On this – the Halloween episode – of the podcast, we’re going to be exploring the many tales of ghosts, creatures, hauntings, cryptid sightings, unexplained phenomenon, legends and folk tales that have a history in Pennsylvania’s parks and forests.

From the ghost sightings at Greenwood Furnace State Park to the Kecksburg UFO incident in Forbes State Forest, we’re going to be hearing stories and sometimes first-hand accounts of frightening events from over the years.  

These sorts of stories have always held a special place in my heart. When I was a bored teenager looking to escape my dull suburban hometown, I’d load up my car with friends at night and go exploring. The latest copy of Weird New Jersey in hand, we’d go to cemeteries, abandoned hospitals and all manner of supposedly haunted places looking for something, anything, that would scare us.

That tradition – known as legend tripping – is as popular today as it was when I was growing up 20 years ago. Teenagers – and plenty of adults - are looking to stories of the past to fill their lives with a little bit of mystery. And in a place as big and as diverse as Pennsylvania, there’s plenty stories that’ll make your hair stand up. 

Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, these tales will leave you questioning the boundaries of reality and wondering what might be hiding just out of sight, right here in Pennsylvania.

Our guides for this journey are Brendon Perry and Nic Pennsylvania, hosts of The Ghost Furnace Podcast.

Be sure to support our 2024 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis