October Mountain

October Mountain is a location in western Massachusetts. It is the largest state forest in the state. Set in the heart of the Berkshires, it is a popular tourist destination. It earned its name from Herman Meliville - the author of Moby Dick fame - who noticed the fiery leaves on the mountain during the height of the fall leaf-peeping season.

The mountain may be an interesting place to visit, but it is also shrouded in local mystery. It is the home of three distinct mysteries.

Ghosts
First, according to legend, there are two ghosts that are thought to roam the woods. The first ghost is said to be a man wandering the woods, carrying a lantern, with a dog at his side. The ghost is thought to be that of a hunter. Many people have dubbed the ghost "Old Man Whitney" over time, a tribute to the millionaire William C. Whitney, who built a "cottage" for his son on the land and helped preserve the land to be used as a park. Although any ghost that roams the region is likely not Whitney - it started to appear long after his death - the reports still connect to his name.

A second ghost is also thought to wander the woods. A ghost of a girl, near a deep cemetery, is also seen from time to time. The girl is often thought to be humming and seen wearing a white dress. Some gave speculated that the girl's name is Anna, because the only headstone belonging to a young girl is that of a girl named Anna.

Creatures

The region is also said to be the home of different creatures. The first, odd creature, is said to be "devils" of some sort. These devils are horned creatures that are seen from time to time in the woods...and may appear out of nowhere. While "wood devil" stories have been long told in New England, this particular story could have a logical explanation. Goats were brought to the area (William C. Whitney is thought to have brought some) and perhaps some have roamed wild.

The most commonly reported creature in the region is bigfoot. Several different reports have placed the legendary creature on the mountain. In the 1980s, two different reports had been made about possible encounters between hikers on the mountain and the creature. One report - reported by a people traveling by car in the region - mentioned that the creature as six to seven feet tall and had red eyes. The eyes did appear to glow, thought that may have been the affect of headlights reflected on it. The Bigfoot Field Research Organization also received a report in 1989 about a hiker who saw such a creature stacking rocks and wood. The was large with red hair. The hiker studied the creature for a while as it appeared to be digging for insects. The hiker also pointed out that the creature seemed to have a human like face.

A third creature has been spotted in the area recently - the legendary eastern panther. There is no proof of this creature so far...but reports of the creature have increased.

UFOs
Strange lights and objects have also been spotted over the mountain. Such reports are more esoteric, but still objects have been seen near and above the mountain.

Check out these links for more

BFRO
Bizarre Berkshires
Boston Globe article
Mysterious Hills
October Mountain Whitney Estate