Mesmerizing and powerful, here are the eerie legends behind these breathtaking waterfalls.
By Katharine Erwin, Adventure Sports Network
From the Northeast to Hawaii, there are countless gorgeous waterfalls that are certain to mesmerize you. (However, some of them have eerie pasts.)
These are some of the most beautifully haunted waterfalls in the United States …
From the Northeast to Hawaii, there are countless gorgeous waterfalls that are certain to mesmerize you. (However, some of them have eerie pasts.)
These are some of the most beautifully haunted waterfalls in the United States …
Lower Falls – Yellowstone National Park, WY
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| Lower falls in Yellowstone National Park. |
The haunting story of the 308-foot Lower Falls begins back in 1870 when white militiamen were making their way across Yellowstone Canyon. The men were accompanied by a Crow guide who warned them about the isolated “Sheepeater Tribe” which now are believed to have been a semi-nomadic, sub-tribe of the Shoshone (possibly the Tukadeka).
The story goes, that this tribe stole the horses of the militia one night. Since the militia and their Crow guide were a smaller group than the tribe, they were able to catch up to the tribe who were crossing above the dangerous Lower Falls on the Yellowstone River.
The militia watched the tribe (women and men) meet their death as they drifted over the falls. Legend says that the men of the tribe chanted their death song (which is personal to each individual) as they stoically met their fate. It is said that two eagles appeared, screamed and flew over the falls after the incident, which seemed to be a fitting tribute.
It is also said that if you stand at the platform by the falls you can sometimes hear the chanting of the tribe. (Also the falls can appear red at times.)
Visit Yellowstone National Park’s website for more info.
Manoa Falls – Oahu, HI
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| Let the Night Marchers do their thing when you visit Manoa Falls. |
Likely you have seen the stunning Manoa Falls on Hawaii‘s third largest island, Oahu. It has been in the movies Jurassic Park, Hunger Games: Catching Fire, as well as TV shows, Lost and Hawaii Five-0. But something you should never look at when visiting the 150-foot falls, is the procession of the Night Marchers who are the spirits of Ancient Hawaiian warriors.
People who have seen the Night Marchers say that you will hear their drums and chants. Some witnesses have reported seeing torches, and (even though the Night Marchers are mostly seen at night) there have been daytime sightings. It is strongly suggested to lay down on your stomach, resist temptation to look and always show respect to The Night Marchers.
To learn more about the Manoa Falls Trails and other hikes, visit the Oahu Official Travel Site.
The Chilnualna Falls – Yosemite National Park, CA
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| Chilnualna Falls is just one of the many haunted spots in Yosemite. |
Yosemite is one of the most famous national parks in the U.S. But one thing is for sure … it is the most haunted. With spooky tales involving spirits, ghosts and curses, it would only make sense that some of this beautiful park’s waterfalls are haunted, as well.
The Mist trail which leads hikers past the Chilnualna Falls past Grouse Lake, is said to be home to the ghost of a young boy. There is an Ahwahneechee legend that those who hear the drowned boy’s cries and jump in, will also drown.
Another tribe from the land that Yosemite is on, is the Miwok. The Miwok believe that the waterfalls in the area are haunted by a wind that attracts people to the tops of the falls and blows them off.
Learn more about all the wonderful sights of Yosemite at the Yosemite National Park’s website.
Bash Bish Falls – Bash Bish Falls State Park, Western MA
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| Bash Bish Falls, gorgeous and deadly. |
Bash Bish Falls is a stunning waterfall at the New York/Massachusetts border, located just 2.5 hours from New York City.
Legend has it that a Mohican woman named Bash Bish was falsely accused of adultery by a jealous friend. She was sent over the falls in a canoe and never seen again. Her body was not found. Sadly, the story continues with her daughter White Swan, who, after being unable to bear a child, her husband married another woman. White Swan threw herself over the same falls that had taken her mother.
Bash Bish is known for its beauty, but also it’s danger. The 60-foot waterfall that features a prominent rock formation similar to a horn, has seen at least 25 confirmed deaths in the last century. It’s certainly a gorgeous sight with an eerie history.
Learn more at the Bash Bish website.
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