From abandoned trains to derelict cars, these findings are equal parts cryptic, alluring, and let’s not forget creepy. Here are some of those strange discoveries that will either fascinate you or leave you scratching your head and wondering “what on earth happened here?” Either way, they’re all worth scrolling through.
Now That's a Strange House
How would you feel if you went walking in the woods and happened to stumble upon this strange-looking house? Well, in the woods of Wisconsin, behind a fence, lies this sinister-looking structure with geometric patterns. At first glance, it looks like a magnificent work of craftsmanship, but why is it out here in the woods?
Looks like this house has been sitting idle for a while now and even if the door is open. As tempting as it might be to enter, we're not quite sure we'd go in. You never know what you might find in there, or even if it's safe to go inside.
When the Dishes Pile Up
Looks like someone forgot to do the dishes! Driving through the back roads of Pennsylvania, this guy came across a strange white mountain. When he came closer he realized that the mountain is actually a massive pile of ceramic dishes and teacups that have been left in the middle of the woods.
Where do they come from and why were they dumped here? Nobody knows, but it sure is a bizarre thing to find in the middle of the woods. Seems quite wasteful to dump so much out in nature. Sadly, people do this cause it's easier to sort out and sell.
Rainbow Bridge
Have you ever wanted to honor your pets that have passed on to the next life? Well, this tree serves as a memorial for all those loyal companions that crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Just look at the many good boys and girls who have had their collars tied around this tree.
It truly is heartwarming to see the sweet way some humans honor their furry friends who are no longer with them. They bring so much joy to our lives by just being in them, so be sure to cherish them, not only once they pass but also while they're still alive and well.
Maybe It's a Portal
Forests and woods are more than just scenic trees and sprawling meadows filled with butterflies, sometimes you stumble upon this strange-looking passageway like this one. From the looks of it, it's made out of tree branches and we think we know what you're thinking, cause we're thinking the same thing.
Clearly, this footpath is not just a wooded passage, it's a portal to another dimension! Or perhaps it could just be that someone with a lot of time on their hands managed to pull this off and create this incredible walkway using only branches and trees. Either way, it's pretty incredible!
A Little Homage
Deep in the forest surrounding Hundred Acre Wood lives a good-natured little bear you might know as Winnie the Pooh. Now many have gone searching for this little yellow-furred bear, but only a few can say they found his little den. Maybe if you're lucky enough, you will find it too!
We don't know where that is exactly but it must have been built by an avid fan to remember this honey-loving friend. We wonder if knocking on the door would mean Winnie the Pooh would come out with a jar of honey. Probably not, but we can dream, can't we?
Rainbow River
Most of the time, natural landscapes stick to a simple formula: green fields, blue oceans, that kind of thing. But sometimes, you'll go and explore your local forest and find that nature is also open to more artistic interpretations, like this milky lake surrounded by trees that looks like a melted rainbow.
Is there a place more otherworldly than the rainbow-colored lake? It's just about the most magical thing we've ever seen! We're even starting to wonder if this photo was taken on Earth or some other planet? Well, if you ever needed proof that mother nature is an artist, this psychedelic masterpiece is it!
A Precious Pendant
We've all lost something important. Whether it's a sentimental love letter or a trivial receipt that we thought we might need but didn't, a precious locket that was passed down as an heirloom — it happens. In some cases, the item is found by someone luckier than us and posted online.
Perhaps the rightful owner will see it online and claim, but more often than not, millions of other people will gawk at it and wonder if they'll ever find that special something that meant so much to them when they were younger. If that's you, then you better start looking!
Parking in the Woods
"You can't park there, sir!" is something we'd say if we ever pass by a car like this. But if you've ever tried finding parking while living in a city, then you'll know what a nightmare it is. But once you travel to the country you'll be amazed at all the free spaces everywhere.
Well, it seems that this guy didn't want to lose his spot, leaving his car for so long that it grew with the trees and hung on like some kind of ornament. Or maybe he just forgot where he parked it and when he found it years later, it was too late.
Wilding
This lucky guy and his friend went on a little hiking trip and while marveling at the gorgeous view, they stumbled upon the hiking shoe that Reese Witherspoon hurled over a cliff while filming the movie "Wild." Apparently, after filming, the crew went looking for the boot, but couldn't find it and noted it as "untraceable."
Now if that isn't an amazing find, we don't know what is! We've gone hiking quite a bit in our day and we've never found a prop from a movie, or at least we wouldn't know if we did. Maybe we should find out where movies are filmed so we can scout the area for lost props...
A Dragon's Hideout
If searching for dragons sounds like an appealing adventure, then there's a special place for you in this neck of the woods we'd like to call "Dragons' Den", which has no relation to the popular TV show. Instead, this rock's silhouette looks exactly like the fire-breathing monsters from our childhood stories.
Whoever came upon this one decided to add some teeth and eyes! If you ever happen to go hiking through the woods, you might come across this tranquil escape near a scenic woodland area that is also home to the ruins of this dragon head, be sure to take a pic.
Clover Forest in a Bottle
Ever wonder what happens when an empty glass bottle becomes home to a garden of three-leaf clovers? Welcome to the resilient power of mother nature. It's like a mini terrarium, but one that must have been found in Ireland. According to Irish folklore, the number three is considered very lucky.
And honestly, is there a better way to garner some luck? We don't think so! Most people resort to eating black-eyed peas and pomegranate seeds in the hopes of getting lucky, while others make sure to never walk over a crack on the sidewalk. Finding a jar full of clovers seems like one massive stroke of luck!
To the Phone Booth!
Long before modern technology like cameras on our smartphones and the internet was even a thing, there existed telephone booths. We imagine that anyone who came across a stranded telephone booth like this wondered how they could tell the world about their discovery when they knew nobody would believe them.
While there are many disadvantages to our modern era, we don't have to find one of these every time we had to make a phone call. Good thing we can now carry mobile phones that not only make it easy to make a call but can also take a photo if we ever discover one of these in the forest.
An Eerie Sighting
Is this a film set from a "Stranger Things" episode? Or maybe it's a weird elaborate prank? It almost looks like two photos have been manipulated and put together. All we know is that it must have felt rather eerie walking through these woods and seeing something you've never encountered before.
But like many of the strange discoveries on our list, there's a perfectly logical explanation for it. This woodland area is actually just a huge pond that gets dry for a certain period of the year. Someone just found themselves walking through it while on a trail in the woods.
Woodland Monster
Among the many trees, shrubs, and green undergrowth of this captivating forest, a scary woodland creature hides behind a tree. Clearly, he's not hiding very well as his fearsome appearance has scared many unassuming hikers and explorers who have stumbled upon him, you can rest assured, knowing he isn't real.
He resembles every kid's nightmare and if we were to come across him while walking through the forest, we'd probably faint at the very sight of him and we're not sure we could recover! Apparently, this creature can be found on a trail in Charapan, Mexico, so if you ever go trekking through the woods there, be careful!
When Lightning Strikes
This Ponderosa Pine tree had been struck by lightning, making this one of the best-timed photos in our list of strange discoveries. We're not sure we'd be ready to snap a pic if we saw a lightning strike nearby. It really must be an awe-inspiring and humbling experience to see this while trekking through a forest and seeing.
We've all seen horror movies, right? Now imagine this scene flashing on the screen at the beginning of a movie Not only would it be an amazing shot, but it would also set the scene for a spooky film we'd like to watch with our friends. Now, we just need to think of the plot for the rest of the movie...
Old Dog Tags
Who knew you had to look right under your nose to find rare items like these old dog tags hiding in the woods? Regardless of its condition, buried, corroded, or damaged, a dog tag has value to its owner or their loved ones. This is why you should always try to locate the owner if you find one.
Dog tags are usually fabricated from a corrosion-resistant metal. They commonly contain two copies of the information, either in the form of a single tag that can be broken in half or as two identical tags on the same chain. From the looks of it, this pair must be quite old as they're starting to rust and deteriorate.
Stairway to Nowhere
This sweeping staircase to nowhere was found in New Hampshire, and it looks like it could be the remains of Madame Sherri's Castle Ruins in Chesterfield. According to Atlasobscura.com, the castle fell prey to vandals and was destroyed by a fire in 1962, leaving behind only the foundations and a section of the staircase.
Locals have reported hearing and seeing strange things in the ruins, which only makes this even more eerie! Eventually, this site was taken over by the Chesterfield Conservation Commission, which added trails around the structure and renamed the forest after Madame Sherri. If you're keen to see this, the castle is near the entrance to the Madame Sherri Forest on GulfRoad.
Is that Excalibur?
Walking through the woods is like a local reminder that you don’t have to travel far to witness historical artifacts like this sword, found in Epping Forest, England. If we didn't know any better, we'd probably guess that this must be the legendary sword of King Arthur, Excalibur. Maybe you've heard of it?
Traditionally, the sword in the stone is the proof of Arthur's lineage and the sword given to him by a Lady of the Lake. While we can't say for sure if it is Excalibur, we do think that finding it means you can claim rights to the throne of England now.
Vibrant Mushrooms
We’ve seen a lot of weird mushrooms in our day, but these vibrant neon-like orange mushrooms really take the cake. Not only are they adorable but they look like they could resemble the home of some small little fairies and can serve as a reminder of how beautiful nature can be if we just let it do its magic.
As humans, we could really stand to learn a little humility, and what better way than by gawking at the marvels of the natural world? As tempting as it may be to pick mushrooms, it's better to sway on the side of caution as some are not only poisonous but just by touching them you can get a rash.
Crooked Trees
Just outside the city of Gryfino in Poland stands perhaps one of the world’s strangest tree formations. As you can see, every tree's trunk is awkwardly bent into a curvy C-shape while all facing to the north. There were many tales about how these trunks were formed. Some believe the entire forest was deliberately grown this way, while others think some natural phenomenon caused it.
The internet is peppered with theories about the unusual growth formation we see in this photo. One of those theories involves farmers who wanted the trees to grow like this because they wanted to create unique designs. Whatever the cause, the Crooked Forest is a unique and fascinating place to visit.
Moss Boots
We've seen a lot of weird shoes become trendy, from the stylish Dr. Martens boots to Loius Vuitton heels and the less-flattering-yet-rather-comfortable Uggs and Crocs. But somehow we've never come across shoes that are almost entirely encased in moss! Is this supposed to be a fashion statement or just a case of neglect?
These bad boys are probably the only naturally-mossed boots out there. While hiking boots are often durable, we wouldn't expect them to last long after nature has taken over. But maybe they can serve as inspiration for the next up-and-coming shoe designer that wants to make his mark in the world of fashion...
A Strange and Rare Occurrence
Sometimes it may seem like nature is having an identity crisis. Ususally, forests are brimming with wild and awe-inspiring creatures and plants, like a scurry of squirrels or a cluster of mushrooms but instead, at the edge of this forest there seems to be living a flock of wild toilets.
We can only imagine the people who came across this strange sight must have been scratching their heads and wondering how on earth the toilets got there, and WHY?! Could it be that some crazy artist had a bright idea to set up an exhibition of toilets to shock everyone passing by?
The Toe Memorial
What you see pictured here are the remains of the Toe monument in the Cobham Woods of Kent. While many monuments and memorials are well-known, this one seems like the oft-forgotten stepchild. We don't know much about the circumstances that led to this memorial site but one story claims a man injured his toe at this site.
Apparently, it was the 5th Earl of Darnley who was walking in the grounds of his home, Cobham Hall. Encountering his foresters chopping wood, he insisted on taking an axe to demonstrate his own skill. He severed his toe and died four days later of lockjaw. He was only 40 when he died and it was his wife who set up the monument.
Tree-bute
In the middle of a modest forest, there stands this touching memorial for a dearly departed tree that was once stood in this very spot. Whether you have nurtured a sapling from its earliest days or recently formed a bond with a mature tree, there is something about trees that leaves an indelible impression.
While they grace our lives with their presence, we hold them dear, and when they depart, we keenly feel their absence. Trees beautify our environment and improve our mental health while giving us oxygen to breathe. So with everything that trees do for us, it's no wonder that someone made this tribute to show their appreciation.
Magic Mushroom?
Tucked away in the woods of Pennsylvania, someone stumbled upon this striking mushroom with an intense purple color. This thistle purple mushroom kind of looks like something you’d find in Alice's Magical Wonderland. The violet mushroom can be found amongst the leaves of coniferous and deciduous woodland during late summer and autumn.
Unfortunately, eating this type of mushroom will not alter your physical stature and might even be poisonous! Mushrooms of all kinds have become incredibly popular, so caution should definitely be taken when spotting these. Differentiating between edible and poisonous mushrooms can be challenging, as some toxic varieties closely resemble safe ones.
Yikes
What in the weird woods is going on here? Just the outline of this tree is enough to inspire the heebie-jeebies in us: a half-dead tree looming over in the middle of a hazy forest, never mind the sticks and stones that have been placed there to resemble a skeletal face.
Why turn to horror films to scare yourself silly when you can just take a walk in the woods and find something as ominous as this? We don't know about you guys, but if we found this while hiking in the forest, we'd probably run as fast as we could to get away.
Lincoln Log
In some places, coins are tossed into fountains by people hoping for a wish. But in other parts of the world, coins are pressed into trees for the very same reason. These wish trees have become increasingly popular with daytrippers pressing coins into trunks as offerings before making a wish.
You don't see them often but these kinds of “wishing trees” are a strange blend of nature and manufactured metal. They represent a tradition that dates back hundreds of years ago when people felt that making an offering would help cure an illness. Why not plant a flower or a tree instead!?
A Bottle Full of Moss
In this treasure trove of strange discoveries, someone was walking in the woods when they found this, a bottle. But this bottle isn't just any ordinary bottle, it's a bottle full of moss. This glass bottle is basically a miniature masterpiece of biology that fuses leaves with moss and dirt.
We can't help but marvel at the artistry behind this tiny terrarium. How had it come to rest here, nestled among nature? Perhaps it was the result of a whimsical creation by a fellow nature enthusiast or an accidental gift from the winds that carried it to this secluded spot.
Little Trees
Even if you're one of those people who have seen it all, we think you'll appreciate this striking visual. While these trees look nothing like Truffula trees, these strange growing roots kind of look like something we'd see in a Dr. Seuss book about an enchanted forest! But what are they exactly?
While the growth exhibited in this neck of the woods is strange we weren't sure if this photo was real or not. Well, turns out it is! Apparently, this is rough-stalked Feather-moss and due to their specific needs, they can be found growing up tree saplings in a damp woodland area.
Grandmother Willow!
If you've seen the delightful Disney movie "Pocahontas," (and who hasn't!?) then you'll remember Grandmother Willow, the sentient weeping willow tree who served as a kind of mentor and guide to Pocahontas. In the movie, she was depicted as being an ancient and wise figure, making this tree all the more special!
Although we must say, this version of Grandmother Willow looks a little bit scary... Like if there was an alternative version of the film that was geared toward more mature audiences who were looking for a more thrilling movie. With branches that big, we certainly wouldn't want to get on her bad side.
Beware of the Zombies
If you’re undeterred by creepy signs like this, then you’re in luck! Here's one that would make most people run for the hills, but not everyone is going to let a sign like this stop them from exploring the woods, right? No siree, we're here to make the most of our trek...
Nothing says outdoor fun like running for your life! Signs are there for a reason, so if you do decide to wander beyond this warning sign, bear in mind that there are many threats you need to watch out for, these could include both natural-occurring obstacles and those unearthly characters that look like zombies...
The Mask
Beyond the trails and hieks, there’s so much to explore if you're into foraging. Due to the merciless unpredictability of nature when combined with people and their knack for losing possessions, it’s advised that you keep a camera with you at all times so you can take photos of memorable sights.
Whether you believe them or not, there are many legends out there about forests and the weird discoveries found in them. And even if there isn't a specific story attached to this mask, just the sight of it is still creepy enough that might want to take a photo to show your friends.
How Did That Get There?!
Picture this, you're walking through a forest, then suddenly, BUMP! You walk into a bumper car and wonder if you're having that strange dream again... While many of these can be found in funfairs and amusement parks, you've just stumbled upon an abandoned bumper car that's been left in the forest.
You know what they say, "One man's pesky bumper car, is another man's treasure!" But how did it get there, you may ask? We actually don't know, but we do know that the world is a mystical and strange place, and apparently, crazy sightings like this happen all the time.
All Over the Fireplace
Going on adventures in the woods is no joke. A trail might seem simple and straightforward, but wondering in unfamiliar territory can lead you to the most random and unexpected discoveries. Clearly, the rest of the house that was standing here has long since burned down and been swallowed by the forest.
Only this fireplace was left to be discovered by this traveler and her sweet kitty. From the looks of it, this fireplace has been repurposed as an outdoor grill. There's even firewood inside which means someone must have used it in the not-so-recent past. Would you want to use it though?
An Ironic Headstone
For some nature enthusiasts, the beauty of the great outdoors is not enough, they want to discover more than just plants and animals. So if that's you, the best way would be to just get out there and explore. Take a break from the familiar streets of the city, and venture into unknown places.
If you're lucky, your adventure could result in you stumbling upon overgrown cemeteries, like this one, where you might find remains of the only headstone that's still standing. On this one, we can still manage to read "But not forgotten." Sadly though, this cemetery has been forgotten in this forested site.
Oh Boy!
You thought you knew what a weird discovery was before this list, but have you made your way down to Tennessee? When someone makes an "odd discovery", it's usually a strange headstone or a tribute to a tree but tucked away in this neck of the woods, someone came across this massive missile.
As far as forests and expansive woodlands in America go, you probably wouldn't expect to find a missile like this when exploring nature! If you ever happen to encounter a weapon this size while walking, you should consider yourself lucky, cause most sites and museums charge a hefty entrance fee!
Clootie Wells
What you see here is a clootie well that was found on the Black Isle of Scotland. Clootie wells are a part of healing rituals, according to Celtic tradition. Strips of cloth or rags have been tied to the branches of the trees nearby a well or spring, as part of a healing ritual.
While it is a rather weird remnant of an ancient tradition, these can still be found today as many people still believe that leaving an offering will help them or their loved ones in some way. The most popular times for pilgrimages to clootie wells are on the old Gaelic festival days.
Lost Change
Since the dawn of time, we've struggled with one consistent problem: losing and misplacing important items that we're bound to look for later on. Like this pair of jeans that also contained a few dollar bills. In total, this guy found $43! So who dared to say that hiking isn't rewarding?
Not only did this guy get to spend time in the great outdoors, but he also managed to score some cash. Now that we think of it, we're also missing a shirt from a few years back, where could it be? I know I have to look for it, otherwise, it will bother me until I do!
Aquafina
After hiking on a swelting hot summer's day, this guy stumbled on this oasis, or is it just a cruel mirage? Well, it's not exactly an oasis that offers fresh water. It's a vending machine for Aquafina bottled water that requires an exact amount of change. Oh, and some electricity.
Finding this in the middle of the woods doesn't make a lot of sense, but then again, neither do a lot of these discoveries. I mean, it's exactly easy to transport it here and somehow it still looks like it's in good condition and ready for use. Just hope you have enough change.
Big Plans
As it would appear in the photo, the shenanigans continue. If we didn't know any better, we'd say someone had big plans to bike across the globe — they even attached their own manual GPS system to their bicycle! If that was the case, it seems that they soon got lost and must've given up only to leave their bicycle.
And they forgot their map of the earth, behind! Whoever it was, they probably wouldn't have gone too far anyhow, with a globe at the back, there wouldn't be enough space for their luggage and other essential items like food, clothes, and toiletries. Nowadays, they could easily have traveled like this with the help of their smartphone.
The Beginnings of Terminator
The biggest problems AI has given us mostly involve annoying virtual assistants and disappointing answers that we could've gotten from Google. Now, this photo shows us that soon, robots could pose a real threat. Innovation in new technology can be unsettling, especially when someone finds a sleeping robot like this.
Humanity has had to struggle with implementing new technology since we picked up a stick and decided to hit things with it. But we can't fight the current and somehow, we can only hope that this strange discovery of a robot is not another harbinger of our impending technological doom,
More Moss Please!
We all know that England is plagued with foggy weather, but we didn't know that the air is so dense with water vapour that even the trees are covered in moss! Unlike most plants, moss doesn't make flowers or seeds but instead reproduces with single-celled spores that need moisture to grow.
These moss-covered trees were once part of the ancient Dartmoor Forest, and now they are found in the foggy Bellever Woods of Devon in England. Their interesting appearance sure makes for a fantastic photo, it almost looks like a scene we'd expect to see in "The Lord of the Rings".
An Abandoned Chopper
Among its towering trees and leafy ground, this forest also boasts an abandoned helicopter that must have landed here long before the trees grew. There’s a certain kinship that many people share for abandoned items. It’s always strangely intriguing, like an unsolved mystery and we can't help but wonder how on earth this helicopter got here!
Alas, just like all the helicopters that have been found abandoned in the strangest conditions and locations, the best part is trying to figure out why they were abandoned and, in some cases, how on earth they got where they got! They aren't exactly cheap to come by, so why would someone just abandon them like this?
Spooky Island
Aside from all the trees on this uninhabited island here, the focus is clearly on this old crematorium. While it seems really creepy, if not downright scary, it does make a little sense. Back in the day, uninhabited islands were often used to quarantine people with certain illnesses, in particular, leprosy.
So while it makes a little bit more sense, it doesn't stop it from being incredibly spooky. Fortunately, we've come a long way since then, with hospitals and modern medicine making our lives much easier, and getting sick doesn't mean getting sent away as an outcast to a deserted island.
Carrots Galore
While these aren't exactly dangling carrots, they sure are strangely discarded in a large pile like this. Maybe it's Bugs Bunny's secret stash or it could be a lure to attract animals like deer. We're not sure, but all we know is we love carrots as a snack-tastic vegetable. Even the Beagle likes them!
But you might want to be careful if find a big pile of carrots like this, it could be intended for someone else, or it could be bait for deer. If that's the case, you certainly wouldn't want to be caught in the crosshairs between a hunter and his prey.
Branch Manager
Regular homes are great and all—but in comparison, treehouses will always come out on top. We may not reside in treehouses full-time, but when we do we have a whale of a time. This secluded treehouse looks so peaceful, we can't help but think of our memories from childhood when "room service" was your mom bringing you some cookies.
We might not be able to go back in time, but at the very least, this could inspire you to step outside in your own backyard and begin building your own treehouse. Otherwise, you can go for rustic nostalgia, or rent a high-up home with ridiculous levels of amenities and style.
Oh, Dear!
If you aren't familiar with the term "car find," it's basically when someone discovers a car that's been abandoned and now still stands hidden away in some secluded area of the woods. The bright red vehicle was forgotten until some lucky fellow staggers upon it like some rare historical relic.
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like this one was left abandoned by accident, but rather that it crashed and could not carry on. Whoever left it here must have reasoned that it's better to leave it for now than struggle to get it back and then pay an arm and a leg to have it repaired.
A True Greenhouse
Everyone loves eerie abandoned items; from run-down train stations to dilapidated buildings that are as beautiful as they are creepy. There's something extra unsettling about this greenhouse, all the glass has been cleared from the windows and nature has run its course. It's quite amazing to see how quickly these plants and trees have taken over.
Seriously, we can't help but wonder what happened here that compelled someone to leave an otherwise decent-condition greenhouse in the middle of nowhere. This almost looks like a scene straight out of a Hayao Miyazaki movie, which now reminds me of the animated fantasy movie "Totoro" set in the Japanese countryside.
Train Wreck
What's cooler than an abandoned train that you found in a forest? One that's covered in colorful graffiti, like this one found in New Hope Park in Pennsylvania. As gloomy as it can be, there's something so captivating about an old, abandoned train. Turns out the first train built for these tracks were first run in 1891.
The station went bankrupt for a few years but has since revamped its line and reinvested in more trains. Today, the railroad operates both steam and diesel-powered locomotives. Which so much history on these abandoned trains, they could possibly be haunted, which is another reason why we find them endlessly fascinating.
Bambi?
Wandering through the forest during spring is bound to conjure up images of fawns sleeping nearby crystal-clear waters in a lush valley while butterflies rest and a harpist plays a few songs in the background. But in real life, that barely happens, which is what makes this discovery so incredible.
Even if you're a seasoned hiker and spend your weekends exploring the woods nearby, you'll still know how precious it is to find a sleeping fawn. Mothers usually leave them in a safe place while they look for food and come back a little later, so if you find one, don't disturb it, the mother should return shortly.
Creepy
For some explorers, the beauty of the great outdoors is not enough. No, there has to be an element of danger and abandoned houses are, by all scientific metrics, very spooky. If the word could be summed up in one picture, it would be this image that was taken in the woods, and the cloudy background certainly doesn't help!
Nothing makes you appreciate life more than knowing that one wrong step might mean you encounter an unexplainable and scary presence. All we need now is a creepy soundtrack and this could be a scary trailer for another one of those controversial horror flicks that fans love to argue about.