Bigfoot’s Stomping Grounds? A hike in Spring Creek Canyon

In recent years, Centre Day Hikers has carried out about half a dozen hikes in the heavily-visited recreation area known as Big Creek Canyon, very popular with hikers, joggers, bicyclists, anglers, and hunters. And your humble hike leader Leon has explored here countless times over the past six years.
But little did we know, if multiple incidents and a report from earlier this year are to be believed, that these woodlands and fields and hollows – within a stone’s throw of Beaver Stadium’s bleachers – may be a haven for that mysterious, hirsute primate that allegedly haunts the wilds of North America and the imaginations of North Americans: Bigfoot or Sasquatch.
According to a February 2025 report and investigation at the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, this past winter, a raccoon hunter out alone at night in the canyon witnessed a bipedal creature in the deep, dark woods, staring back at him in the spotlight, at a distance of about 40 yards. With a hairy face described as reminiscent of King Kong’s, the alleged Bigfoot was estimated to stand more than seven feet tall, sporting a build described as “massive” and “jacked.” “Take the biggest body builder you have known in your life, and double it,” said the witness.
The researcher who subsequently investigated this incident, interviewed the witness, and prepared a report, characterized the witness, a Penn State student, as “earnest and very credible.” A detailed account is provided. The investigator concludes:
“Since the event, the witness has had great difficulty in trying to sleep, stating that he sees the face of the creature when he tries to sleep. The witness stated that he had been chased by a mother black bear before and intentionally shot at when hunting by other hunters, but those situations do not compare with the fear he felt during his encounter. It is this researcher’s assessment that witness had definitive encounter with a bigfoot that night.” [emphasis added]
On this easy to moderate 3-mile hike, we do not expect to encounter a Bigfoot ourselves (most encounters are at dusk or at night), but in an overly tamed, technological, over-regulated and yet frightening world, we can hopefully appreciate the mystery, intrigue, and wonder – the enchantment, as it were – that still exist in our world and the wider universe.

P.S. It is small-game hunting season, so it is advisable to wear bright colors, since we will be in and on the edge of State Gamelands.