The Haunted Parallel Forest in Oklahoma Is Not for the Faint of Heart

Many of us have visited the Wichita Mountains to see the picturesque scenery, waterfalls, rugged terrain, and diverse wildlife. But there's one place most visitors don't know exists - the ‘haunted’ Parallel Forest in Oklahoma. With over 20,000 red cedars planted exactly six feet apart, you can only imagine how odd this looks to the average person. I can see why this creepy forest near Lawton has so many mysterious stories of hauntings, urban legends, satanic rituals, and everything else that can scare the living daylights out of you (and me, too).

Take the journey to this haunted forest and see what encounters you stumble upon in this misfit piece of land in nature. This eerie natural wonder could easily be one of the most unusual places in Oklahoma. 

What Is the Parallel Forest in Oklahoma?

What began as a government experiment to fix the Dust Bowl, desert-like conditions caused by a dust storm in the Great Plains region, has turned into a destination known for its haunted rumors, local legend, and lore. In 1912, the Parallel Forest was created in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Oklahoma. Thousands of eastern red cedar trees were oddly planted exactly six feet apart across 16 acres of land. The government intended for the trees to grow upwards, which is where the word "parallel" in the name came from.

Now, we all know that trees don't grow in symmetry like this in nature, so of course, this government experiment piqued our interest. Today, many folks visit the forest to hike, take photographs, or investigate the mysteries of this place for themselves. You can find the forest along Oklahoma State Route 115 in the Wichita Mountains. Simply look for the little cement pad and line of cedars along the side of the road. The Parallel Forest Trail is an easy one-mile out-and-back trek through the forest. It's kid and dog-friendly, so bring them along for this adventure in the Wichita Mountains.

What It’s Like to Walk Through the Forest

The forest looks creepy without even trying; the symmetry creates an almost optical illusion when you gaze at the trees for a while. Once you enter the forest, no matter which direction you look, you'll see a tree exactly six feet from the next. It will almost feel like a maze, and you could get confused while walking through the spooky forest. The sunlight is blocked by the canopy of the trees, so the eerie feeling is even more exaggerated by the gloomy atmosphere.

Perhaps one of the most peculiar sites is located near the creek in the forest. Here, you can find a large, man-made rock circle, which has connections to an old site built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). However, it is rumored to be a satanic altar. I don’t know much about altars or witchcraft, but this labyrinth does give me the chills, and past visitors made claims of getting weird vibes when they stand near it. You can check it out at your own risk (if you dare), while on this creepy Oklahoma hike.

Beyond the trees and the eerie rock circle, hikers have reported seeing ghosts with no heads, weird noises, orbs in photographs, feelings of being touched, and many more paranormal experiences. It's easy to see why people would think this place is haunted, although these rumors have remained unproven. If you're anything like me, you're curious to find out more about this unique forest.

What to Know Before You Visit

The good news is, the forest is more than its creepy reputation. The area is quite beautiful all year long, but especially pretty in the autumn season. There are cool rock formations, flowing streams, and the grid-like forest stands out against the otherwise natural rugged terrain. If you get lucky, you can even glimpse longhorn cattle, deer, or Rocky Mountain elk in the area. Remember, this is a wilderness park, so be sure to observe the wildlife from a distance. If you're here for nature photography, the best time to visit is during daylight.

The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset, and there is no entrance fee. There is a small, gravel parking area that gives you easy access to the trail. If you're here in the summer, bring lots of water with you. And it wouldn't be a bad idea to have an offline map, just in case you need it. Whether you go just to see this historical piece of land or are looking for a supernatural encounter, just remember to keep your bearings, as it's easy to get lost in this "haunted" forest in Oklahoma.

While you're in Lawton, soak up more views of the mountains on this scenic drive to Mount Scott. And if you enjoyed reading about the haunted Parallel Forest, take a look at this haunted Oklahoma road, if you're brave enough, that is.