This West Virginia cryptid has its own iconic trail

On a dark September night in 1952, several residents of Flatwoods, West Virginia experienced something they will never forget. Edward and Fred May, along with their friend Tommy Hyer, witnessed a bright object soar across the sky and land on a nearby farm. Terrified, the boys gathered several others and sought to discover what the flying object could be. The group, led by Eugene Lemon, encountered something that still cannot be explained today. As the group peeked over the hill onto the farm, Lemon shined a light on what could only be explained as a tall, “man-like figure with a round, red face surrounded by a pointed, hood shape.” The creature reportedly hissed at the group, causing them to retreat in fear.

Man-like figure with a round, red face surrounded by a pointed, hood shape

The legend of the Flatwoods Monster was born. Locals didn’t know what to make of the reports, and paranoia spread. Several others also claimed to have seen the creature, but the sightings were never able to be explained. Today, the community of Flatwoods commemorates the sightings of the monster with landmarks across Braxton County.

The project, titled “Free Braxxie,” encourages visitors to find all 5 of the giant chairs in the shape of the Flatwoods Monster. The chairs were placed at prominent businesses around Braxton County, and if visitors complete the challenge of visiting all five, they can submit their photos and collect a free sticker. The Braxton County Convention and Visitors Bureau hope that this unique chair trail will increase awareness of the Flatwoods Monster and preserve his legacy for years to come!

Have you done your part to help “Free Braxxie?”

This post was last updated on March 17, 2022