There’s something uniquely American about every state having its own legendary creature. Beyond highways and landmarks, these cryptids carved a place in local folklore and the national imagination, becoming larger-than-life figures said to roam the land. From the forests of the Pacific Northwest to the swamps of the South, they linger in tales, blurry photos, and eerie encounters. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these 20 cryptids remain some of the most famous in America.
#1: Bigfoot (Pacific Northwest)
The king of American cryptids, Bigfoot is described as a towering, hairy ape-like creature roaming forests in Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. Sightings and footprints date back centuries, with Native American legends predating modern tales. Despite countless hoaxes, blurry photos, and even “Bigfoot hunters,” no solid evidence has ever proved his existence.
