20 Paranormal Legends from Upstate New York

Here are 20 paranormal stories that include various cryptids, aliens, ghosts, and other strange phenomena associated with Upstate New York, particularly around the Lake George and Adirondack Mountain regions:

Lake Monsters

  1. Champ: The most famous lake monster in the region, Champ is said to inhabit Lake Champlain, with numerous sightings reported over the years.
  2. Lake George Monster: Though less well-known than Champ, there have been occasional reports of a large, serpentine creature in Lake George.
  3. Adirondack Lake Monsters: Several smaller lakes in the Adirondacks have their own local legends about lake monsters, including sightings in Schroon Lake, Lake Sacandaga, and Piseco Lake.

Bigfoot/Sasquatch

  1. Adirondack Bigfoot: Numerous Bigfoot sightings have been reported in the Adirondack wilderness over the years, with some even claiming to have found footprints or heard vocalizations.
  2. Whitehall Bigfoot: The Whitehall area, near Lake Champlain, has been a hotspot for Bigfoot activity, with multiple sightings and alleged encounters.

Aliens & UFOs

  1. The Pine Bush Phenomenon: The Pine Bush area, south of Albany, is known for its high concentration of UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters.
  2. Adirondack UFOs: Many people have reported seeing strange lights and unidentified objects in the skies above the Adirondack Mountains.
  3. Fort Drum UFOs: The military base at Fort Drum has been the site of numerous UFO sightings over the years, fueling speculation about government cover-ups.

Ghosts & Haunted Locations

  1. Fort William Henry: The historic fort at Lake George is said to be haunted by the ghosts of soldiers who died there during the French and Indian War.
  2. The Sagamore Resort: This grand hotel on Lake George has a reputation for being haunted, with guests and staff reporting encounters with ghostly figures and strange occurrences.
  3. Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway: Some people claim to have seen ghostly hitchhikers along this scenic highway, particularly at night.
  4. The Old Warren County Courthouse: This former courthouse in Lake George is said to be haunted by the spirits of past prisoners and officials.
  5. Hyde Hall: This historic mansion on Otsego Lake is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of its former owner, George Clarke.
  6. The Great Camp Santanoni: This Adirondack Great Camp is said to be haunted by the ghost of its former owner, Robert Pruyn.
  7. The Hotel Saranac: This historic hotel in Saranac Lake is rumored to be haunted by several ghosts, including a former bellhop and a woman in white.

Other Paranormal Phenomena

  1. The Dover Demon: This strange creature, with glowing red eyes and a large head, was reportedly sighted in the Dover, Massachusetts area in the 1970s, but similar creatures have been reported in other parts of the Northeast, including Upstate New York.
  2. Shadow People: Many people in the Adirondacks and other parts of Upstate New York have reported seeing shadowy figures lurking in the woods or appearing in their homes.
  3. Skinwalkers: These shape-shifting creatures from Native American folklore are said to roam the wilderness, sometimes taking the form of animals or humans.
  4. The Wendigo: This malevolent spirit from Algonquian mythology is said to inhabit the northern forests, preying on humans and possessing their bodies.
  5. Ley Lines & Energy Vortices: Some people believe that the Adirondacks and other parts of Upstate New York are crisscrossed by ley lines, or channels of energy, that attract paranormal activity.

Remember, these are just a few examples of the many paranormal stories associated with Upstate New York. Whether you believe in them or not, these tales add a layer of mystery and intrigue to the region’s rich history and natural beauty.

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About the author

Walt Frasier is an actor, comic, singer, producer and now an author. While most of his books are educational tools for actors and comics, Paranormal POV is a new passion project for sharing both historical fantasy and legends as well as original stories.

Interactive musical improv comedy live from Times Square NYC and touring nationwide since 2002