This Haunted Forest In Southern California Will Give You The Chills

Did you know that there's a haunted forest in Southern California? Hiding in Altadena in Los Angeles, not far from Pasadena, you'll find a spooky stretch of land in the Angeles National Forest that has earned its reputation for being one of the most haunted destinations in SoCal. With abandoned ruins and reports of all kinds of spooky activity, this is a must-visit around Halloween. Let's take a closer look at the haunted forest near Pasadena.

This is a SoCal destination that's known by many names: Haunted Forest, Enchanted Forest, Los Flores Canyon and Cobb Estate. We'll be referring to it by the latter name throughout this article.

The towering gate that marks the entrance to the Cobb Estate looks like something right out of a scary movie. Although this shot is from a daytime hike, just imagine how menacing it looks after dark.

In the early 1900s this area of land was originally owned by Charles Cobb, who made his mark as a lumber magnate and built a sprawling mansion for his family. After his death, this land changed hands many times before the mansion and the land fell into disrepair; the mansion was eventually demolished in 1959. Finally, in 1967, the land was deeded to the United States Forest Service as a free growth arboretum.

Today, this short brick wall and the original steps that led to the estate are the only remains of the sprawling Cobb Manor. You'll pass this spot shortly after you pass through the gate.

So now that you know a brief history about this spot, why do they say this forest is haunted?

There are widespread claims of hearing loud screams and unexplained laughter coming from this forest late at night, leading some to believe this is a witches' forest in Los Angeles. Other folks have reported seeing strange lights moving up and down the hill deep inside the forest when there was no one else around. Still other claims include sensations of being touched and also being watched.

Whether or not you believe in ghost stories, that's enough to make your skin crawl. Are you brave enough to step inside this forbidding forest? Especially after dark?

To get to the Cobb Estate, head to Lake Avenue and East Loma Alta Drive in Altadena. Street parking is free, but make sure to pay attention to the signage as there are parking restrictions along the street. If you choose to go at night, make sure to bring a flashlight as this is a very dark and dangerous trail that is challenging to navigate if you can't see where you are going. Be very careful taking this forest trail. And make sure not to go alone as this haunted forest in California is best experienced with a group. For a closer look, take the virtual tour:

Learn more about the other trails near the Cobb Estate. Have you ever been up to the Cobb Estate? Did you hear any eerie sounds or see any ghostly sightings that gave you a fright? If you love the spooky side of SoCal, try this other haunted hike in Southern California.