Freetown‑Fall River State Forest
Posted: 10.30.2025 |
Updated: 10.30.2025
5 minutes
At a quick glance, Freetown-Fall River State Forest is a lovely place to go for a hike or take a picnic outside Fall River, Massachusetts. However, locals know that you’re taking your chances every time you visit this nature preserve.
The 5,441 acres of Freetown-Fall River State Forest have been the site of all kinds of bizarre and horrifying events, from satanic rituals to UFO sightings to murders. There are many theories as to why so many terrible things have taken place within the park’s boundaries, though there’s no answer for putting an end to these alarming incidents.
It’s only fitting that the park is just a 20-minute drive away from one of the most haunted places in the entire United States—the Lizzie Borden House. If you want to tour the house and make your own decision about whether Lizzie killed her father and stepmother, book a tour or overnight stay with the Lizzie Borden House tonight.
Is Freetown-Fall River State Forest haunted?
There are many accounts of an unnatural presence residing within the state forest. From voices that suddenly make a person want to jump off a cliff to sightings of Pukwudgies, creatures from Wampanoag legends, there are many things lurking within the forest that give it an otherworldly feel.
A Magnet for Death
Several people have died within the Freetown-Fall River State Forest. An unhoused man was shot to death in 1987 after being mistaken for an undercover cop. In 2001, two deceased men were found after being shot to death on one of the roads that winds through the woods.
The most well-known death, however, is Mary Lou Arruda. In 1978, 15-year-old Arruda was on a bike ride in her hometown of Raynham when she was abducted. After an extensive search, her body was found tied to a tree in Freetown-Fall River State Forest. She had been strangled.
Her killer, James M. Kater, was finally convicted of her murder after four trials.
In addition to murders, there are several cases of suicide that have occurred within the park. This includes a man who was visiting The Assonet Ledge, a ledge 50 feet above the ground, with his girlfriend. With no history of suicidal ideation, the man suddenly leapt off the cliff in front of his beloved.
Visitors have described hearing voices or getting an uncontrollable, sudden urge to hurt themselves when in the park. Some believe these thoughts are tied to an evil force that dwells in the park.
Wampanoag Lore
The land that the state park encompasses was considered sacred by the Wampanoag tribes that lived in the area before European settlers arrived. In the late 1600s, an important chief, Chief Metacom, was killed by Europeans. In the battle, a holy wampum belt was lost. Many people believe that the loss of this important relic damned the land until it’s returned to its rightful guardians, the Wampanoag.
Part of this curse is the group of Pukwudgies that live within the forest. Pukwudgies are three-foot-tall creatures said to have spikes like porcupines. Despite their small stature, they are quite dangerous, shooting poisonous darts at hikers, pushing people off ledges, and having the ability to shapeshift into larger creatures.
With reports of crazed dogs and even an aggressive emu in the forest in recent years, many wonder if these are actually the Pukwudgies in disguise.
Satanic Rituals
Just when you thought this place couldn’t get creepier, the satanic worshippers enter the scene. In the 1980s, a group of people were using the forest for different types of satanic rituals.
This included animal sacrifice. One instance of this involved the bodies of several cows that were found in the middle of the forest. Other times, animal blood was found thrown on trees and pathways.
A “torture bunker” was even found within the park, where some of the animal killings took place.
People wonder if these people were behind some of the other potentially deadly things that have been discovered in the park, including taut wires that have been stretched across the road. The lines are strategically placed exactly where a biker’s neck would be, seemingly wanting to decapitate some of the riders enjoying the park.
Hauntings within Freetown-Fall River State Forest
In addition to the threatening voices and cryptids crawling around, there are other unearthly events taking place within the park. People have claimed to see floating orbs of light within the area, as well as witnessing UFOs. In fact, Ronald Reagan even reported seeing odd lights above the forest one night when flying in Air Force One.
Additionally, Mary Lou Arruda is said to haunt the park, releasing a bloodcurdling scream that echoes throughout the dense trees. Another apparition, a red-headed hiker, is said to lure people close and then laugh and disappear into thin air.
A police officer’s ghost can also be seen within the forest, though he often chooses to show himself to other law enforcement members.
Haunted Fall River
Are the Wampanoag stories true, and is the stealing of their sacred land why so many terrible things have happened within Freetown-Fall River State Forest?
Do their powers extend beyond the state park as well, and that’s why the Lizzie Borden House is so active with unearthly activity?
If you’re looking for a spectral-themed trip, Fall River offers some of the most haunted locations in the country, just miles from each other. This includes the Lizzie Borden House tour, where you can see the famous house for yourself and learn more about:
- How Andrew and Abby Borden were found hacked to death
- How Lizzie somehow managed to avoid hearing or seeing the culprit
- How sexism may have benefited Lizzie in the murder trial
Book a tour of the house today and see what you witness when walking the halls of the murder house.
To learn about other haunted parks and reserves, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To read about Massachusetts-focused ghost stories, check out our blog.
Sources:
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/massachusetts/haunted-forest-freetown-ma
- https://vocal.media/horror/where-the-forest-whispers-the-cursed-history-and-haunted-legends-of-freetown-state-forest
- https://lizzie-borden.com/
