If you’re on a quest to encounter Bigfoot, America is the place to be! From deep forest trails to small-town festivals celebrating Sasquatch, Bigfoot sightings have captured imaginations across the country for decades. Thanks to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO), we have a list of the top U.S. states where Bigfoot has been spotted the most, along with some of the most exciting Bigfoot festivals you won’t want to miss!
Pack your gear, bring your curiosity, and let’s dive into Bigfoot’s stomping grounds, festival celebrations, and the fascinating history of sightings across the U.S.!
Top U.S. States for Bigfoot Sightings
These states have the highest number of reported Bigfoot sightings, from remote wilderness areas to local hotspots where the mysterious creature has been spotted more than a few times!
- Washington
- Total Sightings: 708
- Hotspots: The Cascade Mountains, especially around Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and the Olympic Peninsula.
- California
- Total Sightings: 461
- Hotspots: Northern California, particularly in Humboldt County and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
- Florida
- Total Sightings: 339
- Hotspots: The Everglades and Ocala National Forest, home of Florida’s Skunk Ape.
- Ohio
- Total Sightings: 318
- Hotspots: Salt Fork State Park, the Appalachian foothills, and Southeastern Ohio.
- Illinois
- Total Sightings: 301
- Hotspots: Shawnee National Forest and the woodlands of southern Illinois.
- Oregon
- Total Sightings: 257
- Hotspots: Mt. Hood National Forest and the dense forests of the Cascade Range.
- Texas
- Total Sightings: 253
- Hotspots: Sam Houston National Forest and the pine forests of East Texas.
- Michigan
- Total Sightings: 225
- Hotspots: The Upper Peninsula and Manistee National Forest.
- Missouri
- Total Sightings: 147
- Hotspots: Mark Twain National Forest and the rugged Ozark Mountains.
- Georgia
- Total Sightings: 146
- Hotspots: The Appalachian Mountains and North Georgia’s sprawling forests.
First Bigfoot Sightings in North America
The first widely recorded Bigfoot sighting in North America dates back to 1811 near Jasper, Alberta, Canada. British explorer David Thompson found large, human-like footprints in the snow, sparking interest and curiosity that laid the foundation for Bigfoot legend. Native American tribes had already passed down stories of hairy forest creatures, but Thompson’s discovery made waves in the broader public imagination.
In the United States, Bigfoot hit the spotlight in 1958 near Willow Creek, California, when large footprints were found at a construction site. This incident, paired with the iconic Patterson-Gimlin film from 1967 (captured in Bluff Creek, California), launched Bigfoot into American pop culture and solidified its legend across the globe.
States with Bigfoot Festivals
Many states host Bigfoot-themed festivals, attracting enthusiasts from around the country to celebrate sightings, hear expert speakers, and even join Bigfoot expeditions. Here are some of the biggest and most thrilling Bigfoot festivals:
- Washington
- Festival: Sasquatch Days Festival
- Location: Bingen, Washington
- Established: 2016
- Highlights: Outdoor activities, guest speakers, Bigfoot-themed competitions, and family-friendly fun.
- Oregon
- Festival: Oregon Bigfoot Festival
- Location: Troutdale, Oregon
- Established: 2016
- Highlights: Vendors, educational exhibits, and cryptozoologists sharing the latest Bigfoot findings.
- Ohio
- Festival: Ohio Bigfoot Conference
- Location: Salt Fork State Park, Lore City, Ohio
- Established: 1989
- Highlights: One of the largest and longest-running Bigfoot conferences with lectures, exhibits, and Bigfoot hikes.
- Georgia
- Festival: Georgia Bigfoot Conference
- Location: Clayton, Georgia
- Established: 2017
- Highlights: Set in the scenic North Georgia mountains, with expert speakers and forest expeditions.
- California
- Festival: Bigfoot Daze
- Location: Willow Creek, California
- Established: 1960s
- Highlights: Bigfoot “capital” celebration with parades, Bigfoot-themed events, and community activities.
- Oklahoma
- Festival: Honobia Bigfoot Festival & Conference
- Location: Honobia, Oklahoma
- Established: 2005
- Highlights: Educational seminars, guided Bigfoot hunts, and Native American insights into Bigfoot lore.
- Tennessee
- Festival: Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference
- Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Established: 2019
- Highlights: Expert speakers, local vendors, and Bigfoot expeditions into the Smoky Mountains.
- South Carolina
- Festival: South Carolina Bigfoot Festival
- Location: Westminster, South Carolina
- Established: 2021
- Highlights: Family-friendly activities, expert talks, and guided Bigfoot explorations in the Appalachians.
- Virginia
- Festival: Virginia Bigfoot Con
- Location: Staunton, Virginia
- Established: 2020
- Highlights: Bigfoot researchers, exhibitors, and expeditions through Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
- Florida
- Festival: The Great Florida Bigfoot Conference
- Location: Ocala, Florida
- Established: 2021
- Highlights: Festival attendees can hear from Bigfoot researchers, investigators, and authors, share their own experiences, and engage in discussions about the search for Sasquatch.
In Summary
From the misty forests of Washington to the sunny woods of Florida, Bigfoot sightings remain one of the most exciting mysteries in America. Whether you’re hoping for a glimpse of Sasquatch himself or just love the thrill of the unknown, exploring these top states for Bigfoot sightings is sure to be an adventure. And if you’re in the mood to celebrate Bigfoot with fellow fans, head to one of the amazing festivals across the country to share stories, learn from experts, and dive into the rich lore surrounding this elusive creature.
Happy hunting, and who knows—Bigfoot just might be closer than you think!
