Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and lots of wildlife, but there is a darker side to the state that lies just inside its borders. Some of the scariest and most spooky forests in the country are in this state. Phantoms, specters, and other supernatural things seem to live among the trees. The Ocala National Forest is one of these strange woods. It is both beautiful and scary.
Ocala National Forest: History
The Ocala National Forest is the largest national forest east of the Mississippi River. It was created by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. More than 600 lakes, rivers, and springs are spread out over more than 600,000 acres of land in central Florida. The main reason it was made was to protect the area from cutting and building so that its natural beauty would be preserved.
Native Americans lived in this area for thousands of years and left behind a rich history record in this forest. The forest was useful for the Timucua, Seminole, and Creek because it was a good place to hunt and hide from European invaders. During the Second Seminole War in the 1830s and 1840s, when the U.S. Army tried to force the Seminoles off their native land, it was the site of many fights.
Recently, there has been sadness and violence in the forest. Christine Wiles, a woman, went lost in the forest in 2007. A pool of blood was found in her car, but her body was never found. There were many attempts to solve the riddle, even talking to a psychic, but no hints were found. He died in 2016 when his friend shot him while they were camping in the woods. The friend said it was an accident, but there are still hints of foul play.
What Haunts Ocala National Forest?
It’s not a surprise that Ocala National Forest is said to be a home for restless ghosts, given its troubled past. A lot of tourists and locals have said that they have seen or experienced strange things in the forest. Some of the most common supernatural encounters happen when:
- Hearing the sounds of kids laughing and running near Mud Lake, where three girls sadly drowned in the late 1800s.
- Their bodies were never found, and some people think their happy souls are still playing by the water.
- Seeing ghosts of Native Americans, soldiers, and residents in different parts of the forest. Some people have even said they saw a ghostly wagon train or stagecoach.
- Sensing rapid cold spots, chills, and mysterious touches on the skin. Some people have said they felt like they were being choked or grabbed by hands they couldn’t see.
- Hearing strange sounds coming from nowhere, like screams, gunshots, whispers, and other sounds that you can’t explain. Some people have even said they heard music or singing in the trees.
- Orbs, mists, shadows, and other strange things that can’t be explained can be seen in photos or movies taken in the forest.
How Ocala National Forest Can Be Dangerous?
Not only does Ocala National Forest have ghosts, but it also has natural and human dangers for people who go there. Animals like bears, alligators, snakes, and panthers live in the forest. Some of these animals can be dangerous or aggressive, so visitors who aren’t ready could get hurt.
Furthermore, the forest has turned into a hub for illegal activities like drug dealing, wildlife theft, and property damage. Some people use the forest as a safe place to hide or to get rid of proof of crimes they have committed. The forest has been the site of many crimes over the years, from murders and rapes to thefts and kidnappings.
In addition, flames can start in the forest, especially when it’s dry. Because there is a lot of greenery and wind, these fires can spread quickly and without warning, which is dangerous for both people and animals.