Deep in the river valleys of Taylor County, West Virginia, a strange legend has lingered for more than sixty years — a hulking, pale-skinned creature so massive and so silent that early witnesses didn’t know whether they’d encountered an animal or something entirely unknown. Known today as The Grafton Monster or The Beast of Grafton, this headless-looking giant first appeared in the summer of 1964 and quickly became one of Appalachia’s most unnerving mysteries. Here are five fast facts about the creature that left a permanent mark on the hills around Grafton.

The American wilderness holds more than just scenic views—it hides stories that defy explanation. From glowing lights above remote mountains to creatures that prowl the dark edges of campgrounds, reports of ghostly visitors, vanishing campers, and mysterious cryptids have haunted outdoor explorers for generations.

The holiday season is often celebrated with traditions of joy, generosity, and storytelling, including the long-standing custom of sharing ghostly tales during Christmastime. As the classic lyric reminds us—“there’ll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago”— these chilling narratives have been a part of the season’s folklore for centuries. From eerie apparitions to unexplained phenomena, the season of goodwill has a darker, mysterious side woven into its history. Are they only holiday legends, or real ghosts of Christmas past? On this Friday the 13th, here 13 haunting Christmas tales as chilling as the winter air.