While hiking through the Smoky Mountains, have you ever felt that sensation of being watched, even if there is no visible proof to confirm that feeling? Maybe you have seen something moving around the woods in the corner of your eye, or come across what appears to be a large footprint in the mud! If so, you might be wondering if the legendary Bigfoot lives right here in the Smokies! Read on to understand more about the fascination with Bigfoot in the Smoky Mountains:
The Legend of Bigfoot
The legend of Bigfoot goes back beyond recorded history and covers the world, but particularly the large forests of North America. You’ve undoubtedly heard the tales of this hairy mythical creature stalking the woods, occasionally scaring campers and hikers who have stumbled along its path! North American settlers started reporting sightings during the late 1800s and into the 1900s, with the occasional finding of footprints, sporadic encounters, and even a few grainy photos and videos to add to the mystery! People claiming to have seen Bigfoot have described everything from a large, upright ape to an actual hairy human, sometimes standing more than 8 feet tall!
Sightings of Bigfoot in the Smokies
Another one of the top things to know about the fascination with Bigfoot in the Smoky Mountains is that some people claim to have spotted Bigfoot wandering through the Smokies! There are many sightings and stories throughout the Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina region of the United States. In fact, the legend of Bigfoot has grown so much in the region that there is even an annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference in Gatlinburg in addition to a Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival in Townsend, where you can hear from famous Bigfoot researchers and dive deep into the mysteries of this iconic creature! Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, when it comes to Bigfoot, the stories of strange encounters are prolific!
Number of Bigfoot Sightings Throughout the World
Bigfoot has been spotted on every continent throughout the world, with the exception of Antarctica! It is estimated that there have been more than 10,000 Bigfoot sightings throughout the continental United States, with about one-third of those claims located within the Pacific Northwest and the rest spread throughout the rest of North America. The creature is known by many titles among different cultures, including Sasquatch, although the name Bigfoot is generally attributed to the mountainous Western region of North America. Meanwhile, the Algonquin of the north-central region of the continent refer to it as a Witiko or Wendigo. Whether or not Bigfoot truly exists, there is no denying its existence as a cultural icon!
While sightings of Bigfoot in the Smoky Mountains have been reported, it’s unlikely that you’ll get to see this legendary creature for yourself! There are also several animals in the Smokies that are rarely seen, but you never know what you might spot moving around in the woods! Check out the wildlife in the Smoky Mountains that you’re least likely to see!
