THE PARALLEL FOREST

PARALLEL FOREST — We've been hearing all sorts of cool stories about the Parallel Forest recently, and as always, it piqued our interest. And y'all, this place is pretty neat. If you've never had the chance to visit, we definitely recommend checking it out.

There are so many hidden gems across our state, but this one is, in our opinion, is one of the most unique. Tucked away inside the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge along State Highway 115 is the Parallel Forest. We thought we'd share a little bit of the history behind it and how it got its name, based on what we were able to find.

So, the Parallel Forest is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Thousands of eastern red cedar trees were intentionally planted six feet apart across roughly 16 acres as part of a government project. The goal was to create a natural windbreak that could help slow the wind and reduce soil erosion during the Dust Bowl.

And we have to say, walking between those perfectly straight rows of cedar trees is a pretty wild experience. The endless lines create an almost surreal optical illusion that's both beautiful and just a little eerie. But wait, it gets even better. The best part is that you don't have to just look at pictures of it online. From what we could find online, anyone can hike the one-mile trail through the Parallel Forest and experience it for themselves. Dogs are also welcome, so pack up your furry friends and hit the trail.

And of course, with places this unique come the stories.
We couldn't talk about the Parallel Forest without mentioning the legends that have surrounded it for years. It's also alleged by some to be haunted.

According to what's been reported by Only In Your State, some hikers have claimed to see headless spirits, hear unexplained noises, feel as though something touched them, and even capture mysterious orbs in photos.

Those accounts have become part of the stories surrounding the forest. However, we haven't personally confirmed these claims, and they're based on personal experiences and local legends. But it's still pretty cool, y’all.

If you're looking for a place that's a little different, we think the Parallel Forest is definitely worth checking out. Whether you're into hiking, photography, or just enjoy exploring Oklahoma’s hidden gems, this place is one that we believe is well worth the trip.

So, that being said, have any of y'all ever been there? If so, we'd love to hear about your experience. Did you just enjoy the scenery, or did you experience something... a little more unexplained?

Let us know in the comments below, and feel free to share any photos you've taken while you were there.

SOURCE: Only In Your State and other publicly available historical information and online resources.