Otherworld Podcast Episode Summary: "Dismal Falls" from Spooked

Introduction

In the "Dismal Falls" episode of Spooked, featured on the Otherworld podcast and hosted by Jack Wagner, listeners are taken on a chilling journey through the Appalachian wilderness. This episode delves into a true paranormal encounter experienced by Chuck, a seasoned outdoorsman, as he confronts the mysterious forces lurking around Dismal Falls. Jack Wagner sets the stage by highlighting his personal connection to the storytelling podcast Spooked, hosted by Glenn Washington, and underscores the immersive nature of the episode with original music and sound design that transport listeners beyond the veil of the ordinary.

Chuck’s Background and Setting [08:18]

Chuck introduces himself as someone deeply entrenched in the wilderness, both professionally and personally. With over fifteen years of experience in the woods, including backpacking tours and wilderness therapy, Chuck narrates the events of a summer in 2015 at an old Christian summer camp in Transylvania County, known for its abundance of waterfalls.

Chuck: "I've been hanging out in the woods since I was really young. Kind of been out there ever since, between backpacking tours and wilderness therapy." [08:18]

Initial Strange Occurrences [10:05]

At the camp, Chuck observes unusual behavior among the animals. The horses, used in therapy for both children and rehabilitated from abusive homes, consistently have tangled manes and tails despite daily grooming. Additionally, a mini donkey named Stanley frequently makes unsettling noises at night near the stables.

Chuck: "I really didn't think a lot of it, but I remembered my great grandma would say it meant there was a witch on your farm." [10:45]

These anomalies prompt Chuck to recall his great-grandmother's tales of witches causing chaos, planting the seed of supernatural possibilities in his mind.

Journey to Dismal Falls [12:30]

Driven by curiosity and fascination with the picturesque yet foreboding Dismal Falls, Chuck decides to visit the waterfall. Armed with a map from Jim Bob Tinsley's Land of Waterfalls (1988), he embarks on a challenging hike through dense rhododendron thickets and steep, slippery trails.

Chuck: "It was almost like a tunnel made out of rhododendron and mountain laurels that are so low to the ground that they're almost over your head." [14:10]

Despite encountering a massive boulder and an unclear trail split, Chuck presses on toward the waterfall, only to be overcome by an eerie sensation of being watched, accompanied by a physical reaction—a nosebleed.

Chuck: "I just felt like I was being watched. My hair stood up on the back of my neck, and weirdly enough, my nose actually started bleeding right then too." [15:05]

The First Encounter [16:00]

Upon reaching the base of Dismal Falls, Chuck settles to rest and hydrate. As he enjoys the serene environment, the unsettling feeling resurfaces. He witnesses an apparition of an elderly woman clad in a dark cloak atop the cascading water.

Chuck: "I saw her plain as day. She had kind of curly gray hair bowed down to her shoulders and was wearing a black cloak." [16:30]

The woman swiftly disappears into the rhododendron bushes, leaving Chuck bewildered yet intrigued.

Return Journey and Deeper Encounters [22:09]

Compelled by a mix of fear and determination, Chuck decides to investigate further. His ascent back up the slickrock trail is fraught with anxiety, culminating in another supernatural encounter. He hears a clear voice warning him to leave and then nearly collides with the spectral woman, who now stands directly in his path.

Chuck: "Her eyes were so light blue that they were almost white. It scared me to death." [22:45]

In a moment of sheer terror, Chuck flees, only to encounter a bobcat with unnervingly human-like eyes blocking his trail. Recognizing the presence of the same mysterious entity, Chuck confronts the creature, pleading for his freedom.

Chuck: "I was talking to her. I was like, look, you get a beautiful mountain here. I will never go back to your waterfall. Please let me go." [25:10]

Miraculously, the bobcat obeys, vanishing without harm, leaving Chuck to process the profound encounter.

Reflections and Conclusions [30:24]

Chuck reflects on the experience, expressing a newfound humility despite his extensive wilderness experience. He contemplates the possibility that the woman was a guardian of the woods, assessing his character and intentions.

Chuck: "I think she was making her presence known more than anything else. She was letting me know that she was there." [29:50]

This encounter serves as a humbling reminder of the unseen forces that may govern the natural world, urging respect and caution for those who traverse its depths.

Conclusion

"Dismal Falls" is a captivating exploration of the intersection between human perseverance and the enigmatic forces of nature. Through Chuck's firsthand account, Spooked invites listeners to question the boundaries of reality and the mysteries that lie beyond. Jack Wagner's introduction and the seamless integration of Glenn Washington's narration enrich the storytelling, offering a deeply immersive and thought-provoking experience for those intrigued by the paranormal.

Notable Quotes

• Chuck on Initial Skepticism:
  "At the time, I really didn't think a lot of it... I was like, well, maybe Ms. Ann did it." [09:20]

• Describing the Apparition:
  "She had kind of curly gray hair bowed down to her shoulders and was wearing a black cloak." [16:30]

• Expressing Fear and Humility:
  "It scared me to death. We stared each other for a second. Felt like an eternity." [22:50]

• Final Reflection:
  "An experience like that, it humbles you a lot. I felt truly helpless." [29:00]

Final Thoughts

For those fascinated by true paranormal stories and the unexplained, "Dismal Falls" offers a gripping narrative that challenges perceptions and embraces the mysteries of the wilderness. Otherworld successfully curates such compelling tales, encouraging listeners to explore the unknown with an open mind.