National Park After Dark: Episode 317 - Trail Tales 75
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 317 of National Park After Dark, titled Trail Tales 75, hosts Danielle and Cassie delve into a collection of gripping and spine-chilling stories submitted by their listeners. This installment continues their exploration of the darker side of America's national parks, weaving together tales of supernatural encounters, wildlife encounters, and personal adventures that highlight both the beauty and peril of the wilderness.
1. Ghost: A Disciplinary Technique
Submitted by: Danielle
Timestamp: [00:44]
Danielle shares a haunting childhood memory tied to her family's love for history and the supernatural. Traveling to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, her family immersed themselves in ghost tours, which left a lasting impression on her young mind.
"With every turn, I swore I saw or felt something. I was terrified."
— Danielle [00:50]
She recounts a particularly eerie experience at the Jenny Wade House, where the story of the Blue Boy ghost culminates in a terrifying encounter that enforced a lifetime of cautious behavior in haunted places. Danielle reflects on how these supernatural disciplinary techniques, whether real or imagined, have shaped her approach to exploring national parks.
2. Touched by a Ghost
Submitted by: Maddie
Timestamp: [03:59]
Maddie narrates a personal ghostly encounter from her childhood in upstate New York. On her first night alone in a newly decorated bedroom, she experiences a chilling visitation from an old woman in a rocking chair. The presence of the ghost, combined with local legends of the Esperance Witch, intensifies the haunting experience.
"I knew she had been there. I knew she was real."
— Maddie [08:15]
This dual encounter with her mother reveals a family connection to the haunting, deepening the mystery and emotional impact of the story. Maddie concludes by emphasizing the blend of personal history and local lore, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of the supernatural's touch on everyday life.
3. Day of the Grizzlies
Submitted by: Kelsey
Timestamp: [12:52]
Kelsey describes her solo backpacking trip in Glacier National Park, Montana, where she confronted both the beauty and danger of bear territory. While the trip was visually stunning, culminating in an unexpected encounter with a grizzly bear, Kelsey’s experience took a perilous turn when she found herself face-to-face with the powerful animal.
"I was paralyzed. It wasn't sleep paralysis. I was awake, fully aware, and too terrified to scream or move."
— Kelsey [18:15]
Her quick thinking and knowledge of bear safety protocols allowed her to de-escalate the situation without harm to herself or the bear. The story highlights the importance of preparedness and respect for wildlife when navigating national parks.
4. An Urn and Some Raccoons
Submitted by: Lindsay
Timestamp: [22:17]
Ranger Lindsay shares an unusual and poignant encounter during her first season as an interpretive ranger in a Colorado state park. She discovers an unattended urn filled with ashes placed conspicuously in the middle of a trail. Her attempt to secure the urn leads to an unexpected twist when raccoons disturb the ashes, raising questions about the intentions behind the urn's placement.
"I love telling the story as urns are not a common thing to find on the trail."
— Lindsay [25:49]
The story underscores the delicate balance between honoring loved ones and respecting natural spaces, leaving listeners to ponder the implications of such personal memorials in public wilderness areas.
5. How I Accidentally Traumatized My Two and a Half Year Old
Submitted by: Haley
Timestamp: [31:40]
Haley recounts a domestic yet emotionally charged incident where she unintentionally traumatized her young son, Odin, while trying to educate him about environmental conservation. Attempting to explain the devastation of coral reefs through a documentary, Haley's well-meaning efforts led to her son's distress over the plight of "fishies."
"I hear Odin say again. And of course, now it's bath time as he's playing with his fishing boat in the tub."
— Danielle [35:24]
The story highlights the challenges parents face in conveying complex and often distressing environmental issues to young children, emphasizing the need for age-appropriate communication.
6. I Bear Sprayed My 3-Year-Old on the 4th of July
Submitted by: Taylor
Timestamp: [40:48]
Taylor shares a harrowing experience from a family hike where an accidental discharge of bear spray resulted in their 3-year-old son, Jude, being sprayed. The incident underscores the importance of proper equipment handling and the unintended consequences that can arise even in moments of crisis.
"His light-colored clothes turned orange. We ripped the water from my bag and started dumping it all over his face and body as he screamed."
— Cassie [44:30]
Despite the initial panic and fear, both Taylor and Jude recover from the mishap, but the story serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictable nature of outdoor adventures and the necessity of vigilance.
Conclusion
Episode 317 of National Park After Dark offers a tapestry of personal narratives that illuminate the multifaceted experiences within America's national parks. From ghostly apparitions and wildlife encounters to unexpected personal challenges, Danielle and Cassie provide listeners with vivid accounts that blend suspense, emotion, and the inherent unpredictability of exploring the wild. This episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on preparedness, respect for nature, and the profound connections between individuals and the landscapes they cherish.
Enjoy the view, but stay aware of what lies beneath.
Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisement segments, listener introductions, and standard podcast closing remarks to focus solely on the core content of the episode.