BWBS Ep:82 Missing: National Park Nightmares Vol. 5
This week, we journey into the heart of two of America's most magnificent national parks to unravel mysteries that have confounded investigators for decades. Two young men, four years apart, both vanished without a trace while hiking alone on well-established trails. Their disappearances share disturbing similarities that suggest these weren't simply cases of lost hikers, but perhaps something far more inexplicable.The Story of Timothy Barnes takes us to the crystalline waters of Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park. On July 5, 1988, 25-year-old Timothy "Tim" Barnes set out on what should have been a routine day hike. Standing 6'3" with shoulder-length dark brown hair, Tim was an experienced outdoorsman who had hiked Yosemite's trails many times before.At 9:00 AM, he was spotted by a family from Michigan, walking north from the Murphy Creek Trailhead toward Poly Domes. Tim exchanged pleasant greetings with them, appearing relaxed and confident in his white t-shirt with a distinctive red anti-fascism symbol, gray sweatpants, and yellow daypack. This would be the last confirmed sighting of Timothy Barnes. When Tim failed to return, one of the most comprehensive search operations in Yosemite's history was launched. For weeks, professional search and rescue teams with trained dogs scoured the landscape. Helicopters swept the terrain from above while technical climbing teams explored every crevice of the granite domes.Yet they found nothing. No backpack, no clothing, no signs of struggle or injury. Tim had seemingly evaporated into the wilderness.As we explore in this episode, the Barnes case is riddled with bizarre elements that defy conventional explanation:Search dogs exhibited unusual behavior, becoming agitated and confused in certain areasMultiple hikers reported compass malfunctions and static electricity phenomena on the day Tim disappearedTwo search teams heard what sounded like distant calls for help coming from areas that had already been thoroughly searchedHikers described strange, localized fog banks that formed and dissipated rapidly against prevailing windsThree months after his disappearance, a fragment of yellow fabric resembling Tim's backpack was discovered in an area that had been meticulously searched multiple timesPerhaps most chilling were the revelations from Tim's mother that in the weeks before his hike, Tim had experienced unusually vivid dreams about being lost in a landscape where "the geography kept shifting" and had developed a sudden, intense interest in the geological formations of Poly Domes.The David Morrison mystery then takes us to the spectacular alpine scenery of Glacier National Park, Montana. On October 12, 1992, 26-year-old David Morrison parked his rental car at Logan Pass Visitor Center and began hiking the famous Highline Trail. Like Timothy Barnes, Morrison was physically fit, experienced in wilderness navigation, and hiking alone. He had checked in with rangers that morning and planned to return before sunset. He, too, would never be seen again.The parallels between the Morrison and Barnes cases are uncanny:Both men were in their mid-twenties with athletic buildsBoth disappeared in the morning hours from well-marked trailsBoth had clearly intended to return the same dayBoth cases featured a complete absence of physical evidence despite extensive searchesBoth searches encountered unexplained phenomena with search dogsBoth disappearances coincided with reports of unusual, localized weather anomaliesThe most perplexing development came thirteen months after Morrison's disappearance, when a distinctive pendant he had been wearing was discovered by a hiker on a trail more than twelve miles from his last known location—an area that had been thoroughly searched during the initial investigation.The Unsettling PatternIn this episode, I delve into how these cases connect to a larger pattern of similar disappearances across North America's wilderness areas. We examine:The profile of those who vanish—predominantly young, physically fit menThe geographical clustering of these incidents in certain national parks and wilderness areasThe consistent lack of physical evidence despite modern search techniquesThe repeated reports of unusual weather phenomena, equipment malfunctions, and strange behavior of search animalsWhile this episode explores the strange circumstances surrounding these disappearances, it also serves as a reminder of the very real dangers of solo hiking. We discuss:The importance of filing detailed hiking plans with park rangers or trusted contactsWhy carrying emergency communication devices can be lifesavingHow to prepare for unexpected weather changes in alpine environmentsWhy even experienced hikers should approach unfamiliar trails with cautionGet Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsVisit Untold Radio AM
6 Apr 1h 15min
BWBS Ep:80 Bigfoot On The River
In this episode Brian shares a remarkable story from a man named Dale who had an extraordinary encounter in the North Georgia mountains back in 1983. As teenagers, Dale and his friend Brad embarked on what they thought would be a routine fishing and camping trip down the Chattooga River, only to experience something that would change their lives forever.Episode Highlights:Dale recounts how he and Brad, just 14 years old, set out on a seven-day journey down the Chattooga River in a flat-bottom aluminum boatThe boys' initial encounters with strange sounds and wood knocking that couldn't be explained by known wildlifeThe discovery of massive, unexplainable footprints along the riverbankA terrifying moment when an unknown creature tears apart their steel mesh fish basket to steal their prized catfishMultiple nighttime encounters with what appears to be a group of Sasquatch creaturesHow these beings seemed not to threaten the boys, but rather to warn them away from continuing downstreamDale's reflection on the experience forty years later, and why he and Brad chose to keep their story private until nowDale's firsthand account provides a unique perspective on Sasquatch encounters - not as the menacing creatures often portrayed in popular culture, but as territorial yet protective beings. The story raises fascinating questions about what might exist in the most remote corners of our wilderness and why these creatures might choose to interact with humans in rare circumstances.Whether you're a believer in cryptids or a skeptic, this riveting tale of two boys' unexpected adventure offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the mysteries that may still lurk in our forests.Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsVisit Untold Radio AM
2 Apr 1h
BWBS Ep:79 Missing: National Park Nightmares Vol.4
Welcome back to National Park Nightmares, the podcast that explores real-life disappearances, survival stories, and unexplained events from deep within America's most iconic wilderness areas. In Volume 4, we dive into some of the most chilling—and unforgettable—cases yet. We begin with a rare story of survival. Christy Perry, a seasoned hiker, vanished in Big Bend National Park in Texas in November 2023. For eight days, she endured freezing temperatures, rain, and isolation with no food and only rainwater to drink. Most feared the worst.Then, against all odds, she was found alive. Her story is a reminder that sometimes, hope really does make the difference. But not every story has a happy ending.Next, we explore the mysterious disappearance of Eric Robinson, a veteran adventurer who set out to solo-hike Utah’s High Uintas in 2011—and never made it back. Years passed with no trace until, in 2016, a group of hikers stumbled on his remains in one of the most rugged areas of the park. What happened in those final days remains unclear, but the discovery offered long-awaited answers.Then there’s Morgan Heimer—a young river guide who vanished in broad daylight in the Grand Canyon in 2015. One moment he was assisting guests at the water’s edge… the next, he was gone. No struggle. No sound. No trace.Despite an extensive search, his case remains one of the canyon’s most baffling mysteries.We also revisit the strange disappearance of George Penca, who was hiking with his church group on Yosemite’s popular Upper Yosemite Falls Trail in 2011. It was a busy day, surrounded by people. And yet, George simply disappeared. Search efforts came up empty. The trail gave no clues. And like Morgan, George was just… gone.Michael Ficery’s case takes us deeper into Yosemite’s backcountry. In 2005, the experienced solo backpacker set out from Hetch Hetchy and was never seen again. His backpack was found along a trail—but nothing else. No remains. No other belongings. Just a pack, sitting in silence, in the middle of nowhere.And finally, not every mystery is about a disappearance.In 2005, in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, 44-year-old Arman B. Johnson was found murdered just off the highway. A single gunshot wound. No suspects. No clear motive. A life taken violently in a place known for its beauty—and still, no justice.Some of the people in this episode came back. Some didn’t. Some are still missing. And in every case, one thing is clear: even in the most beautiful places on earth, the wild doesn’t play by our rules.These stories aren’t just about mystery. They’re about real people. And if you know anything about the cases of Morgan Heimer, George Penca, Michael Ficery, or Arman Johnson, we urge you to contact authorities. Even one small tip can make all the difference.If this episode stayed with you, subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with someone. And if you want more, head over to our YouTube channel, Backwoods Bigfoot Stories, for deep dives into more strange disappearances and true crime in the wild.Until next time—stay safe, stay aware… and stay curious.Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsVisit Untold Radio AM
30 Mars 41min
BWBS Ep:78 Knock...Knock....Knock.......
Five people. Five remote regions. Five encounters that leave more questions than answers. In this chilling episode, we dive deep into the raw, first-person accounts of individuals who came face-to-face with something impossible—and survived to tell the story.From a veteran park ranger in Olympic National Park who locked eyes with a towering, silent figure by a remote creek, to a hiker in northern Minnesota who stumbled across an eerie structure and felt something watching from just beyond the trees… these aren't blurry photos or secondhand stories. These are firsthand moments where fear met something real in the woods.We’ll take you through the Blue Ridge Mountains with a seasoned deputy who followed the trail of a missing hunter and found only silence—and massive, barefoot tracks. Then we head into the dense, oppressive swamps of the Florida Everglades, where a wildlife officer encounters stacked stones, peeled trees, and heavy footfalls around his tent.But the episode ends with a story that still gives us chills.An experienced solo hiker heads into the Cascade Mountains for what should’ve been a quiet weekend off the grid. By the third day, the forest falls silent. Claw marks too high for any known animal, giant human-like prints, and a primitive shelter lead to a direct encounter with an eight-foot-tall creature communicating through knocks and strange calls.What follows is a relentless, three-day pursuit—an intelligent, calculated display by multiple creatures working together in the deep woods. And though they had every opportunity to take him, they didn’t. Instead, they left a message: his lost gear, neatly displayed where he couldn’t miss it. A warning. Or maybe… a test.This episode isn’t about belief. It’s about the people who went into the woods and came back changed. Listener discretion advised.Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsVisit Untold Radio AM
28 Mars 59min
BWBS Ep:77 A Hunter Shoots Bigfoot!
In this gripping episode, we explore four true stories of seasoned hunters whose lives were changed forever deep in the wilderness. These are men who spent their entire lives in the woods, men who knew every sound, every shadow, and every sign the forest had to offer. They were confident, experienced, and prepared for anything—until the day they weren’t.From the dark pine forests of northern Minnesota to the remote wilderness of central Oregon… from the dense hollows of northern Alabama to the endless thickets of East Texas… each of these men came face-to-face with something they couldn’t explain. Something that didn’t belong. Something that took everything they thought they knew about the woods—and shattered it.In these powerful first-hand accounts, you’ll hear:A quiet Minnesota bowhunt turned life-changing encounter.A remote Oregon camping trip that ended with terrifying screams and glowing eyes.A desperate Alabama hunter’s three-day solo trip that became a fight for survival.An East Texas deer hunter’s close encounter that made him hang up his rifle for good.These are stories that will make you question what’s really out there. And by the end, you might just change your tune about what’s possible in the deep, wild places of North America.Seeing is believing.Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsVisit Untold Radio AM
25 Mars 50min
BWBS Ep:76 Missing: National Park Nightmares Vol.3
In this chilling episode of National Park Nightmares, we explore two of the most unsettling disappearances in America’s wild places—stories where the line between accident and something darker blurs beyond recognition.First, we return to 1958 and the shadowy slopes of Mount Meeker in Colorado. Ten-year-old Bobby Bizup vanished from Camp St. Malo, a Catholic boys' camp near Rocky Mountain National Park. Deaf, trusting, and familiar with the camp, Bobby was last seen leaving a fishing spot alone. Despite an exhaustive search, his remains weren’t found until a year later—by a counselor who was also one of the last people to see him alive. Decades later, shocking revelations surfaced: that same counselor, Neil Hewitt, along with other clergy members from the camp, were later exposed as prolific abusers. Federal investigators are now reopening Bobby’s case, fueled by new evidence—including the discovery of Bobby’s missing skull in the possession of a Colorado family tied to the camp’s leadership. What really happened to Bobby Bizup? And why did the people meant to protect him fail him so completely?Then we move to Yosemite National Park, 1981. Fourteen-year-old Stacey Ann Arras disappears during a short walk from Sunrise High Sierra Camp. Last seen standing on a rock near camp, she simply vanished. Despite an intensive search, not a single clue was found. No tracks. No belongings. Nothing. How does a teenager disappear in plain sight on a sunny afternoon? Forty years later, we still don’t have answers.These are stories of innocence lost in America’s most beautiful—and unforgiving—places. Stories where nature’s silence speaks volumes, and where the wilderness may hide more than we can imagine.Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsVisit Untold Radio AMVisit HIMS.COM
23 Mars 41min
BWBS Ep:75 Stalked By Dogman
In tonight’s episode, we’re heading into the dark corners of the British countryside, where more than a few people have come face to face with something they can’t explain. These aren’t tall tales from deep in the American wilderness. These are stories from people in Scotland, Derbyshire, Oldham… places where folklore runs deep and the forests seem to hold their breath after dark.We start with an eerie pair of encounters near Cairnpapple Hill in the Bathgate Hills of Scotland. A young driver and his friends stumble upon a dark figure racing towards their car. Years later, he returns—only to find that something still waits for him in the snow, following his every move.Next, we travel to the winding Carrick Hills of Ayrshire, where a family drive turns into something much darker. A father, not known for fear, sees something out on the hills he refuses to talk about for the rest of his life. He never takes his family that way again.From there, we move to British Aerospace at Monkton in 1999. A young woman walking alone at dawn sees something that should not exist. Standing seven feet tall, it watches her from just a few meters away, standing on two legs, growling low. After that day, she’s never quite the same—and she never walks alone again.Then we hear the story of a welder in Oldham who decides to work late and sleep overnight at the factory. What follows is a terrifying series of events as he’s stalked through the streets by something that looks more beast than man. He makes it to the train station—but only just.And finally, we share an anonymous email submission from “Paul,” a forestry worker who stayed behind one night near Glen Clova. He thought he was alone—until he realized something was following him through the silent woods. What stepped out of the darkness that night changed him forever.Five stories. Five encounters. And one unsettling possibility: that there’s something ancient and unknown still out there. And it might be closer than you think. Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsVisit Untold Radio AMVisit HIMS.COM
21 Mars 50min