Appalachian Backroad Mystery: The 2017 Incident That Still Haunts Travelers

Full dramatized video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBHXTUWbd-U

In June 2017, a seemingly ordinary road trip took a disturbing turn in the rural reaches of West Virginia’s Appalachian region. A young couple from Pennsylvania reported being followed, harassed, and nearly ambushed by unknown individuals while driving through McDowell County—a case that, despite investigation, remains unsolved.

This incident is one of several that underscore the importance of traveler awareness in remote parts of the eastern United States. Here’s a breakdown of what happened, what may lie behind such encounters, and what it means for those exploring off the beaten path.

The Road Less Traveled — And the Price They Paid

The couple—whose names were withheld for privacy—departed Pittsburgh, PA, en route to Charlotte, NC, planning a scenic drive through the mountainous backroads. According to their statement to police and local media, they stopped for fuel at a secluded gas station along State Route 52 near dusk. It was then that an unsettling interaction occurred.

A man approached the male driver, asking questions about their destination. Meanwhile, two others observed from a nearby pickup truck. What began as a strange but seemingly harmless conversation escalated once the couple resumed their journey—the same red truck began tailing them relentlessly.

A 30-Minute Chase Through the Appalachians

As detailed in their report, the vehicle followed them for over 20 miles, maintaining pace through sharp turns and elevation changes. The couple contacted 911 and were advised to head toward Welch, the nearest town with a police presence. Despite their attempts to lose the tail, the truck reappeared multiple times.

Just minutes outside of Welch, they encountered a roadblock constructed of debris—an unnatural obstacle on what should have been a clear state route. Three figures emerged from the roadside woods, one visibly armed. The couple narrowly escaped by reversing and detouring around the scene, eventually reaching the Welch Police Department unharmed but severely shaken.

Police Response and Local Speculation

Authorities in Welch took the report seriously, according to a brief segment in the Welch Daily News (July 2017), citing similar complaints from passing motorists over the previous year. However, no suspects were identified. Officers pointed to the terrain’s isolation, patchy cell service, and the region’s off-grid lifestyle as contributing challenges.

One officer, speaking anonymously, added:

“People out here tend to be private. Some don’t trust outsiders. It’s not unheard of for locals to react strongly to unfamiliar vehicles, especially near their land.”

While there’s no confirmed link to organized criminal groups or cults, the encounter has fueled ongoing rumors about lawless activity deep in West Virginia’s hollers—rumors that resurface periodically but rarely produce evidence.

Why These Incidents Keep Happening

Experts in rural sociology note that such regions often operate under different cultural norms, where trespassing—intentional or not—is taken very seriously. Combine that with limited law enforcement visibility, and the result is an environment where travelers can find themselves vulnerable.

Though official FBI crime statistics list violent crime rates in West Virginia as below the national average, counties like McDowell report higher-than-average harassment cases, especially involving transient visitors.

Similar reports have emerged from adjacent counties. In 2016, for instance, a solo hiker in Kentucky’s Pike County described being chased by a truck after inadvertently crossing onto private land—again, no arrests were made.

How to Travel Safely Through Remote Appalachia

For those planning to explore the scenic but remote corners of the Appalachian region, experts recommend the following:

Stick to highways: Routes like I-64 and I-77 are safer and more predictable.
Avoid traveling after dark in sparsely populated counties.
Inform someone of your route and expected arrival times.
Use satellite navigation tools and consider carrying a backup GPS or satellite communicator.
Trust your instincts: If a place or situation feels off, leave.

The Broader Picture

The Appalachian Mountains remain a stunning destination filled with natural beauty and cultural richness. Yet, as this 2017 incident shows, isolation brings risks—both environmental and human. Travelers are urged not to avoid the region, but to approach it with preparation, respect for local customs, and heightened situational awareness.

Life Style