New york's hidden wonders
After exploring the cryptids that roam New York’s forests, lakes, and backroads, we hope you walk away with a sense of wonder — that feeling that the world is bigger, stranger, and more mysterious than it first appears. Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, our goal is to spark curiosity and leave you thinking about the stories, sightings, and possibilities hidden across the state. Join S.P.I. as we uncover the secrets of New York.
Deep waters, deeper mysteries: Champ and kipsy
New York's waters hold ancient secrets. From the legendary Champ, a reputed lake monster living in Lake Champlain with sightings dating back to the 1830s, to Kipsy, the creature reported in the Hudson River often described as having humps or appearing as a manatee or sea serpent, our lakes and rivers whisper tales of the unknown. We're dedicated to exploring these submerged mysteries and bringing their stories to light. What lurks beneath the surface? S.P.I. is on the case, seeking unusual movements and visual clues.
Footprints in the wild: Bigfoot and creatures of the land
Venture into New York's forests and urban underbellies, where legendary creatures roam. Whitehall in the Adirondacks is a renowned Bigfoot hotspot, having declared it their town mascot and hosting annual Sasquatch-themed festivals. But the wilderness also speaks of the Kinderhook Creature, associated with strange vocalizations and footprints, and the mysterious Beasts of Sherman. Even beneath New York City, the urban legend of Sewer Alligators continues to intrigue, blending folklore with the unexpected. S.P.I. investigates every strange sound and unusual track, showcasing discoveries that defy explanation.
Unraveling the unknown: Your invitation to adventure
New York's rich tapestry of folklore extends beyond just cryptids, touching upon alien encounters in Pine Bush, the spectral Headless Horseman haunting Sleepy Hollow, and elusive creatures like the Adirondack Gaugou, Hoop Snake, Numley, and red-eyed Catskill/ADK Entities. We also delve into historical oddities like the Cardiff Giant, a famous 19th-century hoax, and more recent mysteries like the Montauk Monster. S.P.I. showcases the discoveries that capture the mystery – unusual tracks, unexplained movements caught on camera, eerie sounds recorded in remote areas, and visual clues that hint at creatures just beyond the known world. We hope this page inspires you to share your own encounter, ask questions, or explore more of our investigations. Look twice the next time you’re out; the adventure awaits. We are here to prove the existence of cryptid folklore.
Cryptids of the Fingerlakes, NY:
The Finger Lakes region of New York is primarily known for its "Big Two" aquatic cryptids—Old Greeny and the Seneca Lake Monster—along with a few other local legends. These serpentine creatures are often compared to the Loch Ness Monster and are rooted in both 19th-century newspaper reports and much older Indigenous lore.
Aquatic Cryptids (Lake Monsters)
Old Greeny (Cayuga Lake): This is the most famous cryptid of the Finger Lakes.
Description: A serpentine, eel-like creature typically reported to be between 12 and 15 feet long.
Notable History: The Ithaca Journal reported in 1897 that sightings had been a near-annual occurrence for 69 years. More modern reports include a 1974 account of a teenager whose arm was allegedly broken by the creature's bite and a 1979 sighting by a professional diver who estimated it at 30–35 feet.
The Seneca Lake Monster (Seneca Lake): This creature is often described as larger and more aggressive than its neighbor in Cayuga.
Description: A 20- to 25-foot long creature with a triangular head, two rows of sharp white teeth, and a body covered in a brown, horny substance similar to a turtle's shell.
Notable History: A famous 1899 account involves the steamboat Otetiani allegedly ramming and killing the creature. Passengers, including a geology professor, attempted to secure the 1,000-pound carcass before it slipped from their ropes and sank into the 600-foot-deep lake.
Oniare: According to Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) tradition, this is a horned water serpent that inhabits the deep lakes. It was said to capsize canoes and was often the subject of warnings given to early settlers.
Owasco Lake Monster: Sometimes locally nicknamed "Crab man," this creature is reported as a similar serpent-like resident of Owasco Lake.
Here there be monsters: Diving into the legacy of the beasts ...
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Terrestrial & Other Regional Legends
Oggie (Onondaga Lake): Located just northwest of the Finger Lakes near Syracuse, Oggie (formerly known as "Mosqueto") is described as a colossal salamander or monster that has been part of local lore since pre-colonial times.
The Kinderhook Blob: Further east but often grouped with regional lore, this is a legendary floating white blob reported in the Hudson Valley/Capital region.
Silver Lake Serpent: Though technically a confirmed hoax from 1855, this 60-foot "monster" (made of canvas and wire) in nearby Wyoming County remains a celebrated part of regional folklore with an annual festival.
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