Just in time for Halloween, The Hairy Man of the Vergas Trail. One of the scariest stories from Minnesota's history. But...is it just an urban legend?

Rochester to The Vergas Trail (GOOGLE
Rochester to The Vergas Trail (GOOGLE
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I was today years old when I found a reference to the haunted Vergas Trail. The people I contacted spoke of reports of glowing headstones sending teenage lovers running for their life and child ghosts chasing and leaving evidence of their haunting on cars.

Just
The Hairy Man on his way to get a pack of smokes and a 6 back of Miller High Life, or just as clever fake, as some allege.
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But, they said, the scariest example was the Hairy Man of The Vergas Trail. So I started reading up.

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According to the Perham Focus

"There are numerous eyewitness accounts of what has become known as the Hairy Man of Vergas Trails. This newspaper has been in contact with about a dozen people from around the area who reported run-ins with the Hairy Man."

Most stories on the internet machine describe a big-foot-like creature and an aroma that you will never forget (but at the same time most can't describe, I imaging rotten eggs and pumpkin spice).

Some think it odd Hairy Man is barefoot, but when did you ever see Bigfoot wear shoes. The whole scary vibe would be lost if they wore a pair of Chucks.

See? Cool casual Hairy, not rarrrr eat you Hairy. (Artists conception - No proof has been found Hairy has a favorite color shoe).
See? Cool casual Hairy, not rarrrr eat you Hairy. (Artists conception - No proof has been found Hairy has a favorite color shoe).
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"What is not known is when the first reported sighting of the Hairy Man occurred, or for that matter, when the legend began. The earliest talk of the Hairy Man can be traced back to the late 1960s, but no one has an answer to why it started." (Perham Focus)

This works for me. It's important a legend of a scary beast has a murky past (just like Domino, the mysterious stranger who blew into town, is great a fixing darn near anything with a motor, and an eye for the Mayor's daughter in every Lifetime movie).

Rabe
Stop reading the story now and ask your kids, "Where's Hairy going now." Remind them Hairy would not be accepted at most restaurants, as he continually terrifies people. Ask how they would help people get to know Hairy without being eaten. Rabe
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But I'm joking, most people aren't when it comes to Hairy. Like for Cheryl Hanson, who, in 1972, was snowmobiling with family

"We were snowmobiling around and around this old cabin we found, and all of a sudden, a beast-like creature popped out of the cabin holding a huge stick," Cheryl Hanson said. "It had very broad shoulders and I was trying to rationalize what it was, but what really stood out to me, is it was barefoot in the snow.

"We took off fast and went back to tell the adults." (Perham Focus)

Read many more accounts of The Hairy Man of the Vergas Trail.

Is It Legend Or Lie?

You'll have to decide for yourself. I think it's a bunch of hooey...but I still won't walk that trail at night. Not because of Hairy...because it's dark. Yeah, that's it. That's the ticket. It's dark.

You Could Trick or Treat as The Hairy Man of The Vergas Trail!

And here's where you'll find the best treats!

Best Neighborhoods in Rochester, Minnesota for Trick-or-Treating

If you are looking for a great neighborhood for trick-or-treating in Rochester, Minnesota, just check out these streets and neighborhoods for a fun Halloween!

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