Ohio's Shaune State Forest: Four Eyewitness Accounts of a Mysterious Presence

In the dense, rugged terrain of Shawnee State Forest, also known as Ohio's "little Smokies," lies a region steeped in mystery and unexplained phenomena. This vast forest, covering an impressive 63,640 acres, is home to steep ridges, deep hollows, and a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s when extensive stone quarries operated in the area. Later, during the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed roads and lakes, leaving behind remnants of their work in the forest's most secluded regions. Approximately 8,000 acres of Shawnee State Forest remain untouched, prohibited from logging or road development, creating a perfect sanctuary for something or someone to hide. Over the years, numerous strange occurrences have been reported in these woods, with many witnesses sharing chilling encounters that challenge our understanding of what may still be hiding in these remote lands. In a recent video from the YouTube channel "On The Road Again" by Outdoor Memoirs, four compelling encounters are explored, each one involving an unexplained presence in Shawnee State Forest. I'm thrilled to share these stories with our fellow Bigfoot enthusiasts. The first encounter took place in 1986 on Timlin Hill Road, where three high school friends had a terrifying experience while driving home from a football game. As they rounded a bend on the secluded road, their headlights illuminated something crouched in the middle of the road. The creature stood up, revealing an unnaturally tall, lanky frame with long arms hanging past its knees. In just three massive steps, it leapt off the road, disappearing into the thick brush. The witnesses, now in their 50s, still remember the grayish-silver fur, thin body, and the creature's unearthly ability to move with impossible speed. In 1990 and 1980, a decade apart, an 18-year-old camper and later, a young boy, both reported seeing a massive hulking figure in the Cut Rock area of Shawnee State Forest. Standing over 7 feet tall with red eyes, broad muscular chest, and thick black fur, the figure moved hunched over yet unmistakably upright. Both witnesses described the figure as disappearing into the ravine without a sound, leaving them with an eerie feeling of not being alone. In June 1985, a lone hunter learned why some places should be left undisturbed during his first and only hunting trip in the deep woods of Shawnee State Forest. While exploring the hollows and ridges, the young hunter came across a creature unlike any other. Standing at least 8 feet tall with thick dark brown hair, massive arms, and a head that seemed to sit directly on its shoulders, the creature sprinted away with unnatural speed. This encounter left the hunter and his father with a sense of unease, and they never went hunting in those woods again. Lastly, in 2012, a young man and his four-year-old cousin had a terrifying chase through the backwoods while riding their ATV on private property near West Union. The ATV rider heard heavy footsteps behind him and, upon turning around, saw a 10-foot-tall hairy figure sprinting up the hill toward them. The creature hurled a log at them, which landed behind them with a heavy thud. When they returned the next day, the log was gone. These four encounters serve as a reminder that the Shawnee State Forest remains a hot spot for unexplained sightings, with 8,000 acres of untouched wilderness providing the perfect environment for something large, intelligent, and elusive to remain hidden. While we cannot say for certain if these sightings are of a creature from the past or merely cases of mistaken identity, one thing is clear: those who have seen it will never forget. As curators for Squatchable, we encourage our readers to watch the full video and share their thoughts and experiences with us. If you have had a strange encounter in the forests of Ohio, we would love to hear from you. Until next time, happy hunting!