Randolph County | Fisherman reported a daylight sighting of a large, hairy creature. |
| Summer 2018 | Not specified | Near Lindside, Monroe County | Witness saw a tannish-brown creature banging on trees near U.S. 219. |
| October 2019 | Billy Humphrey, Sheena Humphrey | Near New River Gorge National Park, Fayette County | Couple photographed a large, hairy creature during a hike. |
| June 2021 | Not specified | Sutton Lake, Braxton County | Report of a creature throwing a log at a boat near Sutton Dam. |
| July 2023 | Not specified | Near Sutton, Braxton County | Local reported a large footprint near a barn, unlike any known animal. |
| September 2025 | BFRO expedition | Greenbrier River region, Pocahontas County | Led by Larry Sidwell, possible vocalizations and tracks observed. |
Note: This table includes 55 sightings, focusing on the top counties (Pendleton, Randolph, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Fayette, Kanawha, Monroe, and Braxton) and verified by BFRO or local researchers like Les O’Dell.
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Investigation Efforts in West Virginia
West Virginia’s prominence in Bigfoot research stems from its high number of sightings and ideal habitat of dense forests, steep ravines, and secluded valleys. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) has been a cornerstone of these efforts, conducting expeditions since 2005, with a notable outing in September 2025 led by Larry Sidwell in the Greenbrier River region.
BFRO founder Matt Moneymaker, who began compiling a sightings database in 1995, emphasizes the credibility of reports, accepting only one in four submissions after rigorous vetting. Expeditions target areas like Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties, where dense forests and abundant deer populations align with sighting patterns.
BFRO investigators, such as retired Army Sgt. Stephen Willis, have collected footprint casts, audio recordings of howls, and witness interviews, mapping sightings on Google Maps to identify behavioral patterns.
Beyond BFRO, local researchers and organizations have deepened the investigation landscape. Les O’Dell, a Marion County-based investigator, has emerged as a key figure through his West Virginia Cryptids and Strange Encounters group, with over 20,000 followers.
O’Dell’s book, Old Man of the Mountain: The West Virginia Bigfoot, documents over 60 accounts from 1921 to 2018, gathered from interviews, newspaper archives, and firsthand reports. His expeditions focus on southern West Virginia, particularly the New River Gorge, where he has cataloged evidence like tree knocks and unusual tracks. O’Dell collaborates with the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum in Sutton, opened in 2021 by Louis and David Petolicchio.
The museum houses nearly 40 footprint casts, replica skulls of primates like Gigantopithecus, and a detailed sightings map, serving as a research hub and tourist attraction. Its annual Bigfoot Festival, drawing nearly 10,000 attendees in 2023, features guest speakers, cast displays, and nighttime expeditions.
Other groups, like the Pennsylvania Bigfoot Project, led by Mary M. Fabian and Bill Rigby, have occasionally crossed into West Virginia to investigate shared Appalachian patterns. Their no-kill, no-habituation approach emphasizes respectful data collection, including audio recordings and casts.
Dr. Jeff Meldrum, a professor of anthropology at Idaho State University, has contributed to West Virginia research by providing cast copies and theories on Bigfoot’s bipedalism, displayed at the Sutton museum. Local investigator Dave Spinks, a paranormal researcher, has explored sightings in Braxton and Kanawha counties, often linking Bigfoot to other unexplained phenomena.
These efforts, combined with community-driven initiatives like the West Virginia Bigfoot Festival, highlight a collaborative network of researchers dedicated to unraveling the Sasquatch mystery in West Virginia’s wilds.
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Detailed Case Studies
Three West Virginia Bigfoot sightings stand out for their detail, credibility, and impact on local lore. Below are expanded accounts based on available witness testimonies and investigative reports, preserving exact details without embellishment.
1987 Nicholas County Sighting
- Date: Summer 1987
- Witness: D.A. and two friends
- Location: Krofford Hole, Gauley River, Nicholas County
- Description: In the summer of 1987, D.A. and two friends were near the Krofford Hole on the Gauley River when they encountered a creature described as a “7-foot tall, legged, hairy brown animal.” D.A. later recounted to BFRO investigators, “I estimated by the tree limbs that it had to be over 7 feet tall. I am a believer now and I will always be.” The sighting occurred in a remote, forested area known for its rugged terrain, ideal for an elusive creature. The group observed the creature briefly before it retreated into the woods, leaving no physical evidence but a lasting impression. This Class A sighting, documented by BFRO, is notable for its early date and the witness’s firm conviction, contributing to Nicholas County’s reputation as a Bigfoot hotspot.
2007 Fayette County Sighting
- Date: November 2007
- Witness: Not specified (hunter)
- Location: Near New River Gorge Bridge, Fayette County
- Description: During a deer hunting trip in November 2007, a hunter positioned near the New River Gorge Bridge observed a creature through his rifle scope, approximately 60 yards away. He described the encounter to BFRO: “I noticed movement about 60 yards toward the gorge from my position. I raised my gun to view the movement through the scope. After holding it in position for 10 seconds or so, I saw a very large hand appear from the side of a large poplar tree. Its palm was against the tree, and I saw fingers mostly. Then, to my surprise, I saw a head peek from around the large tree and two large eyes affixed on the head of a creature I’ve never seen before, and I’m a hunter—have been since I was eight. I’m now 38. The bigfoot blinked twice while looking at me and stepped back behind the tree. I viewed it for about 20 seconds while it was looking at me.” The hunter’s detailed account, emphasizing the creature’s large hand and eyes, and his experience as a seasoned outdoorsman, lend credibility to this Class A sighting, which has bolstered the New River Gorge’s status in Bigfoot research.
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2019 Fayette County Sighting
- Date: October 2019
- Witnesses: Billy Humphrey, Sheena Humphrey
- Location: Near New River Gorge National Park, Fayette County
- Description: Billy and Sheena Humphrey reported a sighting near the New River Gorge National Park in October 2019, corroborated by a photograph they shared with investigator Les O’Dell. Billy recounted to O’Dell, as reported in West Virginia Explorer, that they were hiking when they spotted a large, hairy creature moving through the forest. The couple’s consistent narratives, detailed in a meeting with investigators, described a tall, bipedal figure with dark fur, partially obscured by trees. The photograph, while blurry, showed a humanoid shape, sparking national attention. O’Dell vouched for the Humphreys’ credibility, noting their story remained stable under scrutiny. This sighting, investigated by O’Dell and featured in media, underscores the ongoing activity in southern West Virginia’s forested regions.
Bigfoot Sightings vs Other Cryptid Sightings in West Virginia
West Virginia’s enigmatic wilderness hosts a menagerie of cryptids beyond Bigfoot, each contributing to the state’s rich tapestry of unexplained phenomena. These creatures, often tied to specific regions and cultural narratives, share the same shadowy forests and hollers, prompting speculation about possible connections.
- Mothman: First reported on November 15, 1966, in Point Pleasant, Mason County, by Steve Mallette and Roger Scarberry, this winged creature with glowing red eyes stood 6–7 feet tall with a 10-foot wingspan. Mallette described it as “like a man with wings” to the Point Pleasant Register. Sightings continued until the 1967 Silver Bridge collapse, fueling theories of Mothman as a harbinger. The annual Mothman Festival celebrates this legend.
- Flatwoods Monster: On September 12, 1952, in Flatwoods, Braxton County, Edward and Fred May, along with others, witnessed a bright object land, followed by a 10-foot-tall, green figure with a red face and pointed hood, emitting a foul odor. Known as Braxxie, this encounter remains a cornerstone of West Virginia folklore.
- Sheepsquatch: Reported since the 1990s in Boone, Mason, and Putnam counties, this woolly, horned creature, described as a hybrid of sheep and ape, is linked to livestock attacks. Sightings often occur in remote areas, similar to Bigfoot reports.
- Grafton Monster: In June 1964, Robert Cockrell reported a large, headless, hairy creature with glowing eyes in Taylor County, near the Tygart River. A sign marking the sighting was later stolen, but the legend persists.
- Snallygaster: A winged reptile from Maryland folklore, occasionally reported in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle, known for attacking livestock. Sightings are rare but add to the state’s cryptid diversity.
- Ogua: A giant, turtle-like creature reported in the Ohio River, possibly a misidentified snapping turtle, with sightings in Mason and Kanawha counties.
- Thunderbirds: Enormous birds with wingspans up to 20 feet, tied to Native American lore, reported in various counties, including Randolph and Pocahontas.
- Devil Dogs: Ghostly, canine-like creatures seen in cemeteries and abandoned sites in Boone, Mason, and Kanawha counties, often described as spectral.
Other unexplained phenomena include UFO sightings, particularly in the 1960s around Point Pleasant, coinciding with Mothman reports, and mysterious lights in the Brown Mountain area of Pocahontas County. While no direct evidence links these cryptids to Bigfoot, their shared habitat in West Virginia’s remote, forested regions suggests environmental factors like dense vegetation and isolation may foster such tales.
Some researchers, like Les O’Dell, speculate that misidentifications of Bigfoot could account for creatures like Sheepsquatch, given similar descriptions of hairiness and bipedalism. However, distinct traits—Mothman’s wings, Flatwoods Monster’s robotic form—suggest separate phenomena. The cultural resonance of these stories, amplified by festivals and museums, underscores West Virginia’s unique role as a cryptid haven.
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Conclusion
Bigfoot sightings in West Virginia remain a captivating blend of mystery, folklore, and human curiosity. With 106 documented encounters, from the 1969 Pocahontas County sighting to the 2025 BFRO expedition, the state’s dense forests and rugged terrain continue to yield tales of the Old Man of the Mountain.
Investigators like Les O’Dell, the BFRO, and the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum have elevated these accounts through rigorous research, footprint casts, and community engagement, making West Virginia a cryptozoology epicenter. Other cryptids, like Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster, add depth to the state’s supernatural lore, though no clear link ties them to West Virginia Bigfoot sightings.
Whether a hidden primate or a product of imagination, Bigfoot’s enduring presence invites exploration, reflection, and wonder in the Mountain State’s untamed wilds.
