No. 5: The Grafton Monster

Formerly a railroad boomtown, Grafton, West Virginia, today seems somewhat an anomaly -- a village of big-city architecture locked in a territory of small farms and dense woodlands. Through these woodlands prowls a monster, some say. The legend of the Grafton Monster has endured since the 1960s when sightings were at their peak. The manlike beast is said to be akin to a Bigfoot or Skunk Ape. According to the book "Monsters of West Virginia," eyewitnesses have estimated that it stands between seven- and nine-feet tall and is cloaked in pale skin that is slick like that of a seal.

Some also say it is headless, though recordings on night-vision equipment seem to show otherwise. Hazy images captured during an instance of spooked cattle and detailed in the television show "Mountain Monsters" reveal a very tall creature moving quickly through the treeline. What others might have mistaken for a headless creature appears more like a skulking monster, its head tucked close to its chest. Some say it lets out a low whistle as it stalks its prey. As the creature is thought to be a meat-eater, you best be on your way!

Breaking Fallout 76 News: Love/Hate tattoos have terrifying origin in W.Va.

Sign up for the Fallout 76 West Virginia newsletter! Stay up-to-date on new information, and find out more about the game and its association with the Mountain State from boots-on-the-ground contributors and seasoned gamers ready for the release.

Fallout 76: Which West Virginia landmarks can you find?

More Fallout 76 Coverage

• Mapping Fallout 76: John Barton explores The Savage Divide
• Mapping Fallout 76: John Barton explores The Ash Heap
• Mapping Fallout 76: John Barton explores Toxic Valley
• Mapping Fallout 76: John Barton explores Cranberry Bog
• Mapping Fallout 76: John Barton explores The Mire
• Writers track real W.Va. locations that appear in Fallout 76 map
• West Virginia Explorer releases Fallout 76 monster podcasts 

Read also:

• June 16 marks anniversary of Grafton Monster sightings
• The Most Haunted Places in West Virginia
• Hanging the bloodthirsty Bluebeard of Quiet Dell
• New film to investigate Flatwoods Monster
• Haunting near Summersville Lake
• Tale of Petrified Witch of Kanawha County
• 1911 deaths allegedly witnessed through second-sight

Author Biography: A former police reporter, author Ted Fauster writes science fantasy adventure, a hybrid blend of sci-fi and fantasy. Follow him at Ted Fauster.

Click Box 6 below for a map of monstrous West Virginia locations.