On Friday, October 25, courageous hikers from across Southeastern Massachusetts will descend on Striar Conservancy in Halifax for a Halloween Night Hike, Wildlands’ annual evening stroll brimming with frights and thrills (but mostly laughs, nature appreciation, and good company).

Click here to register—if you dare…

Below is a preview of the tales hike leaders Amy Burt and Paul Vicino will share on the hike. If you’re joining us, we recommend waiting until then to hear these stories in full fright-tastic effect! But if not, enjoy these spine-chilling tales, and feel free to pass them along to fellow fans of the macabre.

Happy Halloween from Wildlands Trust!

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A Hair-Raising Hike in the Appalachians

By Amy Burt, Programming Coordinator

Every year, people embark on the Appalachian Trail and return safely, each with their own story to tell. There are those who have been less fortunate, either living to tell the tale, or leaving the living to solve the pieces. In the fall of 2003, a young woman (name redacted for privacy) left to explore only a portion of a trail in Western Massachusetts. She planned for a three-day, two-night hike and would take her loyal companion, a scruffy four-legged mutt.

Her first day was successful. She arrived at her campsite and pitched her tent. Her dog warmed by the fire as she made them both dinner. When it was time for bed, the dog hopped in the tent and coiled itself under the blankets, and the young woman zipped the tent closed. It was a restless first night. She needed reassurance, and as always, her pup knew a little lick on the hand was all she needed to go back to sleep.

Day two had an early start when a couple passed her tent talking. She peeked out her tent and got a glimpse of the two. She felt they must be through-hiking—they looked really prepared. And with that thought, she began to pack up and hit the trail. Despite her restless night of sleep, she felt wide awake. The young woman and her dog had an excellent day, winding the trails, crossing bridges, and seeing the colors of fall. It was unfair that the sun would be setting soon, but if they hiked a bit farther, they would have a lean-to to sleep in. At that moment, it was decided that would be their place to rest.

They arrived at the lean-to and got to work. The dog sat beside the woman as she made them dinner. They ate and settled in for the night. This night, they both fell asleep quickly, with the crisp breeze filling the lean-to.

From a hard sleep she awoke, covered in sweat. Sitting up, she was startled by the view of an open forest until she remembered she was in the lean-to. She shuffled her hand under the blankets towards her dog, felt a sniff and a little lick, and instantly was relieved. She giggled—her dog, almost completely out of view, must have wrapped itself in the covers.

Her ease was short-lived, as she soon heard something running in the woods. It sounded like it was running towards her, right towards the opening of the shelter. In an instant, she was up with her headlight on and pocketknife in hand. With a swift step out of the lean-to, she faced the running shadow as it approached. There was a realization of horror as out of the trees her dog came into view. He had blood on his muzzle and ran past his owner growling with his teeth bared.

The woman did her best to recall the final moments of that night when questioned by police and paramedics. The forensics of the scene said it was rabbit blood on her dog and inside of the shelter, but she could not help but ask the question: what had licked her hand?

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Horror in Local History

By Paul Vicino, Wildlands volunteer

Paul will share some of the violent history of Halifax and the region, including King Philip’s War, when a settler was killed just down the street from Striar Conservancy. A triple murder later occurred on the same road, by descents of the settlers…

He will also discuss the Bridgewater Triangle and invite others to share their uncanny experiences in this storied hotbed of paranormal activity.