17 Dark and Haunted Forests with Terrifying Backstories

Bizarre Travel March 26, 2025

Beneath the shadows of towering trees, there exists a world where the air feels thick with secrets and the wind carries whispers from another time. Across the globe, some forests seem to hold their breath, dark and foreboding, where every rustling leaf and snapping twig sends a chill down your spine.

These woods are more than just patches of nature, they are steeped in stories, legends, and terrifying tales passed down through generations. Here are 17 photos from forests with haunting backstories.

1. Aokigahara Forest, Japan

A forest trail with dense green foliage on both sides. A dark sign with Japanese text stands to the right. The ground is covered with dry leaves, and the path leads deeper into the woods.
bumblebchicken

This location was given another name because many bodies were found there. It is associated with plenty of eerie sightings.

2. Hoia Forest, Romania

A forest of pine trees with distinct, curved trunks creating a surreal appearance. The trees bend near the base before growing upright, forming an unusual hooked shape. Sunlight filters through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
hamletx95

Known as the “Bermuda Triangle of Romania,” it’s famous for strange sights, unusual phenomena, and ghost sightings. Even the trees here look like they’re hiding something.

3. Hessdalen Forest, Norway

A triangular road sign with a UFO icon is mounted on a wooden post. The sign warns of potential alien activity. Behind it, there are lush green trees and a cloudy sky.
norshock

This forest is famous for strange lights and unexplained phenomena that some believe are linked to supernatural activity. In this photo, you see a UFO road warning sign.

4. Epping Forest, England

A foggy woodland scene with several leafless, gnarly trees standing on a carpet of fallen leaves. The intricate tree trunks and branches create an eerie atmosphere, with thick mist obscuring the background.
whole_nother

Epping Forest is known for mysterious figures, ghostly apparitions, and a history tied to executions and hauntings.

5. Black Forest, Germany

A misty forest pathway lined with tall trees and dense foliage. Red and orange leaves cover the ground and branches, creating a vibrant autumn scene with an ethereal, foggy atmosphere.
userdeleted

This is a place full of legends, this dense forest is believed to be haunted by ghosts, witches, and other mythical creatures.

6. The Forest of Dean, England

A winding road runs through a lush, green forest with dense trees and foliage on both sides. The sky is overcast, casting a soft light on the scene, and the pavement appears slightly wet, indicating recent rain.
beannie17

This forest is known for its strange sounds and reports of ghost sightings.

7. The Devil’s Den, USA

Large boulders and rock formations under a clear blue sky, surrounded by patches of green grass. The rocks have rough textures and varying shades of gray and brown. Sparse vegetation is visible around the rocks.
wilson44691

A notorious area in Pennsylvania’s Gettysburg National Park. It’s linked to the American Civil War and haunted by restless spirits.

8. Wychwood Forest, England

A small gray tent with an open front sits under a large tree in a lush green forest. Ferns and tall grass surround the tent. Soft, dappled sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a serene atmosphere.
tuhiewushie

This forest is tied to ancient legends of witches and is said to currently house dark rituals. I don’t know about you, but finding an abandoned tent in a forest that is said to house dark rituals would get me running.

9. Wistman’s Wood, England

A misty forest scene with ancient, twisted trees covered in moss and ferns. The ground is lush with greenery, creating an enchanting and mysterious atmosphere.
bloke22

Wistman’s Wood is famous for strange shadows seen around the “Hanging Tree,” where ghosts of the past are said to haunt the area.

10. Sleepy Hollow Forest, USA

Silhouetted bare trees with twisted branches stand against an overcast, gray sky, creating a stark, eerie atmosphere.
hyliancoffeehouse

Immortalized in Washington Irving’s tale, it’s said to be haunted by the ghostly figure of the Headless Horseman.

11. Pine Barrens, USA

A serene forest scene featuring a small, still creek surrounded by tall trees. A fallen tree with exposed roots rests across the water. The forest floor is covered with brown leaves and branches, creating a tranquil, untouched atmosphere.
broken_perfectionist

This eerie forest in New Jersey is known for its cryptid, the Jersey Devil, and other ghostly stories.

12. The Forest of Mormal, France

A serene forest scene with a dirt path winding through lush green trees. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy, creating a dappled effect on the path. The area is rich with foliage and a few small plants on the forest floor.
anne-catherinedercourt

This forest is shrouded in eerie folklore and believed to be haunted by spirits of deranged souls. Taking a hike through a forest littered with “deranged souls” doesn’t sound appealing to me.

13. Cannock Chase, England

A narrow dirt path winds through a forest with bare trees and sparse green underbrush. The trees form a canopy overhead, and the ground is covered with dry leaves and patches of grass. The path leads into the distance.
shades_of_pocket

This forest is said to house ghostly spirits and evil creatures. People who visit say there is an overall haunting atmosphere.

14. Skye Forest, Scotland

Misty forest scene with dense, tall trees and moss-covered fallen logs. Ferns and greenery cover the forest floor, creating a lush, vibrant atmosphere. Soft light filters through the fog, enhancing the tranquil, mysterious mood.
jetclarke

This forest lives in legend for its eerie silence and the ghostly appearances of figures from the past. I’m not sure what’s worse, a forest that is constantly making noises, or a silent one.

15. Kielder Forest, England

A large, moss-covered sculpture of a human face with an open mouth stands among tall trees in a forest. The face has large eyes and a nose, and the mouth forms an entrance. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating dappled shadows on the ground.
herbzikal

The Kielder Forest is known for its ghost stories, particularly sightings of apparitions and strange noises at night. There’s nothing quite like seeing a terrifying effigy in the middle of the woods.

16. Shropshire Forest, England

Rocky peak surrounded by heather-covered hills under a partly cloudy sky. Lush green landscape stretches into the distance, creating a scenic view with a mix of rugged rocks and vibrant purple heather.
dhorlin

Visitors have claimed to see strange lights and other phenomena when visiting this forest. This photo is from “The Devil’s Chair” on Stiperstones Ridge, Shropshire, UK.

17. Elowah Falls Forest, USA

A tall waterfall cascades over a rocky cliff, surrounded by moss-covered rocks. In the foreground, vibrant yellow and green foliage contrasts with the dark stones, creating a lush, natural setting.
indieaz

In Oregon, the forest near this waterfall is tied to Native American legends, with visitors making reports of strange noises and sightings.

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