In late 2014, several motorists driving along Alabama State Route 22 in Tallapoosa County reported encounters with a large, black, hair-covered creature believed to be Bigfoot. Witnesses described the being as towering and imposing, standing unusually tall compared to an average human. These sightings occurred at different points along the highway and were shared by individuals traveling at various times. The reports drew attention from both local residents and Bigfoot enthusiasts, rekindling interest in the region’s cryptid lore. No official investigation or confirmation was made public at the time.
The creature, often referred to locally as “Big Joe,” reportedly has a commanding presence, with descriptions emphasizing its large size and dark colouration. Witnesses noted that it moved quickly and sometimes disappeared into wooded areas beside the road. The sightings have contributed to ongoing folklore in Tallapoosa County, a region where similar reports have occasionally surfaced over the years. These encounters are part of a broader pattern of Bigfoot reports in the southeastern United States, where dense forests and rural roads provide conditions conducive to such claims. While no physical evidence has been recovered to conclusively prove the creature’s existence, the persistent anecdotal accounts continue to intrigue and sustain local storytelling traditions. Interest in these phenomena reflects a wider cultural fascination with unexplained animals and the limits of human knowledge about unexplored wilderness areas.
Source: Phantoms & Monsters
