GITM #86 The Devil's Tramping Ground

Hidden away in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the peaceful waters of Lake Lure became the unlikely setting for a bizarre spiritual movement known as Eternal Values. Led by the mysterious Frederick von Mierers, the group embraced extraordinary beliefs involving extraterrestrial beings, an approaching apocalypse, and the promise of salvation from beyond Earth. But behind the strange teachings and secluded gatherings, a much darker story was beginning to unfold.   In this episode of Ghosts in the Mountains, we explore the unsettling history of the Eternal Values cult, its connections to Lake Lure, and the disturbing allegations surrounding its charismatic leader. From the group's infamous Pink Palace to the revelations explored in HBO's Bring Me the Beauties, we examine how promises of spiritual enlightenment and alien intervention became entangled with manipulation, secrecy, and controversy in the mountains of North Carolina.

For generations, the legend of Cropsey has haunted the imaginations of children and teenagers, with terrifying campfire stories warning of a deranged killer lurking in the woods, abandoned buildings, and forgotten places. But on Staten Island, New York, the line between urban legend and reality became disturbingly blurred when a series of child disappearances and the crimes of convicted kidnapper Andre Rand brought the terrifying folklore into the real world. In this episode of Ghosts in the Mountains, we explore the unsettling origins of the Cropsey legend, its connections to Staten Island's abandoned Willowbrook State School, and the real-life investigations that transformed a childhood nightmare into something far more disturbing. From whispered stories of a mysterious madman to the tragic cases that shocked a community, we ask where the legend ends, where the truth begins, and whether the two were ever truly connected.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, reports of a mysterious, dark figure lurking among the graves of London's Highgate Cemetery sparked one of England's most infamous supernatural mysteries. Witnesses described a towering, shadowy presence with piercing red eyes, while rumors of strange animal deaths, occult rituals, and an ancient vampire supposedly haunting the cemetery fueled growing fear and fascination. In this episode of Ghosts in the Mountains, we explore the chilling legend of the Highgate Vampire, the bizarre events surrounding the cemetery, and the rivalry between paranormal investigators Sean Manchester and David Farrant. From alleged encounters with an undead entity to vampire hunts that attracted national attention, we examine the claims, controversies, and strange history behind one of Britain's most enduring paranormal legends.

Deep in the forests of Transylvania County, North Carolina, lies a place called Pink Beds, where a little-known Appalachian legend tells the mysterious story of Tommy Hodges and his sweetheart. Connected to the historic Biltmore Forestry School camp, the young couple reportedly disappeared under circumstances that have left generations wondering what really happened. Did they simply run away together to start a new life, or did something far more sinister unfold in the secluded mountain wilderness?   In this episode of Ghosts in the Mountains, we explore the haunting legend of Tommy Hodges, the history of the Pink Beds area, and the unsettling mystery surrounding the two young lovers. From whispers of a secret escape to the possibility of a tragic ending, we examine the stories that have survived and ask whether the truth behind their disappearance might still be hidden somewhere in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Imagine hearing a knock at your door late at night, only to find two children standing outside, asking to be let in. Something about them feels terribly wrong, and when you finally get a good look at their faces, you realize their eyes are completely black. For decades, stories of encounters with the mysterious Black Eyed Children have circulated online, describing unsettling visitors who seem desperate to gain entry into homes, vehicles, and other private spaces. In this episode of Ghosts in the Mountains, we explore the disturbing legend of the Black Eyed Children, tracing its origins and examining some of the most frightening alleged encounters. From their strangely emotionless behavior to the overwhelming feelings of dread reported by witnesses, we investigate the stories surrounding these mysterious figures and ask whether they're something supernatural, a modern urban legend, or simply a terrifying product of our collective imagination.

The Amityville House became one of the most infamous homes in America after the brutal 1974 murders of six members of the DeFeo family and the terrifying claims that followed. When George and Kathy Lutz moved into the Long Island home the following year, they said their dream house quickly became the setting for strange odors, unexplained sounds, apparitions, and increasingly disturbing phenomena that ultimately drove them from the property. In this episode of Ghosts in the Mountains, we explore the true crime at the center of the Amityville story, the Lutz family's alleged experiences, and the controversy that has surrounded their account for decades. From one of America's most famous haunting claims to the books and films that transformed the house into a horror icon, we dig into what is documented, what has been disputed, and what might really have happened inside the Amityville House.

The Sallie House in Atchison, Kansas has become one of the most infamous alleged hauntings in America. What began with unexplained noises and objects seemingly moving on their own reportedly escalated into frightening encounters, mysterious fires, and physical attacks that left homeowner Tony Pickman with scratches appearing across his body. In this episode of Ghosts in the Mountains, we explore the disturbing story of the Sallie House, the experiences reported by Tony and Debra Pickman, and the mysterious presence believed to inhabit their home. Was the activity really connected to the spirit of a young girl named Sallie, or was something much darker hiding behind that seemingly innocent identity?

For decades, people across the United States have reported encounters with a terrifying creature that seems to exist somewhere between man and wolf. Known as Dogman, witnesses describe a massive canine-like animal capable of standing and moving on two legs, often encountered along lonely roads, deep forests, and isolated stretches of wilderness. In this episode of Ghosts in the Mountains, we explore the strange history of Dogman and some of the frightening encounters that have helped turn it into one of America's most unsettling cryptid legends. From glowing eyes watching from the darkness to creatures seemingly stalking terrified witnesses, we dig into the stories and ask what people might actually be encountering out there.

In this episode of Ghosts in the Mountains, we sit down with Jay Anderson of Project Unity for a fascinating conversation about UFOs, the unexplained, and the experiences that helped shape his interest in the phenomenon. Jay takes us through his experiences where mysterious glowing lights appearing in the sky over his home left him with questions that would follow him for years. We talk with Jay about those early encounters, his journey into researching the UFO phenomenon, and the work he has done through Project Unity exploring some of the biggest mysteries surrounding the subject. From personal experience to the larger questions of what may be happening in our skies, join us for a conversation about curiosity, investigation, and the unknown.

Deep in the woods of Chatham County, North Carolina, a mysterious barren circle has inspired stories for generations. Known as the Devil's Tramping Ground, legend claims that nothing will grow within the strange patch of earth because the Devil himself walks the circle at night, pacing endlessly as he plots his next evil deed. In this episode of Ghosts in the Mountains, we explore the history, folklore, and strange stories surrounding one of North Carolina's most infamous supernatural landmarks. From objects reportedly being moved from the circle overnight to theories about why the ground remains bare, we dig into the legends and possible explanations behind the Devil's Tramping Ground.