Do you believe in ghosts?
How about legends that have been passed down through generations?
If you love a good spooky story, you’re in for a treat.
Imagine a quiet, old bridge hidden away in the thick woods of Texas.
By day, it seems like any other bridge.
But when the sun sets, things take a mysterious turn.
Locals whisper about strange noises and eerie lights that appear without warning.
Some say they’ve seen shadowy figures lurking in the darkness.
Others claim to have been physically attacked, even though no one else was around.
This bridge has become famous for its creepy tales and unexplained happenings.
Let’s explore the terrifying mystery of this legendary bridge together.
Where Is It?
The spooky place we’re talking about is called Goatman’s Bridge.
Its real name is the Old Alton Bridge but everyone knows it by its creepy nickname.
Goatman’s Bridge is located in Denton County, near the cities of Denton and Copper Canyon.
It’s just a 40-minute drive from Dallas or Fort Worth.
To get there, you can drive down Old Alton Road and you’ll find the bridge crossing Hickory Creek.
It’s surrounded by thick woods which adds to its eerie atmosphere.
The bridge is no longer used for cars but it’s a popular spot for hikers, bikers and, of course, ghost hunters.
If you visit at night, be ready for a spine-chilling adventure as this place features one of the most terrifying ghosts in Texas!
Cross the bridge at night and you may bump into ‘the Goatman’, a terrifying half-man half-goat figure.
About Goatman’s Bridge
Goatman’s Bridge, also known as the Old Alton Bridge, is an old iron truss bridge.
It’s made of rusty metal and wooden planks which gives it a really old-timey look.
The bridge was built in 1884 so it’s been around for a long time.
It’s not very big but it’s strong enough to have lasted for over a century.
This bridge used to be a busy crossing for people traveling between Denton and Copper Canyon.
Nowadays, it’s only for pedestrians, meaning people can walk or bike across it but cars can’t drive on it anymore.
What makes Goatman’s Bridge special is its spooky reputation.
It’s known as one of the most haunted places in Texas with a vengeful ghost lurking nearby!
Many people visit just to see if the ghost stories are true.
Haunted Stories & Legends
Goatman’s Bridge is famous for its ghost stories and spooky legends.
The most well-known story is about a ghostly figure called the Goatman who is said to be half-man and half-goat.
According to the legend, there was a goat farmer named Oscar Washburn who lived near the bridge with his family.
He was a kind and successful man but some people in the area didn’t like him because he was Black.
He became known to locals as the ‘Goatman’ so he posted a sign on the bridge saying ‘This way to the Goatman’ but the sign angered some local people.
One night in 1938, a group of angry men dragged Oscar to the bridge, tied a rope around his neck and threw him from the bridge.
When they looked down to make sure he was dead, his body had vanished.
In a panic, the angry men returned to Oscar’s home and set it alight, with his wife and children still inside.
Since then, people say his spirit haunts the bridge, seeking revenge on those who did him wrong.
Visitors to Goatman’s Bridge often report seeing glowing red eyes in the darkness.
Some say they hear strange noises like hoofbeats, growling or a man’s scream.
A few brave souls even claim they’ve seen a ghostly figure with the head of a goat and the body of a man.
This terrifying sight is said to be the Goatman himself.
Apparently, he has even been seen carrying the heads of goats or humans in his hands, snarling at anyone who passes.
There are alternate stories of this spooky tale and some people actually claim the ghost is the Goatman’s wife.
Another spooky tale involves a group of teenagers who visited the bridge one night.
They dared each other to knock three times on the bridge and call out to the Goatman.
Suddenly, they heard loud footsteps and saw a dark figure moving towards them.
Terrified, they ran away and never returned.
Some people have experienced their car lights flickering or their engines stalling near the bridge.
Others have felt a sudden chill or been grabbed by invisible hands.
Some people even claim to have had rocks thrown at them!
Even the bravest ghost hunters get spooked at Goatman’s Bridge, often leaving with more questions than answers.
Goatman’s Bridge has been featured on several paranormal TV shows including ‘Ghost Adventures’ and ‘BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural’.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the eerie atmosphere and creepy legends are enough to send shivers down your spine.
Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a visit to Goatman’s Bridge, there are a few things you should know before you go:
Address
The bridge is located at: Old Alton Bridge, Old Alton Road, Denton, TX 76205
Parking
There is a small parking area near the entrance to the trail leading to the bridge.
Parking is free but it can get crowded, especially during weekends and around Halloween.
Be prepared to walk a bit if the lot is full.
Best Time to Visit
While you can visit Goatman’s Bridge any time of the year, the spooky atmosphere is best experienced at dusk or after dark.
If you’re not a fan of the supernatural, daytime visits offer a chance to enjoy the historic bridge and surrounding nature without the scare factor.
Safety Tips
– The bridge and trails are open to the public but it’s always a good idea to go with a group, especially at night.
– Bring a flashlight if you plan to visit after dark.
– Wear sturdy shoes as the trails can be uneven and the bridge planks may be slippery.
– Respect the area and the locals. Avoid littering and keep noise levels down, especially late at night.
Other Info
– There are no restrooms or water fountains nearby so come prepared.
– If you’re into photography, the bridge and surrounding woods offer some great photo opportunities.
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