The Beast of Hurricane Mountain

A Strange Tale From New York

Apr 09, 2024

Today, Bigfoot.

Or rather a Bigfoot-like creature? I don’t know, you tell me. One of the neat parts about writing a field guide is that I often come across little, hidden stories - myths and legends passed down decade after decade. Sure, the GPS cords and trail junctions are crucial, but for me it’s these wild stories that make a mountain.

I’ve been working on a chapter about Hurricane Mountain in New York this past week, a 3,600-footer with an open summit and a challenging hike. I came across the book Adirondack Fire Towers: Their History and Lore, The Northern District by Martin Podskoch. In the book, Pedskoch tells the strange tale of observer Hank McCoy and his family’s frightening encounter with the Beast of Hurricane Mountain. I’ve excerpted part of it for your enjoyment here, and please click here to visit Pedskoch’s website to learn more about his books and work: Martin Podskoch Author Website

From Adirondack Fire Towers: Their History and Lore, The Northern District by Martin Podskoch

In 1949 Hank McCoy was the observer on Hurricane Mountain. He lived in the small observer’s cabin with his wife Florence and their five children. One August evening Hank stormed out of the cabin after having a spat with Florence and walked down the trail to a lean-to where he could cool off. Then he heard something moving noisily through the woods. The moon was out and as he looked into the woods and saw this huge figure. At first he thought it was a bear but on closer look he realized it was too big to be a bear. Hank’s heart pounded like a bass drum and he ran back to the cabin.

The door flew open and he yelled to Florence, “I got to get my rifle because I just saw this huge animal in the woods and I think he’s coming here.”

He got his rifle from the bedroom and went outside. From the porch he saw a large, dark shadow by a tree about 10 feet from him. He decided that his rifle was no match for whatever it was so he went back inside and put the rifle down. “It’s too big,” he gasped.

Florence said, “Quick, let’s get the kids up in the loft.”

They took the children into the bedroom and told them they had to hide in the loft because there was something strange in the woods.

Hank said, “Be very quiet and don’t come down until we come to get you. Give the baby the bottle to keep him quiet.” Then Hank handed Raymond something heavy to hold down the attic door.

Their bedroom was in the back of the cabin, which was about four feet from the edge of the hill. All of a sudden the cabin began to shake violently. The animal was pushing the corner of the cabin causing waves of terror in the McCoy family. Then the shaking stopped and the animal made a harsh, heavy sound.

They then heard something moving outside their window. Florence stepped to the head of the bed to look out and was shocked to see the dark object right next to the window. Hank moved next to Florence and both moved closer to the window. They saw the animal going down to the foot of the hill. It went around the side of the mountain into the woods and they heard its cries as it went toward Keene Valley.