Off the Trails

In July of 1993, professional scuba diver Ken Wilson set out to explore ancient Mayan ruins on the island of Cozumel. But what was supposed to be a simple excursion quickly turned into a fight for survival, finding himself lost in the dense jungle with no sense of direction, no food, and little water. Over the course of 20 grueling days, Ken faced the unthinkable. But through it all, he kept his focus, his will to survive, and eventually, his life.

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Episode Sources:
I Shouldn't Be Alive, The Straight Dope Message Board, Daily Journal, Puerta Maya, Wikipedia

**We do our own research and try our best to cross reference reliable sources to present the most accurate information we can. Please reach out to us if you believe we have mispresented any information during this episode and we will be happy to correct ourselves in a future episode.

In 2011, Donald and Rosemarie Evans moved their young family to the remote village of Anvik, Alaska, ready for a new adventure as teachers in this remote community, only accessible by small plane or boat. They’d hoped for a quiet life immersed in Alaska’s backcountry but what they got instead was a near death experiance.

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If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd like us to include in a listener episode, send it to us at [email protected]  

Please take a moment to rate and review our show, and a big thanks if you already have!  

Episode Sources:
Legacy, Press Herald, ADN, Readers Digest, Legacy (2)

**We do our own research and try our best to cross reference reliable sources to present the most accurate information we can. Please reach out to us if you believe we have mispresented any information during this episode and we will be happy to correct ourselves in a future episode.

In September 2018, a fun day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park turned into a harrowing nightmare for Susan Clements and her family. What began as a simple hiking trip with her daughter quickly spiraled into a desperate search when Susan went missing in the dense fog and rain. Join us as we explore the circumstances surrounding Susan's disappearance, the relentless search, and the tragic outcome that would forever change her family.

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If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd like us to include in a listener episode, send it to us at [email protected]  

Please take a moment to rate and review our show, and a big thanks if you already have!  

Episode Sources:
Citizen Times, WBIR, Live Science, National Parks Traveler, Blue Ridge Outdoors, Climb Works, Smoky Mountain News

**We do our own research and try our best to cross reference reliable sources to present the most accurate information we can. Please reach out to us if you believe we have mispresented any information during this episode and we will be happy to correct ourselves in a future episode.

Welcome to our last Sunday Scary episode of the month! Today, we're hitting some intriguing and spooky trails you might not have heard of, and maybe some you have. We’ll wander through the Norton Creek Trail in North Carolina, where stunning views come with ghostly legends, and check out the eerie vibes of the Ghost House Trail in Tennessee, where the past might still linger. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a curious listener, there's something here for everyone.

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If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd like us to include in a listener episode, send it to us at [email protected]  

Please take a moment to rate and review our show, and a big thanks if you already have!  

Episode Sources:
Only In Your State, AllTrails, Weird NJ, Gatlinburg Go, Park Trust, WV State Parks, NPS, ASSP, Forest Service, Beaumont Enterprise, Hiking Texas, Moon Mausoleum, KFOX95, Little House of Horrors, Ghost Towns of Washington, American Hauntings Ink, History.com, KUOW, That Oregon Life, Seattle Times

**We do our own research and try our best to cross reference reliable sources to present the most accurate information we can. Please reach out to us if you believe we have mispresented any information during this episode and we will be happy to correct ourselves in a future episode.

In June of 2011, experienced hikers Mike von Gortler and his daughter, Makana, set off to conquer Colorado’s Missouri Mountain, fully prepared for the trek. But they were never seen alive again. Days later, their bodies were discovered in the rugged wilderness, yet the cause of their tragic fate remains a haunting mystery.

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If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd like us to include in a listener episode, send it to us at [email protected]  

Please take a moment to rate and review our show, and a big thanks if you already have!  

Episode Sources:
ABC News, CBS News, Strange Outdoors

**We do our own research and try our best to cross reference reliable sources to present the most accurate information we can. Please reach out to us if you believe we have mispresented any information during this episode and we will be happy to correct ourselves in a future episode.

Today we’re diving into some spooky lakes! From Lake Ronkonkoma, where a tragic love story turned into a ghostly legend, to the eerie whispers of Haunted Lake in New Hampshire and the deadly allure of Devil’s Pool in Australia. Explore the mysteries of these waters, where history and hauntings collide, claiming lives and stirring intrigue. What secrets lurk beneath the surface? Join us as we uncover the dark depths of these captivating legends.

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If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd like us to include in a listener episode, send it to us at [email protected]  

Please take a moment to rate and review our show, and a big thanks if you already have!  

Episode Sources:

Patch, Medium, New York Post, NH Magazine, Only In Your State, Deep South Mag, Mental Floss, Reddit

**We do our own research and try our best to cross reference reliable sources to present the most accurate information we can. Please reach out to us if you believe we have mispresented any information during this episode and we will be happy to correct ourselves in a future episode.

On August 1st, 2018, 27-year-old Samantha “Sam” Claire Sayers set out for a solo hike at Vesper Peak in Washington state, excited for a day in the great outdoors. But when she failed to return, her boyfriend Kevin Dares and a massive search effort were launched. As days turned into weeks, questions swirled—what happened to Sam? Did she meet with an accident, or is something more sinister at play? Join us as we unravel the mystery behind Sam’s disappearance and explore the theories that haunt her loved ones.

Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier!

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If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd like us to include in a listener episode, send it to us at [email protected]  

Please take a moment to rate and review our show, and a big thanks if you already have!  

Episode Sources:
Vocal, Sam Sayers Blog, Gaia GPS, Strange Outdoors, Zilcsak Blog

**We do our own research and try our best to cross reference reliable sources to present the most accurate information we can. Please reach out to us if you believe we have mispresented any information during this episode and we will be happy to correct ourselves in a future episode.

What causes over 100 trees to fall mysteriously without a trace? Why do crimson waters cascade from an Antarctic glacier? Join us as we delve into the puzzling phenomena of Lake Quinault, Blood Falls, and beyond. From strange sounds in Oregon to ancient geoglyphs in Peru, this episode is filled with fascinating mysteries that challenge our understanding of our world.

Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier!

Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast

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If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd like us to include in a listener episode, send it to us at [email protected]  

Please take a moment to rate and review our show, and a big thanks if you already have!  

Episode Sources:

Heritage Daily, ABC News, NatGeo, Wikipedia, Live Science, Forbes, Weather, ABC News 2

**We do our own research and try our best to cross reference reliable sources to present the most accurate information we can. Please reach out to us if you believe we have mispresented any information during this episode and we will be happy to correct ourselves in a future episode.

Waipiʻo Valley on Hawaii’s Big Island is a place of beauty. However, mystery grows after the disappearance of experienced hiker Kyle Brittain, reminder that even in paradise, nature can be unforgiving.

Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier!

Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast

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If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd like us to include in a listener episode, send it to us at [email protected]  

Please take a moment to rate and review our show, and a big thanks if you already have!  

Episode Sources:
All Trails People YouTube Facebook MauiNow

**We do our own research and try our best to cross reference reliable sources to present the most accurate information we can. Please reach out to us if you believe we have mispresented any information during this episode and we will be happy to correct ourselves in a future episode.

Some locations seem to hold secrets just beneath the surface. Whether it's a remote mountain peak shrouded in mystery, a forest known for its odd occurrences, or an unassuming stretch of water with a deadly reputation, these places challenge our understanding of what's possible.


Support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier!

Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcast

Follow us on Facebook at Off the Trails Podcast

If you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd like us to include in a listener episode, send it to us at [email protected]  

Please take a moment to rate and review our show, and a big thanks if you already have!  

Episode Sources:
ilkley gazette Barstool Sports Atlas Obscura BBC All That's Interesting Adventure Treks Wikipedia

**We do our own research and try our best to cross reference reliable sources to present the most accurate information we can. Please reach out to us if you believe we have mispresented any information during this episode and we will be happy to correct ourselves in a future episode.