My favorite stories are about the unexplained things that happen in the woods.

So enjoy this massive compilation of allegedly true scary stories from the woods.

The first story has not been read on this channel before, while the rest are an assortment

of spooks for your listening pleasure.

Before we begin, you can send your scary stories to me for narration at darkness prevails.org

I'll see you next time.

The Black Thing from the Forest by Brian Bowrue.

When I lived in Chicago in the suburbs of Park Ridge in the mid to late 90s, I would often

take a short drive to the neighboring suburb, Desplains, to a forest-preserve area, called

below Lake Woods, which is commonly known for its stocked trout fishing on the teardrop-shaped

man-made lake, which is located between the 294 Expressway and Beos Highway, and surrounded

by very thick woods.

The lake is encircled by a gravel path that is popular with joggers and walkers, and

of course a lot of fishermen.

The one time I went was in the early summer of late spring.

I remember it being a gorgeous day, sunny, clear blue sky.

I think it was late morning, because I remember I stopped for breakfast at a nearby McDonald's

on the way there.

When I arrived at the tiny parking lot off Beos Highway, I noticed that there were no

other cars, so I thought to myself, great, I have the whole path

to myself for once, as I did some stretching before jogging.

I did see a couple of guys fishing on the opposite side of the lake, from where the gravel path

...